Serving Irvine since 1991 in two locations, Il-Do Taekwondo’s family-run business offers training by Grandmaster Chang Jin Kang (a ninth-degree black belt), Master Daniel Kang (a seventh-degree black belt), Master Lois Shim and Master Yoon Choi (both fifth-degree black belts). We spoke with the family to learn more about its prestigious tradition.
What makes Il-Do unique?
Daniel Kang: Aside from our longevity, few studios have a grandmaster. Even fewer have a grandmaster who trains students. Grandmaster Chang Jin Kang trained under the founder of taekwondo, Supreme Grandmaster Byung Jick Ro. This direct training lineage is extremely rare.
What does Il-Do mean?
Daniel Kang: Il-Do means ‘one way.’ Grandmaster doesn’t sway because things change. He maintains one tradition, attitude and spirit, which he imparts on his students. Beyond technique, Grandmaster teaches students discipline, confidence, courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and other life skills they can implement for the rest of their lives.
What are the unexpected benefits of taekwondo?
Lois Shim: Our family classes offer a great activity to do together, bringing families closer as they build toward a common goal and earn belts together.
Daniel Kang: Taekwondo provides stress relief. It requires every muscle and, when you’re fatigued, it engages your discipline to push through and gain mental confidence. Those 40 minutes of training demand the entire body and mind, which releases endorphins. Clients return home feeling better.
What age range do you serve?
Daniel Kang: Our youngest client is 3, and our oldest is over 70. Older clients enjoy community and the mental challenge of taekwondo. It keeps their minds and bodies sharp, improving their flexibility and balance. Our young clients learn respect and discipline, to obey their teachers and parents, to listen and focus. That builds self-confidence and leadership skills that follow them into adulthood.
