In Step With . . . Master Tyger Morgan

At the tender age of 4, Master Tyger Morgan began his Tae Kwon Do journey. “I had a lot of energy as a kid. My mom felt Tae Kwon Do was a great way to use that energy in a very positive way.” It was indeed a positive way for him to use that energy, and 22 years later he is still integrally involved in the sport he loves. An instructor since age 13, Master Morgan now serves as the Head Master of the Fayetteville location of Master Shim’s World Class Tae Kwon Do. He is a man of varied talents, who enjoys longboarding in nice weather, and hanging out with his dog, Harley.

Here’s more about our instructor, Master Tyger Morgan.

What is your belt level?

I am a 5^th Dan black belt.

Why did you decide to take classes at Master Shim’s World Class Tae Kwon Do?

As a child, my family and I moved around a lot which meant I was always going to different Tae Kwon Do schools. Out of all of those schools, I felt Master Shim's was the best because of his energy and passion he put towards every single student in every class.

Did you have any problems/issues Tae Kwon Do helped you overcome?

I was bullied as a child in elementary school. Tae Kwon Do gave me the confidence to talk to my teachers and parents about what was going on, and inevitably stand up to my bullies.

What has Tae Kwon Do done for your confidence? Self-esteem?

As a child, I was very shy and quiet.  Tae Kwon Do gave me the confidence and self-esteem to become more outgoing and comfortable speaking not only to one person, but to crowds of people.

What are some of your Tae Kwon Do accomplishments and achievements?

I have received Medals in National and International tournaments, such as the Junior Olympics, and the U.S. Open. I have also participated on demonstration teams, performing in front of thousands of people.

What changes have you seen in the students?

Tae Kwon Do helps students in many different ways. It is not just a hobby or a sport, it is a lifestyle. It helps students of all ages overcome many different personal challenges; whether it is learning to deal with anger, lose weight, be more confident, or learning to protect oneself.

Why would you recommend Tae Kwon Do to others?

I would recommend Tae Kwon Do to others because it helps them become a better version of themselves.

Whether it’s playing basketball or collecting canned goods for the needy, Andrew Fleming gives 100-percent to every endeavor he’s involved with. Tae Kwon Do is no different. “He loves practicing his Tae Kwon Do moves, consistently. He also gets a lot of joy from learning the Korean terms, and becoming more proficient in another language,” says his mom LaKeisha. In fact, she loves the changes she has seen in Andrew since he began classes in the Fayetteville location last November. “Andrew enjoys discipline and structure. I love the way Tae Kwon Do has given him a positive and productive way to express those traits.” The 11-year-old is excited to have just become a blue belt and looks forward to continuing to ascend the ranks.

Here’s more from our student, Andrew Fleming.

Did you have any problems/issues that Tae Kwon Do helped you overcome?

My physical endurance and stamina were very weak before I started Tae Kwon Do. Now they are excellent.

What has Tae Kwon Do done for your confidence? Self-esteem? 

I feel more confident that I can protect and defend myself, and I feel better about myself.

Is it good exercise? 

Yes, it exercises the body and the mind.

Why do you like Tae Kwon Do? Why would you tell another kid that it is fun to do?

I most enjoy getting to advance to new belt colors. It helps you know how to defend yourself and be more confident that you can keep yourself safe.

Why do you like taking classes at Master Shim’s World Class Tae Kwon Do?

The instructors are excellent and help you make sure that you know exactly what to do and how to do it.

Tae Kwon Do is a Korean martial art, and as such pays homage to the Korean flag. Here are a few interesting facts about the Korean Flag (Taegukki):

• The flag has three parts: the red and blue circle in the center, the white background, and four trigrams, with one located in each corner of the flag.
• The white background means peace.
• “Taeguk” is the name for the red and blue circle in the center. That’s the origin of all things in the universe.
• The red part of “Taeguk” is called “Yang” and describes all positive aspects of balance that is typical for the symbol. The blue part is called “Eum” and represents all negative aspects.
• “Kwe” is the name for the four trigrams at the corners. It also represents the concept of opposites and balance.
• For the Korean people, their flag is a source of pride and inspiration.

A self-professed Ninja, 7-year-old Brycen Fleming was thrilled to start Tae Kwon Do lessons.  While he’s also an excellent soccer and basketball player, Tae Kwon Do is one of his favorite activities. “It’s intriguing and lets me practice my Ninja moves,” Brycen says. He’s been taking lessons at the Fayetteville location since November and loves that his brother Andrew takes lessons as well. Brycen has rapidly moved up the ranks to achieve the rank of blue stripe. “Brycen is constantly practicing his moves at home. He loves Tae Kwon Do, and I can see the pride he takes in every belt test he passes, and every level he advances,” notes mom, LaKeisha.

Presenting this month’s Student Profile, Brycen Fleming.

Why do you like taking Tae Kwon Do?

It’s fun and it’s a good way to get exercise

What do you enjoy about taking lessons at Master Shim’s World Class Tae Kwon Do?

It’s challenging. It helps you try to be strong like a Ninja.

How does Tae Kwon Do increase your confidence?

I get more confidence in my kicks.

What do you think of the instructors at Master Shim’s?

The instructors are good because they are black belts and they know what they are doing.

Why should someone else consider taking Tae Kwon Do?

They should take it to get some exercise.

Students of Tae Kwon Do learn movements, commands and instruction in Korean. They endeavor to immerse themselves more into Korean culture.

Here are a few intriguing facts about the language of Tae Kwon Do:

• There are 24 letters in the Korean alphabet.
• It consists of 14 consonants and 10 vowels.
• The shapes of vowels are based on three elements: man (a vertical line), earth (a horizontal line) and heaven (a dot).
• The sounds of certain consonants change depending on whether they appear at the beginning, in the middle, or at the end syllable.
• Korean can be written in vertical columns running from top to bottom and right to left, or in horizontal lines running from left to right.

Grandmaster Jhoon Rhee is the legendary martial artist who introduced Tae Kwon Do to the United States more than half a century ago. Widely regarded as the “Father of American Tae Kwon Do”, Grandmaster Rhee passed away at the end of April. The 86-year-old left a legacy that profoundly impacted martial arts in this country today.

Ranked a 10^th-Degree black belt, he began training in martial arts at age 13. In 1962, Grandmaster Rhee opened the first U.S.-based martial arts studio in Washington, DC. Over time, he eventually expanded to 11 studios in the metro DC area.

In 2007, Grandmaster Rhee was inducted into the Tae Kwon Do Hall of Fame. He is listed there as both the “Pioneer of American Tae Kwon Do” and the “Pioneer of Tae Kwon Do in Russia”.

Ahnyonghee Ka Ship Sheeyo & Kam Sahm Needa, Grandmaster Jhoon Rhee.

Peachtree City instructor Raenah Frishe’s parents led her to Tae Kwon Do. They wanted to continue their martial art’s education, and she became intrigued. Six years later, it has provided character traits she needed. “It has improved my confidence and self-esteem,” Raenah says of Tae Kwon Do. She has enjoyed her four years as an instructor and loves the challenge it brings.

Here’s more about our instructor, Raenah Frishe.

What is your belt level?

I am a third-degree black belt.

Why did you decide to take classes at Master Shim’s World Class Tae Kwon Do?

It had a great curriculum, wonderful instructors, and was the best Tae Kwon Do school in the area.

Did you have any problems/issues Tae Kwon Do helped you overcome?

Tae Kwon Do has definitely helped me come out of my shell and be less shy.

What are some of your Tae Kwon Do accomplishments and achievements?

I have competed in numerous tournaments including the U.S. Open, USAT Nationals, and ATU Nationals. I am also a part of the MSWCTKD poomsae team.

What changes have you seen in the students?

Students tend to become more confident and improve physically (endurance, flexibility, etc.). I would recommend it because not only is it a fun activity, but it is also great exercise and teaches life skills.

Why would you recommend Tae Kwon Do to others?

It is great exercise, teaches you self-defense, and helps to relieve stress. Plus, it’s fun!