Martial arts instructor strengthening Mahoning Valley’s confidence for 40 years
For 40 years, Grand Master Park has gotten to know and love the people and fellow business owners in the Mahoning Valley teaching martial arts to students of all ages.
During his total of 55 years of authentic martial arts instruction internationally, Master Park stresses the holistic benefits rather than brute force, including physical health, mental calmness and spiritual growth.
“This is not only teaching them discipline, but it also helps make them really confident and enjoy their life,” he said. “That’s my duty to the community and this country.”
As Grand Master, he teaches taekwondo, karate, tai chi, judo and more classes to anyone from three to 90 years old in the Mahoning County area, including local schools and universities.
Master Park is originally from Korea and worked as a managing engineer at Samsung.
He moved to the U.S. over 40 years ago and decided to open Master Park Martial Arts International, now located at 212 Boardman-Canfield Road in Boardman.
“I’m enjoying everything, learning and whatever difficulties because when I came here, I came with nothing,” Master Park said. “I want my students to know everything is possible.”
Master Park said he’ll see transformations in his students as often as a few week or months within starting self-defense classes.
“They are more relaxed and improving health condition; more confident and more flexible,” he said. “It’s all becoming a good citizen, having good life and better education and dedicating to community and family. That’s the whole package. That’s why I’m doing it.”
Master Park said he’s still learning every single day when teaching.
“One gentleman, he is now 78 and he comes every day,” he said. “And as a veteran, I can see he’s still training like he was in the military for many, many years. I teach them exactly same way. I respect them, every single person. That’s my blessing.”
Local highlights from his 40 years in the Mahoning Valley include winning “Dancing with Valley Stars,” training Youngstown State University football players at Stambaugh Stadium
The most important part of training is in breathing, according to Master Park.
“How to breathe just changes everything, especially for people living in the city,” he said.
He’s presented hundreds of Masters and Black belts to students internationally and was invited to Hong Kong to direct the World Taekwondo Championship and Women’s Taekwondo Championships demonstrations and performances.
Learn more about Master Park Martial Arts International online or call (330) 965-9000.
