Oom Yung Doe

Grandmaster “Iron” Kim began his study of martial arts at the age of seven. Amidst the serenity of the Asian mountains and seaside, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim refined the practice of Oom Yung Doe. He became an international figure of martial arts in 1956, when he competed against participants throughout Asia in the distinguished All-Asian Championship. Among his many accomplishments, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim won first place at the tournament through his skilled demonstration of the Oom Yung Doe style. Grandmaster “Iron” Kim was honored with the title of Chung Moo Jik, which translates as “champion,” in the closing ceremony.

Grandmaster “Iron” Kim went on to sponsor other tournaments in Pusan, Korea. In addition, he began teaching the Oom Yung Doe style. In the 1960s, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim traveled throughout East Asia to further develop the Oom Yung Doe style through collaborations with other notable martial arts masters. He spent over seven years pursuing the mutual exchange of martial arts wisdom, and he became one of the few masters who practiced all eight styles of Moo Doe.

In the 1970s, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim came to the United States in order to share his knowledge of Oom Yung Doe. Grandmaster “Iron” Kim’s instruction attracted a variety of students, ranging from Hollywood actors to military men. He traveled throughout the United States, promoting the importance of the Oom Yung Doe style through exhibitions in which he demonstrated the strength of the movements. His efforts played a role in bridging the gap between the East and the West through a shared interest in martial arts.