Master Chung, a 5th Dan Black Belt is certified by the World Taekwondo Federation, the Ko Am Mu-Do Federation and Kukkiwon. Having begun martial arts training at the early age of 4, Master Chung has made tremendous accomplishments in the martial arts arena. He was a bantam and welter weight gold medalist in sparring in the Florida State Taekwondo Championships, a bronze medalist in the 1999 Nationals, and medaled in forms in over 20 state, national, and international championships. In 1997, Master Chung was admitted to the fabled Song Kok High School Taekwondo Sparring Team in Seoul, Korea, and helped lead the team to a silver medal in the 1997 Korea Presidential Cup, the most highly regarded Taekwondo sparring championships in Korea. In addition to his mastery of Taekwondo, Master Chung also brings a knowledge and expertise in a variety of weapons and in the fields of hapkido, kumdo, and judo and jiujitsu. Through martial arts, Master Chung has been a tireless advocate for the MDA, Hospice, Habitat for Humanity and the Boy’s and Girl’s Club of West Palm Beach.

Master Chung, after graduating from The King’s Academy, went on to graduate Magna Cum Laude with a double major in Economics and International Relations from the Maxwell School of Public Affairs at Syracuse University. Soon after graduation, Master Chung was hired by the U.S. Department of Justice in Philadelphia where he worked on federal antitrust and immigration asylum cases. Currently, Master Chung is away on academic leave pursuing a law degree at the University of Florida College of Law in Gainesville, Florida.

Master Martin Harris has been a master in the martial arts for over two decades. He and his family moved to West Palm Beach, Florida in 1979 from New York, and joined the U.S. Martial Arts shortly thereafter. Since then, through hard work, commitment and dedication, Master Harris earned the Kukkiwon Instructor certification in 1991 and continued his relentless pursuit of mastery in the Martial Arts by attaining his 5th Dan Master certification in 2002.

By way of an unforgettable trip to Korea in 1998, Master Harris immersed himself in not only the Korean Martial Arts but in the culture, tradition and philosophy. He had the opportunity to train with internationally renowned martial artists at the Kukkiwon headquarters in Seoul, and also had the chance to explore life in Korean society.

Currently a master at the U.S. Martial Arts Academy, Master Harris continue to study and train at the Do-Jang. When not training, Master Harris runs an active Podiatry practice in West Palm Beach, Florida and partakes in hobbies including racquetball and walking on the beach with his wife Janice. His son, William Harris, is a 2nd Dan Black Belt Instructor in the martial arts, and currently lives in Costa Rica. His daughter, Ivy, an executive, resides in Wilmington, Delaware with her family.

When asked if he ever had to use his martial arts training, Master Harris replied, “I use it every day. The patience, discipline, respect, and humility that I’ve learned and gained through the martial arts are attributes useful in everyday situations. It has changed my life.”

Instructor Christine Fulcher is a 4th degree black belt at the U.S. Martial Arts Academy and has been a martial artist for almost 11 years. Instructor Fulcher trained under Grandmaster Jun Kim in Ft Lauderdale, one of the founders of Ko Am Mu-Do, but then joined the USMA three years ago when her family relocated to the West Palm Beach area. She was promoted to a 4th degree Ko Am Mu-Do certified instructor black belt in December 2005, and with that promotion, became the first female to reach that level at the USMA. Instructor Fulcher can be found leading adult class warm-ups, assisting students with their requirements and volunteering her time at USMA events. In the academic arena, Instructor Fulcher is currently a Business Administration and International Studies major and a Chinese minor at the University of Florida. On her spare time, Instructor Fulcher enjoys scuba diving, skiing, reading, and hanging out with family and friends.

“Tae Kwon Do has a lot to offer, more than just physical aspects. Personally it cultivated my focus, perseverance, and discipline, while keeping me in great shape. It always amazes me to see the effect Tae Kwon Do has on those who come through the doors willing to learn. I have seen everything from significant weight loss, to unruly children become disciplined and respectful. This school offers children that discipline in a loving and fun environment. I am honored to be a part of this school and what it provides its students.” – Instructor Fulcher

INSTRUCTOR MARIA ZAVALAKOS

Instructor Maria Zavalakos is a 4th degree black belt, and a Ko Am Mu-Do and Kukkiwon certified instructor. She has been training since she was four years old. It all started with a demonstration at Santaluces High in 1987 which inspired her father and her to join. Since then, they have dedicated their time to Ko Am Mu-Do by instructing and helping students to gain a greater experience in class for themselves and their future. She is a student at Florida Atlantic University and is majoring in pre-med. In her spare time she enjoys exercising, reading, drawing and spending time with friends.

Fourteen years of training in Ko Am Mu-Do has changed my life and helped me not only in gaining physical experience: such as coordination, endurance, stamina, speed, and strength; but also mental experiences: confidence, discipline, focus, coordination, patience, and integrity. -Instructor Zavalakos.”

Instructor Kathleen Duffy is a 3rd degree Ko Am Mu-Do certified black belt at the USMA. Instructor Duffy began her journey in the martial arts almost 13 years ago when she and her brother signed up for classes at the USMA’s predecessor school on Dixie Highway. When USMA relocated to the present location, Instructor Duffy rejoined the USMA and has since persisted to become an instructor. Instructor Duffy is an integral member of the USMA family. She can be found assisting the Grandmaster and the Masters with the junior classes as well as the adult classes, and not to mention our school events. She is a mentor to many of our junior students. Instructor Duffy currently attends the University of Florida and majors in East Asian Languages and Literature, and minors in Business Administration. She is also an active member of the Vietnamese Student Organization and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. On her spare time, Instructor Duffy enjoys reading, playing basketball, and spending time with friends.

“I have learned a lot throughout these 13 years of martial arts training. Not only have I gained knowledge in kicking, punching, and self-defense, but Tae Kwon Do has also strengthened my character. I started out as a very shy, quiet 7 year old girl. Now, I regularly lead and instruct junior classes at the Academy.” – Instructor Duffy

Born in Brooklyn, NY, Instructor Violet spent a couple years in Puerto Rico. She then moved to Palm Beach County, where she has lived ever since. She joined the USMA nine years ago and earned her 2nd Degree Ko Am Mu-Do certification and black belt. Instructor Figueroa continues her martial arts training and also leads the junior classes several times a week. She plays an integral role at the USMA. When she is not in class, Instructor Figueroa enjoys traveling, kayaking, and exploring new beaches and state parks.

“I have always had a passion for the martial arts. It is a big part of my life. The last couple years, I have had the opportunity to teach, and it has been such an enjoyment and a rewarding experience.” – Instructor Figueroa