Grandmaster “Iron” Kim Style

Over the centuries very few individuals have ever achieved Grandmaster “Iron” Kim’s level of skill and ability.

Many people say how good they are, but the true measure of skill and ability can only be seen through demonstration. Since 1972, millions of people in the United States have benefited from Traditional Moo Doe.

One of the many personal achievements Grandmaster “Iron” Kim has reached is the Kyong Gong Sul Bope (flying side kick). Pictured here is Grandmaster jumping from the top of a building. A corner of the roof is visible in the lower right corner of the picture (indicated with a white arrow).

Over the centuries, very few individuals have been able to reach the great heights of skill and ability achieved by their most exceptional predecessors, while also being able to significantly build upon and enhance that legacy. Through consistent dedication to training, building up others, and by clearly demonstrating an extraordinary level of skill and ability–as demonstrated through his execution of the Kyong Gong Sul Bope–Grandmaster Iron Kim has solidified his legacy as a true Traditional Martial Arts ICON.

Kyong Gong Sul Bope is an example of the extraordinary level of skill and ability that can be achieved through Traditional Moo Doe martial arts training and has made Grandmaster “Iron” Kim an icon to dedicated martial artists around the world. In 1970, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim demonstrated Kyong Gong Sul Bope by jumping from the equivalent of an 11-story building. In 1972 Grandmaster “Iron” Kim again demonstrated the Kyong Gong Sul Bope movement by jumping from the equivalent of an 8-story building, landing without injury on a sloped surface below. Performing the Kyong Gong Sul Bope movement is a phenomenal feat, but more important is the tremendous internal power and strength that an individual must possess in order to demonstrate Kyong Gong Sul Bope. Worldwide, throughout history, only a very small number of people have been able to achieve this ability. Grandmaster “Iron” Kim is a living example of the benefits that can be achieved through the cultivation of phenomenal Moo Doe strength.

Specialties

Jump Kick

Grandmaster “Iron” Kim demonstrates a flying jump side kick by jumping straight up into the air from a standing position. Once in the air he sights the opponent, decides on the method of attack, and then concentrates power to his hands and feet to carry out the attack. From this position, the body can turn in any direction (up to 360 degrees) while having complete offensive and defensive capabilities. Only someone who has the ability to combine Kyung Gong Sul Bope and Nae Gong is capable of achieving such mastery of form in movement. Through these achievements, regardless of age, miraculous strength can be attained.

In the first photo on the left, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim is attacking down after jumping over the 6’3″ instructor.

Kum Gung Quan

Qua Dae Quan

Yong San Kwun Bope

Shin Doe Bope

Yong Do Doe Quan

All the following information is the result of over a quarter of a century of research into the history, legends, and traditions of true Moo Doe (martial arts). This research was done by a team of higher level Oom Yung Doe – the Grandmaster “Iron” Kim Style practitioners (8th degree and higher) and has been gathered from what they understand and have personally observed. It is their desire to prevent the misunderstanding and misinterpretation of true Moo Doe and to share what they have learned and gained with all individuals interested in martial arts. They are dedicated to preserving the value of Traditional Moo Doe (martial arts) in the United States so that all others may benefit by developing to their fullest potential.

Have You Ever Experienced Traditional Moo Doe?

This website is intended to educate students and other interested individuals on the meaning and value of Traditional Moo Doe (martial arts). In this country, many people are confused about martial arts. Some people think that martial arts is simple self-defense and some think that it is exercise or simply a way to “get in shape.” Still, others think that martial arts is a sport or contest. This is unfortunate since traditional martial arts has far more benefits to offer than merely this.

Traditional Moo Doe has developed over centuries and many generations of individuals have dedicated their lives to finding the best and most correct ways for reaching their fullest potential. This knowledge is highly prized in Asia and a school that can teach correct Moo Doe knowledge is not common nor easy to find. Here in the United States, we have only just begun to understand the depth of true Moo Doe knowledge or how to recognize true Moo Doe ability. The photographs, symbols, and explanations that follow are meant to illustrate the strength of the movements and forms. For the student willing to learn and to try, history has proven that the rewards are well worth the effort. It is the extraordinary mental and physical development and the combining of the mind, body, and spirit that is Moo Doe. And in truth, what can be more valuable than that type of knowledge?

Grandmaster “Iron” Kim has taught some instructors, with the position of Head National Instructor and higher, the beginning levels of Kyong Gong Sul Bope. They are now capable of jumping and landing from a 2 or 3 story building without injury.

Some higher Moo Doe practitioners throughout history have left behind pictures, paintings and drawings depicting the achievements of their movements. Over the centuries, the names of many of these individuals have been forgotten, but the movement they have left behind will be remembered by many. One of Grandmaster “Iron” Kim’s greatest and most important accomplishments is being achieved through sharing his knowledge which enables hundreds of thousands of people to benefit their daily lives.

Grandmaster “Iron” Kim hopes that others will be able to reach a level of accomplishment greater than he has achieved.

Biography and Achievements of Grandmaster “Iron” Kim

Throughout the centuries very few individuals have ever come close to achieving the incredible level of skill and ability that Grandmaster “Iron” Kim has achieved. Grandmaster is renowned as the living icon of Traditional Moo Doe (Traditional Martial Arts). Still, to this day, there are many individuals who have witnessed the incredible skills and abilities that Grandmaster has clearly demonstrated, as Grandmaster is known not to merely talk about what he is capable of but instead he clearly demonstrates his skill and ability. This follows one of the main Traditional Moo Doe principles that one should never merely talk about their abilities and achievements but instead should clearly demonstrate their abilities and achievements.

Grandmaster “Iron” Kim: The 8th Generation Grandmaster of the Oom Yung /Chung Moo line of Martial Arts

As proven by history, the strength of a line of martial arts is based on the movement, strength, and credibility of the individual master, his instructors, and students. The strength of the movement determines how strong the style is and the credibility of that generation of individuals. The achievements of Grandmaster “Iron” Kim demonstrate the strength and credibility of the Oom Yung / Chung Moo line of martial arts knowledge.

A Few of Grandmaster “Iron” Kim’s Achievements

At the age of seven, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim began his life’s path in the study and practice of martial arts. To achieve perfection of his martial arts movements, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim many times chose the solitude of the mountain and ocean areas of Asia to practice the forms and techniques that he learned. Although he learned from many qualified teachers, a majority of the knowledge that Grandmaster “Iron” Kim possesses was passed down through Grandmaster Wang Po, the 7th generation Grandmaster of Yin Yang Doe.

Grandmaster "Iron" Kim Uncontested "Champion of All Asia"

In 1956, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim did compete in and win the All Asia Championship that was sponsored by Grandmaster Wang Po and was held in the Cho Leung area of Pusan. The Chinese title of Chung Moo Jik or “champion” was bestowed upon Grandmaster “Iron” Kim. The first place award that he did receive was called a Chung Moon Chung. A Chung Moon Chung is a paper scroll with wooden rods at each end. It is inscribed with the accomplishments of the winner and carries the official seal of the tournament. Several prominent judges and martial artists were in attendance at this championship and they hold in their memory the truth of this occasion.

The presiding judges were Yang Chou Fai (then a resident of Taegu), Wang Sei Kau (then a resident of Pusan) and Hwan Byung Quan (then a resident of Pusan). These three judges were originally residents of China. Also in attendance were Mok Jing Quan, from Osan, Korea; Chae Jung Su, of Dong Nae, Pusan; Park Hyun Su, of Sum Yun, Pusan; Yu Gee Han, of Taegu; Chil Sung and Park Yung-Gil of Daichon, Korea. Anyone who has knowledge of martial arts during that period will recognize the tradition of the Chung Dong Yang Moo Sul Yun Moo Dae Hwa (All Asia Championship Tournament) and the names that appear above.

After winning the All Asia Championship Tournament, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim continued to excel in martial arts form and movement. He was teaching others and, in fact, sponsored many of the Chun Dong Yang Moo Sul Yun Moo Dae Hwa championships, which at the time were held in the Sum Yun area of Pusan, Korea. Other cosponsors of these tournaments with Grandmaster “Iron” Kim were Park-Yang Su, Choe Jung Su, Sun Baek Yew, and Ee Jun Yu, all having the accomplished position of Chong Sa Bu or Sa Bu (Assistant master or one step below) in their respective styles. The strength of the Oom Yung line that Grandmaster “Iron” Kim demonstrated at these contests convinced other practitioners to decline to challenge him in the years that he sponsored the tournament. Because he was the uncontested champion during that time, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim was bestowed the honorable and respected position and title of “Chon Shim Pan Whey Won Chaeng,” or “Supreme Judge and Arbiter” by the co-sponsors and the martial arts experts who participated in these tournaments. Even though Grandmaster “Iron” Kim did earn the title of uncontested Champion of All Asia, he felt that there was much more to learn and thus he continued to study and develop his skills further. His ultimate hope was that all martial arts could someday be united.

"All Martial Arts United"

In the early 1960s, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim expanded his quest for knowledge. He traveled and sought Masters who had reached a higher level of Moo Doe knowledge. There were seven top practitioners from an elite group of about twenty Masters throughout East Asia with whom Grandmaster “Iron” Kim exchanged individual skills in the martial arts. All the names of the practitioners that appear above were part of that group of about twenty top Masters. Grandmaster “Iron” Kim’s purpose was to build his own wisdom, knowledge, and understanding in the Moo Doe traditions of the eight main styles. Regardless of how far he had to travel or the difficulty of training, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim relentlessly pursued, learned and absorbed the complete knowledge of form and movement from these top practitioners. After completing the training, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim then shared his knowledge of the Oom Yung / Chung Moo style with the top members from this group. After seven years of training and sharing his knowledge with the best practitioners in East Asia, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim became one of a few elite practitioners who was well rounded in the eight main martial art styles. He was one of several Moo Doe practitioners responsible for uniting all Moo Doe and capable of teaching eight martial arts together as one style or “All Martial Arts United”. Finally, after seven years, his wish that the Oom Yung line could become “All Martial Arts United” became a reality.

Of the hundreds of millions of people who practice martial arts in the 20th century, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim is one of fewer than 10 practitioners that has achieved unprecedented fame and recognition for being the most skilled in Moo Doe.

Grandmaster “Iron” Kim Establishes the Oom Yung / Chung Moo Style in the United States

Grandmaster “Iron” Kim’s goal was to teach the Oom Yung /Chung Moo line to people of all nations and to do that, he planned to build a strong foundation of martial arts in the United States from which to spread worldwide. With this goal, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim left Asia and came to the United States in the early 1970s.

Upon arriving in the United States, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim felt he could best begin to teach martial arts by first learning basic English and American culture. In 1972, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim introduced the Kong Su martial art style in the United States. It was in 1972 that Grandmaster “Iron” Kim demonstrated the discipline and strength of Kyong Gong Sul Bope by successfully jumping from the top of a building eleven stories in height. Very few individuals have ever accomplished such a feat. Between 1973 and 1979, after educating himself about the American way of life, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim opened the first of four schools that he owned in the United States. Many times in areas where schools became established, the local paper would interview Grandmaster “Iron” Kim and write articles about him and the Oom Yung /Chung Moo style of martial arts.
In early 1974, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim briefly returned to Korea. It was at this time that Grandmaster Wang Po, the 7th generation Grandmaster of Yin Yang Doe, passed to Grandmaster “Iron” Kim all the knowledge and traditions that had been passed to him. Soon thereafter, the title of 8th generation Master of the Oom Yung line was bestowed upon Grandmaster “Iron” Kim. Grandmaster Wang Po passed away in 1976 in Pusan at the age of 93.

In 1975, after the untimely death of martial arts actor Bruce Lee, Warner Brothers motion picture studios began their search for a replacement. After auditioning martial arts “experts” from around the world, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim was asked to screen test and was subsequently pronounced Warner Brothers selection. At that time, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim was forced to choose between a motion picture contract or continue teaching his art. Grandmaster “Iron” Kim chose to continue sharing his knowledge, which has proven to benefit millions of recipients of his training worldwide. It was also in 1975 that Grandmaster “Iron” Kim was the principal martial arts demonstrator for the promotional produced for the feature film “Billy Jack“. In this exhibition, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim led approximately one hundred twenty-five martial arts masters and experts from around the world along with over one hundred actors and actresses. Again in 1975, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim was the principal demonstrator for the International Martial Arts Exhibition benefiting the “Asian Orphans Charity.” Over thirty masters and experts assisted Grandmaster “Iron” Kim in this worthy cause. The proceeds from this charitable event provided aid to children of all nationalities.

In 1976, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim taught U. S. military martial arts instructors from all around the United States. These training sessions were conducted at Grandmaster Kim’s training center near Ft. Jackson, South Carolina.

From 1977 through 1982, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim devoted his energies to training a select group of black belt students who had previously demonstrated both outstanding abilities coupled with the mental or “chung” discipline that Grandmaster Kim requires of all advanced students. Then beginning in 1983 and continuing through 1989, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim concentrated on training selected 3rd degree through 8th-degree instructors and masters.

In 1989, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim chose the name Chung Moo Doe for the first time in the United States to represent the heritage of the royal line of martial arts for the first generation of practitioners.

The annual “Eight Martial Arts National Championship Tournament” began in 1990 and has been held under the name of Chong Su Nim (Honorable Founder) “Iron” Kim whose great skills are recognized internationally. This event is held for both students and instructors, with medals, trophies, and certificates awarded at the competition’s end. Between 1990 and 1995, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim presented honorary martial arts certificates to United States’ Senators and Congressmen as well as numerous judges, government officials, police and military officers, television anchorpersons, clergy and community leaders. These individuals have all recognized the vital role that Grandmaster “Iron” Kim’s teachings have played in inspiring millions of people worldwide throughout the years.

Grandmaster “Iron” Kim trained the instructors who demonstrated the proper use of weapons and “empty hand” combat to members of the FBI during the 17th Annual International Asian Organized Crime Conference held in 1995.

Grandmaster “Iron” Kim was formally bestowed the title of Grandmaster of eight different martial arts disciplines in 1996 and then retired. Unlike the average retiree who turns their thoughts and life in a new direction, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim has intensely undertaken the study of bettering the physical and mental abilities of all age groups, with special emphasis on the aging.

Throughout history, few have earned the status of Grandmaster. Before he came to the U.S. in 1972, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim had achieved the highest skills possible within the eight different Martial Arts (Moo Doe). He is one of the very few people, to our knowledge and belief, who can visibly demonstrate the miraculous Moo Doe strength mentally and physically. Grandmaster “Iron” Kim is considered to be one of the most powerful Moo Doe (Martial Arts) practitioners in the world.

Extraordinary achievements of Grandmaster "Iron" Kim

Throughout the centuries very few individuals have ever come close to achieving the incredible level of skill and ability that Grandmaster “Iron” Kim has achieved. Grandmaster is renowned as the living icon of Traditional Moo Doe (Traditional Martial Arts). Still to this day, there are many individuals who have witnessed the incredible skills and abilities that Grandmaster has clearly demonstrated, as Grandmaster is known not to merely talk about what he is capable of but instead he clearly demonstrates his skill and ability. This follows one of the main Traditional Moo Doe principles that one should never merely talk about their abilities and achievements but instead should clearly demonstrate their abilities and achievements.

As the 8th generation Oom Yung Doe grandmaster, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim has achieved the incredible treasures of strength and harmony of the body, mind and spirit. This goal of mind and body harmony has been sought by people for centuries, but many people have found incredibly difficult to achieve. Today these goals can be reached through Traditional Moo Doe training which is proven to be one of the fastest and best ways to have an excellent overall physical, mental, spiritual condition with inner peace.

Grandmaster “Iron” Kim many times demonstrated the movement, strength, and superiority of the Oom Yung Doe line in both Asia and the United States. He is one of only about a dozen individuals worldwide over the last century who has achieved the ability to demonstrate a broad range of incredible skills and abilities. These demonstrations showed his incredible ability to move internal energy to any area of his body at will. Someone capable of reaching the level of Grandmaster should have accomplished between fifteen and twenty extraordinary achievements. Over the years, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim has demonstrated over fifty extraordinary achievements, some of which are noted below. These demonstrations are meant to illustrate the true strength and power necessary to be considered a true Grandmaster and necessary to teach a proper line of Traditional Moo Doe (True Martial Arts).

Grandmaster has successfully trained well over 1,000 very outstanding instructors around the world.

Kyong Gong Sul Bope

One of the many personal achievements Grandmaster “Iron” Kim has reached is the Kyong Gong Sul Bope (flying side kick). Pictured above is Grandmaster jumping from the top of a building. A corner of the roof is visible in the lower right corner of the picture (indicated with a white arrow).

Kyong Gong Sul

Kyong Gong Sul Bope is an example of the extraordinary level of skill and ability that can be achieved through Traditional Moo Doe martial arts training, and has made Grandmaster “Iron” Kim an icon to dedicated martial artists around the world. In 1970, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim demonstrated Kyong Gong Sul Bope by jumping from the equivalent of an 11-story building. In 1972 Grandmaster “Iron” Kim again demonstrated the Kyong Gong Sul Bope movement by jumping from the equivalent of an 8-story building, landing without injury on a sloped surface below. Performing the Kyong Gong Sul Bope movement is a phenomenal feat, but more important is the tremendous internal power and strength that an individual must possess in order to demonstrate Kyong Gong Sul Bope. World-wide, throughout history, only a very small number of people have been able to acheive this ability. Grandmaster “Iron” Kim is a living example of the benefits that can be achieved through the cultivation of phenomenal Moo Doe strength.

Jump Kick

Grandmaster “Iron” Kim demonstrated a flying jump side kick by jumping straight up into the air from a standing position. Once in the air he sights the opponent, decides on the method of attack, and then concentrates power to his hands and feet to carry out the attack. From this position, the body can turn in any direction (up to 360 degrees) while having complete offensive and defensive capabilities. Only someone who has the ability to combine Kyung Gong Sul Bope and Nae Gong is capable of achieving such mastery of form in movement. Through these achievements, regardless of age, miraculous strength can be attained.

Nae Gong

Sang Jung

To exemplify the “Sang Jung” (double open hand) strike Grandmaster lined up 50 people, all leaning slightly forward. Using Nae Gong and Wae Gong combined with a strike from his open hand only 8 inches away, the whole line fell backwards and collapsed on the ground. Again using the same striking movement, Grandmaster demonstrated his miraculous control by then hitting the first man in the line and only having the 15th man in the line collapse. The other 49 people were left standing as they were having barely moved.

Nae Jong + Wae Gong

Using Nae Gong and Wae Gong combined, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim sliced an apple into 4 pieces with a sword while the apple was in midair. Tremendous speed and timing are required to hit the exact point of the apple that is necessary to accomplish this movement. Only a few people this century have been capable of achieving this feat.

Nae Gong Strength

In an amazing demonstration of Nae Gong strength, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim had two individuals, with a combined weight of 350 lbs., stand on his stomach while he held his body rigid, stretched out between two chairs. His head on one chair and his feet on another, he held this position without moving or bending for 30 minutes. This feat requires great strength. A collapse would be very dangerous.

Nae Gong Energy

To demonstrate the miraculous Nae Gong energy combined with tremendous speed, Grandmaster placed a portion of tofu on top of a stack of 12 large roof tiles. With one powerful strike from his hand to the tofu, the roof tiles were shattered leaving the tofu intact.

Brick Shatter

In another demonstration, a student lay on his side with three bricks under his head and one brick on top of his head. In a display of the fantastic strength of Nae Gong energy, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim explosively shattered the top brick. Nae Gong energy combined with tremendous speed, timing and control are critical as ½ ton of pressure is required to break this brick. This demonstration is very dangerous.

Jump Side Kick

To demonstrate the correct use of the “jump side kick” with Kyung Gong Sul Bope Grandmaster placed eight 6″ foam rubber cushions against the chest of an instructor. From a standing position he jumped straight up and with a powerful side kick his foot penetrated all 8 cushions. He hit a point on the instructor’s chest with sufficient energy to knock out his wind and leave him dizzy for almost an hour. Great control is required. If control is not exact extreme damage can result.

Body Transformation

The use of extraordinary Nae Gong energy to miraculously change the size of different parts of his body at will. Only a few people around the world are known to be capable of this feat.

Internal Nae Gong Strength

Using internal (Nae Gong) strength, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim pulls a van with a rope in the teeth while pulling a full size luxury car with the right hand, over 50 feet (car is off camera behind van).