THE JOURNEY OF A THOUSAND MILES BEGINS WITH ONE STEP.
Lao Tzu
ABOUT US
OMAC Taekwondo runs a variety of different martial arts programs for children as young as four years of age, for teens and for adults of all ages. Aside from Taekwondo classes, we offer Muay Thai Kickboxing, Birthday Parties, Summer Camps, Movie Nights, and a fantastic After-School program (McBride location). Students at OMAC Taekwondo have had success in local, national and international competitions in both patterns as well as sparring. We are home to National Champions, and take pride in being the best martial arts school in New Westminster.
Our instructors at OMAC are passionate about teaching our students the fundamentals of martial arts. They are the heart of OMAC and use their years of experience to inspire future black belts.
OMAC Taekwondo/McBride OMAC Taekwondo was founded in 1980 (originally Hwa Rang Taekwondo) in North York, Ontario by Grand Master Jung Kil Suh (Kukkiwon 9th Dan). Originally a few Taekwondo classes at a YMCA, it now has 2 dojangs that serve the New Westminster/South Burnaby area. The dojang has become a community hub offering Taekwondo as well as Muay Thai Kickboxing, Summer Camps, and volunteer opportunities. OMAC Taekwondo and McBride OMAC Taekwondo are now structured as a community interest company dedicated to supporting the community we serve.
VISION:
To support children, adults, and families in the New Westminster/South Burnaby area through Taekwondo training, sport, fitness, education, and provide learning and job opportunities
To provide a timetable of Martial Arts (mainly taekwondo) and Muay Thai Kickboxing classes, tournaments, Movie Nights, Birthday Parties and Summer Camps
To provide the community with a well-equipped Martial Arts hub, an academy style structure with links into high level performance programs and grassroots connections into the community
To provide coaching, referee, and fitness qualifications along with work experience and other social outputs
To bring people together from all walks of life
To promote discipline, education, work ethic, and facilitate a healthy mind & body
To promote the teachings and ethos of World Taekwondo within the community
To provide all its services in a way that is fair and inclusive to everyone
GRAND MASTER JUNG KIL SUH
Grand Master Jung Kil Suh boasts a remarkable legacy spanning over six decades of dedicated involvement in the art of Taekwondo. Under the tutelage of Supreme Grand Master Byung Jik Ro, the esteemed founder of Song Moo Kwan—a pivotal institution in the evolution of World Taekwondo—Grand Master Suh embarked on a journey that would shape his life profoundly.
Commencing his training in Kong Soo Do at the prestigious Song Moo Kwan in Seoul at the tender age of 13, Grand Master Suh swiftly ascended the ranks, achieving the coveted status of Black Belt by 16. His passion and proficiency propelled him to assume the role of Head Instructor at the Kong Soo Do dojang, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership. Notably, during his formative years at Yang Chung Junior and Senior High School, he captained the Kong Soo Do team, exemplifying his dedication to the discipline.
Upon completing his secondary education, Grand Master Suh pursued higher studies in chemistry at Han Yang University, concurrently enriching his martial arts prowess as a member of the esteemed university’s Taekwondo Team. His commitment to excellence remained unwavering as he embarked on a new chapter, enlisting in the army during his second year of university.
Remarkably, in 1966, he distinguished himself as an instructor in the prestigious Korean Air Force Special Troops, marking a pinnacle in his military career.
Following his honorable discharge from the armed forces, Grand Master Suh assumed the role of Head Instructor at the Central Song Moo Kwan School in Seoul, where his exemplary leadership garnered recognition from luminaries such as Supreme Grand Master Byung Jik Ro and Dr. Un Yong Kim. Their esteemed endorsement paved the way for Grand Master Suh’s appointment as a Master Instructor and a distinguished member of the Korean Presidential Security Services—an accolade reflective of his exceptional skill and integrity.
In July of 1977, driven by a vision to propagate the art of Taekwondo, Grand Master Suh embarked on a new journey to Canada, where he established a flourishing Taekwondo school in Toronto. Though retired now, his legacy endures through the tireless dedication of his sons, Master Young Suh and Master James Suh, who continue his legacy by imparting their expertise to eager students in New Westminster, British Columbia.
Despite his retirement, Grand Master Suh remains an active figure in the political landscape of Taekwondo, having served as President of both the WTF Taekwondo Federation of British Columbia and Taekwondo Canada. Presently, he presides as the esteemed President of the Grand Master Union, a testament to his enduring commitment to the advancement and promotion of Taekwondo worldwide.
