Our KwanJangNim, Master Joseph Philip, has directed the UNI Tae Kwon-Do Club in Iowa since 1976. He holds a 7th Dan. Following his discharge from the United States Marine Corps where he was decorated for heroism in Vietnam, he began his career in Des Moines in 1969 under Grand Master InMook Kim, 9th Dan,
and has become one of the highest ranked non-Asians in the world.
In 1974, Master Philip began two years of intensive training in Topeka, Kansas, and became the first American to achieve "Instructor Certification" under Grand Master ChaeSun Yi, 9th Dan.
In 1985, our KwanJangNim became the first African-American to earn Master status in Traditional Tae Kwon-Do. In 1999 he was a guest Judge (Official) at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs for Regional Tae Kwon-Do competition in preparation for the 2000 Sydney Games. With his advancement to 7th Dan in 2002 by Grand Master Sun Yi, Master Philip became the first African-American to hold such a high Tae Kwon-Do ranking. As the most senior Black Belt in the Midwest, Master Philip is "Senior Master Instructor." He is referred by us as KwanJangNim.
Our SabBumNim, Master Daniel Marr, 5th Dan, Chief Instructor, UNI Tae Kwon-Do Club at San Antonio.
Master Marr graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 1999, with a BA in Physical Education and a BS in Psychology. He is certified to teach K-12, and coach all levels, and in 1999 was named Physical Education Major of the Year. As an officer of the UNI Tae Kwon-Do Club, he served as Program Director, Assistant Instructor, President and Head Instructor.
In 1997, Master Marr became the Club's first Black Belt to achieve a 3rd Dan, as an undergraduate student. Master Marr is a National Judge and Referee, Certified Instructor, and National Champion and Grand Champion.
Master Marr moved to San Antonio, TX in 1999, and shortly thereafter utilized his experience, expertise and knowledge to begin what today is a first-class, family-oriented, Traditional Tae Kwon-Do Club.
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