Grand Master YI Brothers Tae Kwon Do

One path from white belt to black belt, for children and adults alike, runs through Grand Master YI Brothers Tae Kwon Do in Port Orchard, where Grand Master Henry Yi teaches traditional Tae Kwon Do and keeps a black belt academy for students who reach the end of it. Grand Master Yi is a 9th-degree black belt and a three-time former Tae Kwon Do world champion. He served in the South Korean secret service, appeared in films including “Snake and the Crane Arts of Shaolin” and “Death Fist”, has taught for over 40 years in the United States and is a former chairman of the state Tae Kwon Do federation.

The dojang describes its lessons as dynamic, challenging and applicable to “street scenarios.” Children start from age four under a creed of their own, and adults and seniors train in classes that focus on fitness, flexibility and self-defense. Students who want to compete are encouraged to enter tournaments, and the instructors help with preparation and registration. Private lessons are also offered.

Classes run through the week, including a late-morning class at 11 am on weekdays, an afternoon class at 4 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, and black belt training at 10 am on Saturdays. Evening classes meet on weekdays, with a later class on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

The first class is free. Comfortable workout clothes are fine for it, and a dobok, the Tae Kwon Do uniform, can be bought later by anyone who decides to continue.