With more than 20 awards as best coach at many national and international events Master Giduk Gun, Director and Founder of Apex Tigers Martial Arts Academy talked in exclusive to MASTKD about how his training philosophy had led him to have a very successful team.

Tell us the reason you started Taekwondo?

I began Taekwondo at the age of 5. My parents enrolled me in the program because I was small for my age, and they wanted me to develop both physical and mental strength.

What was the transition from practicing in Korea to establishing an independent academy in the U.S.?

The transition was an exciting new adventure, though Taekwondo remained a constant. I established Apex Tigers Martial Arts in 2009 and the Team ATMA Competition Team in 2010. I invested significant time and effort to create these programs, aiming to spread Taekwondo in the U.S. and globally. My dream has always been to promote Taekwondo in the U.S., and after starting a family, I was inspired by my children’s passion and talent for the sport. Over the years, I attended numerous seminars and courses in Korea, which helped me develop the teaching skills and programs at Apex Tigers and Team ATMA.

What do you think is the secret to ATMA’s success with producing so many top-notch players?

I don’t believe there’s any secret. I hold myself to high standards and expect the same from my athletes. I encourage them to devote themselves selflessly to the sport to achieve their best. As a leader, I’m always striving to improve and develop programs that suit my team’s needs.

How has your training and experience affected the achievements of your sons Eric and Ethan, respectively, in poomsae and Kyorugi?

I share my Taekwondo experiences, particularly my failures and lessons learned, with all my athletes, including my sons. I’m incredibly proud of Eric, who has become a World Champion Poomsae Athlete, and Ethan, who is a US National Team Member in sparring. I train them by mirroring my experiences and highlighting their unique traits.

You have received over 20 Best Coach Awards from extremely competitive events. What do these awards mean to you when you’ve won best coach awards on many competitions?

I am very thankful for these awards, as they motivate me to continuously strive for excellence and do better for my athletes.

What is the philosophy at ATMA and how do you implement it?

Our philosophy at ATMA is to cultivate a winning attitude. It’s easy to stay positive when things go well, but true character is revealed in challenging times. We encourage aiming high and striving for excellence, focusing on quality over quantity.

What values and principles do you want to teach students both inside and outside the school?

I believe in leading by example and demonstrating the values of honesty, hard work, and integrity. I encourage students to embody these principles both in and out of Taekwondo, becoming role models in their communities.

What are the future goals and aspirations of the Apex Tigers martial arts academy?

My goal is to continue promoting Taekwondo and developing both current and future generations of athletes in poomsae and sparring. I hope Taekwondo will help many talented individuals contribute to American society and become a place where everyone can enjoy and find happiness in the sport.

What advice would you give to young taekwondo trainees who aspire to reach a high level of competition?

Each journey is unique and takes time. Focus on the fundamentals, train consistently, and embrace both the highs and lows. Rushing to the top can lead to a quick fall, but steady, deliberate preparation will help you become a stronger athlete.

Looking back on your career, what do you think is the most enjoyable thing to be a Taekwondo instructor, and how did it affect your life and your children’s lives?

I am incredibly grateful for my supportive family who are on this Taekwondo journey with me. I cherish the relationships I’ve built through Taekwondo. Teaching Taekwondo in the U.S. has always been my dream, and achieving it brings me great happiness. Even during challenging times, I find joy in being with my family.

 

Apex Tigers Martial Arts: Forging Champions and Hearts in New Jersey