Black Belt Academy Holding Grand Opening in Leonardtown

Logan, 9, is in his third year, and wears a blue stripe belt, signifying he is approaching a brown belt

 Master Kyu Jin Shim is in his 10th year in St. Mary’s County teaching life skills though Tae Kwon Do martial arts to locals from ages 3 onward.

 First located in San Souci plaza in 1998, Master Shim’s Black Belt Academy has expanded twice due to demand, teaching hundreds throughout Southern Maryland.

 Increasing enrollment at the existing Black Belt Academy in Wildewood plaza spurred the need for an additional location.

 This Saturday there will be a grand opening event at the new Leonardtown location on Gregory Lane, from 10 a.m. to 2  p.m.

 Maryland Sen. Roy Dyson and Delegate John Bohanan are planning to attend Master Shim’s grand opening.

 There will be free exhibitions at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., food and deals for new members, such as a two-week special for $9, and 50 percent off regular lesson fees.

 There’s extra perks for new members such as free uniform and gear, go-kart rides, raffles and other activates.

 Master Shim holds a seventh dan black belt in Tae Kwon Do from the Chung Do Kwan, and also a black belt in kick boxing, Kumdo (Korean Sword art), and other weapons.  Master Shim has been practicing and teaching Tae Kwon Do for 25 years.