Master Clarence Smith, Jr.
Seventh Degree Black Belt
• Senior Instructor
Master "Smittie" (as he
is known to the Kim Studio family) has been training in the martial arts
for more than 25 years and is familiar with many different styles. He had
the honor to train with Grandmaster Ki Whang Kim for about 15 years before
being promoted to 6th dan in 1993. He also holds first, second and third
place winnings in heavyweight fighting and forms competitions. Martial
arts is Master Smith's way of life; he will continue to pursue it while
helping to maintain the Kim Studio art. Master Smith teaches in Rockville every
Saturday at 1:00 p.m.
Master Jason Hill
Seventh Degree Black Belt
• Senior Instructor
Master Jason Hill has trained
in the martial arts for more than 26 years and has been instructing
at Kim Studio since 1991. His training began in 1977 at age
seven and has continued ever since. He has competed in many
competitions along the East Coast and, in February 2004, successfully
tested for the 7th dan master rank. He plans to continue teaching
in order to pass along the knowledge of the late Grandmaster
Kim. Master Hill teaches adult mixed belts in Rockville
on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. He also teaches at the Laurel Studio
on Thursdays at 6 p.m. and 7:30pm on Saturdays at 10:00 a.m.
Ms. Christina Brackna
Fifth Degree Black Belt
• Instructor
Christina Brackna began training
with Grandmaster Roberts in 1991 at American University. Within two years
she was assisting in the instruction of the Juniors at Kim Studio and has
been teaching for almost 10 years. She also returns to American University
each semester to assist Grandmaster Roberts with his classes there. Christina
enjoys teaching the Juniors because they are the hope for the future. Christina
teaches the juniors class in Rockville Mondays at 4:30 p.m.
Mr. Paul Brackna
Fifth Degree Black Belt • Instructor
Paul Brackna first began training at the
age of seven but quickly lost interest. However, he returned to train in
his 20's and his
interest in the martial arts continues to grow. Paul has won many tournament
competitions,
both in fighting and forms. Paul recently began teaching the Juniors and
assisting Grandmaster Roberts at American University as a way to share
his knowledge of the martial arts in a more direct way. Paul teaches
juniors in Rockville each Friday at 4:30 p.m.
Mr. Marc Zifcak
Fifth Degree Black Belt
• Instructor
Marc Zifcak has been training at Kim Studio since 1991. A Montgomery County
Police officer since 1994, Marc has instructed classes in defensive tactics,
officer safety and personal protection for law enforcement personnel and
the public. He also assists in teaching personal defense at the American
University. Marc's adult mixed belt class is held Saturdays at 9:30
a.m. at the Rockville dojo.
Mr. Matt Gammon
Fifth Degree Black Belt
• Instructor
Matt Gammon is a fifth-degree black
belt who often trains with his three children. In 2000 he
was voted Kim Studio Instructor of the Year for his juniors
class. Additionally, Matt teaches a self-defense class at
American University and works as a law enforcement officer
for the state of Maryland. Matt
teaches Tuesdays at the Laurel Studio at 6:00pm and 7:30pm.
Mr. Hank Nicodemus
Fifth Degree Black Belt
• Instructor
Hank Nicodemus first began training
at Kim Studio in 1986 at the age of 14 and in 1999, earned the
Instructor of the Year Award. In his classes, whether it be
drills, forms or self defense, he emphasizes the understanding
of body mechanics and body movement towards the perfection of
effective technique. He was promoted to fifth dan in February
2009. In addition to his martial arts training at Kim Studio,
Hank also studies empty hand and weapon based Filipino martial
arts. Hank teaches adult mixed belts at 6 p.m. and weapons
at 7:30 at the Rockville dojo on Mondays and at the Laurel Studio
the last Saturday of every month.
Mr. Adam Steiner
Third Degree Black Belt • Instructor
Adam began training at the age of 13, but soon after stopped due to a knee injury. Always having a passion for the martial arts, he began training again after college in 1991 and joined Kim Studio in 1999. He began assisting Mrs. Roberts with juniors classes in 2003 and became a junior instructor soon after. In 2004, he was promoted to second dan and earned the Instructor of the Year Award. Adam teaches the juniors class in Rockville on Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m.
Mr. Matt Jochum
Third Degree Black Belt
• Instructor
Matt Jochum began training at
Kim Studio in 2002. That same year he was awarded Student
of the Year. Two years later he tested for 1st Dan and began
assisting Master Hill and Mr. Butler with classes in the Laurel
Studio. In February of 2006, Mr. Jochum achieved rank of 2nd
Dan. His class focuses on forms and physical conditioning.
Matt teaches at the Laurel Studio on Saturdays at 10:00am
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