Guardians of the Legacy

Our world is in desperate need of strong leaders to unite and uplift communities, and martial arts provides the perfect vehicle.

Supreme Grand Master Bok Man Kim exemplified this through his dedication to community, leadership, and the transformative power of martial arts.

Many individuals and families face financial barriers that prevent them from accessing martial arts training. These barriers hinder their potential to develop the critical life skills and values that martial arts instills—discipline, confidence, leadership, and a sense of community.

At the Bok Man Kim Legacy Foundation, our mission is to create leadership ad community building opportunities for individuals through martial arts. We break down financial barriers by providing scholarships and financial aid, ensuring that families and individuals in economically challenged communities and situations can access the transformative power of martial arts. Our focus is on partnering with Champion Martial Art Schools who excel in leadership and strengthening communities, making a lasting impact on individuals and the world around them.

Donors and sponsors play a crucial role in our mission. Your contributions make it possible for individuals to overcome financial obstacles and achieve their full potential through martial arts. By investing in our foundation, you help build a network of empowered leaders dedicated to giving back to their communities.

Bok Man Kim's Legacy in Martial Arts

Supreme Grand Master Bok Man Kim stands as one of the most influential figures in martial arts. Bok Man Kim’s legacy has left an indelible mark, inspiring generations of martial artists around the globe.

But more than his martial arts and leadership prowess, it was his vision of using martial arts as a tool for health and wellness, community building, and leadership development that truly set him apart.

Born in 1934, Supreme Grand Master Bok Man Kim began his martial arts journey at the age of 7. He was introduced to Mr. Lee, who taught him To-San, the forerunner to Taekwondo.

In 1950, Supreme Grand Master Bok Man Kim enlisted in the South Korean Army. The nature of the Korean war honed his fighting skills. During his enlistment, he rose to the rank of Sergeant Major and retired in 1962.

In 1959, Supreme Grand Master Bok Man Kim began his mission to spread Taekwondo beyond Korea. He visited numerous countries, starting with Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore. During his travels, Supreme Grand Master Kim shared his profound skill and leadership with practitioners and enthusiasts. Notably, he had significant encounters with dignitaries and martial arts leaders. Supreme Grand Master Bok Man Kim starred in several martial arts films and wrote numerous books on martial arts.

In the late 1990s, Supreme Grand Master Bok Man Kim founded Chun Kuhn Taekwondo. This distinctive style integrates an enhanced system based on Taekwondo, health and wellness, armed fighting, and self-defense skills. It also recognizes the powerful physical and mental benefits of martial arts.

Join Us in Honoring Supreme Grand Master Bok Man Kim

The Bok Man Kim Legacy Foundation is dedicated to preserving and promoting the values and principles of Supreme Grand Master Bok Man Kim with our Champion School partnerships. By providing scholarships and financial aid to those facing financial challenges, we aim to make martial arts training accessible to all; continuing Supreme Grand Master Bok Man Kim's mission of health and wellness, leadership, and community building through martial arts.

Campaign Impact

Guardians of the Legacy is our call to action. By supporting this campaign to Empower Champions and Uplift Communities, you help provide scholarships and financial aid to individuals and families facing financial challenges, enabling them to access martial arts training. Your contributions foster leadership skills, community engagement, and honor Supreme Grand Master Bok Man Kim's legacy.

We're committed to utilizing 85-90% of the funds received directly for scholarship opportunities with the remaining amounts supporting the necessary operational elements of the Bok Man Kim Legacy Foundation.

How to Support

For those action oriented ,"First 100" donors, we have set aside and crafted Limited and Exclusive gifts for your generosity and support for donations over $250 - Limited and Exclusive Numbered Certificate, a “First 100” patch, One of a kind numbered challenge coin, and “First 100” lapel pin.

$25 and more: Provides much needed support for the organization as a whole
- Recognition: Special acknowledgment on our website, and social media which brings visibility to you, your school, and your community.
$250 and More: Covers up to one month's tuition and administrative costs for a student
- Recognition: Special acknowledgment video, feature in our newsletter, website, and social media which brings visibility to you, your school, and your community.
$1,000 and More: Full six month scholarship covering tuition and administrative costs, you'll receive special acknowledgments and exclusive awards along with additional recognitions.
- Recognition: Special acknowledgment video, feature in our newsletter, website, and social media which brings visibility to you, your school, and your community. PLUS a a reserved seat at our Annual Awards Ceremony in December 2024.

Annual Awards for Excellence

Bok Man Kim Legacy Scholarship: This prestigious annual scholarship is awarded to an outstanding individual who demonstrates exceptional dedication, skill, and leadership in martial arts, embodying the spirit and values of Supreme Grand Master Bok Man Kim. This Award covers the full tuition for a year at any approved martial arts school, plus a stipend for travel to a martial arts seminar or event.
The Legacy Scholarship: Designed for Master Level Instructors or Champion Martial Art Schools who propose innovative ways to use martial arts to benefit their communities, inspired by Bok Man Kim’s vision of spreading martial arts worldwide. This Award funds community projects or educational programs that use martial arts as a tool for social good.
Community Champion Award: Recognizes and supports martial artists who actively use their skills to make a positive difference in their communities (school, neighborhood, clubs, etc).

Scholarship Programs for Families and Young Adults

Champion’s Pathway Scholarship: Designed to encourage newcomers to martial arts, providing them with the opportunity to embark on a transformative journey. This scholarship aims to remove financial barriers for beginners, ensuring they can start their training with confidence and support.
Champion’s Accelerator Scholarship: Aimed at martial art students who have demonstrated dedication to leadership and are ready to elevate their skills to the next level. This scholarship supports intermediate students in advancing their martial arts training and achieving higher mastery.
Champion’s Honor Scholarship: Support for advanced students who are on the final path to becoming leaders in their martial arts and local communities. This scholarship focuses on fostering leadership and community engagement among senior martial arts practitioners.

Immediate and Future Plans

Our initial goal is to support 27-32 scholarships and annual awards by March 2025.

We aim to attract at least 50 Champion Martial Art Schools by March 2025,
Launch campaigns for emergency funds for Champion Martial Art School partner schools in 2025
Offering for donations to specific, individual college 529 plans for students in 2025
Support for community projects sponsored by the Bok Man Kim Legacy Foundation in 2025

Empower Future Martial Arts Champions! Your donation provides life-changing scholarships, transforming lives through discipline, leadership, and community. Become a Guardian of the Legacy. Your support is an investment in the next generation of leaders and the continuation of Supreme Grand Master Bok Man Kim’s inspiring legacy.

Guardians of the Legacy Kickoff Campaign

By Bok Man Kim Legacy Foundation

Guardians of the Legacy Kickoff Campaign

Empowering Future Leaders, Honoring a Legacy