About Us

In the early 80's we each started the martial arts at Iowa State University. Under the instructions of Master Yong Chin Pak we found that the high expectations of the martial arts and Master Pak were not only physical but mental as well.

We were challenged to do our best, to be our best. We set goals, achieved them and then set new and higher goals. We improved our physical skills but more importantly we grew as individuals.

We learned that the martial arts were more than just a way of defending yourself but rather it is a way of living your life in harmony with yourself and those around you. A way of motivating yourself to achieve your goals and to be an inspiration to others.

The positive impact that the martial arts had on our lives led us to the desire to share this with others. We found that we had a passion and natural ability for teaching others. Through teaching we found the opportunity to inspire and lead our students to improving their lives as our training had done for us. Teaching has also given us the opportunity to grow further as individuals and to inspire each other to take on new challenges.

A dream began to form. We dreamed of teaching not only as a hobby but as a way of life. We wanted to dedicate ourselves full time to teaching the martial arts. We found the martial arts and our relationship helping us to be our best again as we struggled to realize our goal.

We have found the martial arts to be a powerful tool in improving ourselves and our lives and we have strived to create a positive learning enviroment that everyone can feel comfortable in as they explore the teachings of the martial arts. We look at each person as an individual and judge their progress based on their best effort and potential.

We hope that achieving our goal of creating a high quality martial arts center will give you the opportunity to reach your goals both in the martial arts and in life. We hope our center can be enjoyed by all our students and provide a lifetime of learning and growing physically, mentally and spiritually.

Jill HeglandJohn Shilkaitis