Master Ki Jin M. Chang came to the United States in 1979 from Seoul, Korea. After being here only a few years, he opened his school of Taekwondo at it's location in Hanover Park. Now, twenty two years later, he has twenty instructors (three of them have been with him from the beginning). four of his instructors have 4th Degree Black Belts). Master Chang has a 7th Degree Black Belt and was the U.S. Team Coach in 1995 for the Goodwill Championship in Korea. He is a member of the U.S. Taekwondo Union, a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee and the World Taekwondo Federation.

He began his training when he was eight years old. His dream was always to become a master instructor, which means to have experience in all aspects of Taekwondo. Master Chang states, "Taekwondo is an action philosophy, which means it is a way to develop new personal power, confidence, and the ability to put your beliefs into action. It is a self-improvement program that has physical, mental, spiritual and philosophical dimensions. It is a way of life. It is the art of living in a way that will help you become a winner in life."

For example, one of his students who began when he was three years old was not developing as well physically as other three year olds. now, at seven, he has achieved 3rd Degree Black Belt and has a greater attention span than others his age. He also has great coordination and self confidence. His doctor states that he has no body fat and that his muscles are much firmer than other children his age. What a solid recommendation!

Master Chang understands that for some three and four year olds, it is too soon to be separated from their parents and so he offers a two week trial period to see if the child is ready. You ask what can a three year old possibly learn? Master Chang outlines different age groups in the following manner. For three and four year olds it is to experience the world outside of their home. From ages eight to ten, it can build confidence in very shy children so they do better in school and learn to be a better person with a good attitude and respect for discipline. Teenagers learn self defense and self control so they are not easily influenced by others to do drugs, alcohol or high speed driving. The picture changes for eighteen year olds thru adults of any age. They learn whole body movements, body flexibility, and how getting in shape helps to relieve and control stress. Most importantly, how to control themselves. The students here range in age from three to seventy-four. Twenty of his more than 160 students have earned the black belt designation, six of them are women. the youngest black belt holder is six and the oldest is fifty-four. About fifteen percent of his students are female.

People have the wrong idea about the martial arts. They think it is about violence and kicking. The wrong instructor can teach you violent and dangerous art. You must be sure you have an instructor with proper credentials. Anyone who opens a school should have at least a 5th Degree Black Belt to quality.

Master Chang's philosophy is that winning and losing are very connected. When you win, some day you loose. You must be prepared to meet the challenger with patience and keep on with your education.

As you can tell, Master Chang is a very thoughtful man who takes his work seriously. His walls and showcases are filled with trophies, but he points with pride to a letter of appreciation he received from the International Olympic Committee Vice President which states "Presented to Master Kijin M. Chang for enthusiastic and inspiring cooperation and support rendered for the popularization and development of Taekwondo."

If something has been missing from your life or that of your child, contact Master Chang at 630-830-4488 for a better life. they are located at 6614 Barrington Rd - next to Dino's Food- in Hanover Park. Hours are Monday through Friday 10AM to 8PM, Saturday 10AM to 2PM, and closed on Sunday.

- Sandra Bottman