About Korean Martial Arts Institute in Wilmington , DE
Meet our Martial Arts Instructors
John Godwin:
In December of 2002 Master of the Month Master John Godwin, Yuk Dan Delaware, Pennsylvania, USA brings a great deal of variety and knowledge to the World Tang Soo Do Association with his 20+ years of experience as an educator, a successful competitor, and an inspiring martial artist. He received his rank of Yuk Dan in 2006.
Master Godwin began his Tang Soo Do studies under Master Ki Yun Yi when he wanted to learn how to defend himself against multiple opponents. Master Yi is a charter member of the World Tang Soo Do association, and served as the Technical Advisory Committee Chairman. A special master/student relationship developed between the two of them. Master Yi gave him the finest instruction in leadership and teaching. It was as a result of this relationship that Master Godwin was introduced to someone very special, Grandmaster Jae C. Shin.
It was at a tournament that Grandmaster Shin first saw Master Yi’s student and soon after asked Master Godwin to work at Shin Karate. That was in 1984. “It was quite an honor to be asked to serve as the instructor at headquarters.”
While working at Headquarters, Master Godwin was encouraged by Grandmaster Shin to study other martial arts to broaden his understanding. He became involved in Hapkido, where he is also a master instructor under Grandmaster Ji Han Jae. He also practiced kickboxing under the instruction of Master Steven Chambliss.
John Godwin was inducted into the Tae Kwon Do Hall of Fame as the 1990 Forms Competitor of the Year. He became a World Champion in fighting, forms, weapons, and demo team competitions at the World Tang Soo Do Championships in 1986, 1988, and 1990. In 1999 he won 2 gold medals and 1 silver medal at the Hapkido World Championships in Korea. He now dedicates his time to training future leaders with his instructor training and leadership program.
John Godwin has 1,500 active students at the Korean Martial Arts Institute, including his 2 children: John, an 11 year-old E Dan, and Ali, a 7 year-old red belt.
Master Watters:
Master Watters has been training in advanced leadership skills since the inception of Korean Martial Arts Institute’s first SWAT Leadership team, where he was a founding member. Master Watters holds a 4th Degree in Tang Soo Do, and a 3rd Degree in Sin Moo Hapkido. He is also a member of the region #8 Hall of Fame for Instructor of the year.
As a child development specialist, Master Watters has been shaping the minds of future generations for twenty years. As an instructor and motivator Master Watters has had a direct influence in the lives of all the students and staff at the Korean Martial Arts Institute in Wilmington , DE.
Since 1986, the Korean Martial Arts Institute has been on the cutting edge of martial arts instruction. By providing knowledgeable, welcoming and caring instructors in state of the art facilities, KMAI has grown from one small studio in Newport to eight karate schools located throughout Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
KMAI helped to pioneer the World Tang Soo Do Associations pre-school karate education program. It's now recognized worldwide in over 30 countries. Our family-friendly programs here in Wilmington , DE help make learning martial arts available to everyone, not just the athletically-inclined minority. With programs designed to benefit everyone, regardless of age or fitness level, our Wilmington students range in age from 4 to 74.
Stability and credibility are also what KMAI in Wilmington , DE has to deliver. Our affiliation with the World Tang Soo Do Association offers membership in an international community of martial artists. So much is available to you to expand your Karate experience through KMAI:
- Certification through a trusted organization since 1982,
- Specialized camps,
- Clinic and seminar opportunities,
- Literature and other learning materials,
- Local, regional and international competitions,
- And much, much more are available to you as a member.
Korean Martial Arts Institute in Wilmington offers great opportunities for those interested in competition. Our students have won numerous championships from local to world class level. From South Korea to Europe, KMAI competitors have excelled on the mat. The challenges are here for everyone to take and succeed in.
“Hard training requires a lot of physical stamina, but it also builds mental and spiritual strength too. ”
“We do not rise to the level of our expectations. We fall to the level of our training.”
Integrity, sincerity, knowledge, skill, longevity, credibility and a staff that will ALWAYS be there for you! Korean Martial Arts Institute will provide you with the best karate training in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey areas! If you are interested in being part of our Wilmington , DE location all you’ll have to do is choose a program that most interests you. Once you have chosen a program you will then have the opportunity to sign-up right here on our site for one of our awesome web specials. And please, if you have any further questions or concerns feel free to give us a call directly at (302) 992-7999.
Korean Martial Arts Institute
2419 W. Newport Pike
Wilmington , DE 19804
(302) 992-7999
About Wilmington
Wilmington is the largest city in the state of Delaware, United States, and is located at the confluence of the Christina River and Brandywine Creek, near where the Christina flows into the Delaware River. It is the county seat of New Castle County and one of the major cities in the Delaware Valley metropolitan area.
According to the 2010 census, the population of the city is 70,851, a decrease of 2.4% from 2000. The metropolitan area which includes the cities of Philadelphia, and Camden, New Jersey had a 2006 population of 5,826,742, and a combined statistical area of 6,398,896.
Wilmington , DE, with surrounding areas in Wilmington, Stanton, Newport, Pike Creek, Elsemere, Newark, NewCastle or New Castle County, is home to Korean Martial Arts Institute, a Martial Arts facility offering classes in Adult Martial Arts and Fitness Kickboxing.