Grand master settles in Porterville

As a young boy growing up in South Korea, Chang Hwa Jeong dreamt of becoming a police chief.

He was, quite simply, intrigued by the fast-paced life of the occupation.

Former South Korean President Park Chung-hee’s rigid dictatorial rule, however, convinced Jeong to deviate from his original plan.

Jeong, at age 6, was introduced to the world of Tae Kwon Do. He was immediately hooked, and he decided to pursue a career where he could always be immersed in the sport.

Grand master Jeong, now 60, is a ninth-degree black belt and a 1974 Korean national champion.

He has given demonstrations in Denmark, England, the Netherlands and Switzerland, just to name a few.

But Jeong is here now, settling at 864 W. Henderson Ave. where his training facility, Jeong’s Black Belt Academy, opened its doors July 1.

“I’m a pure martial artist,” Jeong, who got his license in 1979 in Stuttgart, Germany, to be an Olympic Tae Kwon Do referee, said Wednesday. “I’m going to serve Porterville’s citizens, mentally and physically.”

And Jeong said he is here to stay.

“This is my last destination,” he said. “I’m going to retire here.”

Jeong was born during the Korean civil war, which he said changed his outlook on life.

“Your human nature changes for defense purposes,” he said.

Jeong picked up the sport at a very young age and never let go.

During his time in the Korean Military Academy from 1971 to 1974, Jeong taught Tae Kwon Do to his fellow troops and earned the title of military champion.

Jeong went to Munich in 1979 on a cultural-exchange program and gave countless demonstrations of the breaking-bricks kind.

“It’s a combination of body and mind — pure concentration,” said Jeong, who spoke of some grand masters who have the ability to break a brick using just two fingers.

Jeong was later convinced by his senior master, Jae Hwa Kwon, to go to America.

“He guided me,” Jeong said. “He was my mentor.”

Jeong arrived in Miami in 1980 and was invited to give a demonstration at a tournament.

He went to Sand Diego in 1985 and worked as a Tae Kwon Do instructor for 25 years.

But Jeong decided to give up the sandy beaches and 70-degree weather to come to Porterville.

“I heard Porterville didn’t have Tae Kwon Do,” he said. “It has lots of kids but no activities.

“I do have a mission to teach Porterville kids. I like to give them the Tae Kwon Do spirit. It’s a never-give-up spirit. It teaches confidence, respect, self-control and self-discipline. This is very important for kids.”

Jeong’s classes aren’t open to just kids, though. He has classes for all ages, from pee wee to adult.

Jeong said he currently has about 60 people enrolled in his classes.

“At my age, it’s good to exercise your mind and body,” said Marilyn Stafford, 60, a chemistry teacher at Porterville High. “I like it very much. It’s a good way to exercise and sharpen your skills, and I learn a new skill every time.”

Linda Shearer, 60, also a chemistry teacher at Porterville, agreed.

“It’s a combination of mind and body,” she said. “It makes you feel strong and confident in who you are. It affects your entire life.”

Casey Rangel takes her children, Gracie, 7, and Nicholas, 6, to Jeong’s lessons.

“The confidence it gives a child is pretty amazing,” said the mother, who has been doing Tae Kwon Do for 8 1-2 years. “Tae Kwon Do makes leaders.”

Gracie said she enjoys “the training and doing the punching and kicking.”

Yes, it is safe to say the man who got his start in South Korea is now making a name for himself in the South County.

“I really love Porterville people,” Jeong said. “They are pure people.”

For more information, call 788-2426 or visit www.gmjblackbelt.com.