INSTRUCTOR DANIEL WON

2nd Dan Black Belt Daniel Won usually takes lunch-hour breaks from his practice of accountancy in the Financial District to his practice of martial arts at our Dojang. Here, he finds he is able to re-focus and re-energize, leaving the hushed boardrooms and offices to a place where yelling and screaming, ex., kihaping, is commonplace.

Daniel actually started the “kihap” aspect of his training in 1986 – when confronted with four muggers who wanted his car keys, he lured the one brandishing a firearm to the car’s coin box, before closing the door onto the mugger’s legs and running away, yelling and screaming. The loud kihaps scared the muggers into also running away, in the opposite direction.

Similarly in 1998, a gunman and his accomplice demanded Daniel’s wallet, which he reluctantly threw to the ground. After the gunman picked up the wallet and started to flee, Daniel began yelling and screaming and (foolishly) gave chase (making sure there was always 25 yards between him and the gunman). The loud kihaps got the attention of the entire neighborhood and within minutes, police were on scene and both the gunman and his accomplice were apprehended.

Daniel tries to incorporate the tenets of Tae Kwon Do in all aspects of his life (whether it be at the Dojang, office, home, or anywhere else). These tenets are courtesy, integrity, self-control, perseverance, and indomitable spirit.

When not working or training, Daniel can be seen teaching CPR or first aid for the American Red Cross, being treasurer of the College Preparatory School parents’ association, or chauffeuring his two teenagers, both of whom train with the UC Martial Arts Program.