Academy of Martial Arts

09/04/2026

CHUCK NORRIS AND HIS KARATE TEACHER: GRANDMASTER JAE CHUL SHIN 🥋

Behind every great martial artist, there is often a great teacher. For Chuck Norris, one of the most influential figures in his martial arts journey was Grandmaster Jae Chul Shin, a respected master of Tang Soo Do.

Chuck Norris began his martial arts training while serving in South Korea. It was there that he discovered the world of Korean martial arts and developed the discipline, determination, and fighting spirit that would later make him a world-famous champion and Hollywood action legend.

Grandmaster Jae Chul Shin played an important role in shaping Norris's understanding of martial arts. Training was not only about punches, kicks, or winning competitions. True martial arts required discipline, respect, patience, humility, and continuous self-improvement.

The relationship between a teacher and a student is one of the most important traditions in martial arts. A great instructor does more than teach techniques. A true master helps shape character. Through hard training, correction, repetition, and discipline, students learn to overcome not only their opponents but also their own weaknesses.

Chuck Norris later became a successful karate competitor, martial arts instructor, and international movie star. However, his journey began long before Hollywood. It started on the training floor, wearing a uniform, practicing basic techniques, and learning the values of respect and perseverance.

Grandmaster Jae Chul Shin is remembered as a respected figure in the world of Tang Soo Do. His legacy represents the traditional connection between knowledge, discipline, and character. The influence of a martial arts teacher can continue through generations as students pass their knowledge and values on to others.

The story of Chuck Norris and Grandmaster Jae Chul Shin reminds us that success is rarely achieved alone. Behind every champion, there are teachers, training partners, mentors, and years of dedication.

Martial arts are not simply about becoming stronger than someone else. The greatest challenge is becoming stronger than the person you were yesterday. Discipline builds consistency. Respect builds character. Tradition connects generations.

A great teacher can create more than champions. A great teacher can help create better human beings.

DISCIPLINE • RESPECT • TRADITION • PERSEVERANCE

06/07/2026

Congratulations to Mr. Yennie for completing his first Master Camp. We are all so proud of him.

04/19/2026

We had a great weekend at the Spring Championship in Rochester.
Great job Josh Vondal on winning the Senior Men Gup Cup.

04/03/2026

All first responders and their loved ones are invited to check these classes. Just for you

Academy of Martial Arts, Beneath the Badge, and Full Court Custom Apparel are excited to share a unique opportunity for our local first responders and their spouses - a PRIVATE Tang Soo Do class offered EXCLUSIVELY to first responders and their spouses.

The class will be taught by our neighbor, Tom Yennie, who is an experienced instructor. Tom approached us with this idea after reading our book because he is passionate about helping first responders. He is also planning a study based on the class to take his findings to the national organization, hoping to expand this initiative nationwide.

Where: Academy of Martial Arts Studio, Stewartville, MN.

Cost: The training is free until the testing required to advance rank. Participants can then decide if they wish to continue, which would require becoming a paid member.

If you have ever wondered about the benefits of martial arts, this a great opportunity to see what it’s about.

04/01/2026

Come check out this class. Free to all first responders

Academy of Martial Arts, Beneath the Badge, and Full Court Custom Apparel are excited to share a unique opportunity for our local first responders and their spouses - a PRIVATE Tang Soo Do class offered EXCLUSIVELY to first responders and their spouses.

The class will be taught by our neighbor, Tom Yennie, who is an experienced instructor. Tom approached us with this idea after reading our book because he is passionate about helping first responders. He is also planning a study based on the class to take his findings to the national organization, hoping to expand this initiative nationwide.

Where: Academy of Martial Arts Studio, Stewartville, MN.

Cost: The training is free until the testing required to advance rank. Participants can then decide if they wish to continue, which would require becoming a paid member.

If you have ever wondered about the benefits of martial arts, this a great opportunity to see what it’s about.

03/20/2026

A martial arts Icon. He taught us all so much

It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning. While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace.

To the world, he was a martial artist, actor, and a symbol of strength. To us, he was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, an incredible brother, and the heart of our family.

He lived his life with faith, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved. Through his work, discipline, and kindness, he inspired millions around the world and left a lasting impact on so many lives.

While our hearts are broken, we are deeply grateful for the life he lived and for the unforgettable moments we were blessed to share with him. The love and support he received from fans around the world meant so much to him, and our family is truly thankful for it. To him, you were not just fans, you were his friends.

We know many of you had heard about his recent hospitalization, and we are truly grateful for the prayers and support you sent his way.

As we grieve this loss, we kindly ask for privacy for our family during this time.

Thank you for loving him with us.

With love,
The Norris Family

03/08/2026

03/02/2026

Final day to get the Early Bird Special for the Region 3 Tournament, Rochester, MN April 17th-19th!!! Get registered ASAP!!
https://pci.jotform.com/Region3EM/spring-2026-region-3