When Grandmaster Nam Suk Paek arrived in the United States in the 1960s, he was introduced to a world vastly different from the one he had known. Amidst the cultural diversity and growing interest in martial arts, he saw an opportunity to not only teach Taekwondo but to share the rich traditions of Korean culture. In 1971, he founded Paek’s Taekwondo School in Abington, Pennsylvania, with the mission of introducing these values to a broader community.

In 1982, Grandmaster Paek’s nephew, Grandmaster In Ho Kim, arrived in the U.S. With years of experience in practicing and teaching Taekwondo in South Korea, he quickly became integral to Paek’s. After taking over the school from his uncle in 1991, Grandmaster Kim passed down the teachings of Moo Do Kwon Taekwondo, a rare and traditional style. Today, Grandmaster Kim holds an eighth-degree black belt and boasts over sixty years of martial arts experience.

Master Sunny Kim, Grandmaster Kim’s son, joined Paek’s leadership in recent years. A fifth-degree black belt with 26 years of martial arts experience, Master Sunny has dedicated himself to strengthening self-defense programs and community ties. After Grandmaster Kim’s retirement in late 2024, Master Sunny officially took on the role of Headmaster at Paek’s, continuing his family’s legacy of excellence, discipline, and tradition.

At Paek’s, we aim to enhance the lives of our students through authentic Taekwondo instruction. Our school is built on a foundation of character, leadership, integrity, and an indomitable spirit. We are committed to shaping disciplined individuals who carry these values beyond the dojang.

We offer programs for students aged 4 and up, with specialized instruction for children, teens, and adults. Our curriculum blends Moo Do Kwon and Olympic Taekwondo, with additional programs in sports skill enhancement, self-defense, Hapkido, and Tae Han Gumdo.

Honoring Tradition, Embracing Innovation

After immigrating to the United States, Grandmaster Paek and Grandmaster Kim worked to establish Paek’s as a hub for defensive Taekwondo, deeply rooted in Moo Do Kwon—one of the five original Taekwondo styles. Today, Moo Do Kwon is rare, with few practitioners remaining.

Master Sunny Kim, after training with other martial arts leaders, integrated Olympic Taekwondo techniques into Paek’s curriculum, blending traditional and modern styles. This fusion has allowed students to compete at high levels while staying connected to the core values of Taekwondo, excelling in competitions and growing as martial artists and individuals.

At Paek’s, martial arts is about more than just kicks and punches. Our unique curriculum combines the rich traditions of Moo Do Kwon Taekwondo with the dynamic versatility of Olympic Taekwondo, offering an authentic and holistic training experience. We emphasize character development and instill values such as perseverance, discipline, integrity, and teamwork.

Through specialized lessons, drills, and sparring, students gain self-defense skills and build confidence. For younger students, we reinforce respect, honesty, and standing up for others through our Home Rules and Paek’s Taekwondo Code. We are committed to creating a safe, supportive, and family-oriented environment.

Our success is not measured by trophies, but by the growth and satisfaction of our students. Every month, students provide feedback during testing week, and our staff reviews this feedback to continuously improve our teaching methods and overall experience.

At Paek’s, we are an educational institution first and foremost. Our success is measured by the quality of our students’ experiences and their growth—both as martial artists and as individuals. Our teaching philosophy is rooted in the following principles:

• Individualized Instruction – Tailored to each student’s unique journey.
• Interactive Learning – Making training exciting and engaging.
• Compassionate Teaching – Creating a supportive environment to encourage students to push their limits.
• Multifaceted Instructors – Our instructors are personal trainers, teachers, and mentors.
• Leadership Development – We focus on developing leaders, not just martial artists.
• Growth-Focused Testing – Tests as opportunities for learning and self-improvement.

Our curriculum integrates Moo Do Kwon with Olympic Taekwondo and emphasizes sparring and competition drills. We provide a balanced blend of theory and practice, preparing students for self-defense and competition. Monthly testing ensures that every belt promotion is earned through dedication and hard work.

Paek’s Taekwondo offers two climate-controlled training floors, each 2,400 square feet, totaling 4,800 square feet of training space. Our facility combines traditional Korean décor with modern amenities, providing a safe and comfortable environment for students of all ages and skill levels.

Purpose-Built for Martial Artists

• Large & small heavy bags for strength training
• Focus kicking targets & large kicking targets for precision and power
• Bo staffs & nunchucks for weapons training
• Boards for breaking to build confidence and technique\
• Mats for rolls and falls to ensure safe practice

Facility Layout

First Floor:

• Padded bamboo floors
• Children & toddler play area
• Seating gallery for parents and spectators

Second Floor:

• Padded bamboo floors
• Separate changing rooms
• Seating gallery for comfortable viewing

Paek’s Taekwondo has consistently provided top-quality martial arts education for over fifty years. Our students don’t just achieve success in Taekwondo—they become champions. Master Sunny, a certified AAU Taekwondo coach since 2023, has expanded tournament training, helping students refine their skills and mental toughness for competition.

At Paek’s, we are dedicated to fostering holistic personal development. Our students gain valuable life skills like discipline and leadership, applying them both inside and outside of the dojang.

In recognition of our hard work and impact, Paek’s Taekwondo was honored with the BASA Best of Small Business Award in 2023 and BASA Best Small Business for Fitness and Wellness 2023. These accolades reflect our commitment to excellence and the support of our community.