Sensei Kim has been involved in the Martial Arts for over 12 years and teaching kids for the last 6 years. She has a Black Belt in Tenshin-Kai Karate and was the first woman in that style to be given a title. She continued her training by adding Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under women's Jiu-Jitsu champ, Leka Vieira at her studio in Torrance for the last 3 years and started working on No Gi in Hollywood with Eddie Bravo. Now she is furthering her training in Mixed Martial Arts with UFC trainer and fighter Wander Braga at his studio in Montrose. She continues competing in Gi and No Gi grappling tournaments and also supplements her Martial Arts training through seminars, books and DVDs. She is children CPR and safety certified. Sensei Kim strives to help develop her students character and produce better citizens though the Martial Arts and not just produce militant, carbon copy fighters. She believes students can learn discipline and respect with out many of the harsh, old school tactics and have fun doing it. After years of seeing older students held back by the limits of the younger kids, the younger kids struggling to keep up with the advanced techniques, and what Bruce Lee referred to as "the classical mess" Sensei Kim decided to start her own blended style, just for kids, and separate them by age......and so Blue Dragon Martial Arts was born.
Blue Dragons is for kids ages 8-16. Classes are run more like a traditional Martial Arts class, with higher expectations for form, technique, manners, focus and knowledge. Students will be introduced to some of the philosophy and culture of the various arts. As in the younger classes respect and discipline come first, but now the students are taught beginning through advanced techniques with added; sparring, sticks, grappling, submissions, throws, Kata, self defense and more. Students continue through age 16 at which time, if they have earned a Jr.black belt, the may enter the Jr. Instructors program.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is now offered through Blue Dragon! This class is all grappling, namely Wander Braga Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu @ Blue Dragon Martial Arts. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of the most effective martial arts for fitness and self defense. Sensei Kim teaches this class for kids ages 6-16. It covers control positions, safety, self defense and Jiu-Jitsu for tournament competitions. We will also cover what is called No-Gi where you wear board shorts and a rash guard instead of the Grappling uniform or Gi. Wander oversees all training and tests all students for new ranks at his studio in Montrose. This class is more relaxed with more of a "sport" environment, but of course safety, honesty and respect are always a part of any Blue Dragon class. All Grappling Class students have an opportunity train at Wander's academy in Montrose and to compete in tournaments.A special Jiu-Jitsu Gi and/or grappling shorts and rash guard is required to train and may be purchase through Sensei Kim.A Pee-wee class will be added for younger students at the new studio.
Other programs and events
We will be offering many new times, classes, events and seminars at our new studio, opening this summer at 4130 Burbank blvd. Blue Dragon can offer new and continuing students: Parent and me Classes, Pee Wee Grappling, Advanced Forms, Birthday Parties, Adult Cardio, Co-ed MMA, Camps and Parent's Night Out! Come see what we can do for you!
Teaching title, Tenshin-Kai Karate, 2000
Black Belt, Tenshin-Kai Karate, 2001
1st place/Gold, National American Jiu-Jitsu Championships (white,140) 2004
1st place/Gold, International Jiu-Jitsu championships (white,140) 2004
1st and 2nd place/Gold&Silver, Cleber Luciano Friendship tourn. 2004
2nd Place/Silver National American Jiu-Jitsu Championships (blue, 145) 2006
Blue belt, Leka Vieira Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 2005
Added No-Gi training with Eddie Bravo '07
started training with Wander Braga '07
1st place/Gold, Spring Ground Fighting, Women's Open, 2008
1st palce/Gold, Spring Ground Fighting, Mid, 2008
Current BJJ record 15-7
Blue Dragon Martial Arts, for kids
About us
Lil'Dragons is a national program for children ages 5-7, designed by black belt Kimber Hill and Century Martial Arts, then modified for Blue Dragon by Sensei Kim. Classes are slightly shorter and activity based to keep interest peaked and rewards are given more often to motivate the younger student. Lil'Dragons is like a Martial Arts prep school in a way. Classes are more focused on developing the manners, respect, self control, and understanding needed to become a Martial Artist. Students learn and improve balance, strength, flexibility, teamwork, respect, Dojo manners, large motor skills, safety and basic Martial Art techniques. Classes also cover kicking/punching, rolling, grappling positions and forms in a safe low impact environment.