Eric Kwon’s career took a different path from what he intended. In 2001 he graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in chemistry. After completing one of the university’s most rigorous programs, he was planning to enroll in medical school.
But around that time, he received a different calling. The new Kwon’s School of Gainesville lost its head instructor. Kwon agreed to step into the role temporarily until his father, who owned Kwon’s Championship Schools, could find a replacement.
When it came time for Kwon to start medical school, he opted instead to remain in his role at Kwon’s.
“I chose to teach martial arts over pursuing medical school because I found a deeper sense of fulfillment in seeing my students grow,” Kwon said. “It was unlike anything I had ever experienced.”
Now, Kwon’s Champion School of Gainesville is celebrating 25 years in business. Kwon, a seventh-degree Black Belt in Mixed Martial Arts, is not only leading that program but also a second school in Fairfax.
He is also carrying on a proud family tradition.
Kwon’s father, H.Y. Kwon, is a grandmaster and 10th-degree Black Belt in Mixed Martial Arts, which combines styles from Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Kung Fu, HapKiDo, Jiu Jitsu, Weapons and Kickboxing.
Eric Kwon drew upon the lessons he learned from his father. They weren’t only martial arts lessons, but also lessons about life. While his father could be strict, he retained a positive mindset and encouraged his students.
Even after rubbing elbows with celebrities in the field of martial arts, he maintains, “my father is still my favorite hero.”
His father is equally as proud of him.
“When my son told me he wanted to become a master instead of a doctor, I was incredibly proud. Doctors save lives, but I know the profound positive impact a martial arts master can have on their students,” the elder Kwon said.
H.Y. Kwon opened his first martial arts school in South Korea in 1968. He immigrated to the United States in 1985 and opened a Kwon’s Champion School in Front Royal, which he runs to this day.
“I’ve always loved teaching martial arts, not just for the physical training and self-defense, but for the mindset it cultivates,” H.Y. Kwon said. “That's why I started my school back in 1968 – to share my love and knowledge of martial arts with others and teach them the skills that have meant so much to me.”
H.Y. Kwon has created an enduring legacy for his sons, Eric and Tiger. Eric was in fourth grade in 1988 when he joined his father in Virginia. The elder Kwon knew English would be the key to the family’s success and with diligent study, both boys became proficient speakers within two years.
Eric witnessed his father displaying his talents at local charity events, modeling the importance of giving back.
Today, Eric Kwon agrees with his father that martial arts teaches more than self-defense. He considers his biggest accomplishments to be the times he has helped a shy child gain confidence or helped children overcome their personal challenges.
He remembers a student who had balance issues and a tendency to fall. After working with her, she could not only stand, but also progress through belt after belt. Another student suffered from a tic disorder, and Kwon used martial arts to help him successfully curb them.
And martial arts creates camaraderie and community, said Kwon, who has taken bitter enemies and turned them into friends.
One of Kwon’s instructors, Courtney Jones, is a fourth-degree Black Belt and former student. Jones said she struggled with self-esteem as a child, but knew Kwon believed in her. “I feel like Master Kwon was more real, more connected and more kind [than other instructors]. I was a different kind of kid.”
Jones worked hard and saw her skills improve. “[Martial arts] is not about being perfect but doing your best to be better than the day before.”
Now she said the best thing about teaching students martial arts is “the ability to inspire them and overcome some of the same obstacles that you had to deal with when you were younger.”
Her greatest achievement has been working with a shy girl like herself. One day, she heard her own words coming out of the girl’s mouth and realized her student was now mentoring her peers.
Kwon’s Champion Schools, which has eight U.S. schools and one in South Korea, has been recognized as one of the top 10 programs in the world by the Grandmaster Federation.
Fourth-degree Black Belt instructor Alecsander Davis also credits Eric Kwon with making him the man he is today.
“[Martial arts] is about building character for what you are as a person,” Davis said. “Growing up with Master Kwon I’ve been able to change for the better and generally make a difference in the world.”
Heather Stietzel of Bristow, has a B.A. in journalism and has written for publications in Indiana and Virginia. Prior to her role with the Prince William Chamber, she worked for the National Association of Manufacturers and the US Chamber of Commerce.
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