UPDATE: I am very sad to announce that we at Tucson Chayon-Ryu have had to close our doors. There are no prospects of reopening in the near future, but if you would like to be informed should the situation change, please email robyn@tucsoncyr.com to be added to a notification list.

Currently Teaching at Tucson Chayon-Ryu

Chief Instructor: Robyn Fleming – 3^rd Dan

Robyn Fleming

Sabonim Robyn Fleming has been training in Chayon-Ryu since she was a child, earning her 1^st degree black belt while still in high school. She began assisting with classes as a teen, and was teaching regular classes on her own under Master Charlotte Hwang’s guidance from 2001-2008.

In 2009, she became Chief Instructor of the Tucson branch of Chayon-Ryu. Robyn credits Chayon-Ryu with shaping her into the focused, motivated person she is today, and enjoys sharing the many skills that can be learned from martial arts with her students.

Robert Fleming – 4^th Dan

Sabonim Robert Fleming began his training in Chayon-Ryu with his son, Erik. He was soon joined by the rest of his family, and the Flemings have been a regular part of the school ever since. As an instructor, Robert particularly appreciates the opportunities he has to work with other families. He also enjoys having a regular exercise regimen, and the calm and introspection that he gains from training.

Robert and Rhonda Fleming

Rhonda Fleming – 3^rd Dan

Sabonim Rhonda Fleming was the last of the Flemings to begin her training in Chayon-Ryu, becoming a student to spend more time with her family and encourage her children and nephew to become more physically fit. Fitness is still an important motivator for her, but Rhonda also appreciates the philosophy of Chayon-Ryu and the self-confidence and control she has gained.

Our Teachers’ Teachers

Our Founder, Grandmaster Kim Soo

Born in Korea, Grandmaster Kim Soo began his martial arts training as a child, and earned his 1st degree black belt at age thirteen. He has remained dedicated to martial arts ever since.

While in Korea, Grandmaster Kim founded the karate club at Kon Kuk University and the Korean Taekwon Karate Academy in Seoul, Korea. After relocating to the United States, Grandmaster Kim founded Chayon-Ryu and began teaching at Rice University and the University of Houston. The school has grown tremendously since 1968, and the Chayon-Ryu International Martial Arts Association includes over two dozen locations throughout Texas, as well as schools throughout the U.S. and the world. Chayon-Ryu is taught in Germany, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Saudi Arabia and Russia.

Grandmaster Kim Soo on a visit to Tucson

Grandmaster Kim Soo has many other accomplishments. He has been a contributor to Black Belt Magazine, and has written several books about martial arts. He has trained members of the Korean Military Intelligence Agency and the U.S. Armed Forces, as well as the bodyguards of former Republic of Korea President Syng Man Rhee. Grandmaster Kim has been honored many times by fellow martial artists, and by government representatives in South Korea and in the U.S.

Masters Charlotte Hwang and Don Martin trained directly under Grandmaster Kim Soo for many years, and all of the black belts at Tucson Chayon-Ryu have been honored to learn from him when visiting Houston and when Grandmaster Kim travels to our school in Tucson. We are proud to follow in Grandmaster Kim Soo’s footsteps at Tucson Chayon-Ryu.

Master Charlotte Hwang and Grandmaster Kim Soo

Master Charlotte Hwang – 6^th Dan

Master Hwang began training in the mid-70’s in the Chung Do Kwang style of Tae Kwon Do. In 1980 she moved to Houston and transferred to CYR with Grandmaster Kim Soo while attending Rice University. After moving to Tucson, she taught day classes at remote locations and team-taught with Master Martin in the evenings. In the late 80’s they began to expand their family, with Master Hwang teaching throughout each of her four pregnancies. Her 25-year commitment to Chayon-Ryu resulted in her promotion in 2006 to 6th dan black belt. Her greatest achievement from her martial arts training is her ability to face and manage the complexities of life, translating the lessons learned in the dojang into “real” life.

Master Don Martin – 5^th Dan

Master Martin began training with Grand Master Kim Soo in the mid 70’s in Houston and reached his first dan black belt in the early 80’s. His dream was to open up a branch school somewhere in the US. He and Master Hwang decided on Tucson as their base. After setting up classes at remote locations, he returned to his primary work and taught classes in the evenings. His training commitments included demonstrations, tournaments and leading training retreats. He was promoted to 5th Dan (Master level) in 2004 and still occasionally travels with Grand Master Kim Soo to visit dojangs in other countries.