About Out School

A talented and charismatic instructor, SaBumNim (Korean for “head instructor”) John Phillips, 4th Dan master instructor, supplies all of the students at the studio with strong guidance and in-depth instruction throughout their training.  Employing both traditional and modern teaching styles, SaBumNim manages to create an environment where Tae Kwon Do training is both a fun and challenging experience.  Although hard work and self-discipline are key in succeeding at the Phillips TaeKwonDo Center, Sabumnim John does not believe in the militaristic approach to training.  He directs his focus instead onto building camaraderie and self-confidence to encourage students to improve, rather than demanding it.  Since day one, it has been the first priority of Phillips TaeKwonDo to build a family environment where everyone can achieve excellence.

SaBumNim John began his formal martial arts training in 1988, under the instruction of Master Leonard Ortez.  In March of 1992, after 3 and a half years of training, SaBumNim John received his first-degree black belt through the Western Academy of Martial Arts.  Upon moving to the Pacific Northwest shortly thereafter, SaBumNim continued his training and began holding Tae Kwon Do classes in his garage for the neighborhood children.  By 1995, SaBumNim classes had grown beyond the limits of the family garage, so training was moved to a slightly secluded building behind Four Corners Square in Maple Valley, and Northwest Tae Kwon Do was born.  During that year, classes began to grow rapidly, and when the opportunity to move the studio to the main shopping center opened up, Sabumnim acted, securing both the studio’s location and it’s future.

In 1996 SaBumNim John and Master Ortez dissolved their relationship with the Western Academy of Martial Arts and formed a joint venture and governing body for their studios called the Lee Jon Association.  The new name was incorporated, and Northwest Tae Kwon Do became Northwest Lee Jon Tae Kwon Do.  Master Ortez returned to the well-respected Choi’s Institute of Tae Kwon Do and gained acceptance for Lee Jon into the United Tae Kwon Do Association.  The UTA, headed by Grandmasters Dan Choi and Hyun K. Choi, of Choi’s Institute, is a well respected organization in the international Tae Kwon Do arena. 

Shortly after the name change, Northwest Lee-Jon Tae Kwon Do celebrated their first ever Black Belt test.  It was at this test (proctored by Grandmaster Hyun K. Choi) that SaBumNim John received his third degree black belt and official SaBumNim status from the Kukkiwon (World Tae Kwon Do Headquarters) in Korea.  Testing with SaBumNim John were five other students including his wife and son who received their hard-earned black belts.  (SaBumNim's daughter would receive her black belt in the 1999 test.)  Since this first historic test, Northwest Lee Jon Tae Kwon Do has conducted yearly black belt tests, promoting over 35 students to 1st degree black belt and 12 students to 2nd degree black belt, all whom are certified with the World TaeKwonDo Federation in Seoul Korea.  In spring of 2001, SaBumNim John tested for his 4th degree black belt, earning him the title of Master Instructor with USA TaeKwonDo.

SaBumNim and the rest of his family are proud of their school and all of their students and openly invite you to become a part Phillips TaeKwonDo Center.