Training Body and Mind
Self-confidence through self-defense training!
Training Body and Mind
Self-confidence through self-defense training!
Welcome to Blue Dragon!!!!!
Who are we?
Since 1971, Blue Dragon
has offered the highest quality
traditional martial arts training
available. Now in Colorado, Blue
Dragon students of every age will also
receive the benefits of professional expertise and personal
attention. Leading by example,
Master James promotes
confidence, humility, determination,
and patience. Over time, Blue
Dragon students learn to embrace
these qualities as well. Shared skills
and values bring students together
and foster a strong feeling of
community.
Lineage
Grandmaster Han Young Kim
9th Dan - Taekwondo 7th Dan - Hapkido 4th Dan - Gumdo
Grandmaster Han Young Kim's involvement in martial arts training and instruction spans more than 50 years. He joined the Chang Moo Kwan Association when he was 7 years old and earned his 1st Degree Black Belt at age 10. Six years later, he competed in the 1963 Korean National Taekwondo Championship held in Chun Joo, Korea, and won the Silver Medal.
In 1965, Grandmaster Kim joined the Republic of Korea (ROK) Marine Corps' 1st Division in Pohang, South Korea. He later signed on for three tours of active duty in Vietnam (1967 - 1970) during which time he graduated in the top third of his class in the military Taekwondo Chief Instructor's course in Saigon. As one of the Chief Master Instructors of the elite Korean Marine Corps' Blue Dragon Brigade, Grandmaster Kim trained members of the U.S. and South Vietnamese Special Forces as well as military VIP bodyguards. The Blue Dragon Brigade, one of the United States' strongest allies, was known as the "Best of the Best." This elite group of fighters earned renown for their ferocity, dedication, and commitment. As a martial arts specialist, Grandmaster Kim participated on the Armed Forces' Taekwondo Demonstration Team and toured with this group of highly trained soldiers throughout Southeast Asia.
After serving in the Vietnam War, Grandmaster Kim relocated to the United States. He opened the first Blue Dragon School in Baltimore in 1971. Fifteen years later, he moved the school to its current site in Timonium. During his career, Grandmaster Kim has trained regional, national, and international competitors, produced over 1,200 black belts in Korea, Vietnam and America, and received numerous citations from Governors, Mayors, Police Chiefs and professional organizations including Maryland Taekwondo Association's "Grandmaster of the Century" Award. Grandmaster Kim's devotion to the martial arts has resulted in a lifetime spent studying, practicing and sharing the lessons of Taekwondo, Hapkido and Gumdo.
Master
Master James France began his training in 1975 under Grandmaster Kim at the young age of eight in Essex, Maryland. He was a 5th Dan Black Belt since 1998. In 2022, he earned the 6th Dan Black Belt and his Master Instructor certification through Kukkiwon. His extensive experience now spans 46 years practicing Tae Kwon Do as well as Hapkido.
Throughout his career as a Martial Artist during the Mid to Late-Seventies and Eighties, Master James was able to devote much of his training towards competition. During an exciting era when Tae Kwon Do rapidly grew in popularity, he was fortunate enough to win the Maryland State Championship several times as well as compete at numerous National Championships and in Korea. He is very proud of earning a Silver Medal in one of the first Collegiate National Championships. After retiring from competition, Master James transitioned into training other Blue Dragon students for competition at the State and National levels. He was also recognized and acknowledged by receiving citations such as the Mayor's Citation Award of Baltimore.
Master James is now continuing the traditional teachings of Tae Kwon Do in the State of Colorado.
Our Philosophy
Blue Dragon understands how proper teaching can influence others in a positive manner. We wish to perpetuate Tae Kwon Do by teaching students traditionally with a firm yet caring hand. We wish to help students overcome their own obstacles during practice.