Who: Sung Tae Kim, 52, of Erlanger, a grand master and instructor of the martial arts Tae Kwon Do, Judo and Hap Ki Do. He is also an internationally ranked referee and a past Kentucky state president of the United States Tae Kwon Do Union.

        What: The belts that signify his ranking as a 7th Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do as well as Hap Ki Do and 6th Degree Black Belt in Judo.

        Where: Either around his waist or on display at his school, Kim's Korean Martial Arts Academy in Erlanger. (He and his wife, Niki live with their children Grace, John and Jennifer, in an apartment on-site.)

        Highly symbolic: “My belts make me feel proud and successful,” Master Kim says. “They represent the highest possible achievement in each discipline. It is like receiving a Ph.D. in three different subjects, English, math and science. They may look impressive, but what they signify is much more important.”

        School days: Master Kim began his martial arts training as a schoolboy in Korea.

        “Tae Kwon Do (in Korea) is almost like physical education in our schools here in the United States,” he says. “Every student takes it starting in grade school.”

        The first step: Master Kim believes that early training changed his life.

        “I was very nervous as a child,” he says. “Tae Kwon Do helped me to build confidence and taught me emotional self-control. It also helped me in my schoolwork. The martial arts gave so much to me that I wanted to pass my knowledge on. That's why I chose to become an instructor.”

        Too many to count: Master Kim operated a school in Korea before moving to the United States in 1979. Today, he teaches more than 150 students. Through the years, he estimates that the total number runs into the thousands.

        Pride and joy: As much, if not more so than his belts, Master Kim is proud of the trophies, plaques and medals that have been awarded to his students. He keeps them on display at the school.

        “Each student is like my personal child,” he says as he gazes out the window at a Do Bok-clad student who is showing off a newly won medal to one of his pals.

        His life's work: “Their success completes me. My greatest pleasure is in watching them grow, not only physically but mentally and philosophically.

        “I want them to be successful in the martial arts — but also happy and peaceful in life.”

        Share your prize possessions with Marsie Hall Newbold by mail: c/o The Cincinnati Enquirer, e-mail: marsolete@aol.com.

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