From Taekwondo to Jiu-Jitsu: A Martial Arts Mastery Journey

Transforming from a bullied teen to a disciplined martial artist, Caleb Kim embodies the power of resilience and the pursuit of self-improvement, culminating in a mission to share the practice of discipline through Jiu-Jitsu. A current sophomore at the University of Oregon, majoring in accounting with a minor in Korean, Caleb lives for the grind of consistent improvement. “Showing up every day and falling back on the discipline I learned from a young age is the reason I do what I do,” said Caleb.

Throughout Caleb’s adolescence, he was bullied, which motivated him to look for help in martial arts. Coming from a Korean heritage, the decision to pursue Taekwondo was easy. From the ages of six to twelve, Caleb’s father taught him Taekwondo. The persistent training required for Taekwondo fostered a strict work ethic in Caleb. By seven years old, Caleb was already sparring with black belts, teaching him humility and discipline. Caleb played football in high school and planned to walk on at Portland State University. Unfortunately, Caleb’s football story met a tragic end during a game against Jesuit High School, where a tackle twisted his knee and tore his PCL and LCL. Taekwondo’s emphasis on kicks made it hard on Caleb’s knee. However, he eventually found that Jiu-Jitsu, a Brazilian martial art form focused on grappling and chokeholds, was manageable. The transition wasn’t seamless, but Caleb’s ingrained discipline from his training sessions with his dad propelled him forward. It was during his freshman year in college that he met Xander, an advanced blue belt in Jiu-Jitsu, starting a long-lasting friendship. “Together, we embraced intense training sessions, leaving our egos at the door, creating a bond rooted in mutual growth and discipline,” said Xander.

In the near future, Caleb hopes to earn his blue belt in Jiu-Jitsu and pictures himself receiving his purple belt within the next five years. During the following decade, Caleb aspires to earn his black belt, utilizing the discipline he’s acquired from his years of experience. Planning to share the dedication and joy of the sport with loved ones, Caleb ultimately aims to start his own Jiu-Jitsu gym.