At age 78, I found myself pursuing a black belt in Tae Kwon Do at Asheville Sun Soo. Only months earlier, nothing would have seemed more improbable. I knew nothing about Tae Kwon Do. I had already lived a full life. My dreams had come true. I had been married to the same wonderful trophy wife, whom I adored, most of my life; had two wonderful children, an engineer and a physician, a beloved son-in-law, four beloved grandchildren; a B.S. degree from the University of Ga., M.D. from the Medical College of Georgia, internship and residency at Duke U.; had been Instructor at Duke, Assistant Professor at the Medical University of S.C.. I'd had a successful medical practice for years and retired at age 53. I had studied music at UNC Asheville and San Francisco Conservatory; German; French; Latin; acupuncture; hypnosis; horseback riding; skiing; and...lots more. I had served three years as a Major in the U.S. Army Medical Corps in Europe; travelled through Europe, Asia, Africa, America; friends all over the world; countless adventures! I had been everywhere--seen everything--and done everything--or so I thought! But a surprise was yet to come: Tae Kwon Do! I enrolled my grandson, at age 8, in Asheville Sun Soo, took him to classes several times a week. As I stood observing something remarkable happened. I realized that I was witnessing something profound, that I had not imagined! It included discipline, art, spirituality, courtesy, integrity, self-defense, respect for self and others, wholesomeness, achievement, and much more, an ancient discipline, whose origins were lost in prehistory, refined through countless centuries, of unfathomable depth, connecting practical self-defense and profound spirituality. The children were beautiful, but the beauty radiated from within. The same was true of the adults. Everything was designed to encourage the truth, beauty, and love, that flourish in every human heart, to flow forth freely. This illuminated the place. Discipline was strict but kind, gentle, voluntary, and self-imposed, the atmosphere supportive, an emphasis on openness of heart, mind, and spirit. Everyone was encouraged to know and care about one another. All this was disarming, an interesting paradox in a discipline based on combat. There were people of all kinds, backgrounds, ages, special needs, immobile and artificial joints, blindness, all encouraged to progress as well as possible and strive for excellence. The children had to bring letters from parents and school teachers. The letters were read aloud and accomplishments praised. Courtesy, respect, and self-reliance were required. The effects were astonishing. My grandson grew in self-confidence, self-esteem, and responsibility, develop his physical abilities. He glowed with delight performing the exercises. He loved what he was doing. As I watched, I was drawn into it like a magnet. I told Master Tony Morris of my interest. "However," I said, "I don't know if I can do this." He replied: "Do what you can." I realized that I was speaking with a remarkable man, a man of great depth and spiritual evolvement, that it was he who had created this remarkable place, that it was his vision that had brought it all about--the demand for excellence, the openness, the eagerness to accept all possibilities, the wholesomeness, the discipline. It was he whose dream it was to bring others, as well as himself, to the best that they could be. The realization that he had manifested this reality from glorious vision intrigued me. I wondered what visions were yet to be fulfilled. He showed me a few basic movements. Then he spoke of the people practicing Tae Kwon Do in the sunny room. He knew all of them, all their names. He spoke with affection and respect. He obviously had a profound interest in people and in helping them rise to their greatest potential. I asked my grandson what he thought about my participating. He beamed! "Why would you think I wouldn't want you to?" he asked. I signed up! I found myself immersed in this extraordinary atmosphere--practicing the ancient art and discipline of Tae Kwon Do with its powerful spiritual and emotional depth--exercising, losing weight, learning self-defense, getting to know everyone, feeling the love, advancing deeper and deeper into the spirituality. My awkwardness was received with patience, kindness, generosity, and understanding and the gentle pressure to exceed self-imposed limitations. Everyone encouraged me. Never have I known a more nurturing atmosphere. It all began to come together--all the experiences, the adventures. It all began to make sense. In this beautiful atmosphere, all that I had known reappeared in a fresh, gentle light of new understanding. My grandson progressed beautifully. His teachers raved about him. He developed in courtesy and athletic grace. He progressed steadily through the belt levels. I never felt better! read more

This is an experience we had last fall... and in the months since I can say that we continue to have great experiences with SunSoo. We're grateful for this organization in our community! My husband and I arrived to your studio this morning with very a nervous Mighty Tiger and White/Yellow belt, who both decided upon arrival that they did not want to participate at all. I had to use your class breathing technique to calm myself so that we didn't walk out the door for home 10 min later (in general, I'm not one to give up easily!). Once both S and G made eye contact with the familiar faces and smiles of their instructors/masters, they began to calm down and take in all the differences in the studio that initially felt scary and overwhelming. Aside from thinking we had committed to a 2 hour event only to arrive home 6.5 hours later; the day was an amazing gift for our family (we'll be better prepared next time- though the day was long, there was so much more that was absorbed than had we only been there for their portion of the tournament). We were all able to see all the ages and skill levels of the many participants showing their skill and trying their best. We are appreciative of the opportunity to be a part of Sun Soo and the energy and focus you have created. My children were both uplifted by their experiences- and what that gave to their confidence and development was beyond the medals they brought home- thank you for giving us that. G and I haven't talked too much about her conversations with you the last two weeks- but tonight she looked at me and said, "I'm really glad I went to the tournament today. I was able to practice my one steps and I learned so much. Master Morris told me that I could just tell myself a different story and I tried that and it worked on my from and a little on my one steps." She almost did not sign up for the one steps but i insisted as a way to help her practice, and though i want to push my children to do what they can, i also want them to want to push themselves at a rate that is *almost* comfortable. She (we) sought help from a few students and instructors and made her own community of experiences outside of class- it was really nice to see the layers of student interactions appear alongside her confidence and skill. Afterward, I've never seen her so excited to practice at home- she continued to do her steps (teaching me how to block) until bedtime. S was convinced he didn't want to break boards. He fractured his arm Monday night (its pretty bad and we're hopeful he will not require surgery) and has been feeling low b/c of his new one-handed challenges. He said tonight, "I'm really happy i got to break boards. I almost didn't do it b/c i didn't want to be embarrassed." Again, my heart was full because of the support and encouragement everyone shows all the participants. It's infectious and creates an environment where everyone can rise to their ability if they choose to. We really appreciate you and the instructors, staff and volunteers. I am also grateful for your willingness to talk with G and to help her feel confident and to act in an intentional manner (eye contact and to answer questions), as well as to help her push herself with her practice, and in life. read more

I own two businesses; I'm very busy and don't have a lot of time so I have to be very judicious with the activities that I chose to do. But several months ago, I called Master Morris, actually on behalf of my son, Adison, who is 5 years old and is interested in doing Tae Kwon Do in the Kid's karate class. And as Master Morris was telling me all the wonderful things that the kids learned in that class, which goes way beyond the Tae Kwon Do moves, they learned so many wonderful principles about self-control, integrity, discipline, and courtesy. They also have to acheive certain things in the home before they can progress through the belts as well, so I just thought it was wonderful for Adison. But as he was talking to me, he asked me if I might be interested and I responded that I quite frankly didn't even know it was an option as an adult to be in Tae Kwon Do class. Then he started telling me about all the adults that he has in his school, and it's really something that I've always wanted to do, even growing up. So I took him up on his offer to start taking classes and I love it. What I love about it is as the kids get older, it's something my husband, my two young kids, and I can do together so we don't have to be running all over the town doing different activities. We can do it as a family. And it's a great way to keep in shape, but you're not only keeping shape, you're also a part of a community that's really supportive and they are rooting for you. It's great for a social outlet and building relationships for business even, so if you are on the fence about whether you should come in here, I'm telling you that you should come in and try it out, you're going to love it. It's just great for overall wellness. read more

Sun Soo has a great community feel! You are personally greeted each time you walk in, the staff sincerely care about you and your family. As my family has participated in the classes offered I have witnessed the personal one on one care they give each student. I can attest to the sincere desire they have to support the student and the family. I volunteer as the director for my church's all girl camp each summer ages 11-18. As I watched the Tae Kwon Do classes I felt this great impression to ask if they are available to come to camp. Master Morris was very excited to help support my efforts and the young women's desires to be more self reliant. He took my concerns into consideration and sent an all female black belt staff to instruct the Young Women in self defense. Sun Soo attending camp was the highlight to all 75 campers that week. They each bore there testimony regarding how they felt stronger on their abilities as a female to protect themselves. Another aspect of Sun Soo that my family is grateful for is the strengthening of the mind that practicing Tae Kwon Do offers. My teenage daughter struggles with focus and follow through. As she started practicing at Sun Soo she immediately became more confident in her abilities and 8 months later she is able to successfully complete her school work and maintain good grades. I personally am grateful for the changes that practicing Tae Kwon Do has brought to our family, our home and the confidence our family has gained as they support our community. If you are looking for something to help your family grow closer together, strengthen their character as well as their mind and body, I highly recommend Sun Soo! read more

There aren't enough words offered in this review space for me to share my Love and respect for Asheville Sun Soo and their staff. My daughter started attending the after school program when she was 4 years old, after we had a so-so experience with other after school programs, honestly the martial Arts program was just a bonus for us. The immediate impression I got is that EVERY single staff member and Instructor has sincere respect and awareness for the children and people they are teaching. As time has passed I am seeing how the Core Values taught at Sun Soo impact these kids. I've watched the growth not just with my daughter but with other kids as well. Over the summer When the Pandemic affected our summer camp plans and work schedules, The staff at Sun Soo pivoted effectively to provide a safe, and conscious space for the kids to still be kids in their summer program. My daughter is entering her 3rd year at Sun Soo in their School Camp as well her Martial Arts program. I am in awe of her when I watch her, these past couple of months. She's focused and poised while in class, but still her silly side with her classmates once they're off the mat. Asheville Sun Soo will continue to be part of our daughter's life, it's a type of mentoring/ teaching/ practice that I wish every child could have. read more

As a 40-something who started his practice a bit over three years ago, I can't speak highly enough about Sun Soo. When I signed up, I was out of shape, and not using my time (or my mind) to it's fullest capacity. While my work and home life was excellent, I had no other outlets or goals. The journey toward becoming an proficient martial artist has been both fun and challenging. I've made many WONDERFUL friends at Sun Soo- it's truly a family. The space itself is large enough to accommodate the sizable classes, yet feels very comfortable and inviting. The quality of instruction is second-to-none, and there is no "meathead mentality" here. Classes are led by people who truly love doing this, and all of the teachers are people who learned their martial arts at Sun Soo. Plenty of individual instruction is available and everyone there truly cares about the well-being of each student. The student population is very diverse in age, gender, and ethnicity which makes for a much more enriching experience. I'm very thankful for what Grandmaster Morris and his staff have carefully curated over the past 13 years. It's a place I honestly love to be, and I'm now in the best physical (and mental) condition I've been in since my early 20s. read more

COVID19 Update: This martial arts community has stayed steady during these tenuous and uncertain times. We are so glad to see & hear our classmates via Zoom classes and to continue to feel the support of Grand Master Tony Morris and Master Dickinson as our personal practice grows. Staying fit, connected, and strong during this tough time has been so helpful & Sun Soo has done an outstanding job of continuing the quality education I have come to expect. Original Review: Raising a 2 year old and a 4 year old was getting a little crazy, so my husband and I looked for a place to inspire discipline, commitment and spiritual balance for our family. We could not have found a better space for each of us to grow stronger and be our best. During 2019 we enrolled both children, and now we have all joined. As part of their commitment to Master Dexter, our kids make their own beds, help clean our home, and generally take pride in being courteous, strong, and kind. We're all stronger, and I am so grateful for the ways we're growing. It's so special to be able to do this as a whole family - and we all look forward to taking mixed rank (all belts colors) classes together once the children are a bit bigger... read more

This business is now called "Asheville Sun Soo Taekwondo" and if you're interested in learning martial arts in Asheville this is a great place to go. The instructors are very friendly, knowledgeable, and open to people of all backgrounds and walks of life. The classes are very vigorous and the students that attend the school are a great group of people. When I started with the school several years ago I already had 10+ years of martial arts experience, however, I was never looked down upon because I studied another art besides Taekwondo. On the contrary, the instructors encouraged me to share my previous experience with others while I trained in the art of Taekwondo. As far as the school itself, the facility is spacious, clean, and has lots of training tools from heavy bags to falling mats. They run a full-time school with morning, night, and weekend classes. For the amount and quality of training that you get, the fee to train there is extremely reasonable and competitive. If you are thinking about training in the martial arts, please give these guys a call for an intro lesson before you decide to go anywhere else; you'll be glad you did. read more

We started my 10 year old at Sun Soo after several months of bullying at school. Paired with significant anxiety and low confidence, he was shutting people out and we were worried for him. We toured a few different martial arts centers and after seeing them all, he chose sun soo. He liked the big bright open space and Master Marshall was able to connect with him during our tour. The first class was rough. He refused to get on the mat until Master Jaques came over to him and got onto his level to talk with him and welcome him in. He followed her to the mat and was soon all smiles. Fast forward 6 months and he is excelling not only at Taekwondo (he just made yellow-green) but is an A student and getting ready for middle school. His confidence has risen and he is making new friends. He still struggles with anxiety but the student and instructors at Sun Soo really have been amazing; welcoming him with no judgement and showing him that kindness is ever present. As a family, I feel we have found our people. My husband even recently signed up and is taking classes as well! I highly recommend SunSoo! Sign up for a month, I promise you won't regret it. read more

I can only say positive things about Sun Soo Martial Arts. Master Morris and his staff offer a welcoming, inclusive, structured, and FUN environment at their school.  While I am new to martial arts, I am a skilled and veteran educator.   As an elementary teacher of 16 years, I can appreciate the strategies and approach that he takes to help our youngest learners grasp and retain not only the lifelong lessons and skills about being a good person but also an appreciation of physical fitness.  In addition, my eight-year-old son is developing not just martial arts skills, but discipline, the appreciation of a goal, and social skills/manners that he will need and use throughout his entire life.  We tell everyone we know about the amazing things happening with our son and the other students at Master Morris' school.  Master Morris meets with families to explain his philosophy and passion for his school.  It is not a sales pitch,  rather an overview of himself as a person and all that Sun Soo can offer you.  If you are on the fence, do it, call today, and set up a meet and greet.  You won't regret it. read more

We love Asheville Sun Soo And both our kids are in both the taekwondo program and after school program. Master Morris, Master Sabahive and all the instructors and staff are wonderful in their commitment and standards for instilling excellence in their students. We have seen positive changes in our family and for the first time, our kids (5 and 9) have desire to achieve long-term goals and are working towards them. I enjoy watching our kids practice and learn and intend to sign up and practice with them myself in the near future. There is a strong sense of discipline and protocol but at the same time, everyone is so kind and accommodating. And even though wearing masks at all times is not fun, their care and concern for compliance and protecting the health of our kids has resulted in ZERO Covid transmission cases out of the program. The integrity that comes with always doing the right thing (even though the right thing sometimes really sucks) is just one of many things I respect about the philosophy here. Being involved has blessed us and I highly recommend the program to you reading this. read more

Our two boys, ages 6 & 8, have been members of Sun Soo since they were 3 years old. They started their practice in the Mighty Tigers program with Mrs Dexter. Her patience, enthusiasm and instruction made classes fun and enjoyable, and it was a great introduction to martial arts. As the boys progress through their classes, they are slowly developing the five tenets that Sun Soo teaches every day. They attend the after school program, monthly Kids Night Out (date night!), and are learning to work together as they both advance in their testing. We are fully committed to Sun Soo and appreciate the support that they bring in helping us raise two respectful boys. I would without hesitation recommend Sun Soo to anyone interested in adding a martial arts practice to their family. If you need an After-School program, then look no further - Master Sabahive does a fantastic job! In the end, don't take it from us, just ask our two boys, they love every day that they spend at Sun Soo! read more

My two sons practice Tae Kwon Do at Asheville Sun Soo since June 2016. My oldest son is 12 years old and is a 2nd degree black belt. We transferred from another school from out of state. When selecting a new school to practice we researched several schools in our area and found Asheville Sun Soo to be the absolute best. They teach true self defense and traditional tae kwon do. We have seen both of our sons grow into respectful young men and great practitioners of this form of martial arts. The environment at Asheville Sun Soo is a small community where everyone is welcome and added as a family member. I have seen both of my sons grow and learn so much in this short 2 years. This is not a belt factory where students get a belt for attending class. The students earn each belt they test for and were these belt ranks proudly. I would recommend Asheville Sun Soo to anyone interested in learning true self.decense techniques. read more

My son has been a student at Sun Soo for over a year now. I love this school! There are so many reasons but my number one reason is the Teen Instructors. They have had a positive impact on my son by being a role model in his martial arts practice, a role model in social situations and a role model in respect and manners. I often see them setting the example and he follows because they are cool. (Mom and Dad just sound like a broken record... But these cool people I will listen to!) The school continues to instill confidence, courtesy and integrity in his everyday. I appreciate the safe COVID environment Sun Soo provides as well. The internal incentive they create for their younger practitioners is amazing and really works. Expectations are clear and they realize their goals are in reach! Aside from the Teen Instructors the staff and community are helpful, professional and welcoming. I love being a part of this community. read more

I started my own practice here two years ago as a 40-year-old, after decades of wanting to learn a martial art, and years of watching Sun Soo grow and develop in Asheville. The moment I gave myself permission to go for it and begin was a pivot point in my life. While I love the physical nature of the practice - the fitness benefits are wide and large - it is the precise and focused instruction from the staff that has most directly affected my life. Learning how to kick well is cool, but learning how to live well is immeasurable. I have no doubt that each and every one of the staff, as well as my fellow practitioners, want the absolute best for me in all things. The intention, integrity and inspiration in the school is deep. Now, practicing with my wife and four kids as well, I am proud to give to and receive from this school and this practice. read more

My son attended the after school last year and will be attending the after school this year as well. When I work till 5p, I feel confident and grateful that I know he is in good safe hands having fun. There is nothing that gets past the instructors. My son has got in a habit that he can not leave without giving a hug to the amazing afterschool teachers. As a parent a big burden comes off my back knowing he is learning and growing, making new friends, and moving his body. He has become an expert checkers player because they play board games and interact with other kids. I am so impressed and can't say thank you enough to the wonderful after school teachers and martial arts teachers Ryan is able to work with. We went out the other day and Ryan saw two friends out that he was able to say "Hello" to. He said, "I know them from Sun Soo." read more

Mark F Supporting and witnessing our granddaughter's growth and development at Asheville Sun Soo has truly been a rewarding and fulfilling experience for me and my wife. I can't say enough about the gratitude we feel toward Master Morris and his ENTIRE staff for their dedication and talent in inspiring children [and adults] to grow their skills in every aspect of their lives. Reinforcing the values of respect, mental and physical discipline, teamwork, and self defense consistently inspire confidence and courage with students at all levels. The staff from the top down are friendly, knowledgeable, caring, and, always maintain a positive, productive environment. We feel blessed that our granddaughter is part of this amazing community! read more

I have been practicing Taekwondo at Sun Soo with my two kids, 5 and 13 for over a year and it has been one of the best experiences! It is not easy to find activities that the whole family can be involved in and this practice has provided that and so much more. We started at Sun Soo shortly after moving to the area from Ohio and it provided some much needed community and stress release. It feels amazing to start or end the day with some punching, yelling and kicking. There is also a focus on personal discipline and being your best self on and off the mat that I love. I would recommend this practice to anyone and I am so grateful that I became involved. I honestly can't picture where I would be without it now. read more

Asheville Sun Soo is one of those places you come to develop both physically and mentally. My son and I are both students of Master Tony Morris and his wonderful staff. My son had been bullied at school. His grades dropped drastically, and his self esteem diminished. Even after the bullying stopped, he struggled with the emotional scars. My husband and I took our son for an interview with Mr. Michael Dickinson. After seeing him work with our son, we knew we had to enroll him at the school. Within one month of attending classes, his grades improved to A's and B's. I am so proud of my son, and I thank Asheville Sun Soo for what they have done for our family. read more