Philip Hwang, (Master Phil), is the owner and head instructor at Master Taekwondo. Master Phil is a Kukkiwon-certified 4th degree Black Belt. Kukkiwon is the overseeing authority of all Black Belts in the world, working with the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF); it also oversees taekwondo in the Olympics.

In 1992, at the age of 8, Master Phil began training under Grand Master Santangelo who achieved the level of 8th Dan in taekwondo under the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF). The ITF is another highly respected global authority for taekwondo.

When Master Phil entered Middle School and then High School, his years of taekwondo training became invaluable as he participated in wrestling, track, and hockey.

Master Phil continued his taekwondo training post-high school, and in 2007, began training under Grand Master Shin who has achieved the level of 6th Dan in Taekwondo, certified by Kukkiwon; Grand Master Shin was also a distinguished member of the South Korean National Taekwondo Team that competed around the world.

While attending Temple University, Master Phil joined Temple’s Taekwondo Team. Upon graduating in 2008, he was invited by the University to become the team’s Assistant Coach. Because of his exceptional skill and his ability to positively influence and motivate the team, the University selected him to lead as the coach of the team. Master Phil served as the Head Coach of Temple University’s Taekwondo Team from 2010-2013.

In 2013, Master Phil began training under Grand Master Goh, a 9th Dan in Taekwondo, certified by Kukkiwon. Master Phil currently trains under Grand Master Goh.

AWARDS / ACHIEVEMENTS

(under Master Phil’s leadership)

4 USA Taekwondo National Championships / WTF sanctioned

18 State Medalists USA Taekwondo State Championships / WTF sanctioned

12 Eastern Collegiate Taekwondo Conference (ECTC) Team Medals / WTF sanctioned

1 Eastern Collegiate Taekwondo Conference (ECTC) TOP DIVISION TEAM TITLES / WTF sanctioned

TESTIMONIALS

Vincent C.

I met Master Phil in the fall of 2009 when I walked into my first ever Taekwondo class. As I stood there in formation with this ragtag group of college students, Master Phil introduced himself as the assistant coach for the Temple University TKD team. At this time the team was not doing so well. We had minimal funding, minimal students, and we were not a winning team within in the collegiate community. The following year Master Phil became the head coach of the team and things began to change for the better. He pushed us to lobby for more funding, which we received. He made sure we had effective recruiting methods causing the club to double in size. Most importantly his teaching style brought that ragtag group of students together by providing them with the tools to build their confidence and skills. In a large class of students Master Phil can focus on every individual. He is keen on discovering each student’s strengths and weaknesses; all the while he is fixing the weaknesses (whether they be mental or physical) and building up the strengths of every student. Due to Master Phil’s teaching method there was a metamorphosis in the team. We went from winning a few bronze metals per year to consistently winning metals at the highest level of collegiate competition, winning our division at multiple tournaments, and even becoming the overall division champions. He took a team that no one even considered a threat and molded them to be the best amongst their peers.

My personal relationship with Master Phil extends much farther than the Temple University TKD team. He welcomed me into his Dojang throughout the years as I journeyed from white belt to black belt. Eventually coaching me to a second place standing at the USA Taekwondo National Tournament. At his Dojang he taught me the finesse of working with students of all ages. This is a skill that he has honed throughout the years.  Master Phil has a unique way of giving people the confidence they need to overcome physical and mental obstacles that they never thought would be possible.

In the summers he would run a camp for inner city youths where he invited me to help teach Taekwondo to the camp participants. Seeing him with these children was like seeing the essence of happiness. He would sacrifice so much of his time just to give everything he could to these kids, because that is the kind of person that he is. No matter the inconvenience he puts others before himself.

It is not possible to explain in a short testimonial how spectacular Master Phil is at what he does or how wonderful of a person he is. Teaching Taekwondo is what the man loves to do, and when this man loves something he is all in. Master Phil is a friend, a mentor, a coach, a volunteer, and one of the most selfless people I have ever met. Everyone should take the opportunity to learn from him, because he has so much to offer. I know if I had the chance I would be in his classes as often as possible.

Julia M.

I started taking classes with Master Phil a little over 3 years ago. As the newest member of the class, I was shy and unsure of myself. However, I quickly overcame those feelings because Master Phil is a natural teacher. Paired with his passion for the sport, his gift for teaching makes him one of the best coaches I have encountered. I have seen him work with both children and adults and his manner is unfailingly supportive and encouraging. As a teacher myself, I see how he tailors his teaching style to each student and I hope to follow his example in my classroom. I am thankful that my first experience with taekwondo has been through Master Phil's class.

Micah M.

Taekwondo teaches not only the importance of developing your body, but your mind and spirit as well.  It emphasizes character, self-discipline, and confidence that will improve your life outside of the Dojang.  Good instructors will improve your body.  Great instructors will ensure the body, mind, and spirit of their students are strengthened and encouraged to grow.

I came to learn Taekwondo under Philip Hwang's instruction with a strong body, but a somewhat weak mind and spirit.  Despite my tall height, strong build, and good physical fitness I was scared to death of sparring and competition.  Philip not only maintained a higher standard of physical training than I was used to, but made sure to nurture my mind and spirit with repeated, safe contact sparring, fostering an atmosphere of healthy competition among his students.  Thanks to his instruction I was able to walk out of my first Taekwondo tournament with an undefeated record and a newfound confidence in myself.

Master Phil is a great instructor who is highly skilled at Taekwondo and cares deeply for his students and has left a lasting impression on my life.

Steven W.

At first it was very daunting for me because I had no martial arts experience. I don't think my push kick or back kick would be as good as it is without Master Phil’s guidance. He is an amazing teacher that has made my learning experience extremely enjoyable. I would recommend Master Phil’s training to any skill level.

Lauren L.

Phil is a passionate and knowledgeable instructor with just the right mix of discipline and fun.  He loves children and cares for them as individuals, and so they will flourish under his care.  He is a relentless but patient leader, so children and adults alike can improve their wisdom, knowledge, skill, and discipline while studying under him.

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Master Taekwondo
4110 Butler Pike
Plymouth Meeting, PA, 19462

(215) 330-2945

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