Grandmaster Hee Il Cho training son, Jacob Cho in the first California Cho's TKD. circa 1977Cho's Tae Kwon Do has a rich and legendary history and begins with Grandmaster Hee Il Cho. As a young child, Grandmaster Cho trained in rugged conditions in South Korea.  He quickly rose through the ranks, capturing many competition titles, and then moving on to train his country's elite military special forces.

Upon relocating to the United States Grandmaster Cho continued his martial arts journey with passion, authoring eleven books, producing seventy videos and founding one of today's most respected international martial arts organziations (AIMAA)—he has also been inducted into every major martial arts hall of fame.

In 1974 the first Southern California school was opened in Santa Monica, CA (interior pictured above).  Many from the Cho family currently run their own Tae Kwon Do schools (locations in Hawaii, Texas, New York and of course here in Laguna Beach).  AIMAA extends the reach of Grandmaster Cho's teachings and spirit with affiliated schools spanning the globe; all under the close guidance of Grandmaster Cho.

Grandmaster Hee Il Cho is one of history's most prolific martial artists.  He serves as our benchmark for excellence and remains an inspiration to all at Cho's Academy.

Grandmaster Cho breaking three 2-inch boards.Cho's is a no-nonsense school, dedicated to promoting and teaching true martial arts to those willing to train hard with commitment, sincerity and humility.

Grandmaster Cho's son, Jacob Cho follows in his father's footsteps with the opening of Cho's Academy Tae Kwon Do & Yoga in Laguna Beach. Father and son continue to train and teach daily at their schools.