About Us

Chief Master Daniel Jackson

Owner – Kwan Jang Nim

“One’s truest character is established early in life. The challenge is to enrich what is good and to resist what is bad. As human beings, that is our obligation, and it shapes our world.”

Chief Master Daniel Jackson holds a 6th-degree Black Belt in Taekwondo and a 5th-degree Black Belt in Karate.

With nearly 50 years of martial arts experience, he has trained under renowned masters such as Grand Master Ray Szuch, Grand Master Dan Sawyer, and Supreme Grand Master Joon Pyo Choi. In a true show of respect and dedication, Chief Master Jackson restarted his black belt journey while training for the 1988 Olympics under Supreme Grand Master Choi. He voluntarily removed his 2nd-degree black belt as a sign of humility. During this period, he lived, trained, and taught at Supreme Grand Master Choi’s dojo. On weekends, he maintained the facility and even cleaned his instructor’s car. Reflecting on this time, he fondly referred to himself as “the true Karate Kid.”

In addition to Karate and Taekwondo, Chief Master Jackson has studied various disciplines, including Judo, Kendo, Kali-Escrima, Kickboxing, Boxing, and Fencing. His passion for martial arts is evident in his lifelong commitment to passing on the essence of these practices to his students. In 2001, he opened his first school and developed his own martial arts system called Sa Moo Ryu/Snake Boxing. This system is a choreographed combat form designed to be performed at combat speed.

Furthermore, he founded the Gold Medal Dreams (GMD) program. This initiative offers students the opportunity to compete at Olympic levels. Chief Master Jackson always encourages his students to believe in their ability to achieve the unexpected. He often shares his personal philosophy with them, known as the 3H’s: stay Healthy in mind and body, stay Hungry for knowledge and growth, and stay Humble in all accomplishments.

Master Matt Blanken

Master Instructor

Chief Master Jackson’s first student and first Black Belt, Master Matthew Blanken, began his martial arts journey in 2002. He achieved his 5th-degree Black Belt in Taekwondo in 2022. Since 2005, Blanken has expanded his expertise by studying Kali/Escrima/Jeet Kune Do under Sifu Jay Balajadia, as well as Kendo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Hapkido, and Iaido.

Throughout his career, he has competed in numerous local, state, regional, national, and international tournaments, consistently earning 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishes. His journey as an instructor started in 2004 when he became a Taekwondo teacher. Today, Blanken continues to teach Taekwondo, Karate, and advanced-level classes, including Black Belt training and Weapons instruction.

Beyond his teaching role, he contributes his expertise to the Gold Medal Dreams program. In this capacity, Blanken offers advanced fighting strategies and techniques to help students excel in competition.

Master Dan DeNuccio

Master Instructor

Beginning his martial arts journey in 2002, Master Dan DeNuccio holds a 5th-degree Black Belt in Taekwondo and trained under Chief Master Jackson. Over the years, he has competed in numerous sparring competitions, including five appearances at the International U.S. Open, where he earned gold, silver, and bronze medals. Additionally, he has claimed several national and state titles throughout his competitive career.

As a specialist in Hapkido self-defense, Master DeNuccio serves as the head instructor for F.I.S.T. (First Instinct Street Tactics). He continually draws inspiration from watching his students develop martial arts knowledge and gain confidence. Regardless of age, each student’s progress motivates him, especially as they learn to defend themselves in any situation.

Master Robert Passer-LeMaster

Master Instructor

In 2003, Master Robert Passer-LeMaster began his martial arts journey by training in the SamMooKwon system of Taekwondo under Chief Master Daniel Jackson at the Black Mountain Recreation Center in Henderson, Nevada. He earned his 1st-degree Black Belt in 2006 at the age of 18 and achieved his 5th-degree Black Belt in 2022. Additionally, he holds a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Throughout his career, Master Robert has competed in numerous Taekwondo competitions at local, state, regional, national, and international levels, consistently placing in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions. With over 20 years of teaching experience, he instructs Taekwondo and Karate classes for toddlers, children, adults, and students with special needs. A strong emphasis on strength training and cardio ensures that his students maintain optimal health and develop the sparring skills essential for success.

Celeste Hamner

Head Instructor

Celeste Hamner began her Taekwondo training under Chief Master Daniel Jackson in 2005 and has since earned a 4th-degree Black Belt. As a certified Kyroorugi coach through World Taekwondo, she also holds a Level 2 coaching certification from USA Taekwondo. Specializing in Olympic Taekwondo sparring, Celeste has been coaching the Gold Medal Dreams Taekwondo sparring team for over 10 years.

Throughout her martial arts career, she has coached and competed at local, state, regional, national, and international competitions. Notably, as a competitor, Celeste has earned silver and bronze medals at the US Open Taekwondo Championships.