Moo Do Kwan Crestwood

Our History

Welcome to Moo Do Kwan Crestwood! For over 40 years, our school has proudly taught traditional Taekwondo in Crestwood, Missouri. We are a proud member of: Gateway Moo Do Kwan Association — association founded in St. Louis by Great Grandmaster Bong Yul Shin and Grandmaster Jerry Smith consisting of multiple schools in the St. Louis area; Kukkiwon—the central authority for Taekwondo worldwide. Also known as the World Taekwondo Headquarters, Kukkiwon oversees black belt certification and serves as the official governing body for Olympic-style Taekwondo; World Taekwondo Academy (WTA) —Kukkiwon training academy for cultivating Taekwondo leaders. The academy has comprehensive training programs tailored to develop exemplary leaders across various sectors and disciplines, including education for masters and officials.

Moo Do Kwan Crestwood logo, taekwondo school in Crestwood, Missouri founded by Grandmaster Jerry Smith

Moo Do Kwan Crestwood – Founder
Gateway Moo Do Kwan – Co-founder

Grandmaster Jerry Smith – in memorium

8th Dan – Black Belt – Taekwondo

Grandmaster (GM) Jerry Smith first became interested in Taekwondo in the 1970’s after seeing someone use it on an Army base. He started practicing with instructor Chuck Roth and earned his 1st Dan (black belt).

Later he met Great Grandmaster (GGM) Bong Yul Shin and asked if he would take him on as a student. GGM Shin became his mentor and friend throughout the rest of GM Smith’s life. He was the co-founder of Gateway Moo Do Kwan and served as President for many years.

GM Smith started Moo Do Kwan Crestwood in 1981, and continued to teach there for 40 years until his passing in April 2021. During that time he earned his 8th Dan and was instrumental in teaching many others the art of Taekwondo.

He was a passionate advocate for the sport and respected throughout the Taekwondo community.

Moo Do Kwan Crestwood – Today

Moo Do Kwan Crestwood continues today with Grandmaster Jerry Smith’s students Master Grant Meenach (6th Dan), Mr. Tony Fiala (3rd Dan), Mr. Ed Smith (3rd Dan), and Mr. Miles Sauer (2nd Dan).

They are dedicated to continuing the tradition of teaching Taekwondo under the principles handed down by Great Grandmaster Shin and Grandmaster Smith.

Whether you have been practicing Taekwondo for a long time or are just starting out, the instructors are here to help you achieve your goals and develop your skills.

Gateway Moo Do Kwan logo

Gateway Moo Do Kwan association – Founder

Great Grandmaster Bong Yul Shin

9th Dan – Black Belt – Taekwondo

9th Dan – Black Belt – Hapkido

9th Dan – Black Belt – Judo

Great Grandmaster (GGM) Bong Yul Shin is a two-time Korean National Champion and one of the highest ranking martial arts instructors certified by Kukkiwon (World Taekwondo Headquarters in Seoul, South Korea). He is respected nationally and worldwide as a leading martial arts authority, and is considered to be one of the Founding Father’s of Taekwondo in America.

GGM Shin came to the USA in 1960, and started his first school in St. Louis in 1963. He is the founder of Gateway Moo Do Kwan Association which consists of fifteen martial arts schools throughout the St. Louis metro area, including Moo Do Kwan Crestwood.

Affiliated Schools