If you lived in or around Montgomery County in the 1980s or early ’90s, there’s a good chance you remember Kim’s Karate, the martial arts chain that seemed to be everywhere. Their catchy TV commercials were staples of local stations, with upbeat music, energetic instructors, and the unforgettable slogan: “Have fun with the martial arts!”
Founded in 1970 by 9th-degree black belt Master Jae Kim, Kim’s Karate grew into one of the most recognizable martial arts programs on the East Coast. At its peak, the chain reportedly had more than 35 locations across Maryland (with several right here in Montgomery County), Virginia, Pennsylvania, and beyond. Classes blended Taekwondo, self-defense, and fitness, offering a family-friendly way for kids and adults alike to build confidence, coordination, and a sense of discipline.
Many MoCo residents remember their own journeys through Kim’s Karate’s colorful belt system, from the excitement of earning that first yellow belt to the fun of “no-contact” sparring sessions with classmates. Instructors often encouraged students to improve their strength and form through creative drills (some even used bamboo sticks to check the height of kicks, a classic old-school touch).
Anecdotes from former students across Maryland paint a picture of an energetic, community-driven program that helped introduce thousands to martial arts. Some even began teaching classes as teens, proudly wearing their black belts and passing on what they’d learned.
Today, a few Kim’s Karate schools remain in operation in Maryland, including locations in Lanham and Glen Burnie. While they appear to be independently owned and operated, they continue to honor the traditions and training style that made the program so well-known.
As for founder Master Jae Kim, commenters on a martial arts history blog have claimed that he eventually returned to Korea, where he remains a respected figure in the Taekwondo community. Though its heyday may have passed, Kim’s Karate remains a fond memory for countless Marylanders… a symbol of an era when martial arts classes filled suburban shopping centers, kids proudly wore their uniforms to class, and everyone learned to “have fun with the martial arts.”
