Grandmaster James K. Roberts, Jr. 9th dan
Grandmaster J.K. Roberts, Jr., a native of Hawaii, has trained and taught in the martial arts for over three decades. His numerous honors include over 300 Grand Champion trophies in forms, sparring and weapons competitions. Grandmaster Roberts also holds the unique distinction of carrying the Madison Square Garden Forms Champion title for eleven consecutive years. In 1991, he was promoted to 7th Degree Black Belt and awarded the position of Master Instructor from his teacher of 25 years, the late Grandmaster Ki Whang Kim; in 1998 he was promoted to 8th degree and awarded the position of Grandmaster. In 2014, at the 50th anniversary of Kim Studio, he was promoted to 9th degree by Grandmaster James K. Roberts Sr.
Since 1971, Grandmaster Roberts has been devoted to passing on the traditions of the martial arts to KMU students as well as at The American University in Washington, D.C., where he has been adjunct professor for more than 28 years. Grandmaster Roberts teaches at Kim Studio Rockville on Tuesdays & Thursdays at 6 and 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 11 a.m.; he teaches at American University on Mondays and Wednesdays.