GM Keith Kelly

GM Keith Kelly is a 7th Degree Black belt in Taekwondo. He started training at the South Second Street Youth Center in Plainfield, New Jersey at the age of 16. His instructor was Joe Tucker, one of the first great fighters that Ki Chung Kim developed. Keith started competing as a red belt and fought on the AAU Karate circuit in 1979. He was invited to try out for the National AAU Karate team later that year. After earning his black belt in February of 1980. He began getting additional instruction from another Ki Chung Kim master technician Tony Alvarez. Between being tutored by Tony Alvarez and GM Ki Chung Kim he was ready to explode across the tournament circuit. He accompanied his teammate Mark Williams and traveled to multiple states to compete. Two years later Herb Perez joined them to solidify their championship run. By the time all was said and done Master Kelly had won about 80 championships. This includes The All American Open held at Madison Square Garden and the AAU Taekwondo Nationals where he won a gold and silver medal. Master Kelly has run after school and Saturday morning Taekwondo programs since 1989. Many of his students have done well in competition and have gone on to lead successful lives. Currently, he is winding down his career as a public school teacher and is preparing to finish the final book in his children’s book series that is based on the fundamental concepts of Taekwondo. If interested you can find them at: www.peacecomestoajani.com