1946 – 2021
September 13, 2021 (Columbus, Ohio)– Obituary- Grandmaster Joon Pyo Choi. On Monday, September 13, 2021, beloved Supreme Grand Master Joon Pyo Choi, loving husband, father of 3 children, 88′ US Olympic team coach, instructor, mentor, and friend to many, has left this world to join our Heavenly Father. Born on 11/27/1946 in a war-torn Korea, he mastered and brought his love of Martial Arts to the US in 1971 with only $25 in his pocket and set out to share his love of Martial Arts. Through his vision and tenant of the Moo gong Ryu system he created, over 25,000 students across the globe have been impacted for the better. He is survived by his wife, Young Ja; his children, Jee-Young, Moo-Sung, Moo-Hyun, Anna; and grandchildren, Makayla, Aria, Clara, Kai; and siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends and students. His life was celebrated with a viewing on Friday 9/17 and services on 9/18.
Full details can be found at www.rutherfordfuneralhome.com
Choi, Joon Pyo
1946 – 2021
Posted online on September 15, 2021
Published in The Columbus Dispatch-Obituary- Grandmaster Joon Pyo Choi
From Grandmaster and Olympic Gold Medalist Herb Perez: “An am amazing gentleman who helped anyone who asked or was in need.
I trained at his summer camp and he spent hours helping me as I continued my quest for martial arts excellence.
He always was there for me and others.
He was a true martial artist.
I will miss him.”
Love, respect and honor to his life and legacy, my God receive him in heaven ❤
Just learned of your passing. You gave so much to so many throughout your life. Thank you for touching my life. May you rest in peace. May God give your family comfort and strength.
Another one of your original students whose life changed forever because of your guiding influence. Your positive impact will continue to live through me, your other students and others you have changed worldwide.
You will always be remembered.
Wali Bell
I too just found out about your passing.i woke up this morning with you on my mind. Great human being I met at 14 and trained with the next 25 years. Sad to realize the loss of a world without you in it.
Rick
I was lucky enough to get to train and spend time with Grandmaster Choi on a number of occasions, he actually came to my Academy in The UK to do a seminar. A TRULY great man, kind, warm and generous with his time and Martial Arts knowledge. God bless you sir, you will be missed.
Masters D
Several of us with Victory Martial Arts were able to return to the Arnold Sports Classic for the first time after the Covid years. We had no idea of Supreme Grand Master’s passing. We always were treated with such kindness and respect from him every year that we attended. It wasn’t the same this year without him. He had such gifts, and wisdom to help people feel better and do better. May the Divine Creator keep you in great company because you truly were an inspiration to all of us. We miss you. May love and light surround your family always.
Instructor Jason