Sunny Woo Park: A Trailblazer in Martial Arts and Empowerment

Although his legal name is Kwon Woo Park, he is widely recognized by his professional name. Throughout the conversation, Sunny offered insights into his background, the challenges he faced, and his vision for the future.

Sunny Woo Park’s story began in 2004 when he co-founded Master Parks Black Belt America, which has since expanded to ten locations and over 3,000 students in the tri-state area. His passion for martial arts is deeply rooted in family heritage; his father opened their first studio in 1989, overcoming the language barrier that comes with being an immigrant. Reflecting on the struggles of starting from scratch, Sunny remarked, “Being the son of an immigrant and owning a family business taught me that nothing is given. If you want something, you need to work hard and stay committed in the pursuit of your dreams.” By the age of ten, he was already taking on significant responsibilities at the studio, balancing teaching, administrative tasks, and personal training.

However, Sunny's journey was not without setbacks. In 1998, the family faced financial turmoil that resulted in the loss of their home and business, marking a difficult chapter in their lives. “We declared bankruptcy that year, losing everything,” Sunny recalled. “It felt as though we had lost the American Dream.” Despite these hardships, he demonstrated resilience, stating, “When a man loses everything and hits rock bottom, you only have one way to go, and that’s up.” This tenacity and determination laid the foundation for his future endeavors.

Sunny's passion for martial arts extends beyond business; it is driven by a desire to empower others. He explained, “There’s something extraordinary about empowering yourself and your students through hard work and determination. Nothing feels better than teaching my children and students that with a little confidence, some skill, and a goal, anything is possible.” This ethos is central to the mission of Master Parks, which aims to foster strong, confident individuals through martial arts training.

As a leader in the field, Sunny acknowledges the challenges of cultivating a dedicated team that shares his values. He noted, “Finding the right people who fit into our business culture and family beliefs is a significant obstacle. However, as we grow, I feel we are on the right track.” His commitment to building a supportive community resonates throughout the organization and plays a critical role in its continued success.

Looking to the future, Sunny has ambitious plans for both his brands and the martial arts community. He expressed a desire to expand Master Parks to 50 locations by the time he turns 50, aiming to create opportunities for his students to thrive. “I want to impact and positively change the lives of our students in our communities,” he shared, emphasizing the importance of teaching self-defense skills to combat bullying and instill confidence in children.

As the newly appointed president of Kombat Taekwondo USA, Sunny is dedicated to uniting various martial arts associations under one umbrella and providing athletes with professional fighting opportunities. “In less than a year, we’ve expanded to 110 countries and launched two professional fights,” he proudly stated, highlighting the organization’s rapid growth. His ultimate vision is to create global superstars through the Kombat Taekwondo platform, drawing inspiration from icons like LeBron James and Serena Williams.

Sunny Woo Park’s journey is a testament to resilience, hard work, and the power of community. From facing adversity to rebuilding a thriving business and inspiring countless students, his story serves as a powerful reminder that with dedication and passion, anyone can achieve their goals. As he continues to push boundaries in the martial arts industry, Sunny embodies the true spirit of the American Dream—one that thrives on the principles of hard work, family values, and unwavering belief in oneself.