Grandmaster John Olds: A Martial Arts Journey

Grandmaster John Olds: A Martial Arts Journey

For over three and a half decades, Grandmaster John Olds has dedicated his life to the martial arts, forging a path of relentless training, global exploration, and profound instruction. From a five-year-old taking his first Taekwondo steps to becoming a revered Grandmaster, his journey is a testament to unwavering commitment and a passion for mastery.

Grandmaster Olds’ Taekwondo lineage is nothing short of impressive. He has honed his skills under the tutelage of legendary figures like WorldChampion and former US National Team Coach, Grandmaster Ki Moon Kwon, and 9th Dan, Grandmaster Jin Sup Hong. These formative experiences laid the groundwork for a deep understanding of Taekwondo’s intricate techniques and philosophical underpinnings.

But his pursuit of martial arts knowledge didn’t stop there. Grandmaster Olds is a true polymath of combat, exploring a diverse array of disciplines. He has delved into the powerful strikes of Karate, the dynamic self-defense of Hapkido, the throws and grappling of Judo, and the ground mastery of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. This broad spectrum of training has been enriched by learning from other notable instructors such as Okinawan martial arts master Tadashi Yamashita, kickboxing legend Duke Roufus, and Olympic judoka Mike Swain, allowing him to develop a comprehensive and adaptable martial arts repertoire.

His dedication extends beyond the training hall to the competitive arena. Grandmaster Olds has consistently tested his skills, earning medals atstate,national, and international levels. These accolades are a clear reflection of his technical prowess, strategic thinking, and unwavering competitive spirit.

Perhaps one of the most significant chapters in Grandmaster Olds’ journey involves his deep connection to Korea, the birthplace of Taekwondo. After numerous visits, he eventually made the pivotal decision to move to Korea to further immerse himself in the art’s origins. While there, he not only continued his rigorous training but also shared his expertise by teachingfor the Jeollabuk-do Taekwondo Association, bridging cultural divides through the universal language of martial arts.

With more than twenty years of experience as a martial arts instructor, Grandmaster Olds possesses a rare ability to connect with students of all ages and abilities. Whether guiding very young children through their first kicks or refining the techniques of competitive athletes, his wealth of teaching experience ensures that every student benefits from his vast knowledge and inspiring dedication.

Grandmaster Olds is the host of a popular podcast called “Conversations from the Hearth”.  It is the school podcast for Rising Phoenix Martial Arts.  The purpose of the podcast is to ponder the big questions about the martial arts with the goal of bringing the community together and educating our students.  The show was named “Conversations from the Hearth” because it all started out during covid where he would sit down in the lobby of the school by the fireplace and talk to the students about the martial arts.  Over the years, he began inviting guests on the show to spice up the dialogue and make the content more interesting.  He found that it is a great way to get to know other martial artists with like-minded and sometimes differing viewpoints. 

Grandmaster John Olds is more than just a martial artist; he is a living embodiment of the discipline, respect, and continuous pursuit of excellence that define the martial arts spirit. His story is an inspiration to anyone seeking to master a craft and dedicate their life to a passion.

Here is a summary of some of his accomplishments:

• 7th Degree Black Belt, Oneway
  • 7th Degree Black Belt, Taekwondo (Hanmookwan)
    • 7th Degree Black Belt, Taekwondo (Global Tae Kwon Do Association)
    • 6th Degree Black Belt, Taekwondo (Chung Do Kwan)
    • 5th Degree Black Belt, Taekwondo (Kukkiwon)
    • 5th Degree Black Belt, Taekwondo (Jidokwan)
  • 4th Degree Black Belt, Hapkido (Federation of Korean Hapkido)
    • 4th Degree Black Belt, Hapkido (U.S. Central Hapkido Association)
  • Brown Belt, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Kronos BJJ)
    • Purple Belt, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Gracie Barra)
  • 1st Dan, Kummooyeh (WKF)
  • 1st Degree Black Belt, Shorin Ryu Karate
  • 2nd Kyu, Okinawan Kobudo (Yamashita System)
• Hanmookwan Senior Master
• Federation of Korea Hapkido Master
• Kukkiwon Master (3rd Class)
• Gracie University SafeWrap Instructor