Grand Master Kwon had previously taught in Germany for ten years before coming to the US.  He decided to settle in the warm clime of  Fort Lauderdale.  What was so special about this?   GM Kwon was a member of the select group of black belts chosen by TKD’s founder, General Choi, to spread  Taekwon-Do throughout the world.  SBN Drew would be studying under one of the world's best.

Taekwon-Do is SBN Drew’s first love in his career life.  He studied and practiced with dedication.  This is his black belt progression:

• First degree (dan) – October 13, 1979
• Second degree (dan) – November 12, 1981
• Third degree (dan) – December 10, 1984
• Fourth degree (dan) – October 6, 1988
• Fifth degree (dan) – October 26, 1993
• Sixth degree (dan) – May 15, 2003
• Seventh degree (dan) – November 13, 2021

SBN Drew said that the most unexpected thing that happened to him was making his 7^th dan after waiting so many years.  “This was a great achievement beyond words for me.”  (Note:  A TKD student can’t hold the same degree as his master teacher.  GM Kwon retired the year before, so SBN Drew was then eligible to earn his 7^th dan.) 

GM Kwon recognized SBN Drew’s drive to achieve excellence in TKD.  Perhaps Drew's Marine Corps training and command capability were the reasons he was chosen to be an instructor for the dojang.  SBN Drew taught the morning and the evening classes.

In 1989, GM Kwon continued his quest to spread Taekwon-Do.  He moved to New York City to open a new dojang in Manhattan.  Of the 300 students in the Fort Lauderdale school, GM Kwon chose SBN Drew, fourth dan at that time, to take over the dojang.  Sahbumnim Drew was the Master of his dojang for 17 years.  When he retired, SBN Drew turned the school over to one of his experienced black belts.  The school had 366 active students at the time of his retirement.

When SBN Drew retired in 2007, he moved to The Villages.  At first, he joined many of the activities available to the Villagers.  Even though he was enjoying the Villagers’ lifestyle, SBN was missing TKD.  After hearing that The Villages was a retirement community, Master Kwon said that SBN Drew “must train The Villages’ Seniors.  The Villagers needed Taekwon-Do in their lives!” 

As a result of GM Kwon’s urging, Drew created a plan to start a Taekwon-Do dojang in The Villages.  He took his plans and copies of his black belt certificates to The Villages recreation department.  The department approved the plans and welcomed SBN Drew with open arms. 

The Villages Taekwon-Do dojang was “born” in August 2010 at the Seabreeze Recreation Center with eight “pioneering” students.  One of the original eight students is still with the dojang today, December 2024.  And he earned his 5th-degree blackbelt in September 2024. The dojang has 47 active senior citizen students attending.  Fifty-seven of the most dedicated students have earned their first dan black belt and beyond since the school started.  Our school is probably one of a few dojangs dedicated to teaching and training people over the age of 55.

At 86 years young, strong, and full of energy, SBN Drew is continually motivated to teach TKD.  “Seeing people do something in their lives that they didn’t think was possible [is thrilling].  Making their first dan black belt isn’t easy.  But with determination and drive, I know they’ll achieve [that cherished goal].”  What SBN Drew likes most about teaching is “meeting exceptional people from all walks of life.  Then, seeing us come together to fulfill our lives by training in TKD and achieving our goals.”  Plus, there are so many benefits from training in TKD.  The health gains alone are fantastic.  TKD helps a student develop a strong body, a sharp mind, agility, balance, stamina, and a sense of achievement.

SBN Drew’s children and his wife, Judie, attended the Fort Lauderdale Do Jang.  Joey, SBN’s oldest son, attained his first dan at the same time SBN Drew did.  GM Kwon was extremely thrilled that he had a father-son “team” to make black belts together.  Drew’s other two sons, Michael and Rocky, earned their black belts while training with GM Kwon.  His two daughters also took TKD, earning their red belts before they went to college and then married.  Judie has a black belt – second dan.  She trains at our Villages dojang, too.  

Finally, Drew has several diverse interests outside of the dojang.  He enjoys working in his Zen Garden and his bonsai trees.  His favorite clubs are the Bonsai Club and the Gourmet Club.  Best of all, he likes spending time with friends.