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12 | Voice of the Village
Business
Sunland Martial Arts Academy
More than just a pretty face
Leslie Hedge
Next time you drive by the corner of Foothill and
Scoville (across from Starbucks) check out Sunland
Martial Arts Academy. It’s easy to see why it won
“Best Storefront” in the STNC “Best of” contest for
2009. But the real story is what goes on inside, where
Master Sung Bok Kim teaches the arts of Tae Kwon
Do and Hap Ki Do to children and adults from all
over the Foothills and as far away as Santa Barbara.
What brings them to Sunland to study? There
is more to it than the storefront; Kim’s reputation
is widely known. He was honored to serve as a
bodyguard for the president of Korea when the
president visited the U.S. In addition to his skills,
Kim is great with students and especially great with
kids.
If you are looking for a way to improve your
child’s behavior while helping them gain respect
for others, develop self-discipline, and improve
their grades, Tae Kwon Do classes might be just the
thing. Those are just a few of the bonuses included
in an education in Tae Kwon Do and Hap Ki Do at
the Sunland Martial Arts Academy. Classes get kids
off the couch and off the streets, and parents of the
students said classes also help kids gain confidence.
“Once the kids get here, they want to stay. They
get hooked,” said Michelle Yi, mother of 7-year-old
martial arts student Justin.
“He’s great with the younger kids,” Yi said of
Kim. “He’s very patient with them. He likes kids.
I feel like he has a lot of compassion and wants to
make a difference with each kid and that shows. He
knows when to push them and when to hold back or
Forty years: recipe for a successful business
Editor
Mary Russo has been feeding the Foothills’ need for
good Italian food since 1970 with Corsica’s Deli at
8111 Foothill Boulevard, Sunland. Her success and
longevity are due to two simple principles: provide a
good product and make it well known.
Russo started cooking at age 8. By the time she
was 13 she was creating her own recipes and feeding
crowds at family gatherings, class parties, and
community events.
Her lifelong love of cooking is reflected in her
business; Corsica’s Deli is all about the food.
when to hug them. Not all Tae Kwon Do places are
the same.”
Yi notices her son is more focused since he began
the training.
“They have to learn all of these forms in sequence.
There are lots of things to learn and memorize and
you learn to focus. That’s why the kids do better in
school,” Yi said.
Aram Tatulian has two children studying with
Kim. Tatulian notices that they are more obedient
and show more respect toward their elders, as well
as having improved grades. His son Edward, age 12,
started training seven years ago and is now a black
belt. Tatulian’s daughter Ann began her training at
the Academy about three years ago and she also is a
black belt.
Tatulian said that Kim is a special teacher and
that he helps the students gain strength and more
confidence in mind, spirit and body. Tatulian has
noticed that his children are now able to set goals
and reach them; they don’t consider quitting because
they believe they can achieve what they go after.
“[Kim] was patient and good with the kids,
careful not to push them too hard,” Tatulian said.
Kim’s sons Henry and Harry assist in teaching
at the Academy. Henry Kim is a two-time Grand
Champion in Tae Kwon Do, a fact his father is proud
of.
Sung Bok Kim teaches all of his students Tae
Kwon Do, Hap Ki Do and a form of weaponry called
“Pal Bang Do Sun Gum Bup Mu Yea.” Students are
taught never to abuse what they have learned and
It is not a sit-down restaurant - the ambiance is
“simple storefront” - but the food is to die for. Fresh
or frozen, Russo’s entrées, salads and desserts are
available to take home and enjoy.
You might also have tried cooking Corsica’s
at home with one of the recipes featured in this
newspaper; however, her best recipes are reserved
for customers and to taste them you have to go to
Corsica’s Deli.
When not preparing her food, Russo works on
many different strategies to advertise and promote
her business. The Corsica’s Deli marketing plan
includes newspaper ads, Russo’s cooking column
not to use their skills outside of the class to harm
others.
Students compete four to five times a year and
often win high honors. Each class meets three times
a week. Classes are held between 3:30 and 8:30 p.m.
Monday through Friday, with morning sword and
sparring classes on Saturdays.
Students can attend a one-week trial for $20 or
take advantage of a special offer of nine weeks for
$99, which includes a uniform.
The academy is located at 8312 Foothill Blvd. in
Sunland. For more information, call (818) 352-1676.
“Cookin’ with Mary” in Voice of the Village, the Web
site http://www.corsicadeli.com, and flyers and
e-mails announcing deli and catering specials.
Corsica’s Deli also supports community groups,
including a recent fundraiser for the Wildlife
Waystation in Sylmar.
Also contributing to the success of Corsica’s Deli
are the facts that Russo loves to cook and that people
love good food.
A prosperous business also takes hard work,
dedication, and the support of family and friends.
Russo’s formula has worked; 40 years in business
says a lot.