John Critzos, II was the last champion produced by Grand Master Kim Ki Whang, and was known for his close relationship to GM Kim (he was the son GM Kim never had). Today, the Grand Master’s uniform, training sticks, and belt hang in Critzos’s private dojo, where he trains daily. Grand Master’s artifacts are perpetually guarded by two authentic 19th century Samurai coats of armor and a Samurai sword from the 1800’s. 

Critzos is an attorney, practicing law in the Washington, DC area.  He is the head of his firm which has two offices in the DC area, which specializes in personal injury /auto.

During his competitive career, Critzos dominated the traditional martial arts circuit from 1979 to 1985; in addition he has earned many awards and honors including:

Master Critzos’s technical ability is unparalleled and despite being a heavyweight, is known for his flashy leg techniques, truculence, flexibility and speed. 

He is currently the head instructor at the United States Naval Academy Karate-do Team, which he founded in 1992. 

Master Critzos earned his 7th degree in April 2009 at an examination held at the Naval Academy and is the highest rank ever awarded at one of the Military Academies in the United States.  At this black tie event, numerous dignitaries from around the country as well as the Commandant of Midshipmen attended.

Master John Critzos Interview by Grandmaster Philip Ameris

Q:  You were known to have a close relationship to your instructor, Grandmaster Ki Whang Kim; What do you attribute your relationship to?

A: Grandmaster Kim was like a second father to me.  When I went to him for lessons, I did not have the money to pay him.  When I accumulated the funds, I went to Grandmaster Kim and gave him my tuition.  He basically told me that you cannot pay for instruction with money; you pay with hard work, discipline and dedication.  Grandmaster Kim put my tuition in a brown bag.  Years later, he handed me that brown bag back with the same money that I put in it.  I can never repay him for all the lessons, not only in the martial arts but in life, that he instilled in me that has been a positive impact on my entire life. 

Q:  Grandmaster Kim, in the 1970’s and 1980’s (known as the blood and guts era of the martial arts) Grandmaster Kim’s do-jang had some of the most successful and fierce competitors.  Just to name a few – the legendary Mike Warren, Albert Cheeks, and of course yourself, among others.  To what do you attribute Grandmaster Kim’s high rate of student success?

A:  Discipline, consistent hard-core training.  A no-frills, no-excuse effective method of traditional martial arts.  By today’s standards, the training methods may be considered outdated, but the results spoke for themselves.  Repetition, basics, and full contact were the prerequisites to any of Grandmaster Kim’s black belts. 

Q:  What do you feel are the most important aspects of the martial arts?

A:  Developing the non-quitting spirit that is only achieved through years of practice and rigorous training.  This discipline of the internal fortitude will have a major positive impact on anything a true martial artist is trying to achieve. 

Q:  Do you consider yourself a traditional martial artist?

A:  Yes.  I teach what my teacher has taught me and pass on the gift to the students that I teach.  This does not mean that I do not incorporate or try to enhance some of the techniques – quite the contrary.  Grandmaster Kim taught us to train the basics and they are the building blocks to the advanced techniques that are forever evolving.

Q:  You are a successful attorney in the DC/Annapolis area.  How has Tae Kwon Do enhanced your profession?

A:  As I stated before, Grandmaster Kim taught us never to separate life from the do-jang.  The do-jang was a haven to develop ourselves physically, mentally, and spiritually.  Any success I have had has been rooted in Grandmaster Kim’s teaching and Tae Kwon Do.

Q:  You are an instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy; can you elaborate on some of your classes:

A:  I am very honored to teach our Naval cadets.  They are our future leaders and it is a prestigious affiliation.  One of the reasons I thoroughly enjoy teaching at the Naval Academy is that the philosophy of the Academy parallels the philosophy of Grandmaster Kim and Tae Kwon Do.  In addition, the cadets are used to hard work, discipline, sacrifice, so I can continue to imply the hard and strict discipline training.

Q:  Could you tell us a little bit about your personal training routine?

A:  I feel that, as a martial artist, you must hone your skills through continuous consistent training.  I have a do-jang at my home that is, in reality, a tribute to my instructor, Grandmaster Kim.  I train daily there and can feel the spirit of my instructor.  As far as training goes, Tae Kwon Do – Hard Core.  Some weights and calisthenics as well as stretching and running. 

Grandmaster Ameris:  I would sincerely like to thank you, Master Critzos for sharing your views on Tae Kwon Do and the martial arts.  You are a true inspiration and a positive role model for anyone seeking to become a true martial artist. 

Master Critzos:  Thank You,  it was my pleasure.