Shim Myung Do is a martial art that combines several Korean martial arts: Tae Kwon Do, Hap Ki Do, Sip Pal Gue and Meditation. It was founded on September 23, 1998 by Master Rod Bohorquez in Miami, Florida, U.S.A.
Rod Bohorquez was a student of the late Grand Master Pong Ki Kim, 10th Dan, one of the highest Tae Kwon Do instructors in the world. Grand Master Kim was an original student of Grand Master Hwang Kee, the founder of Moo Duk Kwan (a precursor of Shim Myung Do).
Shim Myung Do means "The Art of Spiritual Light". Shim translates to "spiritual or mental", Myung means "light" and Do is "art". The purpose of Shim Myung Do is to educate the student to find himself spiritually, mentally and physically.
Master Rod Bohorquez founded this school in order to separate the sport aspect of Tae Kwon Do, which is now recognized as an Olympic event. Because of the official recognition of Tae Kwon Do, this martial art will be directed towards only children in the future. Master Rod's reason for developing Shim Myung Do was to let people know that this new style of martial art is for everyone, regardless of age or gender.