Grandmaster Tony Morris, 9th Dan
9th Degree Black Belt
Tournament Director
TaeKwon-Do International
Grandmaster Tony Morris is a 9th Degree Black Belt in Traditional Tae Kwon Do. He is the Founder, Owner, and Grandmaster Instructor of Asheville Sun Soo Martial Arts, as well as the Founder of the Sun Soo Martial Arts Association, which is dedicated to the excellent practice, teaching and preservation of traditional martial arts. Grandmaster Morris began his martial arts practice at the age of 10 and has practiced for more than 50 years, over 40 of which have included teaching.
Grandmaster Morris initially studied more than 35 years under three different 9th Degree Korean Grandmasters: Ju Hun Kim, Young Yu and Chae Sun Yi. In 2011, Grandmaster Morris sought out his current teacher, 9th Degree Grandmaster Suk Jun Kim, Founder and President of Taekwon-Do International, direct student of General Choi (widely regarded as the “grandfather” of Traditional Tae Kwon Do) and international demonstrator for more than two decades. In 2024, Grandmaster Kim awarded Grandmaster Morris his 9th Dan for his decades of practice, dedication to his students, and expertise in and impact on the art of Traditional Tae Kwon Do.
Grandmaster Morris has complemented his Tae Kwon Do practice with substantial training in Hapkido, Boxing, Judo and Jiujitsu, further informing his instruction to his students. As a practitioner, Grandmaster Morris has placed first in forms, sparring, in-close self-defense and board-breaking in numerous tournament competitions, including at the national level. As a teacher and mentor, he holds a variety of awards for excellence and innovation in martial arts. As a martial arts professional, Grandmaster Morris is sought after as a consultant for his success and excellence in the martial arts industry. On the mat, his leadership and teaching style are characterized by high energy, attention to detail, humor, and a drive for encouraging the best possible outcome in every moment.
Grandmaster Morris’ role as resident Grandmaster Instructor is supported by his wide range of experiences and accomplishments. A husband, father, and friend to many, his professional education includes a B.S. in Chemistry, an M.A. in Architecture, as well as professional certifications including, LP PhD Life and Business Coaching /Trainomg, Level II Reiki, the Silva Method, NLP and EFT to complement his multidimensional approach to teaching.
His professional work experience has been supported by his life-long martial arts training and teaching and includes: a 20-year, award-winning career in Architecture (Design Principal for a major A&E firm); creation and ownership of a successful advertising agency; university instructor of Building Structures at NC State School of Design; presentation graphics and life drawing instructor; organic chemistry and physics tutor; published author of numerous articles on a variety of subjects including martial arts, parenting and manifestation principles; and acclaim as a nationally-renowned commission portrait artist.
While having developed an accomplished and dedicated staff at Asheville Sun Soo, Grandmaster Morris maintains a prominent presence in the 30+ classes per week at the school. Additionally, Grandmaster Morris offers seminars, demonstrations and motivational presentations at a number of area schools, community centers, public events and civic organizations and businesses. When he is not teaching, Master Morris can be found spending time with his family, traveling, designing and building, or working on a commissioned portrait.
Master Morris believes that, “Life is an amazing adventure – and we have never ‘arrived.’ Every day is a new beginning!
Tournament Director
TaeKwon-Do International
Grandmaster Tony Morris is a 9th Degree Black Belt in Traditional Tae Kwon Do. He is the Founder, Owner, and Grandmaster Instructor of Asheville Sun Soo Martial Arts, as well as the Founder of the Sun Soo Martial Arts Association, which is dedicated to the excellent practice, teaching and preservation of traditional martial arts. Grandmaster Morris began his martial arts practice at the age of 10 and has practiced for more than 50 years, over 40 of which have included teaching.
Grandmaster Morris initially studied more than 35 years under three different 9th Degree Korean Grandmasters: Ju Hun Kim, Young Yu and Chae Sun Yi. In 2011, Grandmaster Morris sought out his current teacher, 9th Degree Grandmaster Suk Jun Kim, Founder and President of Taekwon-Do International, direct student of General Choi (widely regarded as the “grandfather” of Traditional Tae Kwon Do) and international demonstrator for more than two decades. In 2024, Grandmaster Kim awarded Grandmaster Morris his 9th Dan for his decades of practice, dedication to his students, and expertise in and impact on the art of Traditional Tae Kwon Do.
Grandmaster Morris has complemented his Tae Kwon Do practice with substantial training in Hapkido, Boxing, Judo and Jiujitsu, further informing his instruction to his students. As a practitioner, Grandmaster Morris has placed first in forms, sparring, in-close self-defense and board-breaking in numerous tournament competitions, including at the national level. As a teacher and mentor, he holds a variety of awards for excellence and innovation in martial arts. As a martial arts professional, Grandmaster Morris is sought after as a consultant for his success and excellence in the martial arts industry. On the mat, his leadership and teaching style are characterized by high energy, attention to detail, humor, and a drive for encouraging the best possible outcome in every moment.
Grandmaster Morris’ role as resident Grandmaster Instructor is supported by his wide range of experiences and accomplishments. A husband, father, and friend to many, his professional education includes a B.S. in Chemistry, an M.A. in Architecture, as well as professional certifications including, LP PhD Life and Business Coaching /Trainomg, Level II Reiki, the Silva Method, NLP and EFT to complement his multidimensional approach to teaching.
His professional work experience has been supported by his life-long martial arts training and teaching and includes: a 20-year, award-winning career in Architecture (Design Principal for a major A&E firm); creation and ownership of a successful advertising agency; university instructor of Building Structures at NC State School of Design; presentation graphics and life drawing instructor; organic chemistry and physics tutor; published author of numerous articles on a variety of subjects including martial arts, parenting and manifestation principles; and acclaim as a nationally-renowned commission portrait artist.
While having developed an accomplished and dedicated staff at Asheville Sun Soo, Grandmaster Morris maintains a prominent presence in the 30+ classes per week at the school. Additionally, Grandmaster Morris offers seminars, demonstrations and motivational presentations at a number of area schools, community centers, public events and civic organizations and businesses. When he is not teaching, Master Morris can be found spending time with his family, traveling, designing and building, or working on a commissioned portrait.
Master Morris believes that, “Life is an amazing adventure – and we have never ‘arrived.’ Every day is a new beginning!
