Jr. Grand Master Eddie Gibson
Jr. Grand Master Gibson has been studying Tae Kwon Do with Grand Master Yi for over 42 years. He is a 8th Degree Black Belt, a Nationally Certified Instructor, and a 4-time National Forms Champion. Jr. Grand Master Gibson is the Minnesota Traditional Tae Kwon Do (TTA) Regional Director and on the Executive Board of the TTA. His head instructor experience includes; Washburn University of Topeka, KS 1991-1994, Shawnee County Parks & Recreation of Rossville, KS 1988-1994, YMCA of White Bear Lake, MN 1995-1998, and Community Education of Forest Lake, MN. 1995-present. Jr. Grand Master Gibson recently retired after 36 years in education, as a Psychologist and Administrator working with special needs children.
Senior Master Theresa Gibson
Sr. Master Gibson has been studying Tae Kwon Do with Grand Master Yi for over 39 years. She is a 7th degree Black Belt, and a Nationally Certified instructor. Master Gibson has placed in the top 3 in both Black Belt forms and Sparing at the National Championships. She teaches Lil Ninjas at Sun Yi’s Academy, as well as Tae Kwon Do.
Master Jackie Hendrickson
Master Jackie Hendrickson is a 6th degree Internationally Certified Tae Kwon Do Instructor. She began training under Senior Master Eddie Gibson in 1996. Master Hendrickson has been teaching Martial Arts to men, women, and children of all ages, at both private martial arts academies and the Northeast YMCA since 1998. She brings over 22 years of knowledge and experience in self-defense training, physical fitness coaching along with injury prevention, and rehabilitation, to her teaching and practice. She is also a certified Yoga Instructor. She is adept at helping individuals reach their goals, weather you want to improve your physical ability, increase your self confidence, or boost your ability to focus and succeed she will be there to help you achieve your goals. Master Hendrickson is the owner and head instructor at the White Bear Lake location.
Master Jodi Goodwill
Master Jodi Goodwill is a 6th Degree Nationally Certified Master Instructor and has been studying Tae Kwon Do with Senior Master Gibson since 1998. Master Goodwill has been teaching all ages and belt levels for over 20 years. She has taught in Forest Lake, the YMCA and has been teaching at the White Bear Lake academy since 2004
Master Codi Goodwill
Master Codi Goodwill started Tae Kwon Do when she was 7 years old and is currently a 6th Degree Nationally Certified Master Instructor studying with Jr Grandmaster Gibson since 1998. Master Goodwill teaches all ages and belts. Codi has a college degree in Athletic Training, and health education. She is exceptional at helping students get the most out of their training.
Master Jeff Smith
Master Jeff Smith is a nationally certified taekwondo instructor and has been teaching traditional Tae Kwon Do for over 20 years. He has instructed in various Sun Yi’s Academy schools and programs, including the northwest YMCA and the Shoreview Community Center, where he was head instructor for 12 years. He continues his journey as a student, is always looking to improve, and offers his assistance at the various Sun Yi’s Academy schools.
During the day, Master Smith is an attorney and settlement planner, working with injured individuals and their attorneys. He has been married for 38 years and has two children, both high-ranking black belts. He enjoys biking, hiking, fishing, golf, and spending time with his family at their northern Minnesota cabin.
Master Jill Orhn
I am a 5th Degree Black Belt Nationally Certified Instructor, and have been doing TKD since 1998. I just recently moved from Forest Lake to North Branch with my husband Tony. I worked as a dental assistant for 25 years before changing careers. I have been teaching preschool for the last 5 years. I enjoy working with children. I have 2 grown Children, Madaline who is 30 and Jacob who is 29. We all started TKD together, and as a family got our 1st degree black belts. The kids lives got too busy to continue TKD, but I kept going, and am currently working towards getting my 5th degree black belt. My favorite thing is my 1 year old granddaughter Ada. She brings a lot of joy. I am hoping as she gets older she can do TKD with me!
Master Pam Meyers
Master Pam Meyers is a 5th Dan Black Belt. She has over 16 years of experience in Tae Kwon Do and is a Sun Yis Academy. Nationally Certified Instructor since 2011. Master Meyers has been the Head Instructor at Shoreview Community Center since September 2018.
Jr. Master Zach Eskow
Jr Master Zach Eskow 4th degree Nationally Certified Instructor. Has been with Sun Yi’s academy as a student of Jr. Grandmaster Gibson for 25 years. He started as a way to build self esteem and coordination, and to help with his autism. Through the years he has made many friends, and has made great strides as a person. Not only has he learned self confidence he has discovered a second family in Sun Yi’s academy. He is proof that Taekwondo can be a huge help to everyone no matter what your age, disability.
Jr. Master Clay Helberg
Junior Master Clay Helberg has been studying Tae Kwon Do for over 14 years. He began at age 40, demonstrating that it’s never too late to start! He is a 4th degree black belt, and a certified instructor and member of the TTA. He teaches introductory and advanced classes at the Duluth YMCA. Junior Master Helberg is also a computer consultant by day, providing support for engineering and manufacturing projects across the country.
Jr. Master Joel Erich
Junior Master Joel Ehrich 4th degree Nationally Certified Instructor. 12 years ago I began my TKD journey at age 39 with two of our three kids at the North Branch Academy with Master Chris Kotys. Once I earned my third degree, I had the honor of teaching for two years at the North Branch academy when Master Kotys retired. With the current world wide circumstances, I have the honor of instructing now at Sun Yi’s Minnesota headquarters in Forest Lake under Junior Grand Master Gibson. By day, I am a Local 539 Pipefitter specializing in commercial and industrial HVAC/R. The last 26 years I have been fortunate enough to work for the same mechanical contractor. Over the last 28 years my bride and I have raised three glorious kiddos. Yes, almost empty nesters. My TKD journey has helped keep health issues intact and share our TKD tenants: courtesy, integrity, self control, and indomitable spirit with students. Join us no matter your age or experience. Kick start your life and believe in yourself.
Sun Yi's Academy Minnesota 