Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Daniel Jalil.
Hi Chris Daniel, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey in Taekwon-Do began at a young age, when I was drawn to the discipline, philosophy, and physical challenge of the art. I grew up in Cyprus, raised by my parents, Daniel and Maria Jalil, who instilled in me the values of hard work and perseverance. At the age of 21, I moved to the United States to continue pursuing my path. Over the years, I trained under respected instructors in the lineage of Grandmaster Kwon Jae-Hwa, whose teachings emphasized not only technical skill but also character, respect, and determination. These values shaped me not only as a martial artist but as a person.
In 2014, I opened the Hwa Rang Traditional Taekwon-Do Center in Bradenton, Florida, with the vision of creating a school that upheld the true traditions of Taekwon-Do. What started as a small group of students has grown into a thriving community that extends beyond our dojang.
Along the way, I have been blessed to collaborate with grandmasters and Taekwon-Do practitioners from around the world. Through international Friendship Tours and cultural exchanges, my students and I have had the opportunity to both learn from and contribute to the global Taekwon-Do community. This October, we celebrate our 10-year anniversary during the German-American Friendship Tour, alongside the German National Team and distinguished grandmasters from Europe and the U.S.
At the heart of my story is family and legacy. My partner, Alondra, and my children — Dominik, Edwin, Daniella, and Mariana — inspire me daily. Everything I do through Taekwon-Do—whether teaching a child their first kick or hosting a cultural exchange—is rooted in the belief that greatness begins with the first step.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not always been a smooth road. When I first moved from Cyprus to the United States at 21, I was essentially starting from scratch — learning a new culture, building relationships, and finding my way forward. Years later, when I opened the Hwa Rang Traditional Taekwon-Do Center in 2014, I had the vision and passion, but I had to work tirelessly to establish trust in the community and show people the value of traditional Taekwon-Do. There were times when student enrollment was uncertain, and balancing the responsibilities of running a business while staying true to the art was a constant challenge.
On top of that, life brought unforeseen struggles. My family and I endured financial hardships and even had to rebuild after our home was damaged during the last hurricanes in Florida. But each challenge reminded me of the very principles I teach on the Do-Jang floor: perseverance, discipline, and the belief that strength is built through struggle. Those lessons carried me through the hardest moments, and they continue to guide me as both an instructor and a father.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My business is the Hwa Rang Traditional Taekwon-Do Center, which I founded in Bradenton, Florida, in 2014. We are dedicated to teaching and preserving the art of Traditional Taekwon-Do in the lineage of Grandmaster Kwon Jae-Hwa. Unlike modernized or commercialized versions of martial arts, our school focuses on the true foundations of Taekwon-Do: discipline, respect, perseverance, and the development of both body and mind.
What sets us apart is our commitment to authenticity. We don’t water down the art or chase trends — instead, we teach the same principles and techniques that have been passed down for generations. We are known for powerful training, cultural exchanges, and experiences that go beyond the walls of the dojang, from beach training sessions to international Friendship Tours that bring together students and masters from around the world.
Brand-wise, I am most proud that Hwa Rang Traditional Taekwon-Do has built a reputation as a school where people of all ages can grow not only as martial artists, but as individuals. Our mission statement, ‘Greatness begins with the first step,’ reflects that perfectly. We offer classes for children, teens, and adults, and every student is given the opportunity to challenge themselves, develop confidence, and discover what they are capable of.
More than anything, I want readers to know that our brand is about community, tradition, and transformation. Whether someone is four years old learning their first kick, or an adult looking for discipline and fitness, we provide a place where people can connect, grow, and achieve things they may never have thought possible.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Luck has played both good and bad roles in my life. When I first opened my Do-Jang, the road was anything but easy. For the first two years, I lived inside the Do-Jang with my two dogs on the days I didn’t have my son. On the days I had him, I stayed with my parents, Daniel and Maria, in Apollo Beach while he attended school in South Tampa. I didn’t have the resources for much else — I would sleep in the Do-Jang and even shower using a cup of water. Those moments felt like bad luck at the time, but in truth they shaped my determination and forced me to pour everything I had into building what the school has become today.
There were also times when family support carried me through. My parents provided the stability I needed as a young father, and without their help, balancing parenthood and building a school would have been nearly impossible.
At the same time, I’ve been blessed with good luck in the form of people and opportunities. I was fortunate to be raised by supportive parents, and lucky to discover Taekwon-Do early in life, later training under the lineage of Grandmaster Kwon Jae-Hwa. I’ve also had the incredible fortune of meeting students, teachers, and friends from around the world who have become part of my extended martial arts family.
Ultimately, I believe luck only sets the stage. What truly matters is what you do with it. Whether living in my Do-Jang with two dogs, relying on my parents while raising my first son, or leading international tours today, Taekwon-Do has taught me to turn every circumstance into an opportunity to grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bradentontaekwondo.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hwarangtaekwondo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/traditionaTaekwondobradenton/
