Making the greatest positive difference for the greatest number of people is what drives Sun Soo Martial Arts Founder/Owner and 8th Degree Blackbelt Grandmaster Tony Morris. His commitment to excellence extends to every aspect of what Sun Soo has become known for, from the technique taught at his school, the culture he creates with his team, to what he expects from every student he instructs.

 “We see every person as amazing, talented, powerful, intelligent and capable of greatness,” says Grandmaster Morris, who has practiced Traditional Tae Kwon Do since he was 10. “We have a personalized introductory meeting with every prospective student to see if we are best for each other before they even begin their first class. It’s a two-way relationship,” he says. 

With kids, Master Morris first ensures they practice impeccable manners and learn respect for themselves and for others. With adults, early emphasis is on breaking down disempowering beliefs and replacing them with expectations of new capabilities and success. “All of our students are immersed in a positive and empowering environment to learn self-defense, relieve stress, increase focus, build confidence, breakthrough barriers and live a goal-oriented life.” Sun Soo is for all ages, and has 40 percent adult enrollment and an even mixture of men and women.

 A former architect, Master Morris doesn’t miss detail. His school is 12,500 square feet of a clean and organized open floor concept with mirrors “so students can see themselves and instructors can ensure proper technique.”  Located at 800 Fairview Road in Asheville, the open lobby allows parents to see and hear the high-caliber martial arts and life-skills instruction and witness firsthand how their kids step out of their shells and begin to feel empowered. “We hold each other high in an inspiring environment where students pursue their potential, so they can become their best selves,” Master Morris explains. “And this commitment of excellence continues off the mat.”

Serving several hundred students, Sun Soo Martial Arts offers 40-plus classes per week, including pre-K, kids, teens, adults and entire families together. 

Sun Soo facilitates an industry-leading after-school program, including a fleet of seven vans to accommodate school pickup from 20 different Asheville City and Buncombe County Schools. “Our after-school program helps students succeed in all areas, with homework help from engineers who teach STEM skills, 20 minutes of reading, outdoor play, craft projects, manners, team-building, leadership and conflict-resolution skills and convenient access to martial arts classes” Master Morris says.

His large team always operates at a high-level, which is evident from more than 170 five-star reviews. Sun Soo Martial Arts also offers Kids’ Night Out events, Birthday Parties, Self-Defense Seminars and Summer Camps.

“We do what we say we are going to do” Master Morris says. Students experience benefits including a grounded sense of empowerment, clarity, generosity, excellence, intelligence, and personal responsibility.  

Award-winning locally and nationally, Master Morris attributes Sun Soo’s success to its clarity of mission and standard of excellence, but clearly he's aligned with what he loves doing. “Our quality of instruction is exceptionally high and our commitment to excellence is expressed in all that we do. Students and families thrive in an environment of high structure and clarity,” he says. “Sun Soo helps students realize that they can become extraordinary.”