About Our School & History

Welcome to MRG MMA

MRG is not a typical martial arts gym. It is a private standard of training.

Located in the heart of Los Angeles, serving Koreatown, Miracle Mile, Downtown LA, and Mid-City, MRG was built for individuals who expect more—from their training, their environment, and themselves. This is not a place for casual participation. It is a place for disciplined progression, real skill development, and long-term mastery.

At its core, MRG is grounded in the fundamental principles of martial arts: discipline, respect, and integrity. These are not slogans—they are enforced standards. Every student who trains at MRG is expected to uphold them, creating a culture that is focused, accountable, and results-driven.

Training at MRG is defined by two uncompromising pillars: practicality and performance.

Practicality ensures that what is learned has real-world application. Every movement, every system, and every progression is designed to build functional skill, awareness, and confidence. Performance ensures that those skills are refined to a high level—through structure, repetition, and intensity—allowing each student to reach their full physical and technical potential. Whether the goal is self-defense, personal development, or competition, the standard of training does not change.

MRG’s foundation is Moorimdo, its exclusive traditional martial arts system. Moorimdo is not a commercialized style—it is a refined system built from Shaolin Kung Fu, Baguazhang, Tang Lang Quan, Tang Soo Do, Karate, and Taekwondo. It emphasizes precision, control, and internal development, preserving the depth and discipline of traditional martial arts while maintaining direct applicability in modern training.

Alongside this foundation, MRG offers a comprehensive Mixed Martial Arts program that integrates Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, and more. Unlike conventional gyms where training can feel unstructured or inconsistent, MRG operates on a systemized ranking framework that provides clear direction and measurable progression. Students are not left guessing—they are developed with intention.

This standard exists because of its founder, Yong Moon. In 1968, he opened his first school in Busan, South Korea, beginning a lifelong pursuit of martial arts mastery. After establishing himself in New Orleans—where he became widely known as “Master Moon”—he brought his vision to Los Angeles. As a 10th-degree black belt in Kung Fu and a 9th-degree black belt in Taekwondo, he created Moorimdo as a system that bridges tradition with effectiveness.

Today, that legacy continues through MRG.

This is not a place built on trends, shortcuts, or entertainment. It is built on structure, consistency, and results. Students who train here do not just attend classes—they develop discipline, sharpen their mindset, and earn their progress over time.

MRG is not for everyone.

It is for those who are serious about training, serious about growth, and serious about becoming better—on and off the mat.

Great Grandmaster Yong Moon (Founder)

Great Grandmaster Yong Moon was born in Hapcheon, South Korea, and began training at an early age as he was born into a martial arts household. He first began training in Tang Soo Do, a very popular style in his region. After many years of practicing Tang Soo Do, he then learned Classical Kung Fu under Master Kang Gum Bang in Busan, South Korea. Master Kang Gum Bang was one of the three Chinese historic masters who emigrated to South Korea during the Communist Revolution in China.

After many years of training under the famous Master Kang Gum Bang, Great Grandmaster Moon decided to start his own school, teaching a hybrid form of both Korean and Chinese martial arts. This fusion of styles is analogous to Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do, which Bruce based it off of his previous training in Kung Fu and Wing Chun.

Great Grandmaster founded The World Martial Arts Federation in 1968, and started in Busan, South Korea. In 1979, he immigrated to the United States and started a school in New Orleans, Louisiana. He quickly rose to fame as “Master Moon” in Louisiana, receiving a plethora of media attention through his martial arts. In 1992, Great Grandmaster Moon moved to Los Angeles, California, started a school, and has been in Los Angeles ever since.

Grandmaster Ari Moon (Co-founder)

Grandmaster Ari Moon is a 9th Degree Black Belt under Great Grand Master Yong Moon in Moorimdo. She has a 9th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo, Hapkido, and Keomdo. She is the founder of Moorimdew, MRG's Wellness Program. She has helped build MRG for over 30 years alongside her late husband, GGM Yong.

Ari's education includes a Ph.D in Psychology from IMA University, a Business Certification from Yonsei University, and an Early Childhood Certification from Patten University. She has received the highest achievement as a female martial artist from Korea's Guinness World Record.