A Legacy of Strength and Kindness: Peabody Taekwondo Studio Transitions to New Leadership
A Peabody martial arts studio, long recognized as more than just a training ground, is entering a new chapter. For 14 years, Master Michael O’Malley’s studio on Lynnfield Street fostered personal growth alongside physical discipline, but is now under the ownership of Eunha and Richard An of Tiger An’s Taekwondo.
From Bruce Lee to a Lifetime of Dedication
O’Malley’s journey with Taekwondo began in the 1970s, ignited by the cinematic prowess of Bruce Lee. “All it took was seeing one kick (from Kim) for me to get going,” O’Malley recalled, describing the moment he encountered Jae Hun Kim, an MIT student who introduced authentic Taekwondo to New England. This initial spark transformed his life, leading him to train relentlessly and eventually earn his black belt at age 16 in the home of Taekwondo founder General Choi Hong Hi.
His competitive career flourished, with gold medals secured in the U.S. team trials from 1978 to 1981, and travels taking him to South Korea and beyond. However, by 1982, O’Malley prioritized family, stepping away from competition to provide stability. He then ran Kim’s school during Kim’s military service, and later coached the U.S. Olympic team in 1988 – the first year Taekwondo was an Olympic sport. Remarkably, he even trained a young Joe Rogan during his own Taekwondo journey.
Building a Foundation in Peabody
In 2011, O’Malley sought a space to establish his own studio, finding the ideal location in Peabody. He remembers his first student vividly: “a little blonde kid, cute as can be, four years old, who walks in the door and says, ‘I want to do karate.’” This encounter marked a shift in his teaching approach, emphasizing character development alongside technique.
“Learning techniques like kicking and punching is one thing, but those are really just tools,” O’Malley explained. His focus became cultivating confidence, intuition, and peaceful resolution in his students. He instilled the importance of using words before resorting to physical force, a philosophy he exemplified himself, recalling an incident in the Kenmore Square subway station where a swift roundhouse kick neutralized a potential attack. “You call it self defense, but there’s nothing defensive about it,” he stated. “If you have to protect yourself, it’s really about offense and acting first. You want to go home.”
A New Legacy, Rooted in the Past
After 14 years, O’Malley, 67, is stepping back to spend more time with family, though he will continue to mentor a final group of black belt candidates. The studio’s physical space has undergone recent renovations, including fresh paint and a new retail area, and now bears the name “Tiger An’s Taekwondo.”
The transition is being led by Eunha and Richard An, who operate five Taekwondo studios across Massachusetts. Richard An expressed their respect for O’Malley’s contributions, stating, “Master O’Malley has a great reputation for what he’s done and brought to the state of Massachusetts… We are honored by the fact that we’re taking over and trying to create a new legacy based on what he’s already done, but in a new way.”
The Impact Endures
O’Malley’s influence extends far beyond the studio walls. Krystana Manthorne, a former student who now serves as an instructor, credits O’Malley with shaping her character. “What he taught me growing up is to walk with confidence, talk to people the way you want to be talked to and treat people with kindness,” she said. Parents like Matt Lemieux have also witnessed the positive impact, noting how O’Malley and Manthorne helped his sons emerge from their shells. Another parent, Danvers resident Siobhan Stoney, praised O’Malley’s inclusivity, stating, “He’s just so good with everyone… I don’t know if I’ve ever met someone who’s just so good at their job.”
As Master O’Malley embarks on a new phase of life, his legacy of strength, kindness, and unwavering dedication will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations of students at Tiger An’s Taekwondo and beyond.
