Head Instructor:Mike Kelly Sa Bom Nim (31402) - Certified Master Instructor, 5th Dan (5th Degree).  Sa Bom Nim Kelly has been involved in the martial art of Soo Bahk Do (Tang Soo Do) Moo Duk Kwan since 1984.  His initial instruction took place outdoors in Highland Park of St. Paul during the summer under the guidance of Jeff Goodwin Kyo Sa Nim (20597).  Kyo Sa Nim Goodwin demanded excellence from his students and highlights included weekend workouts in northern Minnesota on the shores of Lake Superior.  Classes were extremely intense and helped to instill the concept 'fortitude of mind and body'.  In 1989, Kyo Sa Nim Goodwin moved to the East coast and turned over his Minnesota school (SG131) to then Kyo Sa Nim Dan Ellenbecker (27146) - now Sa Bom Nim Ellenbecker.  Under the guidance of Sa Bom Nim Ellenbecker, Mr. Kelly achieved 1st Dan - 3rd Dan ranks (1992, 1995 and 1998 respectively).  From Sa Bom Nim Ellenbecker, Mr. Kelly learned about balancing strength and humility and helping students to find the best in themselves.  To this day, Sa Bom Nim Ellenbecker remains a mentor and source of inspiration. 

In 2000, Mr. Kelly transferred his instruction under the guidance of his elder brother, Jack Kelly Sa Bom Nim (26098).  Under J. Kelly Sa Bom Nim's guidance, Mr. M. Kelly achieved 4th Dan and 5th Dan (2002 and 2008 respectively).  These master level tests have been among the true highlights of Mr. M. Kelly's experiences in Soo Bahk Do.  These "Ko Dan Ja" tests are held out of state for 10 days of intense instruction, performance, bonding, and self-discovery.  The days typically lasted from 6am until after midnight in conjunction with other master level candidates (4th degree - 7th degree) from around the country under the guidance of Grandmaster H.C. Hwang, the Technical Advisory Committee (T.A.C. - comprised of senior masters instructors) and the Senior Advisory Committee - the senior most practitioners / instructors worldwide.

Mr. Kelly began teaching as an apprentice of Sa Bom Nim Ellenbecker in 1991 when Sa Bom Nim Ellenbecker moved the school to Linwood Recreation Center.  After achieving Cho Dan, Mr. Kelly started the children's program at Linwood under the guidance of Sa Bom Nim Ellenbecker.  Mr. Kelly soon realized the enormous thrill and satisfaction in teaching youth and a new journey of self-discovery began.  In 1995, Sa Bom Nim Ellenbecker started a new school in Stillwater, Minnesota and Mr. Kelly officially became the Head Instructor of Linwood Soo Bahk Do (SG131) later that year.  Since then, hundreds of St. Paul youth and adults have received instruction from Mike Kelly Sa Bom Nim including his own three children.

Mike Kelly Sa Bom is an active member in his St. Paul (Mac-Groveland) church and community where he teaches and often runs into students in area elementary and high schools, community and neighborhood events, and simply out and about.  He also holds a full time job in Information Technology as a Systems Administrator for Minnetronix, Inc. of St. Paul.

Assistant Instructor:  Mr. Eric Amel (44948) - Cho Dan (1st Degree) - Mr. Amel assists weekly with the kids classes.  He has been a student of Sa Bom Nim Kelly since 2003.  He enjoys teaching Soo Bahk Do to his own children as well.  He brings an intensity tempered by a gentle nature and humor to the DoJang.

Other Assistant instructors:  As students achieve Cho Dan, many discover the joys of teaching as they begin to mentor the up and coming students in the DoJang (school).  The current corps of assistants include:

Miss Alyssa Kolb (46214) - Cho Dan - Miss Kolb enjoys working with the youngest kids (among others!) and helping them begin their journey.  She has been a student of Soo Bahk Do since 2004.  Lately, Miss Kolb has been mentoring our young Team Hyung members!

This great group of instructors and assistants work hard to give the students of Martial Virtues Academy thorough, thoughtful and challenging workouts, discussions and tests on an on-going basis.