Origin
Steve Brown embarked on his Taekwondo journey in 1983, undergoing ATA training under the guidance of esteemed instructors Stephen Pfingston, Michael Buelna, and John Deloise. His dedication to the art led to a pivotal moment in 1985 when, as a red belt, he discovered a passion for instructing by assisting in leading classes. After achieving the status of 1st Degree Black Belt in 1986, he took a significant step in 1988, founding his own Independent School with a mission focused on providing affordable classes to all aspiring learners. This was the founding of American Independent Taekwondo.
Mr. Brown's journey extended to the establishment of a physical space on Kearney Street in Springfield, Missouri, strategically designed to experiment with minimal class dues and ensure a consistent and improved environment for his students. Recognizing the financial burden on both himself and his students, he resolved to eliminate financial barriers to learning by vowing within himself to never to charge for classes again.
Consistency
In 1990, seeking to grow his maturity and alignment with his mission of free classes and a Christ-centered focus, Mr. Brown sought out a new instructor. His new association with Mr. Keith Yates and the Southwest Taekwondo Association (now AKATO) in Texas marked a significant chapter in his journey. Simultaneously running his school, AIT, Mr. Brown obtained his Instructor certification in June 1992 and achieved his 2nd Degree under Mr. Yates' tutelage later that year.
Throughout the years, Mr. Steve Brown remained steadfast in his mission, ascending in rank as a dedicated student of the arts and generously offering free classes to the Springfield community. Operating on a personal financial commitment, he provided necessary resources such as mats and pads and conducted classes in diverse locations, including church gymnasiums, boys and girls clubs, backyards, garages, and city parks.
Passing of the Torch
In his 33rd year in the martial arts, Aaron and Jenna Burks, along with their eldest daughter, became students of AIT under Mr. Brown's mentorship. Progressing from White to Blue Belt with exceptional marks, they received a significant charge from Mr. Brown to prepare for teaching and leading classes, signaling a transition into school ownership and a continuation of the AIT mission he had dedicated his life to. It was during this year that Mr. Brown recruited Austin Alcorn as a fighting and self-defense instructor with AIT. Mr. Alcorn helped to lead in every class and played a pivotal role in Aaron and Jenna’s journey.
Aaron and Jenna achieved their instructorship and 1st degree black belt simultaneously in April 2019. Following this milestone, Mr. Brown retired from teaching AIT classes, assuming the role of a personal instructor for Aaron and Jenna.
Growth
In 2022 Aaron and Jenna rededicated the school and their work to serve the Lord Jesus Christ through what he had called them to. AIT would continue to be open and accessible to all, with the mission of helping everyone find their created purpose to serve a loving God and find forgiveness, redemption, passion and purpose through Him.
God continued to give an increase to His work and AIT grew to nearly 60 regular students with classes taking place in multiple locations in the Springfield area.
In 2023, AITKD Inc. was formally established as a 501c3 non-profit organization, with a continued focus on growth and positive impact within the community and the broader martial arts landscape. During his 40th year in Taekwondo, Steve Brown was elevated to the prestigious rank of 10th Degree SGM by a unanimous decision of a board of SGMs, a testament to his life's achievements, vast knowledge, and unwavering dedication to Taekwondo.
Later in the year, Aaron Burks led the way for many of the area's martial art schools to form a group collaboration for the purpose of increasing the ability of students and point fighters. AIT became a founding school of the PFDL (Point fighter development league). Aaron and Jenna were voted in as President and Vice President of the newly formed league.
FUTURE
Guided by our gracious Lord, the wisdom and guidance of SGM Steve Brown, and support from diverse sources, Aaron and Jenna Burks (Now 3rd Degree) continue to lead AIT into the future. They are assisted by Austin Alcorn (5th degree), and many apprentice instructors that allow for the continued growth of AIT. Their passion extends beyond martial arts to serving the Lord, spreading the gospel, and upholding the traditions of the arts, with a particular emphasis on helping people find purpose.
AIT continues to grow and is regularly involved in national tournaments and of course the PFDL! The Lord brought us ministry partners that provide support and a rock solid foundation of consistency and love to facilitate God’s continued blessing at AIT.
AIT is an opportunity to commit yourself to never ending spiritual and physical growth through dedication to the art of Taekwondo.
