Korean Martial Arts Institute

Our goal is to use this page as a live memorial for Master Whitman--as a "springboard" from which all of us may share how she positively affected our lives. We encourage all of you who have memories to share to follow the instructions below so you may contribute.

The sudden passing, after a prolonged illness, of Master Whitman on January 10, 2007 has created a void here at the Korean Martial Arts Institute. She contributed something positive to the lives of nearly everyone with whom she came in contact. We want to honor her life by sharing the accomplishments of her life and helping others know her as we did. She was a remarkable woman.

Born on June 6, 1953, Susan Michele Whitman earned her Bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan, Flint, and was a Registered Nurse for 23 years. Eventually, longing to change course and work more closely with people to improve their health, Master Whitman left St. Joseph Hospital, returned to school and earned a M.A. in Health Education at Central Michigan University. She also earned her degree as a Certified Personal Trainer through the American Council on Exercise (ACE).

In 1991 Master Whitman began training in TaeKwon-Do at the Korean Martial Arts Institute (KMAI), World Training Headquarters for the International TaeKwon-Do Association (ITA). She went on to earn her Master 4th Degree Black Belt in TaeKwon-Do, 4th Degree Black Belt in Han Kuk Mu Ki-Do (traditional Korean weapons) from the Korean Martial Arts Federation (KMAF) and become an ITA certified instructor. In 1997, Master Whitman, along with Master Ron Javonovitz, purchased the KMAI.

In addition to her duties as the co-owner and manager of the KMAI, Master Whitman was also instrumental in helping establish training programs for both the International TaeKwon-Do Association and the Korean Martial Arts Federation. She appears in several DVD training presentations with Grandmaster Benko and was an Associate Editor for the Korean Martial Arts Institute Newsletter.

Master Whitman organized and administrated a nearly-countless number of programs for the community—through the KMAI—including Yoga, Tai Chi, Women’s Self-Defense, Mom’s Day, Kick-Fit for Women, Dad’s Boot Camp and many demonstrations for local schools and other organizations.

For the school and students, she planned the yearly Black Belt retreats, Gup (student) Summer Camp, Wee Student Summer Camp, Parent’s Night Out, Teen Night Out, the annual KMAI Olympics, annual KMAI Car Wash, Lapeer Days Parade and Demonstration, Black Belt First Aid training and others. Many programs benefited charities, such as the annual Kick-A-Thon and Walk-A-Thon programs. She also worked at the Davison Country Club in Davison, MI as a trainer in a variety of fitness and strength training programs.

The contribution and positive impact Master Whitman had on the lives of those around her is impossible to measure. She challenged those with whom she came in contact to be their best. Her energy and enthusiasm for everything she did was contagious and helped many to accomplish feats, both personally and professionally, that would otherwise have been unlikely. Every student, men included, will verify that whatever she demanded from others she could, and did, do herself. Master Whitman was especially dedicated to helping children and women and she loved all animals, especially her pets.

While Master Whitman always lent support and encouragement to those around her, she rarely burdened others with her own problems and pain. Because of this, few knew the severity of her illness until she died. We all miss her and we’re just now learning the magnitude of her contribution as we take on the monumental task of trying to pick up where she left off.

Master Whitman is survived by her husband, Steve Whitman, of Lapeer; step-son, Jacob Whitman of Green Bay, Wisconsin; grandchildren, Jordan, Anika, Seth and Allyah; parents, Raymond and Jean Wildey of Lapeer; siblings, retired Colonel Dale (Emilie) Wiley of Stewart, Minnesota, and Debra Huelga of Williamson, Michigan; mother-in-law, Joyce Diehl of Mims, Florida and several nieces and nephews.

In honor of Master Whitman’s achievements, Grandmaster James S. Benko, President and Founder of the International TaeKwon-Do Association, has established the Susan Whitman Memorial Scholarship Fund.

“Through this scholarship,” says Grandmaster Benko,“ Master Whitman will continue to reach out and help those who love the martial arts as she did.”

Each year recipients of the scholarship will receive one year of tuition at the KMAI. This shall be awarded at the KMAI anniversary celebration, held each December. Those wishing to contribute to the scholarship fund may click here for more information.

We encourage students, parents, fellow Black Belts and those with whom Master Whitman came in contact to share your memories with us by emailing your comments by clicking here. Submissions will be edited into this website so everyone can have the opportunity to learn of Master Whitman’s contributions. Help us to make this a truly living memorial in honor of Master Whitman by sharing with us how she helped you or someone you know.