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Kang Rhee Obituary
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Steve McArthur
May 10, 2024
I started taking classes with Kang Rhee while I attended ASU in Jonesboro, Arkansas in 1967. My roomate and I would take the hour and a half drive to his dojo on Poplar ave in Memphis. Mr. Rhee lived in the back of the dojo to save money. He only charged $5 a lesson so my roomate and I would take a Friday night lesson and my roomy and I slept in my car behind the dojo so we could take a Saturday class. Mr. Rhee never mentioned it. One night we slept in my car behind the church next to graceland plus we got to guard the gate while Fred Stone (the real guard) had to check on something. We asked Fred what to do if Elvis came back and Fred just said "Open the gate"!
Steve McArthur
Tim Dean
November 14, 2022
Grand master Kang Rhee was a great man in so many ways...He gave much inspiration and confidence to his students...The first time I spoke to master Rhee was in the 1980s about me joining the World Black Belt Bureau in Memphis TN...I was truly honored to finally be able to join the World Black Belt Bureau in 2022 as a certified Instructor and member...Grand Master Kang Rhee also taught the late Elvis Presley for 5 long years...Elvis and Grand Master Rhee were truly great friends for many years...Now, I am truly honored to know Master Rhee's son Master Yong Rhee who is also a very good friend of mine in my opinion...Grand Master Kang Rhee RIP...
Phillip Childs
April 30, 2021
I will drink a Tahitian treat in his memory. My dad used to take me to the convenience store next to the school after class every week for one. I will forever be grateful for and remember Master Rhee for giving me the confidence to defend myself from the school bullies in my life and walk with confidence the rest of my life. I will be drinking a Tahitian treat in his memory.
Hannah Brown
September 11, 2020
Rip Rhee you will be missed so much, thank you for all you did for my family. Thank you for being so kind and inspirational!
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Mark Duplessie
December 25, 2019
I'm from canada went to Memphis in late 1980s.One of the first places I went too when I arrived was to visit Mr.Rhee's Karate School.He was a very kind and polite man who told me all about his most Famous Student Elvis Presley.I'm in the Martial Arts also Mr Rhee had given me a membership to his Dojo After I had shown that i was involved in Karate. I still have that card. One of my best and Favorite Memories of Memphis. Kind Man Thank You.
Gustavo LARRUCEA
October 9, 2019
Grand Master Rhee you always been an great inspiration to others rest in peace , we need more people like you i will see you in heaven. Gustavo Larrucea Martial arts Master
Kevin Wheeler
October 2, 2019
Master Rhee, thank you for your sincere heart. This lives on through your son Master Yong Rhee. Sun. With much love and respect I bow to you and the spirit you gave.
Darren Yancey
August 23, 2019
I started training with Master Kang Rhee when I was 14years old...Master Rhee was extremely nice and very professional... I remember when he use to tell me to Chase One Rabbit Master Rhee you will be truly missed.....
James Howard
August 23, 2019
Master Kang Rhee was one of the original Masters to bring Tae Kwon Do to the United States. I have had nothing but the most profound respect for him. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I will have his family in my thoughts and prayers. Please accept mine and Tigers Lair Martial Arts and their Instructors and Students most sincerest condolences. It was an honor to have been associated and train with him. Rest In Peace Master Kang Rhee.
Gregory Patrick
August 21, 2019
It was an honor to be called your student. Not only did you teach me much about the martial arts, you taught me much about life. You can never be replaced. Rest now. Respectfully Submitted.
Marsha Wesson
August 19, 2019
It was an honor knowing Mr. Rhee. He taught my nephew, my brother and my father. Always friendly and professional in the dojo.
Mary McKim
August 17, 2019
It was a privilege to both train with and work for Master Rhee. He was a shining light in Memphis that touched many. He will be missed
Larry Carriere
August 17, 2019
Master Rhee May You Rest In Peace.God Bless His Family At This Time And Always.Elvis had deep respect for Master Rhee.I have been an Elvis Fan for 56 years and had a lot of admiration for him.
Janice Williams
August 17, 2019
In loving memory of a wonderful person. He was my karate instructor and mentor many years ago. He was always kind, patient and very supportive of his students. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
5668 Poplar Avenue P.O. Box 17144, Memphis, TN 38119-0885
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