David Ippen

David Ippen, founder of the Traditional Taekwon-Do Center Honolulu, was born and raised in Germany. He studied Philosophy in Munich and is a licensed Physiotherapist. David began his training in traditional Taekwon-Do in 1990 and has dedicated his life to the art ever since. He currently holds the rank of 6th Dan and has been teaching Taekwon-Do since 1995.

In February 2009, he opened the Traditional Taekwon-Do Center Honolulu with the vision of creating a school devoted exclusively to traditional Taekwon-Do. His teaching emphasizes not only physical practice but also the values of discipline, respect, and personal growth that lie at the heart of martial arts.

In addition to his martial arts work, David studied Kahuna Bodywork under Kahuna Abraham Kawai’i and Ho’okahi Ho’oulu. This practice, rooted in Hawaiian martial traditions, deepened his understanding of energy, balance, and the interconnectedness of people and place. Through this training, David has developed a practice that integrates movement, healing, and the generation of Mana in daily life.

Beyond the Dojang, David’s mission extends to serving the wider community. He views teaching as a way of giving back—helping students of all ages build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. His center regularly engages in outreach and fosters a spirit of aloha, encouraging students to carry the principles of Taekwon-Do—respect, perseverance, and integrity—into their families, schools, workplaces, and communities.

The Art of Self

He is also the author of the book The Art of Self which describes the philosophy of Traditional Taekwon-Do.
The Art of Self is currently available in both English and German on Amazon.com