Tim Kim, an Army veteran with two service tours to Iraq and nine years of professional experience, practices Judo and Jiujitsu five days a week and believes in the value these disciplines can offer to society. He is passionate about his community and the veterans who live in them, and is always looking for ways to serve. His interests and passions have come together with The KnifeHand Company, an organization that aims to connect veterans with the grappling martial arts. With KnifeHand, he wants to continue serving his community by going in two interwoven directions: a for-profit business open to all and a separate non-profit organization to give back to fellow veterans that want to utilize his expertise.
To get veterans, service members, and first responders into the grappling martial arts (specifically Judo and JiuJitsu), Tim will pay for their first year of tuition, equipment, and provide additional support where needed.
It is Tim’s belief that Judo and Jiujitsu not only offer more than than just physical and mental benefits, but also the creation of a community. Transitioning veterans often struggle to find communities that can relate to their experiences, as there are only a few communities that can mirror military circles. Built on shared struggle, he’s found that the grappling martial arts is that rare community that translates. It embodies the military slogan, “Embrace the Suck” — it is difficult and painful, but together there is humility, connection, and a path forward.
Tim requested the services of the University of Pittsburgh SBDC for strategic planning to continue scaling the company. He appreciates the one-on-one, private counseling of the SBDC consultant and works with the Pitt SBDC for ongoing support for the future development of the business.