Master Charlie Harvey

Master Charlie Harvey’s students come to his Bay City studio from throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region for a number of reasons. Some come to learn a wide variety of martial arts, while others simply come to improve their physical health and fitness. Others, meanwhile, use it for mental, physical and spiritual development.

Master Charlie, a title he’s earned through his 48+ years of experience, is taking it one step further; he is teaching children, teenagers and adults the meaning of respect.

Born and raised in Saginaw, Michigan Master Charlie fell in love with Tae Kwon Doe at the age of 12, when he discovered Kung Fu movies. Master Charlie was instantly hooked and so began his lifelong journey. The movies demonstrated respect, honor and peace.

The movies also taught him to respect his father, the late Carl Harvey. Carl provided for his family by working hard at General Motors during the day and being a father in the evening making sure to set an exemplary role model for his sons. Carl mentored Charlie, teaching him how to box and defend himself. Carl belong to a boxing club, further peaking Charlie’s interest in mixed martial arts. Charlie often accompanied his father to the boxing club and learn the ropes rather quickly furthering him on his path to becoming a mixed martial artist.

At age 14 Charlie began his formal training under Grand Master Chang Soo Lim in Saginaw, Michigan. Lim instantly knew his student was in it for the long run and that there was something special about him, taking him under his wing and mentoring him. Studying under Lim, Charlie learned both Tae Kwon Do and Hap Ki Do (Korean Judo). With a tremendous amount of hard work and dedication, Charlie soon began teaching classes at the age of 16.

Master Charlie Harvey Bay City Tae Kwon Do

Under Master Lim, Charlie went on to earn his first black belt in 1976, followed by his 3rd degree in 1979, 4th degree in 1988 and ultimately his 8th degree in 2008. During this period of time, Charlie also attended Delta College and received his associate’s degree in business administration.

While still training under Master Lim, Charlie took a job at General Motors to make ends meet. Charlie was eventually transferred to Shreveport, LA., two years later. Chalie quickly discovered that Shreveport wasn’t the place for him and ultimately moved back to Michigan.

Things happen for a reason and Charlie’s choice to leave General Motors and come back to Michigan was a pivotal one. Once back in Bay City, Michigan, Charlie focused on training for and participating in competitions around the world and ultimately ended up earning a gold medal in the 1978 Olympics and first place at the AAUTae Kwon Do Committee Sanction Championships. Charlie repeated the feat again in 1982 with another gold medal at the Oriental Martial Arts Expo, held at Detroit’s Joe Louis Arena.

Master Charlie Harvey Bay City Tae Kwon Do

This same year, Charlie opened his first martial arts studio in 1982 and continued to compete nationally, retiring from active competition in 1989 after going 10 years without being defeated. During this period of time he earned an impressive 60 Grand Champion trophies.

Charlie is now using his wisdom and experience teaching martial arts at his school in Bay City, Michigan to students as young as 4 and as old as 63. Charlie provides individualized, hands-on private instruction as well as group instruction. The 60-year-old estimates he’s taught more than a thousand boys and girls throughout the years. Along the way, he’s trained and mentored dozens of black belts and continues to do so to this day.

Master Charlie Harvey Bay City Tae Kwon Do