Master Kwang Il Bae was born in Seoul, South Korea. Master Bae started studying Tae Kwon Do as a child. He attended Dan Kook University in Seoul, graduating with a BA degree in Physical Education with an emphasis on Tae Kwon Do. During all four years at Dan Kook University, Master Bae was a member of the school Tae Kwon Do team. He was also a member of the Korean National Demonstration Team, as well as an ROTC Tae Kwon Do training instructor. Master Bae was also a Korean Army Special Unit Tae Kwon Do instructor after graduation.

After immigrating to the United States, Master Bae was a resident Tae Kwon Do Instructor for the Urban Sports Cultural Center in New York City for five years. He was also a resident Tae Kwon Do Instructor for the Unified Korean School (also in New York City). During this time Master Bae performed in numerous Tae Kwon Do demonstrations, some of which have been shown on ESPN.

Master Bae's teaching style places a strong emphasis on fighting and sparring techniques. He also stresses the need for physical conditioning and flexibility as a means to achieve better overall health.