World Taekwondo Academy celebrating over 36 years of Excellent instructions

The WTA was first established in South Korea by Grandmaster Lee in 1973. In 1989, after moving to the United States, Grand Master Lee opened the first WTA in Olney, Maryland. Five years later the second WTA was opened in Gaithersburg, Maryland under the leadership of Master Joon Lee.

Our Schools practice in traditional ways which include both physical and mental training. We believe true martial arts training must integrate both body and mind. If you believe in traditional values such as respect, discipline and perseverance, you will find our programs suitable for you.

We also practice sport Taekwondo and compete at local, state, national and international competitions.

Grand Master Dr. Lee, Woon Se - Grandmaster Lee is a 9th degree back with over 50 years of experience in the Martial Arts. Not only was Grandmaster Lee a Korean National Champion for 5 years, he was also an Olympic Team Head Coach, coached 5 national teams and 4 military academies. He was a Head Coach for U.S. national teams at World Forms Championship in Ankara, Turkey in 2008. He continues to practice his art and still teaches and coaches with full vigor at the Olney location.
Detailed Bio of Grand Master Lee<---Click Here!

Master Joon Lee - Master Joon is a 6th degree black belt and has over 28 years of experience in the art of Taekwondo. He is the head instructor for the Gaithersburg school since 1994. Not only has he become an excellent martial artist in his own right and great teacher like his father, he also spends his time influencing youth as a positive role model by teaching Physical Education for the Montgomery Public Schools. He is also a certified international referee. He holds B.S. in physical education and M.S. in Education. He has also been teaching Taekwondo for Jefferson Montessori School In Gaithersburg since 1999 and Fellowship Korean School in Germantown, MD since 2002.

Master Jason-4th degree black belt instructor at Olney school. Master Greg-4th degree black belt at Gaithersburg School.

Assistant Instructors: Sid (3rd degree black belt), Wesley (3rd degree black belt), Alex (2nd degree black belt),

What is Taekwondo?
The word “Taekwondo” is actually made up of 3 Korean words. Tae - which means "to kick" or "foot", Kwon - which means "to punch" or "fist" and Do - which means "art" or "way". Loosely translated, it is the art of kicking and punching or "the way of foot and fist". The word Do in Korean also has a philosophical connotation, which briefly stated as "way of life" or the path to enlightenment.

Technically speaking, TKD is a Korean Martial Art in which 2 people practice methods of unarmed fighting or 1 person can exercise for physical fitness and self-defense. Although it is often practiced as a sport or a form of aerobic exercise in modern days, a true TKD practitioner applies the purpose of the art -- which is to develop oneself physically, mentally, and spiritually -- to all aspects of life.

The Taekwondo philosophy aims to gain an understanding of love, kindness, and compassion. It hopes to achieve control of one's body, mind, and spirit, and to obtain superior character.

Taekwondo is a way of life; a way of living far above the ordinary; a way of victory over and freedom from our weaknesses; a way of living in strength and peace with a positive direction for our future.

Taekwondo is for everyone! Everyone and anyone will reap rewards from Taekwondo practice. Children develop concentration and confidence, which help them in school. Teens experience a sense of pride in them to stand up for what is right, even when faced with conflicting moral values, temptations, and peer pressure. Adults find that Taekwondo allows them to advance at their own pace, handle daily stress, and feel years younger. Everyone sets his or her own personal goals of achievement in order to become a well developed, graceful, and fulfilled individual.

What are the special benefits of Taekwondo Training?
Physically, you will be healthier and stronger than ever, plus you will learn valuable practical self-defense, In addition, Taekwondo training will help you with flexibility, coordination, cardiovascular endurance, muscular endurance, muscular strength, power, reaction time, speed, and more. A strong body builds a strong mind. Mentally, you will build your inner strength and become a more disciplined, powerful and confident individual. A positive mental attitude provides the best ideas for self-improvement. Philosophically, you will create, set and strive to achieve goals. Through achieving yours goals, you will increase your self-respect and lead a more productive and peaceful life. This self motivation program will help you get good grades in school, succeed in your job, develop better social relationships, and be more happy in your daily life.

The World Taekwondo Academy is very proud to be recognized and affiliated with the World Taekwondo Federation(WTF) in South Korea which is the sole organization governing the sport of Taekwondo at the Olympic games. All students at the WTA will receive accreditation and certification from both the WTA and the WTF. WTF black belt certificates are recognized internationally in over 180 countries currently. Also only World Taekwondo Federation certified black belts can participate in Summer Olympics