J.K. Lee Black Belt Academy Founder
Grand Master Jae Kyu Lee
Grand Master J.K. Lee began training over fifty years ago. Growing up in Korea during a tumultuous time, he trained under a Master who had learned directly from modern Tae Kwon Do’s founder, General Choi. In 1975 he immigrated to the United States intending to open his own Tae Kwon Do school. After working at a friends school for a year, his first location at 36th and North celebrated its grand opening on July 1, 1976.
The past 40 years, Grand Master Lee has embodied Tae Kwon Do’s tenets of courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self control, and indomitable spirit. He has grown his organization to five schools. In 1997 the Korean government recognized him with a special award as a top master instructor. He has been featured in many publications, including the Tae Kwon Do Times and the Journal of Osteopathic Sports Medicine.
Grand Master Lee has helped train top athletes in other disciplines. He has worked intensively with the U.S. Olympic Speed Skating Team and Marquette University’s basketball team. Following the tragedy of 9/11, Grand Master Lee and his son Master Chan Lee began a training program to help flight attendants.
Every year Grand Master Lee works to give back to our community. Over the past 16 years he has hosted a Board Break -a-Thon to raise money for childhood cancer research. This event has raised over $500,000.
But even more impressive and what means the most to Grand Master Lee are the countless numbers of individual lives he has changed. He still loves teaching and helping us all to realize our full potential.
Grandmaster Lee’s Induction
to the Tae Kwon Do Hall of Fame Video
Soles4Souls Project
I was honored as adult point of contact for Germantown for the Soles4Souls shoe collection project that resulted in over 21,000 pairs of shoes being collected. Grand Master Lee inspired me to take action and get involved. He was very supportive and not afraid to do the “dirty” work. (with a little play time mixed in) He is drawn to kids like a magnet. While his presence commands respect, his heart shines through showing his approachable softer side.
Mr. Brian Reagles
Wendy R.
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Chris Weinlander
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Shane Murphy, London UK
Was a student on 36th/North originally from age six, junior black belt at nine after two re-tests. Mr Lee taught me so much about discipline, perseverance, and determination. After working 3 jobs to pay for MUHS, entering basic training the morning I graduated, and serving in special forces, I realize so much of what not only helped me succeed, but in a couple situations actually kept me alive. There isn’t sufficient space here to express my gratitude or respect for him. He is truly one of the most remarkable men I have ever known in my entire life, and I thank God for having known him and been his student.
James Mathis
Student of Grandmaster Lee’s for over 25 years