HWA RANG DO® World HQ
Our Leaders
“A Teacher affects eternity yet receives no credit, but takes most of the blame.”
— Grandmaster Taejoon Lee —
The Founder
Supreme Grandmaster Dr. Joo Bang Lee
Supreme Grandmaster Dr. Joo Bang Lee is the Chairman of the World Hwa Rang Do® Association (WHRDA, a Non-Profit Humanitarian Organization, which oversees all the Hwa Rang Do® / Tae Soo Do® students, instructors, and schools across the globe) and is the “Dojoo” (Owner of the Art). There is only one 10th Dan Black Sash in each generation who is given the title of “Dojoonim”. Dr. Lee is the 58th generation holder of the title as the keeper of the knowledge of the Ancient Hwarang Knights.
He is recognized as the Founder of Hwa Rang Do® as a modern martial art as he was the first to systemize the martial skills of the Ancient Hwarang Knights as a modern martial art system for the first time in Korean History, officially registering it in the Republic of Korea in 1960. He currently resides at the WHRDA World Headquarters in Tustin, California USA.
More Info (click on the links):
Dojoonim’s Hwa Rang Do Vol I, II, III
Grandmaster Taejoon Lee
Hwa Rang Do® Luxembourg Club is headed by Grand Master Taejoon Lee, 8th Dan Black Sash in Hwa Rang Do®, 59th heir of the Hwarang generation and the eldest son of the Founder, Dr. Joo Bang Lee.
With more than 40 years experience as a teacher, his ability and wisdom to cultivate and mentor true leaders is unparalleled.
Instructors
The Staff consists of a team of highly motivated and dedicated students who believe in the Spirit of excellence, which can be achieved through the practice of Hwa Rang Do®. They are regularly taught by Supreme Grandmaster Lee in improving their skills as teachers.
Head Instructor Simon Lee
3rd Dan Black Sash
Instructor Simon Lee is a 3rd Dan Hwa Rang Do® Black Sash and Head Instructor at World HQ Hwa Rang Do® Academy in Tustin, CA. He started training in Hwa Rang Do® in 1997 while he was looking for a comprehensive, traditional martial art. During his college years, Instructor Lee co-founded the University of Chicago Hwa Rang Do® and Tae Soo Do® Club where he was the Head Instructor. After graduating college and building the University of Chicago Hwa Rang Do® and Tae Soo Do® Club, he served in the United States Navy as a nuclear-trained submarine warfare officer. After 5 years of submarine duty, Instructor Lee trained under the United States Army and deployed to Afghanistan as a NATO police plans officer. After military service, Instructor Lee continued his education obtaining his Masters degrees in Public Administration and in Business Administration. He currently serves as a government employee and resides in Irvine, CA with his wife and 2 children—both of whom are current Tae Soo Do® students.
Tommy Meng
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President of Hwa Rang Do World HQ Academy
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Assistant Instructor - Teuk Gong Team Member
My name is Tommy Meng. I'm a dentist practicing in Irvine, California. I'm married with 2 children -- Vivian who is in college and Evan who is in middle school. I started practicing Tae Soo Do® in March of 2017.
Growing up watching martial arts movies, I always wanted to learn more about it but never got a chance to do it seriously. I tried to pass this interest to my son from a young age, but not until he was 10 when finally asked me to look for a martial art school. I was more excited than him. After trying different places we found Hwa Rang Do®, a comprehensive martial art that I’ve never heard about but got to learn its history through videos. Its curriculum not only includes open hand self defense forms but also weapon forms and grappling from white belt. The Supreme Grandmaster Dr. Joo Bang Lee encouraged me to practice it along with my son and it was one of the best decisions I made. We not only could grow together but also have a very close father/son relationship. Starting Tae Soo Do® at this age is challenging and tough sometimes but is a motivation to keep moving and experiencing what my body can achieve with work.
Now Tae Soo Do® is part of my life. I’m honored to be part of the TGT team and learn how to let the next generation be excited about it.
Ethan Martinez
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Secretary of Hwa Rang Do World HQ Academy
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Assistant Instructor - Teuk Gong Team Member
Ethan Martinez is a red belt in Tae Soo do and trains at World Headquarters under the direction of Instructor Simon Lee and Supreme Grandmaster Dr. Joo Bang Lee. Ethan previously studied mixed martial arts for 6 years. After a 2 year break he decided that he wanted a more complex martial art. He has now been training in Tae Soo Do for 2 years. He is a student at Tustin High School and is in the school marching band and concert band as a trumpet player. Ethan has deep roots in Tustin where he has been living in for the past 9 years. He lives with his family, 2 cats, and a dog. He builds computers and draws in his free time.
Evan Meng
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Treasurer of Hwa Rang Do World HQ Academy
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Assistant Instructor - Teuk Gong Team Member
My name is Evan Meng and I am 12 years old. I am in 7th grade at Pioneer Middle School. I started practicing Tae Soo Do® on March 2017. I also enjoy playing volleyball in a club team.
After watching a martial art T.V show I started to have interest to learn more about it, mostly to learn how to use martial art weapons. My Dad took me to try at different places but when we found Hwa Rang Do®, the search was over. This martial art is the only one that teaches weapon forms along with other self defense techniques from white belt, and I was excited about it. Once I walked in I knew I wanted to join. My Dad decided to join too, and Tae Soo Do® has been a big part of our life. I really look forward to every class, where I can learn a lot and have a fun time with my Dad.
I am an Assistant Instructor, and I help with the Little Tigers class. It is an honor to be able to help the little kids to start training with Tae Soo Do®.