Today we’d like to introduce you to Seunghyun Lee.
Hi Seunghyun, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey with Taekwondo started when I was a young boy in South Korea. At first, it was simply a way to stay active, but very quickly it became something much deeper. Through training, I discovered discipline, respect, and the values that would later shape who I am today.
When I moved to the United States, I carried those lessons with me. Starting fresh in a new country wasn’t easy, but Taekwondo gave me both strength and direction. I began teaching, not just to share techniques, but to help children and families find the same sense of confidence and purpose that Taekwondo gave me.
Over the years, I’ve watched students grow—not only into skilled martial artists, but into leaders with strong character. That has always been the most rewarding part of my journey.
Today, as both a Taekwondo Master and the Tournament Director of the Texas Taekwondo Association, I see my role as building something bigger than myself: a community where the next generation can grow in skill, leadership, and heart.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has definitely not been smooth. When I first came to the United States, I had to start all over again—new language, new culture, and no foundation to rely on. There were times when I wondered if I could truly make it here.
Running a Taekwondo school also brought its own struggles. In the beginning, it wasn’t easy to gain the trust of families. I faced moments when student numbers were small, when resources felt limited, and when I questioned whether the sacrifices I was making would pay off.
But every challenge became a lesson. Learning to be patient taught me how to guide children better. Learning to be resilient showed me how to inspire my junior instructors. And staying true to my values reminded me that Taekwondo is not just about kicking and punching—it’s about building character and a strong community.
Looking back, I can see that the struggles were necessary. They shaped me into the leader and teacher I am today, and they continue to remind me why I do what I do.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work is centered around Taekwondo, but it’s much more than teaching martial arts. As a Taekwondo Master, a school owner in Texas, and the Tournament Director of the Texas Taekwondo Association, I dedicate myself to helping children and teenagers grow—not just in skill, but in character, confidence, and leadership.
What I am most proud of is watching my students transform over time. Seeing a shy child become confident, or a young student develop into a responsible leader, reminds me why I chose this path. I also take great pride in mentoring junior instructors, helping them grow into strong leaders who can inspire the next generation.
What sets me apart is my belief that Taekwondo is about more than belts and competitions. It’s about building character, resilience, and community. Every day, I strive to create an environment where students and instructors can grow together, supporting one another and achieving more than they ever thought possible.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success not by awards or titles, but by the difference I can make in the lives of others. True success, to me, is seeing my students grow—not just in Taekwondo skills, but in character, confidence, and leadership.
It’s the moments when a student overcomes a challenge they once thought impossible, when they step up as a leader, or when they carry the lessons they’ve learned in the dojang into their everyday lives.
For me, success is about impact, not recognition. It’s measured by the growth of the people I mentor and the community we build together. Every student who leaves my school stronger, braver, and more confident reminds me that I am on the right path.
Pricing:
- Trial Class: $20 for Two sessions
- Private Lessons: $100 per 30-minute
- Monthly Membership: Starts at $169 per month
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.masterlee1649.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masterlee1649
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/masterlee1649
Image Credits
SHJY INC.
