Grand Master Han Won Lee Appointed as U.S. Executive Director of the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation, UN Affiliated Organization; A Taekwondo Demonstration Event Led by Lee Draws Hundreds of Aurora Elementary Students and Fills APS Stadium
Aurora, Colorado — Grand Master Han Won Lee successfully hosted the Taekwondo Demonstration on May 15, an event drawing participation from elementary schools across the Aurora Public School District (APS). Organized by the Empower Taekwondo Foundation under the leadership of Grand Master Lee, the event took place at the Aurora Public Schools Stadium. Although 12 schools were initially scheduled to participate, the final lineup was adjusted to 11 schools due to scheduling changes caused by a recent heavy snowfall earlier in May. Under Grand Master Lee’s powerful commands, approximately 900 students delivered a disciplined and spirited Taekwondo demonstration, filling the stadium with their confident shouts.
Following the group presentation, each school was evaluated by a panel of judges, who traveled from both Colorado and out of state. The school evaluations were followed by a board-breaking demonstration. Parents and teachers filled the stadium with enthusiastic applause, deeply moved by the determined expressions and confident performances of the children as they successfully broke their boards. Large trophies were awarded to the top three highest-scoring schools.
In an interview with Colorado Times, Craig Lyle, APS Chief of School Leadership and Support, commended Grand Master Lee’s dedicated efforts. “Aurora Public School District’s connection with Grand Master Lee spans more than a decade,” Lyle said. “Through his volunteer work and dedication to teaching Taekwondo free of charge to public elementary students in the APS, our students have learned not only Taekwondo but also self-regulation, listening skills, and teamwork.” Lyle also highlighted the positive impact of Grand Master Lee’s work within the district, adding, “Not every student can afford the expenses associated with sports. Thanks to donors who share Grand Master Lee’s vision, students are provided with free uniforms.” Grand Master Lee expressed his gratitude to the APS teachers and staff who collaborated in managing the students and teaching them respect toward their masters.
Grand Master Lee’s commitment to providing free Taekwondo lessons to children stems from his personal journey. Immigrating to the United States with his parents at the age of 13, he happened to hear powerful Taekwondo commands spoken in Korean while at the University of Michigan, which led him to meet Master Jung Hwa. Unable to afford tuition due to his family’s financial hardships at the time, Lee directly and earnestly asked Master Jung Hwa, “Can I learn too? Please teach me Taekwondo.”
Thanks to Master Jung Hwa’s generosity, Lee was able to begin his training that very day, dedicating himself to the martial art with absolute sincerity. At age 16, when he could not afford tournament registration fees, lodging, or transportation, Master Jung Hwa covered all of his expenses so that Lee could compete alongside his American peers. By age 19, Lee became a member of the U.S. National Taekwondo Team. The profound care and mentorship Grand Master Lee received from his teacher during his youth became the driving force behind his lifelong mission to pass on that same love unconditionally to the next generation of children.
Barbara Kunkel, a Pan American Games Taekwondo bronze medalist who attended the event, shared her perspective on the initiative. “I attended today because I am envisioning a humanitarian program through Taekwondo in Colorado Springs as well,” Kunkel said. “I hope that refugees can regain their confidence through Taekwondo. Regardless of their backgrounds or personal circumstances, Taekwondo holds the unique power to bring people together in one place, wearing the same uniform, with one heart.” She emphasized that Taekwondo is a powerful martial art capable of contributing to social integration.
Jay Warwick, a member of the World Taekwondo Council and Secretary General of USA Taekwondo, presented the first-place award at the ceremony. “Following our refugee initiatives, USA Taekwondo is now proudly supporting the Empower Program,” Warwick explained, offering words of encouragement for Grand Master Lee’s work. “This program aims to teach Taekwondo to children who face difficulties accessing such training, allowing them to experience firsthand the positive transformation Taekwondo can bring to their lives,” Warwick added, “USA Taekwondo is preparing for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and works diligently every year to build outstanding national teams. Seeing the stadium filled today with young Taekwondo hopefuls is incredibly moving. I look forward to watching them grow into talents who will brighten the future of American Taekwondo.”
“Expanding free Taekwondo education opportunities to low-income children across the United States is the future goal of the Empower Foundation,” Grand Master Lee responded. He added, “The Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation (THF) and those who share this vision are coming together to provide opportunities for refugees and low-income children to train their minds and bodies, heal their wounds, and enable outstanding students to excel as athletes.” A donor in attendance at the demonstration event contributed $12,000 toward uniform costs.
Grand Master Lee was recently appointed as Executive Director of the U.S. chapter of the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation, a UN affiliated humanitarian organization, with approval from World Taekwondo President Dr. Choue Chung won. “It is my most rewarding moment as a master when I hear from my former students who went through hardships and find that they have grown into resilient adults without losing their way, all thanks to the spirit of Taekwondo.” Lee shared.
Grand Master Lee travels around Aurora schools to directly teach the children. Last year, he instructed 20 schools in Aurora, but due to an injury, he is currently providing Taekwondo education to 12 schools. Moving forward with steady steps, he plans to dedicate his efforts to spreading humanitarian Taekwondo beyond Colorado and across the United States.
The seeds he has planted are growing robustly, bridging the fields of education and sports. He continues to bring profound inspiration to countless Aurora students and families, beautifully blossoming the spirit of Taekwondo on American soil.
By Susan Lee | Colorado Times
