About Elite Taekwondo Center
Premier Olympic-Style Taekwondo
Premier Taekwondo in Silicon Valley
At Cupertino Elite Taekwondo Center (ETC), we proudly stand as a premier martial arts academy in Santa Clara County, offering world-class Taekwondo instruction for children, teens, and adults. Conveniently located in the heart of Silicon Valley, our center is officially affiliated with World Taekwondo (WT) and KUKKIWON, the global authorities in Olympic-style Taekwondo.
Rooted in the rich traditions of a Korean martial art that spans centuries, our curriculum blends physical discipline, mental strength, and technical mastery. Under the leadership of Grand Master Kwangil Bae, a certified International Poomsae and Sparring Referee, our students benefit from decades of global Taekwondo experience.
Whether you're seeking beginner instruction, competitive training, or personal development, our mission is to cultivate not just skilled martial artists—but confident, respectful, and well-rounded individuals. Through structured training and a supportive environment, we empower our students to thrive both on and off the mat.
Grandmaster Kwangil Bae
Grandmaster Kwangil Bae is a Kukkiwon and Odo Kwan Certified 9th Dan Taekwondo Grandmaster, World Taekwondo International Referee, tournament director, military veteran, and lifelong martial artist dedicated to preserving the traditional values of Taekwondo while developing the next generation of athletes, instructors, and community leaders.
Rooted in the historic Odo Kwan lineage, Grandmaster Bae has devoted his life to Taekwondo through military service, international officiating, tournament leadership, and decades of martial arts education in both Korea and the United States.
Established 1954
Odo Kwan Heritage
Odo Kwan is one of the original kwans that played a pivotal role in the formation and development of modern Taekwondo. Established in 1954 by General Choi Hong Hi and Master Nam Tae Hi, Odo Kwan began as a military martial arts system within the Republic of Korea Army.
Its mission extended beyond physical training and combat effectiveness. Odo Kwan sought to cultivate discipline, integrity, mental resilience, loyalty, respect, and leadership among soldiers. Through its influence within the Korean military, Odo Kwan helped establish Taekwondo throughout Korea and later contributed significantly to its worldwide expansion.
The enduring values of Odo Kwan—discipline, perseverance, respect, humility, and strong moral character—continue to serve as the foundation of Grandmaster Bae's teaching philosophy at Elite Taekwondo Center.
Odo Kwan Lineage
Grandmaster Bae proudly continues the Odo Kwan tradition through the following lineage:
- 1
General Choi Hong Hi
One of the founders of Odo Kwan and a pioneering figure in the early development and international promotion of Taekwondo.
- 2
Grandmaster Jang Bong Taek
A senior Odo Kwan master who played a significant role in expanding Odo Kwan Taekwondo beyond the military and throughout the Mokpo and Honam regions of Korea.
- 3
Grandmaster Kim Hyung Il
A direct student of Grandmaster Jang Bong Taek and the instructor who guided Grandmaster Bae during his formative years, instilling in him the technical foundation, discipline, and spirit of traditional Taekwondo.
Grandmaster Kwangil Bae
A Kukkiwon and Odo Kwan Certified 9th Dan Grandmaster who continues this lineage through teaching, mentorship, international refereeing, tournament leadership, and community service.
Leadership Forged in Service
Grandmaster Bae studied Taekwondo as a Physical Education major at Dankook University in Korea. During his university years, he served as an ROTC cadet and instructed Taekwondo training for fellow cadets.
Following graduation, he was commissioned as an officer in the Republic of Korea Army and served in the 701st Special Assault Regiment under the 1st Corps. As both a platoon leader and company commander, he also contributed as a military Taekwondo instructor.
His military experience strengthened the leadership, discipline, responsibility, and commitment to excellence that continue to define his approach as a martial arts educator and mentor.
Since 1995
Taekwondo Development in the United States
Grandmaster Bae immigrated to the United States in 1995 and began promoting Korean Taekwondo throughout New York and California. Through instruction, demonstrations, competitions, and cultural exchange, he worked to share the values and traditions of Taekwondo with students and communities across the country.
In 2000, Grandmaster Bae appeared on ESPN alongside three of his students in a Taekwondo demonstration that showcased the power, precision, artistry, and spirit of Taekwondo.
For this performance, his wife, Master Unju Lee, created an original Taekwondo poomsae and helped choreograph the demonstration to traditional Korean drum music. Her unique artistic contribution elevated the performance beyond a martial arts demonstration, presenting Taekwondo as both a dynamic martial art and a meaningful expression of Korean culture.
Since 2000, Grandmaster Bae has been based in Silicon Valley, where he has continued to operate his school while promoting Taekwondo throughout the region. While working as an IT professional at Lam Research, a leading global semiconductor equipment company, he simultaneously maintained his responsibilities as a Taekwondo instructor, school owner, mentor, and international referee.
His ability to balance professional success with lifelong dedication to martial arts reflects the discipline, work ethic, and commitment that define his career. Today, through Elite Taekwondo Center, Grandmaster Bae continues to serve the Bay Area community while contributing to the advancement of Taekwondo at the local, national, and international levels.
12+ Consecutive Years
Tournament Leadership & Community Impact
For more than twelve consecutive years, Grandmaster Bae has organized and directed one of the largest Taekwondo tournaments in Northern California and the Bay Area.
Through this event, he has provided athletes, coaches, referees, masters, schools, and families with a platform to compete, learn, connect, and grow together.
His leadership has helped strengthen the Taekwondo community by promoting fair competition, sportsmanship, referee development, athlete growth, and community unity. The tournament has become a respected annual event that continues to support the growth and future of Taekwondo throughout the region.
Credentials & Leadership
Family Legacy
Taekwondo has been a lifelong family commitment shared by Grandmaster Bae and his family.
Master Unju Lee
Dance Degree · 5th Dan · International Poomsae Referee
Master Unju Lee graduated from Dankook University with a degree in Dance and is a 5th Dan Black Belt and International Poomsae Referee. Since the early years of Grandmaster Bae’s journey in the United States, she has contributed as a martial artist, educator, creative collaborator, and dedicated supporter. Her creation of the original poomsae performed during the 2000 ESPN demonstration remains a lasting example of her artistic influence and contribution to Taekwondo.
Master Rachel Bae
U.S. National Poomsae Team (Former) · U.S. Air Force Officer
Master Rachel Bae is a former member of the U.S. National Poomsae Team. She graduated from the United States Air Force Academy and currently serves as an officer in the United States Air Force.
Master Ryan Bae
U.S. National Sparring Team (Former) · University of Michigan
Master Ryan Bae is a former member of the U.S. National Sparring Team. He attended the United States Air Force Academy and is currently pursuing a degree in Economics at the University of Michigan.
Mission & Vision
Grandmaster Kwangil Bae believes that Taekwondo is far more than physical training. It is a lifelong journey that develops confidence, discipline, respect, leadership, perseverance, and service to others.
Through Elite Taekwondo Center, he remains committed to preserving the traditional values of Taekwondo while preparing students to become skilled martial artists, responsible leaders, and positive contributors to their communities.
Through teaching, mentorship, international refereeing, tournament leadership, and community service, Grandmaster Bae continues to advance the art of Taekwondo and inspire future generations to pursue excellence both inside and outside the dojang.