Instructors
Where Tradition Meets
Modern Excellence
Grand Master Kwangil Bae emphasizes official Olympic-style Taekwondo techniques as well as enriching student's knowledge with history and traditional discipline of the martial arts. We focus on physical conditioning and flexibility as means to achieve better overall health.
Rank
9th DAN
Grand Master Kwangil Bae
Head Instructor & Founder
Certifications
- • 9th Degree Black Belt Taekwondo - Kukkiwon Certified
- • 8th Degree Black Belt Hapkido
- • Active International Certified Referee in Poomsae and Sparring
- • Graduated from Dan Kook University in Physical Education
Professional Career
- • Korean Army Special Unit (1st Lieutenant)
- • Resident Instructor at Urban Sports Cultural Center (NYC)
- • Resident Instructor at Unified Korean School (NYC)
- • ESPN Featured Tae Kwon Do Demonstrations
Message
I look forward to welcoming you to Elite Taekwondo Center. Grand Master Kwangil Bae Elite Taekwondo Center
Our Master Instructors
Highly qualified instructors dedicated to guiding you through your martial arts journey with expertise and passion.
Unju Lee
- • Kukkiwon 5th Degree Black Belt (NO.05339269)
- • World Taekwondo Defense (WTKDD) 1st Degree Black Belt
- • Program Manager - Elite Taekwondo Center
Andrew Cheav
- • Kukkiwon 6th Degree Black Belt
- • Hapkido 2nd Degree Black Belt
- • Certified 3rd Class International Instructor by KUKKIWON
- • Certified USAT National Poomsae Referee
- • Certified USAT National Sparring Referee
- • Certified USAT National Coach Level 1
Rachel Bae
- • Kukkiwon 5th Degree Black Belt
- • USAT National Poomsae Referee
- • USAT National Sparring Referee
- • USAT National Associate Coach
- • 2016-2019 USAT Poomsae Team Member
- • 3 Times US Open TKD Champion
Maryam Jouzi
- • Kukkiwon 5th Degree Black Belt
- • International Poomsae Referee
- • International Sparring Referee
- • 2018 USAT Taekwondo Championship Best Female Referee
- • 2017 Santa Cruz Open Championship Best Female Referee
- • 3rd Place - 2019 California State Championship
Ryan Bae
- • Kukkiwon 4th Degree Black Belt
- • USAT Certified National Sparring Referee
- • AAU Certified National Poomsae & Sparring Referee
- • 1st Place - 2019 AAU Poomsae Team Trial (ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex)
- • 1st Place - 2019 AAU Regional Taekwondo Championship
- • 3rd Place - 2019 California State Taekwondo Championship
John Valenzuela
- • Kukkiwon 6th Degree Black Belt
- • World Taekwondo Defense (WTKDD) 1st Degree Black Belt
- • USAT Certified National Referee
- • AAU Certified National Referee
- • World Sport Committee P-Level Referee
- • 43 Years Teaching Experience
Why Learn From Our Instructors
Expert Instruction
Official Kukkiwon registered dojang with all instructors holding Kukkiwon Dan certificates
Personalized Attention
Individual guidance tailored to your skill level and goals
Proven Track Record
Success stories from thousands of students across all ages
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our programs, training, and membership
We offer classes for all ages, from young children to adults. Our programs are tailored to different skill levels and goals.
No prior experience is required! We welcome beginners as well as experienced martial artists looking to refine their skills.
Comfortable athletic wear is fine for your first class. If you decide to continue, we'll guide you on getting a uniform and gear.
We recommend attending at least two classes per week for steady improvement, but you can train more frequently based on your goals.
We go beyond physical training to focus on building strong character. Our program is rooted in the values of loyalty, discipline, and perseverance helping students grow into confident, respectful individuals both on and off the mat. We teach not just technique, but the mindset and spirit of true martial artists.