About Us/ | masterhantkd

Our Story & Legacy

Master Han Taekwondo, formerly known as U.S. Taekwondo College, first opened its doors in 1983 in Springfield, Virginia. We were the first Taekwondo school in the Saratoga area, and for more than 40 years we have proudly remained one of the few Korean-owned and operated dojangs in the community.

Our mission has always been simple: to teach authentic Korean Taekwondo while helping students grow in confidence, respect, discipline, and health. What started as a small school has grown into a family tradition that continues to inspire generations of students.

What is Taekwondo?

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that focuses on self-defense using bare hands and bare feet.

-Tae means to strike or break with the foot.

-Kwon means to strike or break with the fist.

-Do means way, method, or path.

Together, Taekwondo means “the way of the hand and the foot.”

Why Choose Master Han Taekwondo?

We are dedicated to promoting health, strength, and longevity. It is our goal to provide our

students with a program that will benefit them throughout their lifetimes.

We want all of our students to succeed both inside and outside the dojang.

Training in Taekwondo can help people of all ages and fitness levels:

Build strength, stamina, and flexibility
Develop discipline and self-confidence
Improve exercise and dietary habits
Gain lifelong skills for health and well-being

At Master Han Taekwondo, every student trains in a positive, supportive environment

and every class is guided by a legacy of authentic Korean Taekwondo.

Meet Grand Master Han

(Owner and 8th Degree Black Belt)

Our school was founded by Grand Master Han, an 8th-dan black belt from Seoul, Korea. He began training in Taekwondo at the age of 8 and has devoted more than 50 years to the art.

Grand Master Han is a former World Champion, Olympic Torchbearer, and served as the U.S. Team Coach during the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, Korea. His lifelong dedication has shaped not only our school, but also the wider Taekwondo community.

Today, Grand Master Han continues to actively teach students at Master Han Taekwondo alongside his instructors, Master Mark Back and Master Su Ha. Training under a Grand Master is a rare honor, and every student who learns here is part of a living tradition.

Meet Ms. Jennifer Han

(Program Manager and Events Curator)

Hello! My name is Ms. Jennifer Han, and I am the manager and events curator at Master Han Taekwondo — and the proud daughter of Grand Master Han. I’ve been a student of my father for over 13 years, and today I help continue his legacy by running our before- and after-school program and seasonal camps.

Growing up in the Saratoga area, I attended Silverbook ES, then transferred to Saratoga ES, and am a former Saratoga Stallion! Afterwards, I attended Key Middle and Lewis High School (formerly known as Lee High — Reach High, Lee High). After high school, I built experience in management, customer service, and events before returning to what I truly believe is my calling — serving children and families in our community.

For over 12 years, I’ve devoted myself to helping children grow not only in strength and discipline, but also in character, mindfulness, and confidence. I believe every child who steps into our program comes to us for a reason. My role is to meet each student where they are and help them find balance: encouraging the shy to discover their voice, guiding the confident to stay humble, and showing every child that they are capable of achieving great things.

To me, this work is more than teaching — it is nurturing. I see every student as family, and I protect and care for them as if they were my own. Through Taekwondo and our community programs, I want every child to know they have a place where they belong, where they are supported, and where they can grow into mindful, resilient, and compassionate people.

Catch me on my socials!

Tiktok: @TKDMAMABEAR

Facebook: @MasterHANTKD