1. Early Life and Background
Jun Lee's early life was shaped by his upbringing in a rural Korean setting and his disciplined introduction to Taekwondo, which laid the foundation for his future endeavors in martial arts and community leadership.
1.1. Childhood and Education
Born on November 17, 1962, Jun Lee, whose Korean name is 이준혁Lee JunhyeokKorean (李峻爀I JunhyeokKorean), was the third of six sons. His birthplace was the village of Ansan, located in Gochang County within the North Jeolla Province in the southwestern region of the Republic of Korea. His father, Inkyu Lee, served as a civil servant and local politician, while his mother, Yo Soon Lee, managed their household. Lee spent the majority of his childhood on a modest farm.
During his middle school years, Jun Lee encountered Master Kang, who became his first Taekwondo instructor. Master Kang operated the Oh Do Kwan Dojang in Gochang, where Jun Lee quickly distinguished himself as one of Kang's most dedicated students. He achieved the rank of black belt by the age of 13. In the early 1970s, as the Vietnam War was concluding, many young Korean Taekwondo masters, including Jun Lee's elder brother, Hyeon Kon Lee, immigrated to the United States. Hyeon Kon Lee subsequently established one of the pioneering Taekwondo dojangs in Virginia, paving the way for his younger brother's later move.
2. Immigration to the United States
In 1982, Jun Lee, then a student at the University of Seoul pursuing a major in International Economics, made the decision to emigrate to the United States. His primary motivation was to further his academic studies at George Mason University in Washington, D.C.. He successfully completed his education, earning a Bachelor's degree in Science in Economics from the university.
3. Taekwondo Career and Philosophy
Grandmaster Jun Lee's Taekwondo career is marked by the successful establishment and expansion of his martial arts institutions, underpinned by a unique teaching philosophy that extends beyond physical training to encompass holistic personal and societal development.
3.1. Dojang Establishment and Expansion
After immigrating to the United States, Jun Lee, along with his brother Hyeon Lee, identified the Research Triangle area in North Carolina as an opportune location to establish a new Taekwondo dojang. They recognized the region's burgeoning population of educated middle to upper-class families, who were perceived as more inclined towards and financially capable of investing in Taekwondo lessons. In February 1987, Jun Lee relocated from Virginia to Raleigh to capitalize on this potential.
This period was particularly favorable for the martial arts industry in the United States, which was experiencing substantial growth. The International Olympic Committee had recently designated Taekwondo sparring as a demonstration sport for the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, drawing increased public attention. Furthermore, popular films like The Karate Kid had captivated young American audiences, stimulating interest in martial arts.
Upon his arrival in Raleigh during the winter, Jun Lee, knowing only his brother in the area, initially resided in his Aerostar van. He then secured a small, 2.70 K ft2 commercial space in a strip mall that required significant renovation. For an entire month, Lee personally undertook the renovation work to prepare the facility. By early spring, the renovations were complete, and Jun Lee's dojang officially opened its doors.
In the initial phase, Jun Lee actively promoted his new business by offering free martial arts demonstrations at various local venues, including gas stations, schools, and county fairs. In the evenings, he dedicated his time to teaching Taekwondo classes. While new students gradually trickled in at first, the pace of enrollment quickly accelerated. By the end of the first year, Jun Lee's dojang had attracted more students than its capacity could comfortably accommodate. Building on this success, Jun Lee proceeded to open several additional dojangs throughout the Research Triangle area. Following the precedent set by his elder brother, Jun Lee entrusted his other brothers with the management and operation of these new locations, fostering a family-centered approach to his expanding enterprise.
3.2. Teaching Philosophy
Jun Lee developed a profound understanding that martial arts, particularly Taekwondo, transcended mere physical techniques of kicking and punching. He viewed it as a comprehensive way of life, fundamentally believing that Taekwondo served as a means to improve individuals and society as a whole. According to Lee's philosophy, the influence of Taekwondo extends far beyond the confines of the dojang, empowering masters and students to contribute actively to the betterment of their communities.
Within the dojang, Jun Lee began to infuse his unique vision into the traditional Korean martial art. He recognized early on that certain elements of Korean Taekwondo, owing to significant cultural differences, did not translate effectively into American culture. While Korean culture often emphasizes conformity and collective identity, American culture typically values individualism and distinctiveness. To bridge this gap, Jun Lee adapted his teaching methods to his adopted culture, developing innovative ideas while meticulously preserving the core traditions of Taekwondo.
The more open nature of American culture afforded Jun Lee the flexibility to integrate his personal teaching philosophy into Taekwondo, an approach that would have been largely inconceivable in Seoul or his hometown. He renamed his dojangs "Black Belt World" to encapsulate his teaching philosophy, which is deeply rooted in the humanistic Korean concept of Hongik Ingan, meaning "to broadly benefit humanity." Jun Lee formulated his martial arts philosophy around nine core principles:
1. To instill loyalty to one's country.
2. To honor one's parents.
3. To show respect for elders.
4. To care for juniors.
5. To build positive relationships with teachers.
6. To treat all things with care.
7. To never seek advantage over the weak.
8. To use Taekwondo to benefit others.
9. To finish what one starts.
Jun Lee posits that if all individuals were to practice Taekwondo and integrate these qualities and values into their daily lives, not only would society experience significant improvement, but it would also become considerably more liberated. He notably stated that, under such circumstances, "there would not be a need for the laws that govern." This philosophy underscores his belief in the transformative power of Taekwondo for individual and collective social progress.
3.3. Grandmaster Promotion Test
Historically, master testing for fifth-degree (5th dan) black belts and higher ranks in Taekwondo had always been conducted in private, behind closed doors. Jun Lee made a deliberate decision to challenge and alter this tradition. On November 23, 1997, he publicly underwent his seventh-degree (7th dan) promotion test before a live audience composed of his students and esteemed Taekwondo Grandmasters. This event marked a historic milestone, as it was the first World Taekwondo-sanctioned seventh-degree black belt test ever conducted in the United States. The panel of distinguished examiners included Grandmaster Jhoon Goo Rhee, Grandmaster Woo Jin Chung, Grandmaster Dong Jin Kim, Grandmaster K.S. Lee, and Grandmaster Wonik Yi.
During the examination, Jun Lee showcased his exceptional skills across various Taekwondo disciplines, including Poomsae (forms), sparring, board breaking, and a comprehensive demonstration. The most memorable moments of the test included Master Jun Lee's powerful feat of breaking a Louisville Slugger baseball bat. With the bat securely held in a specialized concrete stand, he shattered it with a single, precise kick of his leg. Another impressive display involved Master Lee, while blindfolded, skillfully slicing an apple that was delicately perched on his student's stomach using a traditional Korean sword.
4. Black Belt World
Black Belt World serves as the international Taekwondo educational institution founded by Grandmaster Jun Lee. It is officially certified by the Kukkiwon, which is the World Taekwondo Headquarters. The institution operates dojangs in various locations, including North Carolina and Virginia in the United States, as well as in other countries. Its mission is centered on self-improvement through the practice and philosophy of Taekwondo, reflecting Grandmaster Lee's humanistic teaching principles.
5. Public Service and Contributions
Grandmaster Jun Lee's dedication extends far beyond the realm of martial arts, encompassing active involvement in public service and civic affairs, with a particular focus on community welfare and international relations.
5.1. Political Activities
In 2011, Grandmaster Jun Lee ventured into local politics, running for mayor of Knightdale against the incumbent mayor, Russell Killen. Endorsed by the Democratic Party, Lee faced a significant challenge in attempting to unseat a popular mayor in a town where organized political parties were often viewed skeptically, even described as "glorified political mafias."
His decision to run for office was deeply rooted in his belief in the importance of contributing to and serving the community. Education reform formed the central pillar of his mayoral platform, reflecting his long-standing commitment to youth development and societal betterment. Throughout the campaign, the incumbent mayor and Jun Lee engaged in political debate over key issues, including the beautification and urban development of the city, as well as proposed educational reforms. Despite a hard-fought race, Jun Lee was ultimately unsuccessful, securing forty-six percent of the vote.
5.2. Other Public Service and Achievements
Beyond his political aspirations, Jun Lee has been actively involved in numerous public service initiatives and has received significant recognition for his contributions. He has served as president of the International Coalition of Good Health and Good Friends (ICG), a global community service group focused on leveraging Taekwondo for social good. He also held the position of former Secretary-General for the United States Taekwondo Committee. In academia, he was appointed as a guest professor for the Departments of Taekwondo at Woo Suk University in South Korea, sharing his expertise and philosophy with future martial artists.
In addition to his administrative and academic roles, Jun Lee holds an unofficial world record for breaking 5,000 one-inch thick boards within a remarkable seven hours, a testament to his physical prowess and enduring dedication. His impact on the martial arts world has also been recognized by Martial Arts World magazine, which selected him as one of the Top Ten Martial Arts Masters in the USA in May 2002.
5.3. Efforts for Korean Unification
Since 2002, Grandmaster Jun Lee has undertaken several trips to North Korea, driven by a profound hope for the eventual peaceful unification of the two Koreas into a single, democratic, and free nation. His ongoing efforts are a testament to his commitment to reconciliation and democratic values on the Korean Peninsula. Through his acts of generosity, the universal appeal of Taekwondo, and his unwavering belief in liberty, Grandmaster Lee actively works to build bridges between the divided nations, fostering dialogue and understanding where political divides often persist.
6. Assessment and Legacy
Grandmaster Jun Lee's life and career have left a significant mark on the martial arts community and broader society, characterized by his innovative approach to Taekwondo and his dedicated efforts towards community and international betterment.
6.1. Achievements and Positive Assessment
Grandmaster Jun Lee's achievements are extensive and multifaceted, solidifying his legacy as a transformative figure in Taekwondo and a committed advocate for social progress. His establishment of Black Belt World, a Kukkiwon-certified institution, expanded the reach and influence of Taekwondo in the United States and globally, providing a platform for character development beyond physical training. His pioneering decision to hold a public 7th dan Grandmaster test in 1997 revolutionized traditional Taekwondo practices, promoting transparency and inspiring a new generation of martial artists.
His unique teaching philosophy, deeply rooted in the concept of Hongik Ingan, emphasizes Taekwondo's role in fostering well-rounded individuals who contribute positively to society. This humanistic approach has cultivated values such as loyalty, respect, and service among his students, promoting a more liberated and ethical community. His world record for board breaking and recognition as one of the top ten martial artists in the USA underscore his exceptional skill and dedication.
Beyond martial arts, Lee's commitment to public service is evident in his mayoral candidacy, where he championed education reform, and his leadership in organizations like the International Coalition of Good Health and Good Friends. Perhaps most notably, his ongoing efforts to promote peace and unification on the Korean Peninsula through direct engagement with North Korea demonstrate his profound dedication to democratic values and international reconciliation, solidifying his reputation as a bridge-builder and a proponent of positive social change.
7. Impact
Grandmaster Jun Lee's impact spans the martial arts community, broader society, and historical developments, particularly concerning social progress and human rights through his unique blend of martial arts discipline and civic engagement. Within the martial arts community, he significantly broadened the perception of Taekwondo, transforming it from a mere combat sport into a comprehensive framework for personal and societal betterment. His innovative public Grandmaster test broke traditional barriers, fostering greater transparency and accessibility within the martial arts hierarchy. By emphasizing the integration of values such as loyalty, respect, and community service into Taekwondo practice, he cultivated a generation of practitioners who are not only skilled martial artists but also socially responsible individuals.
His philosophical adaptation of Hongik Ingan for American culture demonstrated a nuanced understanding of cross-cultural dynamics, proving that traditional values could be reinterpreted to resonate with diverse audiences, thereby promoting humanistic principles on a global scale. Beyond the dojang, his political activism, even in an unsuccessful mayoral bid, highlighted a genuine commitment to local governance and education reform, reflecting his belief that martial arts training prepares individuals for active civic participation.
Furthermore, his consistent efforts towards Korean unification, marked by direct engagement with North Korea, positioned him as a unique figure utilizing cultural diplomacy to advocate for peace and democratic values on the Korean Peninsula. This commitment to international reconciliation underscores his broader impact on social progress and human rights, demonstrating how an individual, through discipline and a clear vision, can contribute significantly to a more just and interconnected world.
