our instructors

The Chief Instructor of the Hwa Rang Do Champaign Illinois branch of the World Hwa Rang Do Association is Instructor Steve Lavigne.  Mr. Lavigne started his training under Master David Kijek in Madison, Wisconsin.  After receiving his 1st Dan Black Sash, Mr. Lavigne moved to Los Angeles and was an Assistant Instructor at the World Hwa Rang Do Association Headquarters.  Mr. Lavigne then moved to Champaign, Illinois and started the Hwa Rang Do Champaign Academy.  

Professionally, Mr. Lavigne has worked in the health care field for over 15 years and is a licensed nurse. He has most recently worked in pediatric home care and is professionally CPR certified.

Mr. Lavigne currently lives in Urbana with his wife, Mengwan, and daughter Zoe (a member of the Little Tiger program).

Chief Master Taejoon Lee, 7th Dan Black Sash and Vice-President of the World Hwa Rang Do Association, and Instructor Lavigne.

Our Leaders


Dojoo Nim  (Owner of the Way) Dr. Joo Bang Lee is the 58th generation title holder and the modern day founder of Hwa Rang Do.  He continues to lead Hwa Rang Do from the World Hwa Rang Do Association Headquarters in Downey California. 



Master Tae Joon Lee is a 7th Dan Black Sash and the Vice President of the World Hwa Rang Do Association.  Master Lee is also the head of the West Coast Hwa Rang Do Association Headquarters.


 

Master David Kijek  Master Kijek is the head of the Midwest Region for the World Hwa Rang Do Association. He is directly trained by the Founder of Hwa Rang Do, Supreme Grandmaster Dr. Joo Bang Lee. Mr. Kijek began his training in 1979 and began teaching in 1982. He is a member of ASLET (American Society of Law Enforcement Trainers). As a graduate of UW-Stout, he earned his Bachelors Degree in Business, and a graduate of Edgewood College where he received his MBA. In addition to teaching regular classes, Master Kijek conducts lectures, training seminars and demonstrations around the US and in Mexico.

Teuk Gong Team

"Teuk Gong" means special forces in Korean. The Teuk Gong Team (or TGT) members are the assistant instructors to the Black Sashes. A TGT member is chosen to be a role model to his or her "junbae" or lower ranked brothers and sisters. TGT members must exemplify the utmost commitment and dedication both inside and outside of the dojang with the Meng Sae constantly serving as their guide. To be selected for the TGT team the student must have attained at least the rank of green belt and be a BBC member committed to attaining their Tae Soo Do black belt.
TGT Team Members in Champaign Illinois

  • Caitlin Meneely
  • Tim Garrow

 

 

 

  


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