Our Beliefs

At Progression Taekwondo we believe that teamwork, training, and growth are important parts of any person's life journey, regardless of their ability to pay. That is why, in addition to training the public, Progression Sports welcomes at-risk and economically disadvantaged youth, and provides free, subsidized, or low cost martial arts and strength and conditioning training for students who qualify, depending on level of need. This includes providing the opportunity for those students who qualify to compete in tournaments at regional, national, and international levels.

MEET THE FOUNDER

Master Richard Lee is a sixth degree black belt with nearly 40 years of experience in Taekwondo, 20 of which have been dedicated to instructional teaching and coaching. Master Lee has coached competitive sparring at all tournament levels: local, regional, national, and international, and is an Elite Coach for the AAU Taekwondo National Olympic Sparring Coaching Program. He also has a deep background in all other facets of Taekwondo and other martial arts, including Forms, Conditioning, Strength Training, Agility, and Self-Defense.

Master Lee lives by the five tenets of Taekwondo--Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self Control, and Indomitable Spirit--and knows from experience that physical training in a community held by these moral guideposts creates a resilient spirit to help weather all life's challenges, on or off the mat. Master Lee believes that the physical and mental benefits of Taekwondo should not be limited to those who could traditionally afford it, and is deeply committed to creating access opportunities for all those who feel called to the sport, regardless of ability to pay. Having gained so much over his own life from Taekwondo, it is his personal honor to establish a studio which will welcome students and their families (of all ages and backgrounds) into the community as well.

Accolades:

Coach for AAU National Team for the 2022 / 2023 season
Head Coach of Summer World University Games (SWUG) in Italy in 2019
Coach of multiple US Team Members and Collegiate Team Members
UCLA Taekwondo Head Coach from 2010-2014
Multi-Year USA National Champion and Medalist
Multi-Year US Collegiate Champion and Medalist
2008 US Olympic Trials
US Junior Olympic Medalist