Woori Taekwondo & Hapkido Academy Chicago

03/20/2026

April 26th Championship

Hello, Woori Family! This is Master Jang.
The Championship is coming up on April 26th, and I truly hope our students take this opportunity to gain valuable experience.
The reason I strongly recommend participating in this tournament is that I once felt the same fear you might be feeling now. However, by repeatedly exposing yourself to such challenging experiences, you eventually become a bold and courageous person who can handle any situation. This is the true secret to growth.
After spring break, we will dedicate much of our class time to intensive tournament training. Let’s take this leap together and grow stronger. Please sign up today!

03/18/2026

Check out our official 2026 Woori Academy School Poster!
​We’ve combined all the amazing action shots of our students into this one special keepsake. It’s a wonderful reflection of the strength and energy of our school. We are so proud of everyone’s hard work!
​Enjoy this look at our Woori Academy stars in action!

02/05/2026

Lesson 2 From Master Jang

Listen closely, everyone.
Have you ever tried something new, like a difficult kick or a challenging form, and wanted to give up?
natural to feel frustrated when things are hard. Our brain sometimes tells us, 'This is too difficult! Just stop.' It tries to protect us from failure. But true strength isn't about never falling; it's about getting back up every single time.
​Remember the story of a small seed? It pushes through hard soil, rain, and wind to become a strong tree. It doesn't give up.
So, when you face a challenge, don't let that voice inside you say 'quit.' Instead, tell yourself, 'I can do this! Just one more try.'
Keep pushing, even when it's tough. That's how champions are made.
Your mind is like a muscle; the more you train it with perseverance, the stronger you become.
Great job today!"

02/04/2026

Lesson 1 from Master Jang

Listen up, everyone. Focus on me for a moment.
Do you ever find yourself saying, 'I'll do my homework later' or 'I'll practice tomorrow'?
We often think we are just being lazy. But actually, it’s because our brain is afraid of making mistakes. Your brain wants to protect you from feeling stressed, so it tells you to wait.
​But here is the truth: Confidence doesn't come before action; it comes after.
If you wait until you feel 'ready,' you might never start.
So, don't listen to that voice that says 'later.'
When you have a task, count '5, 4, 3, 2, 1' and just move your body.
The moment you start, the fear disappears. Let’s practice this '5-second rule' starting today.
Finish strong!

10/07/2025

Hello Woori Taekwondo Family!
Our Kick for the Cure fundraising & testing event is coming up! 🎗️
🎟️ Tickets are $10 (100% donated to St. Jude).
Each ticket includes admission, raffle entry, and 2 weeks of free trial for non-students.
👉 Donate here: https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR/Events/Events?pg=entry&fr_id=162286

📽️ Also, enjoy Master Jang’s Kick for the Cure demonstration video!
👉 https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1225528101263252&id=238065576676181&mibextid=UtMXRB

Your support truly makes a difference in the lives of children with cancer.
Thank you for being part of this meaningful event! 🙏

06/15/2025

Hello from Woori Taekwondo!
To all the amazing dads who support and inspire our children every day—thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
We made a special video to celebrate you and everything you do.
Wishing you a very Happy Father’s Day!

05/11/2025

Dear Woori Taekwondo Hapkido Academy Family,
Hello, this is Master Jang.

On this special Mother’s Day, I want to thank the incredible mothers who are the heart of our children’s journey.

"A parent’s youth flows into their children, so they may live it even more beautifully."
This is the deep hope of every parent—that their love, energy, and sacrifices become the strength that carries their children forward.

Your love is powerful. It nurtures our children, connects generations, and builds the foundation for confidence and growth.
At Woori Taekwondo Hapkido Academy, I see your love every day. Behind each child’s courage, discipline, and smile is a mother’s steady presence.
Your sacrifices, though often quiet, are never unseen. We see your strength. We are grateful.

Every kick, every bow, and every moment of resilience from your child reflects the love you pour into them.
We are honored to walk this journey with you.

This Mother’s Day, take a moment to rest, breathe, and know that your love shapes the world in the most powerful way—through your children.

Thank you, and Happy Mother’s Day! Woori Mom

Dear Woori Taekwondo Hapkido Academy Family,Hello, this is Master Jang.On this special Mother’s Day, I want to thank the incredible mothers who are the heart...

03/09/2025

https://youtu.be/4y11UqkUTIo?si=6BgSvtPFOLns2THR

This video is about the power of consistency.

Starting something new is always challenging. But what’s even harder is sticking with it and pushing through obstacles.

In this video, we share the inspiring journey of Angel and Bella, who earned their 3rd-degree black belts after 8 years of dedication.
From struggling with basic movements to growing stronger step by step, their story shows how consistent effort leads to real growth.

Even during the pandemic, when many people stopped training, they continued their Taekwondo practice through Zoom classes.
And in the end, they proved that perseverance pays off by earning their 3rd-degree black belts.

I hope this video gives you the motivation and confidence to stay consistent and keep moving forward toward your goals.
Whether it’s Taekwondo, school, or any challenge in life—if you keep going, you will improve.

You can do it! And I am always cheering for you.

This video is about the power of consistency.Starting something new is always challenging. But what’s even harder is sticking with it and pushing through obs...

02/09/2025

📢 A new video is now on YouTube! 🎥

This episode is called "Parents’ Nagging Translator."
When I was young, I didn’t understand my parents either. But as I grew older, I finally realized their true feelings.
That’s why I wanted to share this message with you.

I hope this video helps you see just how much your parents love you.
This is a message I truly want you to hear, so please watch it together with your children! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

🔗 Watch here:

When we were young, it was hard to understand our parents’ nagging.But as time passed, I finally realized what they truly meant.In this video, I’ll share the...

02/06/2025

🥋 2025 Woori Martial Arts Championship – Step Up to the Challenge! 🏆
🚀 Feel your heart race—this is your moment to shine!
“Imagine your child standing tall with confidence.”
“Do I have the courage to challenge myself?”
“If not now, then when?”

🔥 This is more than just a competition.
Here, children build confidence,
and adults rediscover the thrill of challenge.
The moment you step up, you are already winning.

📅 Date: Sunday, April 27, 2025
📍 Location: Matteson Community Center (20642 Matteson Ave, Matteson, IL 60443)

✔ Open to all ages and skill levels!
✔ First-timers welcome – taking the first step is what matters most!
✔ A lifelong memory for kids, a self-proving moment for adults!

💥 Competition Events
🏆 Forms (Poomsae) – Precision and discipline in action
💪 Board Breaking – Shattering fears and pushing limits
🔥 Power Breaking – Testing your hidden strength
👬 Group Forms – The power of teamwork
⚡ Speed Front Snap Kick – The ultimate test of speed and endurance

👀 “Can I really do this?”
If that thought crosses your mind, this event is made for YOU.
Believe in yourself and take that step forward!

🎟 ✨ Early Bird Special ✨
📌 Register by April 5 and get $5 off!
📌 Final registration deadline: April 19!

📢 This event is more than just a competition.
For kids, it’s about saying “I CAN do this!”
For adults, it’s about realizing “My potential has no limits!”

👉 Ready to take on the challenge? Sign up now!
🔗 https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904054BAAAC2CA1FC1-54990297-2025
📌 Need more details? Click below for full event rules and information!
🔗 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BzlV6afEbCLYSAzoRHR34RNiPVfJHy0i/edit?usp=drivesdk&ouid=108932833970558389533&rtpof=true&sd=true
📞 Have questions?
Call or text 773-877-9345 or ask Master Jang directly!

🎊 Don’t miss this opportunity—train, challenge yourself, and grow! 🎊

12/22/2024

For a long time, I’ve wanted to share meaningful messages with my students and their parents. Thanks to advancements in AI technology, I can now create the stories I’ve always wanted to tell more easily and quickly.

I hope these videos will be helpful to both parents and their children as we grow together.

Check out our YouTube channel here:
https://youtube.com/?si=xnB-LLHgrCTrmJbZ