Helcher's Black Belt Academy

09/04/2021

I have had a couple people ask about teaching a tkd class while I am in Michigan. I will be at the park across from the St. Louis high school Wednesday at 5pm. No uniforms needed. Let me know if you will attend.

07/03/2020

When a person thinks of a black belt many things come to mind such as Dedication, Perseverance, Honor, Integrity, Respect, for your self and others. It takes years of commitment to develop the long-term muscle memory to be a true black belt. When I opened my academy, I knew I would make sure students earned their belts and the respect and honors that go with it. If you are being promoted from belt to belt within a few weeks you are at a McDojo. Don’t be proud of the belt you bought. You did not earn a belt in a few short weeks. This is not Dedication. This is not Commitment. This is not you pushing and Challenging yourself. The person selling you these belts is not showing Leadership, Integrity, Honesty, nor Respect. This is them selling you crap. Don’t be proud of a new shinny belt if you didn’t earn it. That being said, I am sorry I encourage any student to go the Mt. Pleasant tkd school. I will not endorse this academy any longer. I understand you need a place to train. Do what you need to get in your workouts. Be careful wearing these accolades boughten. They are worthless if you didn’t Earn them. When needed you will not have the confidence needed to protect yourself. I am sorry I left you with such poor options.

06/12/2020

Words can not express my gratitude toward everyone that came out yesterday. I understand for those that could not make it out. I felt bad because I could not spend more time with each and everyone of you. I will miss all of you. Many talked about how I changed their lives. You have all changed my life as well. I will try and plan a get together later in the summer. Maybe one more Nerf Battle. They were always epic. Keep training and improving yourself in all that you do. Thank you again for being a part of my life and academy.

06/06/2020

As everyone knows I have decided to close the academy. I would like to have one more class together. I have met so many wonderful and amazing people. I would like the opportunity to say thank you and goodbye. This Wednesday we will have a class in Clapp park across from the St. Louis high school at 6pm. The forecast says rain but it's Michigan. It could snow or be sunny by then. If need be we will go to the academy. I hope everyone is able to make this final class together.

06/05/2020

It saddens me to officially announce that I will be closing the academy permanently. I can't continue to operate in these uncertain times. I feel guilty for letting so many people down. Please understand this is not an easy decision for me.

05/09/2020

05/05/2020

9️⃣ FAST FACTS ABOUT GRAND MASTER G.K. LEE

FACT 1:

Grand Master G.K. Lee was born in 1957 in Daegu City, South Korea.

FACT 2:

A martial arts enthusiast from a young age, G.K. Lee started martial arts training in 2nd Grade and received his first black belt at 12 years old in Tang Soo Do.

FACT 3:

Known for his introduction of Protech to the traditional Songahm curriculum, the first seminar Grand Master G.K. Lee taught in Protech was Joint Locks in Pittsburgh, PA.

FACT 4:

When asked what his favorite weapon is, he confidently said the side kick (Clever!). But, he said he also enjoys training with the double edge sword.

FACT 5:

Grand Master G.K. Lee served in the Korean Army from 1978 to 1981 where he taught Taekwondo.

FACT 6:

When he’s not doing Taekwondo, Grand Master G.K. Lee enjoys shooting trap, fishing, and spending time outdoors.

FACT 7:

His go-to favorite board break is a speed break- the jump spin heel kick!

FACT 8:

Grand Master G.K. Lee is a family man with two children, ages 13 and 10.

FACT 9:

So, what advice does the Presiding Grand Master Nominee have for ATA Martial Arts students? “Train twice a week no matter what! Create a habit of training constantly. Then, these habits will become a way of life.