MEET THE TEAM

Founder & President

Master Han

7th Dan Black Belt

Teen/Adult Class Master (Teacher), STORM Team Advisor, and School Management Advisor

Master Karl

Master Karl is a 6th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo with over 45 years of experience in multiple martial arts disciplines, including Hapkido, Judo, Karate, and Aikido.

For the past three years, he has been a dedicated instructor at Han Martial Arts, specializing in teen and adult programs. Master Karl combines his extensive martial arts background with a passion for teaching, helping students develop both technical skills and confidence on their martial arts journey.

General Class Master (Teacher), Sparring Team Coach, Judo Team Instructor, and Demo Team Advisor

Master Sam

Master Sam is a dedicated 4th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo and a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Judo with over 15 years of experience across multiple martial arts, including Judo, Taekwondo, and Wrestling. He brings a wealth of competitive knowledge to his teaching, having earned recognition as a 3-time Illinois State Medalist (2017, 2018, 2022) and a 3-time Judo National Medalist (2016, 2017, 2025).

With over 10 years of competitive experience and 5+ years of teaching both recreational and competitive classes, Master Sam combines his athletic achievements with a passion for developing students’ skills, discipline, and confidence. His broad athletic background allows him to provide a well-rounded approach to martial arts training, inspiring students to push their limits both on and off the mat.

Judo Team Coach

Master Wi

With a 6th Dan in Judo, Master Wi brings extensive expertise and leadership to the Han Martial Arts coaching team. As both an Intercontinental Judo Coach and a certified USA Judo Coach, he has a deep understanding of high-level training and competition standards. Master Wi’s experience and dedication make him an invaluable part of our program, inspiring students to grow both technically and personally through Judo.

School Senior Manager

Tay Lew

1st Degree Black Belt
Administrator
Front Desk
Accounting
Event Supervisor

Senior Instructor

Drake Obertik

3rd Degree Black Belt
Instructor Coordinator

Marketing Team Graphic Designer

Ara Kim

Han Comic Illustrator

Introductory Class Assistant Instructor

Doris Lew

1st Degree Black Belt
Interior Design Team
S.T.O.R.M. Leadership Program Advisor

Interior Design Team

Diana Lee

S.T.O.R.M. Leadership Club Advisor

Sparring Team Captain

Pavel Berez

2nd Degree Black Belt
Student Instructor

Demo Team Co-Coach

Griffyn Snaith

2nd Degree Black Belt
Student Instructor

Marketing Team Member

Maika Ting

1st Degree Black Belt
Student Instructor

Supervisor

Master Edward

Master Edward serves as the Supervisor and Executive Director of Han Martial Arts, bringing over 25 years of martial arts experience and more than 10 years of teaching experience to the studio.

He is a 6th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo and a 1st Degree Black Belt in Judo, with a proven record of teaching both recreational students and professional competitive athletes in the United States, South Korea, Chinese Taipei, and Uzbekistan.

Master Edward has made a profound impact on the martial arts community, having personally raised over 1,000 black belts worldwide, including students who went on to earn spots on the U.S. Taekwondo National Team and achieve success at the U.S. National Championships.

As a professional national team athlete from 2009 to 2015, he competed on the international stage, earning medals at the World Taekwondo Championships, Asian Taekwondo Championships, and numerous international events. Most recently, he has continued his competitive success, becoming a two-time consecutive champion at the U.S. Nationals, U.S. Open International Championships, and California State Taekwondo Championships in 2024 and 2025.

Master Edward combines this wealth of experience with a passion for guiding students of all levels, from beginners to elite athletes, inspiring them to achieve excellence both on and off the mat.

General Class Master (Teacher)

Master Koo

Master Koo is a 7th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo, a 1st Degree Black Belt in Judo, and a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Yongmudo, with over 25 years of martial arts experience and more than 20 years of teaching experience.

He has taught recreational and regular classes extensively across the United States—including New York, Kentucky, North Carolina, Texas, South Carolina, Florida, and California—as well as internationally in South Korea, Canada, Laos, the Philippines, Turkey, and Hong Kong. In addition, he has trained professional competitive athletes in Laos and the Philippines, further strengthening his global teaching impact.

Throughout his career, Master Koo has helped over 2,000 students achieve their black belts worldwide, making him a highly respected leader in the martial arts community. His service has also extended to significant international roles, including serving as a Government-designated Master with KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency) and as the Head Director of the Taekwondo Peace Corps.

Master Koo brings unmatched expertise, cultural experience, and dedication to every class, inspiring students of all ages to reach their full potential.

General Class Master (Teacher) and Sparring Team Coach

Master Jacob

Master Jacob is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo with over 20 years of martial arts experience and more than 5 years of teaching experience both in the United States and internationally, including Qatar.

As a decorated athlete, he proudly represented the Qatar National Taekwondo Team from 2014 to 2023 and the Yemen National Taekwondo Team from 2006 to 2013. His extensive competitive background, paired with his global teaching experience, allows him to bring unique insight, discipline, and inspiration to his students.

Master Jacob continues to dedicate himself to helping students grow in confidence, skill, and character through the practice of Taekwondo.