Name of Owner: James Lee
Name of Business: Moon S. Lee Taekwondo Institute
Address: 37-19 Broadway, Astoria, NY 11103 and
12-64 150th Street, Whitestone, NY 11375
Phone: 718-335-0505
Website: www.moonsleetkd.com
Email: info@moonsleetkd.com
How did you get into business?
Grandmaster Moon S. Lee (9th Dan) began his training of Taekwondo in high school in Korea, and while attending Korea University in Seoul, where Lee was ranked one of the top five on the university’s team. While serving in the military, he taught the martial art form to Korean field troops as a member of the Military Instructors Corps, and after completing his military obligation, Lee devoted himself to teaching the art at his alma mater until he left in 1969 to come to the United States. In 1972, Lee founded Moon S. Lee Taekwondo Institute in Astoria, New York, and in 1995, the Lee family opened a branch in Whitestone. Lee’s sons, Charles and James, have since taken over the business. ”I enjoy the opportunity to work with the various groups of children, teens, and adults. It’s also a great chance to help individuals with their own personal goals and empowering them,” James Lee said.
What do you do as owner?
As owners and master instructors, Charles and James teach the majority of the classes, run the day-to-day operations, and handle customer service. They are currently ranked as fifth degree black belts. They also have qualified instructors who help run the classes.
What is special about your business?
“Our main focus as far as children and students in general is the overall character development of our students,” James Lee said, explaining that as part of the classes for younger students, instructors send home “Citizen Star Sheets,” which allow parents to rank their children’s behavior. Kids are given points for doing their homework, walking the dog, putting their clothes away, and helping their younger siblings. “When they bring it back to us at the end of every month, we give them a star and patch on their uniforms,” James Lee said. “The kids, they love it; they take pride in it.” When students don’t rank highly on the “Citizen Star Sheets,” instructors take time to talk with these youngsters about helping their parents and doing extra chores around the house. “It’s more than just punching and kicking. It’s about helping people be the best that they can be,” James Lee said.
What is your business motto?
James Lee said that the Institute’s motto is “Developing champions in life. The key word is life. We believe in the potential of all people, young and old. We are here to help people reach that potential in their lives.”
