About The School
West Island Tae Kwon Do was founded in 1986. For over 28 years tae Kwon Do students practiced and learned their art under the tutelage of qualified Black Belt Masters and Instructors. Our school is the first Tae Kwon Do school to open in the West Island. We have over 200 members at our school of which many have been training with us for over 20 years. We are proud to boast that over 250 Black belts were promoted with status and rank through belts and Dans, along with 4 Masters. Our Black Belts are promoted directly by our Grand Master Chong Lee, with a panel of our qualified instructors. It is with pride that the Belt is passed through his hands as the founding father of Tae Kwon Do in Canada.
Our school accepts children as early as 5 years old. We encourage the child to try a free class in order to give us the opportunity to evaluate their mental and physical abilities, so as to actually learn some basic technique. We are aware that some martial arts schools start children from 3 years old, but we feel that this is much too young to retain necessary information, to focus and pay attention so as to learn the basics, required in a martial art. I's at 5 years old the child develops the notion that this is more than an activity and they usually enjoy the classes on their own, instead of participating because it's an activity they have to follow. Also it prevents unnecessary injuries because at 5 the child is a bit more mature and understands safety in martial arts.
We offer classes for both Juniors, Adults. Our classes focus on the technical aspect of Tae Kwon Do along with the philosophy. We integrate the virtues of Tae kwon do through discipline, respect and integrity. All our classes are followed with cardio training and students have the ability to practice their combat skills in our sparring classes. Although we encourage students to learn to spar, it's not an obligation. we would like to encourage our students to continue learning their art and enjoy their time at our school. We are not only a learning center, we are a community.
Grand Master Chong Lee's Inspiring Journey in Tae Kwon Do
Born on April 19, 1938, in Korea, Chong Lee, also known as Jong Soo Lee, carved a path in Tae Kwon Do that was initially against his family's wishes. Grand Master Chong Woo Lee, a tenth Dan, secretly took him under his wing. Young Chong Lee's determination was as tough as the martial art's kicks and punches. He cleverly hid his Tae Kwon Do uniform in tree trunks to keep his training a secret, which often meant wearing dirty gear. Imagine being ten and carrying such a secret, braving the disapproving looks for his dirty uniform, but his love for Tae Kwon Do didn't waiver.
Fast forward, West Island Tae Kwon Do opened its doors in 1986 and quickly became a beacon for those seeking to learn this ancient art. Over 30 years, many have tied their belts in this dojang, learning from skilled Black Belt Masters and Instructors. Grand Master Chong Lee, as the pioneer of Tae Kwon Do in Canada, personally oversaw the promotion of over 250 Black Belts, including four Masters. The handing over of the belt by his hands is a cherished tradition, symbolizing passing on wisdom and skill.
Grand Master Lee himself tasted failure during his black belt exams, not once, but twice. Yet, perseverance saw him through, and he earned his Black Belt. Keeping his achievements a secret from his father couldn't last forever, and eventually, the truth came out. The revelation might have earned him a scolding, but it was nothing compared to the pride in his father's eyes.
Adventure beckoned, and Grand Master Lee set off from Korea to America with dreams of studying Engineering. His arrival in Washington D.C. was just the start. With little grasp of English and no network, he found children to be the best teachers for the language. Canada was next, where he landed in Quebec, seamlessly blending in, enchanted by the local charm.
Working odd jobs, learning French, and adapting to Canadian ways, Chong Lee found his evenings best spent spreading the love for Tae Kwon Do. Introducing Tae Kwon Do to Canada was a feat; at a time when martial arts were a novelty, often mixed up with Karate. He organized competitions to highlight Tae Kwon Do's unique qualities, making it stand apart from Karate. Those bare-knuckle bouts laid the groundwork for his students' string of victories.
Chong Lee's disciples became Canadian champions in 1977, winning gold in almost all divisions. His teachings reached beyond Quebec, seeing his students triumph in Pan-American and World Championships. Grand Master Chong Lee's legacy isn't just in the medals, but the indomitable spirit he instilled in his students and the eternal place he carved for Tae Kwon Do in the heart of Canadian culture.
Grand Master Lee's legacy will never fade; it beats in our hearts forever. His wisdom, his deep philosophies, they travel through time in the lessons we carry on. And now, Grand Master Tony Achkouti takes the torch—guiding new students, nurturing the seeds sown by the venerable Chong Lee. Their spirit, their teachings, always alive, always inspiring. Join us, and be a part of this timeless journey.