November 27th is Small Business Saturday, and all month long we’re shining a spotlight on the small businesses within the mall! Meet our local tenants and get to know more about the small shops here at Hampshire Mall!

 

Today’s featured tenant is Elite Tae Kwon Do! 

 

Meet Master Jung Lee of Elite Tae Kwon Do!  He enjoys teaching taekwondo in his martial arts studio to all ages and skill levels.

 

Q: Where are you from?

A: Before this I had a former studio in Georgia, and I am originally from Korea.

 

Q: How long have you been in business?

A: We’ve had our studio here for 5 years.  My wife got a job at Mount Holyoke College which brought us to the area.  You might not think of a martial arts studio being inside a mall, but everyone in the area knows Hampshire Mall.  I found once I opened we grew very popular and parents here are very interested in the education of their children.

 

Q: Tell us a little more about yourself and Elite Tae Kwon Do.  

A: I teach martial arts for ages 6 and up.  Taekwondo is strong in Korean culture, I’ve trained since I was young and love teaching. I came to America for the Korean National Demonstration Team. I was asked to come back and teach martial arts. I never thought I was going to be here that long, but I liked being in the U.S., got my visa and have been teaching ever since.

 

Q: What is unique about your business?

A:  Taekwondo is not just about kicking high and punching hard. That is fun, but I like to use it as an educational tool.  Taekwondo is about how to discipline yourself.  I like to speak with my student’s parents and teachers to find out more about them and what they need, and I see how the kids change and improve in their personal lives as they take the classes. Taekwondo teaches balance and coordination, it teaches cooperation and tools you’ll use in school and in life, and has mental health benefits too.

 

Q: What does your business do to help the local community?

A: We have made donations and do demonstrations for events at local schools.

 

Come learn all about the physical and mental benefits and take a class for yourself at Elite Tae Kwon Do!