Kim's Taekwon-Do Lacey

Congratulations to Mrs. Gage who promoted to 3rd Dan on Saturday,
June 6th! Perseverance pays off! 👏👊👍

Congratulations to May's promotion students and scholastic achievers! 👏👍

“With a focused mind, nothing is impossible.”

Back row: Minh (brown belt), Brett (blue-stripe), Michael (blue-stripe) and Ben (brown belt).
Front row: August (yellow-stripe), Kai (yellow-stripe) and Zion (yellow-stripe).

Those receiving academic awards this month were Michael and August.

Congratulations to our Lacey students who attended the Kim's TKD Portland Tournament on Saturday. Each of our 15 competitors came home with a medal!
Tournament participation builds confidence, improves technique (and the application of techniques), promotes goal setting and toughens emotional resilience. It also fosters deep friendships and a sense of community. Next tournament will be September 19th, in Kent, WA.

Congratulations to April's promotion students and to those receiving academic awards!

Promotion students, second photo.

Back row: Mina (5th kup) and Devin (4th kup)
Middle row: Alex, Sophie and Aydia (5th kups).
Front row: Aria (5th kup) and Jordyn (8th kup).

Academic awards, third photo:

Ben, who earned all A's, shares his advice for academic success: “Listen carefully to what your teachers are saying, and sit in the front of the classroom so you don’t miss anything.”
Alina, who earned all A's and one B+, says that turning in all work, making study time a priority and paying attention in class has benefitted her.
Devin, who earned all A's, shared his wisdom, “Don't be afraid to ask for help!”

How many remember GGM Kim's early books?

Congratulations to March's promotion students. You’ve worked hard to achieve these goals; be proud!

Back row: Angela (9th kup), Anika (8th kup), Annabelle (4th kup), Paula (8th kup) and Alina (6th kup).

Middle row: Gabe (7th kup), Lucy (2nd kup) and James (8th kup).

Front row: Camille (8th kup) and Emile (9th kup).

Congratulations to the newest members of our Black Belt family, 1st Dans: Mr. Alex He, Jr. Black belt Mr. Noah Nguyen, and Jr. Black belt Mr. Dezmond Schaut, who promoted March 7th at the testing in Renton, WA, led by GM Henkel.
Now 17, Mr. He joined us at the age of 13 and has been a serious student of Taekwon-Do. His commitment has been stellar, and he is the only student to have completed a full year with perfect attendance. In 2023, Mr. He was voted Student of the Year by his peers and has won the Best Kia award twice, in 2022 and 2025. As a high achiever, Mr. He has also been awarded numerous academic achievement certificates. He possesses strong leadership attributes; we look forward to the contributions Mr. He will make to Taekwon-Do as a Black Belt. Outside of Taekwon-Do, he is active in his high school’s API (Asian Pacific Islander) Club, where he serves as a club officer, and is in the school choir. He is an avid reader as well as writer, enjoys making music and, in true Taekwon-Do character, Mr. He eagerly volunteers his services to others.
Mr. Schaut joined us at the age of 9 and is now 13 years old. Abundant joy and a determination to persevere through challenges are qualities that have earned this young man much admiration. Mr. Schaut has a strong, energetic spirit–giving all to his workouts–and is a humble and respectful student, two of the most valued qualities of Taekwondoists. Winning the Best Kia award in 2022, Mr. Schaut has also earned several academic achievement awards. In addition to Taekwon-Do, he enjoys soccer, quad racing, his friendships and, most of all, traveling and spending time with his parents.
Mr. Nguyen also joined Taekwon-Do at the age of 9. He is now 12 years old and says, “Earning my black belt is one of the biggest achievements of my life.” Mr. Nguyen started out as a cautious and shy young man. The growth in his self-confidence has been amazing! Watching him now accept leadership responsibilities without hesitation, boldly enter the sparring ring for matches, deliver power with intent, and interact with his peers with self-assurance, speaks to the tremendous changes that have taken place in Mr. Nguyen. Respectful and kind to all, he is an excellent Taekwon-Do ambassador. He also has always done well academically, earning him many achievement awards. As a 7th grader, he loves history and plays clarinet in the school band.

Congratulations to this month’s promotion students and to those who earned academic awards! We couldn’t be more proud of you all. 💖

Sharing the love!
Happy Valentine’s Day from Kim’s Taekwondo-Do Lacey. 💖

BLACK-BELT CRIBBAGE. Had fun making this game of a student’s journey to black belt. The five holes in each segment represent our five tenets: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self control and indomitable spirit. The ranking system prior to black belt is displayed by colors from white to black. The three red blocks represent the three tournaments required before black belt. (standard cribbage rules apply). 😊
Grandmaster Cheryl Buren