Han Martial Arts

Han Martial Arts offers martial arts and self-defense training that includes Taekwondo, Judo, sparring, Poomsae, and a safe falling program. Classes also include meditation, stretching, warm-ups, and options such as competition teams, a demo team, private one-on-one classes, and the S.T.O.R.M. Leadership Program and S.T.O.R.M. Leadership Club. The school offers a Tiny Tiger program for younger kids aged 4–7, a BLACK BELT GOAL Program (Juniors) for kids aged 8–12, and a Teen & Adult Program, along with a Grand Class safe falling program described as a way to stay active, not get hurt, and learn at one’s own pace, and as a way to connect and learn with grandchildren.

• Ages: 4–18 years old
• Schedule: Class options on weekdays from 3 pm–8:30 pm, with a 2-week trial available
• Price: 2-week trial for $99, including a full uniform and 4 classes

Han Martial Arts describes its mission as offering personalized training in martial arts, self-defense, and physical fitness in a positive environment. The program also offers Booster Classes as private, one-on-one lessons with Masters and the option to reserve a 10-minute lesson before or after classes. A 2-week trial includes a full uniform, and free Wi-Fi is available in the studio.

The leadership team includes Founder & President Master Han, Supervisor and Executive Director Master Edward, School Senior Manager Tay Lew, and School Manager Marcel Azouri. Staff credentials include multiple high-ranking black belts and extensive teaching and competitive experience: Master Han is a 7th Dan Black Belt; Master Karl is a 6th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo with over 45 years of experience in Hapkido, Judo, Karate, and Aikido; Master Sam is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo and 2nd Degree Black Belt in Judo with over 15 years of experience and over 10 years of competitive experience; Master Wi holds a 6th Dan in Judo and is both an Intercontinental Judo Coach and a certified USA Judo Coach; Master Edward is a 6th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo and 1st Degree Black Belt in Judo with over 25 years of martial arts experience and more than 10 years of teaching experience; Master Koo is a 7th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo, 1st Degree Black Belt in Judo, and 3rd Degree Black Belt in Yongmudo with over 25 years of martial arts experience and more than 20 years of teaching experience; and 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. Additional staff members include Master Michael, a 4th Degree Certified Master; Master Wi; Tay Lew, 1st Degree Black Belt; Drake Obertik, 3rd Degree Black Belt; Doris Lew, 1st Degree Black Belt; Pavel Berez, 2nd Degree Black Belt; Griffyn Snaith, 2nd Degree Black Belt; Maika Ting, 1st Degree Black Belt; Scott Fisher, 2nd Degree Black Belt; Lexi Banh, 1st Degree Black Belt; Alexis Weiss, 1st Degree Black Belt; Connor Sorensen, 2nd Degree Black Belt; River Snaith, 2nd Degree Black Belt; and Elsa Chun, 2nd Degree Black Belt, as well as Ara Kim, a Han Comic Illustrator.

Credentials and awards among the staff include Master Wi’s roles as an Intercontinental Judo Coach and certified USA Judo Coach; Master Koo’s service as a Government-designated Master with KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency) and Head Director of the Taekwondo Peace Corps; Master Edward’s medals at the World Taekwondo Championships, Asian Taekwondo Championships, and numerous international events, along with being a two-time consecutive champion at the U.S. Nationals, U.S. Open International Championships, and California State Taekwondo Championships in 2024 and 2025; and Master Sam’s recognition as a 3-time Illinois State Medalist (2017, 2018, 2022) and 3-time Judo National Medalist (2016, 2017, 2025).

Last updated March 23, 2026.