Embedded Files
299 Newport Ave, Quincy, MA 02170
Some of the basic training equipment
Quincy Taekwondo
Quincy Taekwondo is a Taekwondo school located in Quincy, more specifically by Wollaston. Taekwondo is a popular form of martial arts that is commonly practiced in South Korea. The instructors teach students of ages ranging from 4 to 60. They hold classes throughout the week for all ages and skill levels. The ranking system works by belts in Taekwondo. After a certain period of time, you take a test to measure improvement. Depending on your growth, you are moved up (or down) the belt color. The most beginner-level belt is white, and the most expert black. We decided to walk in and ask to learn about the history of the business and why the owner decided to open this school.
Originally from Singapore, Leslie immigrated to Quincy with her son over twenty years ago. Now having lived in Quincy for most of her life, she has grown to appreciate the four seasons. She first started learning Taekwondo with her son. Yet, she found that what was once a leisurely activity she partook in with her son soon became a personal passion. The grandmaster of the school she was learning with at the time started a place in North Quincy, where she began to work. Eventually, he had to return to Korea and left her to take over the school. In June 2021, she decided to start her own place.
When asked whether she enjoys her job, Leslie said that it's a really fun and enjoyable experience. For both herself and the other instructors, teaching Taekwondo is about giving back to the community— not learning for yourself but passing the art on to future generations. If she had to name a challenge, it'd be the paperwork she has to manage on a daily basis. Otherwise, she loves every part of what she does.
Emma learning the Taekwondo stance from Leslie
We also asked her whether the pandemic affected her business at all. Now, Quincy Taekwondo was actually established during the pandemic, so her perspective differed a great deal from many restaurants that had to limit dining services. COVID-19 helped Leslie to find a place because other businesses were closing. In terms of finding customers, Leslie said that people still wanted to do something and be active. As long as people kept their masks on, there was no problem getting people to sign up for classes. Leslie also shared that AAPI hate wasn't prevalent in the Quincy community given the high Asian (Chinese) population. She echoed the sentiment of many other Asian Quincy business owners that "in a place like Quincy where there are a lot of Asians, you don't really feel the Asian hate. It's like a mini-Chinatown."
Page updated
Report abuse