Our History

The Le Mars Taekwondo Club started in 1972 and was associated with the American Taekwondo Association. The instructor at that time was Mr. Bob Sanchez, A First Degree Black Belt and a very good Instructor. He transferred to another association in 1974, and a group of students stayed with the ATA, traveling two nights a week to work out in Sheldon.

I (Mr. Rick Juhl) received my 1st Degree decided Black Belt February 15, 1975 and took over ownership of the Le Mars Taekwondo Club immediately following that testing, with verbal permission from Eternal Grand Master H.U. Lee (President and Founder of the ATA).

In February of 1979, I moved to Sioux Falls, SD. At that time, Rich Severson took over the Le Mars Taekwondo Club. I moved back to Le Mars of August 1980 and took back the Le Mars Taekwondo Club.

In May of 1988, Scott Vander Weide and Mark Pennings took over and ran the Le Mars Taekwondo Club for a short period. On September 1st, 1990, Mr. Steve Albert took over running the Club and has now achieved his 6th Degree Black Belt and also his Mastership in Instruction. One of his key Black Belts, Mr. Mike Slota, a 4th Degree Black Belt and Certified Instructor assists Master Albert on a regular basis.

In July of 2015 Master Steve Albert successfully tested to the rank of 7th degree and in June of 2016 Master Steve Albert completed his instruction to achieve the title of Senior Master.

-Information provided by Master Rick Juhl, 6th Degree Black Belt