Lee Brothers Tae Kwon Do
2006 Demonstration Team

Tae Kwon Do Demonstration Team History

Formed officially in 1995, our goal has been to present the modern demonstration aspects of Tae Kwon Do to the public in an entertaining, engaging, and exciting format. Through our exhibitions, we hope not only to entertain, but to educate and familiarize audiences with Tae Kwon Do, as well as foster participation in a discipline we have found to be as enriching as it is consuming.

In June of 1995, Master Jung Ho Lee decided to form a team to represent his school and spread the art of Tae Kwon Do. This was a national trend at the time and many local schools followed suit. Michael Greene, our highest rank, was assigned as Team Captain and recruited close to fifteen members (see photo above). Ed Miller was assigned as our Team Manager. His job was to make contacts, set up performances, and keep track of equipment and supply needs. We began meeting on Tuesday nights to practice and so began what has become the longest running institution at Lee Brothers Tae Kwon Do.

Thanks to Ed’s fervent efforts, we had a very busy first year. Town openings, dojhang functions, tournaments, fundraisers, corporate promotional events, and non-profits were our testing grounds. A solid foundation was set, one that would keep us from fading away like the majority of other teams around us.

In the years that followed, we had the privilege to perform for new audiences. This included a very enthusiastic Clayton High School athletic department (1996 & 1997), as well as The Raleigh Renaissance Fair (1998), where we were the only non-European culture group invited.

In April 1998, I took over after Mr. Greene stepped down. For that past year, our numbers had slowly dwindled, so that by May, our membership was at an all time low, only half of what it had traditionally been since we started three years earlier. We quickly rebuilt and by December had put on one of our best and most popular demonstrations ever at the ETF Championship 1998. We had worked for close to four months on one 1.5 minute routine: a group synchronized glow in the dark light show choreographed to the music of Dream Theater’s Metropolis.

The couple of years following, we performed at local television promotions (WB affiliate 1999), elementary schools, public libraries, and community service events such as The Helping Hand Mission’s May Day Festival (1999 & 2001).

2001 is a culmination of everyone’s work stemming back to our first practice in 1995. We have built upon a sturdy foundation of sweat, drive, and heart to have a new group of people who’s enthusiasm has allowed us to do things beyond anything we could have imagined six and a half years ago. We balance teamwork with individual creativity, and temper personal pride with personal sacrifice.

Through conflict and camaraderie, we have persevered. We have torn through frustration to find solace in our unity and strength in our dedication. I know our members, past and present, are extremely proud of the individual roles they play and have played in making us who we are today.

Michael Hodnett (September 2001)