Today we’d like to introduce you to Soomin Lee.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Master Cho and I both have roots in South Korea, where we were born and raised. I immigrated to the United States when I was younger, but Taekwondo was always part of my life and I continued in the training from Elementary, Middle, and High School. Master Cho came to the U.S. later, after competing as a Taekwondo sparring athlete in Korea, where he proudly represented his school and district. He arrived with the dream of building a meaningful future in this country.
Our paths came together in a special way. We first met because of my sister. After he married my sister, we began working together at a taekwondo studio. Over time, we had similar vision for teaching decided to run Dream Taekwondo together as partners. What we both wanted was a place where we could share not only the practice of Taekwondo but also the discipline, respect, and values rooted in South Korean tradition.
That’s how Dream Taekwondo in Kendall was founded. Built on our heritage, our family values, and our passion to help students grow in skill, strength, confidence, and character while experiencing the true spirit of Taekwondo.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road for us. When we first branched off to establish our own studio, we faced numerous challenges during the transition. There were financial difficulties, countless uncertainties, and the steep learning curve that comes with running a business from the ground up.
We poured everything into Dream Taekwondo — redesigning the interior, rebuilding programs, and developing new systems to better serve our students and families. The process was both costly and time-consuming, and for the first few months, we operated without any income. It was an incredibly stressful and humbling period that tested our resilience and commitment to our vision.
Looking back now, those early struggles became the foundation of our strength. They taught us perseverance, creativity, and the importance of community. Most importantly, none of this would have been possible without the unwavering love and support of our Dream Taekwondo Family. Their encouragement, trust, and belief in our mission carried us through every challenge and continue to inspire us every single day.
We’ve been impressed with DREAM TAEKWONDO KENDALL, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Dream Taekwondo is more than just a martial arts school. It is a community built on discipline, respect, and personal growth. We specialize in Taekwondo instruction for students of all ages, from young children to adults, focusing not only on physical skills but also on character development. Our programs teach self-defense, improve fitness, build confidence, and instill values like perseverance, respect, and teamwork.
What sets Dream Taekwondo apart is our commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive environment. Every student receives individualized attention to help them reach their full potential, whether it’s mastering a technique, preparing for competition, or achieving personal milestones. We’re known for our high-quality instruction, innovative programs, and a strong sense of community that keeps students engaged and motivated.
At Dream Taekwondo, we go beyond martial arts training. We host a variety of studio events such as picnics, field trips, and more to foster a sense of community and keep students actively involved. We also emphasize character development in every aspect of our students’ lives, teaching them to be not just great martial artists, but excellent students at school and responsible, respectful, and caring children at home.
We’re most proud of the culture we’ve built where our students feel inspired to grow both on and off the mat. Our motto, “Dream Without Fear,” reflects everything we stand for: empowering students to set ambitious goals, embrace challenges, and pursue their dreams with confidence. Whether you’re looking to get fit, learn self-defense, or be part of a positive, supportive community, Dream Taekwondo is a place where every student can thrive and, most importantly, dream without fear.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memories revolve around the time I spent with my family. We went on many trips with our cousins, visiting places like the beach, the park, and wherever the weekend took us. What made these moments truly memorable wasn’t just the destinations, but simply being together and enjoying time with family.
Master Cho’s favorite childhood memory, is when he first achieved his gold medal at a tournament in South Korea. Which encouraged and motivated him to continue in the field of Taekwondo.
Pricing:
- Free trial class available with prior appointment
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dream-tkd.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamtkd_kendall/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dreamtkdkendall/
- Other: https://share.google/XZG5d1I35K8DmEPSG
Image Credits
Peter Won
Yoobin Lee
