John Haaland, Ph.D - Master Instructor

Dr. Haaland, CEO of the Minnesota Taekwondo Center, has 37 years of experience in the martial arts, including several years in kenpo in addition to taekwondo. He holds a Ph.D. in biophysics and is an expert in health and fitness. He is a WTF Certified 5th Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo, and a USTU certified Continental Referee. In addition, he spent five years teaching special taekwondo programs for "at risk" youth. It is his personal objective to make all teachings scientifically sound and balanced in the development of mind, body and spirit.

Punnarin Koy - Master Instructor

Mr. Koy, CEO and President of the Minnesota Taekwondo Center, is a WTF certified 4th Dan black belt in taekwondo and a national-level competitor. He was a silver medalist in sparring at the 1992 National Collegiate TKD Championships and a bronze medalist in 1993. He is a financial advisor for American Express and is also the Company Commander of the 322nd Maintenance Company (U.S. Army). He has just completed a tour of duty with the U.S. Army in Iraq and has now returned to take the leadership position of the Minnesota Taekwondo Center.

Christine Espin, Ph.D - Master Instructor

Dr. Espin has been studying taekwondo for 25 years, and is a WTF Certified 4th Dan black belt. She has taken numerous medals in form and sparring at local and state tournaments, and took a silver medal in form at the 1993 National TKD Championships. Dr. Espin specializes in teaching children's classes. She is a Professor of Educational Psychology / Special Education at the University of Minnesota.

Van Le - Instructor

Mr. Le has been a first Dan blackbelt for 13 years and has been Minnesota State champ several times.