Black Belt World
Founded in 1986 in Raleigh, North Carolina, Black Belt World was the first Korean martial arts school established in the Raleigh area. For nearly four decades, we have been dedicated to preserving the true spirit, philosophy, and values of traditional Taekwondo.
In today’s world, the deeper meaning of Taekwondo is often overlooked. At Black Belt World, we believe that Taekwondo is more than physical training or competition. We strive to pursue the “Do” in Taekwondo—the way of discipline, character, respect, and lifelong growth. Our mission is to place true masters on the floor: instructors who not only teach techniques, but also guide students with wisdom, integrity, and purpose.
Black Belt World is a traditional Taekwondo school committed to preserving and nurturing the philosophy and values that have been passed down through generations. We are also a proud member school of the Global Traditional Taekwondo Federation (GTTF), an international organization founded to uphold these principles and to serve humanity through Taekwondo in the spirit of Hongik Ingan—benefiting all people.
The Code We Live By
At Black Belt World, martial arts training goes far beyond physical technique. It is a lifelong path toward character development, integrity, and mutual respect. Our core philosophy is anchored in the Ten DoHun—a foundational code of conduct that guides our students to become leaders both inside the dojang and in their everyday lives:
Grand Master Jun Lee
Grandmaster Jun Lee was born in South Korea, the birthplace of Taekwondo. He began teaching Taekwondo in the United States in 1982 and founded Black Belt World in Raleigh, North Carolina, in 1986.
In 2015, Grandmaster Lee earned the rank of 9th Dan, the highest level in Taekwondo. From 2021 to 2025, he served as the Kukkiwon Spokesperson for International Affairs, representing the World Taekwondo Headquarters on the global stage. Today, he serves as the President of the Global Traditional Taekwondo Federation (GTTF), an international organization with member nations in more than 190 countries.
Throughout his distinguished career, Grandmaster Lee has taught Taekwondo at universities in both Korea and the United States. He has also served as the Editor-in-Chief of Taekwondo Times, Secretary General of the United States Taekwondo Committee, and has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of his leadership and lifelong dedication to Taekwondo.
Although his achievements are extensive, Grandmaster Lee wishes to be remembered first and foremost as a teacher. With a humble heart, he continues to research, train, teach, and refine himself every day. His life’s work reflects the spirit of a true Taekwondo master—one who leads by example, preserves tradition, and inspires students through discipline, wisdom, and character.
To learn more about his lifelong dedication to the martial arts, you can explore his documented legacy on Wikipedia or stay updated on his current teachings and international seminars via his official Facebook page.
WHY DOES OUR COMMUNITY CHOOSE Black Belt World?
Black Belt World is conveniently located nearby, and we’ve tailored our class schedule to fit the rhythms of your daily life. We aim to make your martial arts experience as smooth and accessible as possible.
At Black Belt World, you’ll find top-notch facilities and some of the best instructors around, all in a setting where safety’s a big deal. It’s the kind of place parents feel good about.
Black Belt World stands as a beacon of community and positivity for kids & adults. Here, you’ll join a supportive family, where camaraderie and personal growth flourish in a welcoming and diverse environment.
