Words from Grand Master Ortez
This page is dedicated to the countless amazing Martial Artists and wonderful people who were a big part of my Martial Arts journey. Each individual has a story as it is related to me and the growth of Leejon as it is today.
It is my opportunity to say "Thank You" and to follow through with my commitment to NEVER forget. Each and every contribution regardless of size carries a huge impact on where we are today. To all a humble " Thank You" from the deepest part of my heart. Friendships forged for life!
Master Dan Choi, Grand Master Hyun Choi:
My original Master with whom I tested and received my 1st Dan from in 1985.
I eventually returned to the Choi's organization and tested for all my upper Dan promotions forging a life long friendship with Grand Master Hyun Choi until his recent retirement.
Master Frank Azevedo Sr.:
My primary instructor at Choi's Taekwondo in South San Jose. He mentored me and allowed me to teach at Choi's Taekwondo San Jose until his pre-mature retirement from the art back in the late 80s. We are still life long friends and communicate often
Master Jess Jacques & Sahbumnim Joe Zargoza co-Founders of Western Academy of Martial Arts:
Leejon Taekwondo beginnings originated from Western Academy of Martial Arts:
The original Leejon logo. It's contents reflect the original 8 solid color belts from white to black at that time. The 5 stars are the original 5 students whom I privately trained for several years. 3 of the 5 attained their Black Belts from the Western Academy of Martial Arts. My 1st Black Belts. The bonds we created are life long.
From bottom to top:
- Myself
- 1st Dan Jimmy Moore
- 1st Dan John L. Phillips
- 1st Dan Karen Vonderwerth
- Neva McKenzie
Out of 4 students John L Phillips went on to open NW Leejon / Phillips Taekwondo in Washington state. He eventually received his 5th Dan Masters certification.
John L. Phillips passed January 19th 2020 at the young age of 56 years young. The weight of losing him weights heavy on me and the Martial Arts community. His loving nature and his commitment to Taekwondo was UNPARALLELED. Our initial agreement was that I would teach him Taekowndo as long as he taught the art exactly as I taught him. He stayed true to his commitment up until the day he passed. He was the only person who him and I talked Taekwondo non-stop for hours and never got tired. Rest in peace my friend, you are always in my heart.
Below is John and I at a tournament back when we both took our divisions:
The following is a listing of primary instructors who helped Leejon get on their feet:
- 1st Dan Jim Molino: was my 1st Instructor (Western Academy of Martial Arts)
- 1st Dan Michael Hoppe: 2nd Instructor (Western Academy of Martial Arts/Leejon)
- 1st Dan Margarett Ortez Gabrielson: My Beautiful daughter and original supporter/ instructor (Western Academy of Martial Arts)
- 3rd Dan Brandon Talley: Was primary instructor and with us the longest until his move to Arizona (Western Academy of Martial Arts/Leejon)
- 2nd Dan Almira Krounbi: Former Primary instructor ( Leejon)
- 6th Dan Evan Im My son and current primary instructor
Thank you all!!
The Fire:
June 15th, 2016 the Cahalan Location was involved in a fire. Everything was lost, forcing us to decide. Relocate or retire from the Art. The decision was very difficult because we thought we had limited resources. We did not know where to start or what to do. What made it tougher was we had so many years in the same location and stating over would be a challenge. What ultimately made the decision for us to continue was the outpouring of support from friends and family who urged us throughout the process. There were countless obstacles and the biggest issue was the lack of finances. But all below people pitched in with their valuable time and labor to get this done. To these people I personally owe a debt of gratitude.
- Johanna Hernandez Polo and Alphonso Polo, Designed new location and created wall painting and design
- Junior Martinez Structural & sheet rock tape and texture.
- Raymond Ongolea, his Uncle and his Brother, Plumber and always there to help with anything that was needed.
- Logan Mandyy
- Jorge Flooring
- Nader Attar, Master Woodworker, he is responsible for the initial counter and encased the original Leejon sign from old studio
- Henry Singh, Signage. The heart felt help from him is a whole other story
- Evan Im Support and Muscle!!!
These people were always upbeat and willing for help any time. This included working a full time job and come help after hours at a drop of the hat!!!
There are so many to thank and I hope to remember all.
Below is listing of those who also helped throughout the years and regardless of their current status with Leejon they are still fundamental of who we are today.
Taehee Im, Kate Feng, Oskar Attar, Veronica Menville, Andrew Nguyen, Duc Nguyen, Anita Ongolea, Mafi Ongolea, Victoria Ongolea,
Angie Ongolea, Raven Bernard, Mele Ongolea, Angelica Polo, Melissa Apple Sioson, Dayanara Martinez,
Jacquie Martinez, Sensei Matt Gober, Whitney Summers, Julia Lohman, Olivera Bernard and Master Jeff Anderson.
