OUR INSTRUCTORS

"Few people can ever know the accomplishment of earning a black belt... These few feet of cotton are no longer a material possession, but an extension of who I am and what I have become."- Garrett Rivera

LONE STAR INSTRUCTORS

Lone Star Institute of Taekwondo has many black belt instructors ranging from 1st degree to 7th degree (Master) black belt. All LSIT black belts are certified and recognized by the United States Taekwondo Grand Masters Society. Many of our black belts are members of USA Taekwondo! Each of our instructors has a passion for martial arts. And with over 100 years of combined experience, they strive to give back by passing their knowledge and the tennants of Taekwondo on to others.

Master David Kestenbaum

7th Degree Black Belt

Owner / Head Instructor

United States Taekwondo Grandmasters Society & Kukkiown 6th Dan

Master David Kestenbaum began training in Taekwondo at age 5 and is now a 7th degree Black Belt certified by the Kukkiwon world headquarters in Seoul, S. Korea, and the United States Taekwondo Grand Masters Society. At 24 he was recognized as one of the youngest Taekwondo Masters in the world. In his more than 20 years of studying Taekwondo, Master Kestenbaum has trained on two continents, and mentored under Grand Master Won Chik Park, Grand Master Roy Kurban, and Grand Master Martin Hall, 5 Masters, and numerous Olympic & National Team athletes. He has competed successfully in National & International competitions in both Karate & Olympic Style Taekwondo, winning multiple Texas State titles as well as U.S. and Canadian championships. In 2002 he was invited to train at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. With over 500 trophies & medals Master Kestenbaum continues to compete in the Texas Karate League where he has won over 25 Grand Championships in forms and sparing. A graduate of the University of Texas Arlington with a bachelors degree in exercise science, Master Kestenbaum has trained athletes from youth to professional. He has a passion for Taekwondo, fitness, and for helping people reach their greatest potential.

Ms. Jenny Yu

4th Degree Black Belt

Program Director/Head Instructor -

Cliff Nelson Rec. Center

Dottie Lynn Rec. Center

Ms. Yu started her TKD training in June 1999 at the American Black Belt Academy under Grand Master Roy Kurban. In October 2009 she achieved the rank of 1st degree black belt. After Grand Master Kurban retired and sold ABBA, Ms. Yu continued her training at the Traditional Martial Arts Institute under Mr. Shaun House (another Roy Kurban black belt). In 2011 she reached the rank of 2nd degree black belt under TMAI. After testing for 2nd dan, Ms. Yu decided to continue her training, moving to Lone Star Institute of Taekwondo where she is an integral part of the teaching and training. In 2011 Ms. Yu took over for Master Kestenbaum at The Montessori Academy where she continues to teach and develop young martial artists. Ms. Yu holds a bachelors degree in mathmatics with a minor in physics from the University of Texas Arlington. She has a passion for Taekwondo, teaching, and encouraging others to be the best they can be.

Master Bradford Woods

5th Degree Black Belt

Program Director/Head Instructor -

Elzie Odom Recreation Center

Like many parents, Mr. Woods' first experience with Taekwondo was watching his son take class. After much thought, he decided to jump in and train with him. Mr. Woods is now a 3rd degree black belt and is on his way to 4th. Mr. Woods is the program director and head instructor at the Elzie Odom branch of LSIT. Mr. Woods has been ranked in the top ten competitors of the Traditional Karate League three times, and has won many medals, trophies, and accolades in martial arts. Mr. Woods has been involved as a youth football coach, former vice president of the Seguin High School Band Booster Club, and is an active leader in his church. He is currently employed by McCormick & Co.

Mr. Joseph Louis

4th Degree Black Belt

Assistant Instructor

Mr. Joseph Louis started his Taekwondo training at the Dottie Lynn Rec. Center under Master Henry in 1999. After 10 years of diligent training, Mr. Louis earned his 1st degree black belt in 2009. Mr. Louis continued his training and teaching at Lone Star Institute of Taekwondo, and in 2011 he earned his 2nd degree black belt. Mr. Louis continues to train, compete, and has become an integral part of LSIT's family of instructors at Cliff Nelson Rec. Center as well as Dottie Lynn Rec. Center. Mr. Louis is employeed by the United States Postal Service.