Master Messina is a true powerhouse in the martial arts world. She has operated TaeCole Taekwondo & Fitness since 1996 where she has cultivated a unique blend of discipline and compassion shaping generations of athletes.
A world-class competitor herself, Master Messina has earned recognition on multiple circuits including WAKO, NASKA, and WCMAO. Beyond the dojang, she is a tireless advocate for change, founding Female Fighters Matter Too to promote equity for women and girls in sports and Swerv4Change to empower at-risk youth.
Her influence extends to the literary world as a bestselling author and is a sought-after speaker.
Her extraordinary contributions have been recognized with two Lifetime Presidential Awards from President Joe Biden, induction into multiple halls of fame, and recognition as one of New York State’s Most Powerful Women in Business.

Master Berthony Pascal has over 30 years of experience in the martial arts. He currently holds an 8th degree black belt and is proud to teach at one of Grandmaster Tae Sun Kang’s original schools in Brooklyn, NY. He is also the head coach of the T. Kang tournament team.
Master Pascal runs a wildly popular summer boot camp where children learn key life lessons through their training while also developing lifelong friendships. During the academic year, Master Pascal’s school is a preferred destination for NYC school trips
Master Pascal is known for his no nonsense attitude and approaches teaching with discipline, fairness, and passion. He shares his passion of Taekwondo with his three daughters who are all high ranking black belts.

Master Sterner is a 7th dan ITBA Black Belt mentored personally by Grandmaster Tae Sun Kang. Master Sterner founded his Northern Virginia academy over 20 years ago creating a space dedicated to the same principles that guided his own training.
Master Sterner's personal achievements include being a past national champion and an inductee into the W.K.U. Hall of Fame. His journey is a testament to the power of consistent dedication and the enduring influence of a great mentor.

Master San José has dedicated his life to the martial arts and is honored to have shaped students from so many walks of life. He is equally proud to have worked with young children, parents, law enforcement officers, NYS Troopers, and FBI Special Agents.
Master San José’s instruction has propelled UFC veterans and world champions to new heights and his students have found success ranging from podium finishes in national karate tournaments to victory in Madison Square Garden.

Master Tu has dedicated his life to helping others realize their full potential through Taekwondo. For over 40 years, he has guided thousands of students along their martial arts journey, building a reputation for instructional excellence along the way.
A national-level competitor in his own right, Master Tu was ranked in the Top 3 for his creative and innovative approach to Open and Musical forms. His artistry and technical skill in this unique discipline showcase a different kind of mastery—one that blends athleticism with creative expression.
Master Tu is deeply involved in the ITBA’s certification process and has travelled internationally with Grandmaster Tae Sun Kang to work with taekwondo practitioners around the world

Dr. Mark B. Jones has managed to balance a distinguished academic career with his lifelong passion for the martial arts. A 6th degree black belt, he has served as the head instructor for collegiate taekwondo programs at the Johns Hopkins University, the University at Buffalo, and Case Western Reserve University.
His expertise in traditional Taekwondo has allowed him to guide teams to success in both traditional and Olympic-style competition. Mark's dedication to both the dojang and the laboratory is unique; he holds a BS and MSE in Biomedical Engineering from Johns Hopkins, and a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the University at Buffalo.
Dr. Jones works in the biotech industry in Cambridge, MA and continues to share his love for Taekwondo as he teaches students across the country using the latest technologies.

Mr. Lester began his martial arts journey in the 1980’s and has remained close to his Taekwondo family since that time. He founded the Johns Hopkins Taekwondo Club in 1989 and then went on to earn his MBA at Yale.
The bulk of his career has been spent working with both Fortune 500 and venture capital-funded startups where his insights and direction have cemented his position as trusted advisor to senior executives across a diverse range of industry verticals.
Mr. Lester is overjoyed to be working with the ITBA to move the industry forward.

ITBA Leadership