TAEKWONDO PROFESSIONALS
2023 CONVENTION
June 2-3, 2023 | Buffalo, NY
What makes the Taekwondo Professionals Convention different?
FOCUS!
We focus exclusively on educating Taekwondo Professionals, connecting Taekwondo Professionals and increasing participation in Taekwondo in your community.
This focus means that implementing the ideas that you learn is faster and easier. What you will see and hear at our event has been proven to work in dojangs across the country.
ATMOSPHERE
Every year our participants tell us that they appreciate the respectful atmosphere and courteous environment at our convention. We know that it possible to be open minded and innovative business people, and still remain true to our traditions and Taekwondo culture.
You will find that our highly successful speakers are humble and approachable. Our attendees have a great time networking with one another, and dojangs of any size will feel welcome and encouraged.
We aren’t here to show off. We are here to show you how to maximize your potential!
GREAT FOR STAFF
We have designed this event with staff attendance in mind. Not only will your staff learn practical ideas for better marketing, sales, and student retention, they will gain even greater motivation about being a part of the Taekwondo field.
Remember, having passionate and hard working staff is great. But it’s not enough! Your staff need education to upgrade their skills, role models who set an example to follow, and a vision of what a greater level of success looks like. They can find all of that at the TKD Professionals Convention.
Bring your staff for the weekend, and they will be more inspired and effective all year long!
What makes the Taekwondo Professionals Convention different?
FOCUS!
We focus exclusively on educating Taekwondo Professionals, connecting Taekwondo Professionals and increasing participation in Taekwondo in your community.
This focus means that implementing the ideas that you learn is faster and easier. What you will see and hear at our event has been proven to work in dojangs across the country.
ATMOSPHERE
Every year our participants tell us that they appreciate the respectful atmosphere and courteous environment at our convention. We know that it possible to be open minded and innovative business people, and still remain true to our traditions and Taekwondo culture.
You will find that our highly successful speakers are humble and approachable. Our attendees have a great time networking with one another, and dojangs of any size will feel welcome and encouraged.
We aren’t here to show off. We are here to show you how to maximize your potential!
GREAT FOR STAFF
We have designed this event with staff attendance in mind. Not only will your staff learn practical ideas for better marketing, sales, and student retention, they will gain even greater motivation about being a part of the Taekwondo field,
Remember, having passionate and hard working staff is great. But it’s not enough! Your staff need education to upgrade their skills, role models who set an example to follow, and a vision of what a greater level of success looks like. They can find all of that at the TKD Professionals Convention.
Bring your staff for the weekend, and they will be more inspired and effective all year long!
2023 Speakers
Master Michael Mertens
Conference Host
How to teach classes that engage, inspire and grow your students
- Setting up your classroom for success
- The real source of connection between instructors and students
- How to refocus student behavior and effort
- Is there such a thing as “too much” fun?
- Avoiding “traps and temptations” that prevent progress
Additional Information
Master Mertens is a multi-school owner and industry leader who has personally mentored some of the most successful Masters and Instructors in the U.S. He has presented at seminars around the country and is considered one of the leading experts on martial arts marketing and sales.
Grandmaster Sung Kim
Boost your Recruiting, Retention, and Reputation with the right special events calendar
- Generate awareness with community events that boost your image and create new members
- Build longer lasting relationships with students by providing greater value and special memories
- Provide additional roles and responsibilities to your staff members
- Structure events for the best profitability and return on investment
- Learn unique events and activities that most dojangs aren’t doing!
Additional Information
Grandmaster Kim is an 8th Degree Black Belt, KKW owning 3 locations in Rochester, NY serving 1200+ members. He is a frequent speaker at conferences who loves sharing and growing our taekwondo community.
Master Ali Ghafour
How to Leverage Cutting-Edge Technology to Grow Your Martial Arts Business
- What did a typical martial art school look like 10 years ago, now and what will it look like in 10 years with respect to technology
- What are other industries doing with technology and what can we learn from them?
- Where is the investment money going for sports and tech and what does this mean for your martial art school?
- How to get over the fear of an ever changing technology landscape and leverage it to your advantage
Additional Information
Master Tony Kook
Staff Success = School Success
- Recruiting and developing the help you need to deliver World Class service
- Keys to effective communication with today’s employees
- How to create a culture of respect and cooperation among staff members
- How to manage, motivate and reward high performing teams
- When your staff are happy, your students are happy!
Additional Information
Master Tony Kook is the current owner of North Shore Taekwondo, West Vancouver Taekwondo, and East Vancouver Taekwondo.Under his direct supervision and his wonderful staff of instructors, his schools have helped thousands of Lower Mainland residents enjoy the many benefits that come from Taekwondo training. Master Tony Kook has 32 years experience in Taekwondo, and is a 2 time Canadian National Lightweight Champion
Master Chan Lee
Grass Roots Guerrilla Marketing and Dojang Operation
- The best and most cost effective ways to get students
- How I built our six schools to 2,100 active students
- Running a 400 active student dojang with 1 instructor through exceptional leadership and well trained part time and volunteer help
- How to create a Black Belt curriculum and system that retains students for 10 years…..the secret isn’t poomsae
- Come learn a winning formula for balancing tradition and innovation!
Additional Information
Master Chan Lee of Milwaukee, Wisconsin has 2000 active students in 6 locations. Learn the things you should do everyday that makes a big difference growing your school.
Master Shannon Park
Get to Know, Love, and Enjoy teaching Little Tigers (Ages 3-5)
- Lessons from early childhood education every instructor should know
- Enroll more students by understanding temperament
- Developing your class structure in line with childhood development
- Utilizing Child Psychology to teach more effectively
- Gaining the support and cooperation of parents
Additional Information
Master Shannon Park has been in martial arts for 30 years, with 15 years of teaching experience in Korea, Australia and the United States. She is currently the owner of martial arts schools in both New York and Florida. She is a 5th Dan in Taekwondo, and a 1st Dan in Hokkaido and Karate. Master Park has academic majors in Physical Education, Police Administration and Child-Family Studies and has wrote books entitled ‘Kids Martial Arts 700 Drills’, and ‘Kids Martial Arts Guidebook’ (both English and Spanish available).
Master John Pasquantonio
The Head, Heart, and Body of a Thirty Year Taekwondo Professional
- Maintaining passion for teaching students decade after decade
- Persevering through the inevitable peaks and valleys of running a dojang
- Self development and self maintenance routines for longevity
- Creating a legacy in your community
- How to maintain a lifetime love affair with your school!
Additional Information
Master John Pasquantonio has had the opportunity to coach thousands of students in their martial arts training since he began teaching in 1993 in Buffalo, NY under the guidance of Grandmaster Chong.
Since 2008, he has operated a very successful single school location outside of Philadelphia, PA and Master P currently directs all his efforts to bringing the benefits of Tae Kwon Do to the local community!
Master Matt Tracy
Sales Secrets: Enroll More Students through Passion and Authenticity!
- Learn to demonstrate the value of your program in 10 minutes or less
- 3 steps to let prospects sell themselves on your program
- Unconventional tips and tactics that build long-term trust and success
- 2 ingredients to ensure prospects enroll now and not later
Additional Information
Master Tracy has 20 years of taekwondo experience and is the managing director of UMAC Briarcliff, a 450 student school in Westchester, NY. He is also the owner of UMAC Marketing LLC, helping martial arts schools grow and impact more and more students
Master Yvette Yong
Olympic TKD Sparring Skill and Drills (Physical Training Session)
- Mobility
- Warm Up/Stretch
- Partner Exercises
- 2020 Armor Games and Fun Drills (Highlighting drills used in clubs and classes
Additional Information
Yvette Yong is a 15-time Team Canada Taekwondo athlete and a Canadian Armed Forces member who was motivated by her family to begin her athletic career. Yvette grew up following the footsteps of her parents: a mother who was a track athlete and a father who practiced the Martial Art of kung fu. Her international debut began at 14 years old at the 2004 World Youth Championships. Yong reached the finals at four straight Pan American Championships from 2012 to 2018, bringing home two gold and two silver medals. In 2018, she won gold at the Military World Championships and added a silver at the 2019 Military World Games. Today she is a 3-time World Taekwondo Champion and multiple international medalist resulting in a World Rank #1 position —a first for any Canadian. As a member serving her 12th year in the Canadian Armed Forces, Yvette was awarded CAF Female Athlete of the year and also received the International Military Female Athlete of the Year by the Conseil International du Sport Militaire (CISM) —marking the first time a CAF member has been named Athlete of the Year by CISM, the world’s largest multi-sport military organization, with 134 member countries. Following a 20+ year long competition career, Yvette made her Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Now retired from sport, Yvette is an instructor, speaker/motivator and current High Performance Director of 2020 Armor.
Master Michael Yuhasz
Single Location Lifestyle; How to Raise a Family & Run a Prosperous Dojang at the Same Time
- The mind shift necessary to become a systems driven school
- Weekly checklists for successBuilding a skilled Leadership Team
- Structuring an effective and positive class curriculum
- Building a class schedule that supports family time including weekends free!
Additional Information
Master Michael A. Yuhasz has been a successful single school owner for over 22 years. A former elementary school teach for kindergarten and fifth grade, he is the owner and master instructor of Adirondack Taekwondo in Clifton Park, NY. Master Yuhasz is a Kukkiwon 6th Degree Black Belt, WTA Certified TKD Judge and Kukkiwon Certified Master.
The Agenda
Friday, June 2nd
1:00-2:00pm
Registration
Pick up attendee bags and conference materials
2:00pm
Welcome: How to win this weekend!
2:45pm
Speakers’ Panel Q&A: Your chance to learn from the leaders. Hear the decisions they make and actions they take to create RESULTS.
4:00pm
Marketing Roundtable: – Share and gain new ideas.
5:00pm
Building the Blueprint: by Master Michael Mertens– How to determine, design, and bring to life the dojang of your dreams.
6:30pm
Buffet Dinner: – Courtesy of Taekwondo Professionals
8:00pm
Evening Networking
Saturday, June 3rd
8:00-9:00am
Olympic TKD Sparring Skills and Drills with Master Yvette Yong (Physical Training Session) Plan to attend this session in uniform, and be prepared to workout under the guidance of a World Champion TKD Competitor!
9:00-10:00am
Breakfast Courtesy of Taekwondo Professionals
10:00-11:00am
Dynamics Room: Boost your Recruiting, Retention, and Reputation with the right special events calendar – Grandmaster Sung Chul Kim
2020 Armor Room: Sales Secrets: Enroll More Students through Passion and Authenticity! – Master Matt Tracy
11:00am-12:00pm
Dynamics Room: Staff Success = School Success. Recruiting and developing the help you need to deliver World Class service – Master Tony Kook
2020 Armor Room: Single Location Lifestyle; How to raise a family and run a prosperous dojang at the same time. – Master Michael Yuhasz
12:00-1:30pm
Lunch Courtesy of Taekwondo Professionals
1:30-2:30pm
Dynamics Room: Grass Roots Guerrilla Marketing and Dojang Operation: The best and most cost effective ways to get students- Master Chan Lee
2020 Armor Room: Get to Know, Love, and Enjoy teaching Little Tigers (Ages 3-5)- Master Shannon Park
2:30-3:30pm
Dynamics Room: The Head, Heart, and Body of a 30 year Taekwondo Professional – Master John Pasquantonio
2020 Armor Room: How to Leverage Cutting-Edge Technology to Grow Your Martial Arts Business – Master Ali Ghafour
3:30-4:30pm
Dynamics Room: How to teach classes that engage, inspire and grow your students– Master Michael Mertens
4:30-5:00pm
Closing Comments and Photos
Event Schedule
Friday, June 2nd
1:00-2:00pm
Registration
Pick up attendee bags and conference materials
2:00pm
Welcome: How to win this weekend!
2:45pm
Speakers’ Panel Q&A: Your chance to learn from the leaders. Hear the decisions they make and actions they take to create RESULTS.
4:00pm
Marketing Roundtable: – Share and gain new ideas.
5:00pm
Building the Blueprint: by Master Michael Mertens– How to determine, design, and bring to life the dojang of your dreams.
6:30pm
Buffet Dinner: – Courtesy of Taekwondo Professionals
8:00pm
Evening Networking
Saturday, June 3rd
8:00-9:00am
Olympic TKD Sparring Skills and Drills with Master Yvette Yong (Physical Training Session) Plan to attend this session in uniform, and be prepared to workout under the guidance of a World Champion TKD Competitor!
9:00-10:00am
Breakfast Courtesy of Taekwondo Professionals
10:00-11:00am
Dynamics Room: Boost your Recruiting, Retention, and Reputation with the right special events calendar – Grandmaster Sung Chul Kim
2020 Armor Room: Sales Secrets: Enroll More Students through Passion and Authenticity! – Master Matt Tracy
11:00am-12:00pm
Dynamics Room: Staff Success = School Success. Recruiting and developing the help you need to deliver World Class service – Master Tony Kook
2020 Armor Room: Single Location Lifestyle; How to raise a family and run a prosperous dojang at the same time. – Master Michael Yuhasz
12:00-1:30pm
Lunch Courtesy of Taekwondo Professionals
1:30-2:30pm
Dynamics Room: Grass Roots Guerrilla Marketing and Dojang Operation: The best and most cost effective ways to get students- Master Chan Lee
2020 Armor Room: Get to Know, Love, and Enjoy teaching Little Tigers (Ages 3-5)- Master Shannon Park
2:30-3:30pm
Dynamics Room: The Head, Heart, and Body of a 30 year Taekwondo Professional – Master John Pasquantonio
2020 Armor Room: How to Leverage Cutting-Edge Technology to Grow Your Martial Arts Business – Master Ali Ghafour
3:30-4:30pm
Dynamics Room: How to teach classes that engage, inspire and grow your students– Master Michael Mertens
4:30-5:00pm
Closing Comments and Photos
Standard
$449
$349 for each additional staff member
Your Ticket to the TKD Professionals National Convention Includes
- Buffet Dinner on Day 1 and Buffet Breakfast and Lunch on Day 2 included, courtesy of Taekwondo Professionals
- Full Access to 2 Days of proven marketing, up to date sales methods, modern classroom management, and team building systems.
- The opportunity to meet and speak with some of the leading dojang operators in the country
- The chance to network with other positive, passionate, and dedicated instructors
- OUR ATTEND WITH CONFIDENCE GUARANTEE:
Attend the 2023 TKD Professionals Convention for 2 full days, and if you don’t agree that it was immediately valuable and useful for your school you can receive a full refund of your tuition.
Testimonials
“My husband and I love coming to the TKD Professional Convention each year because it is a great opportunity to listen to some of the best TKD minds in the business share their ideas and mindsets. It also gives a great support opportunity to network with people from all over the country. We get the chance to take the best of what we learn and implement these ideas in our schools to keep them truly World Class.”
Master Vicky McDowell
“As a multiple school owner, I have joined and attended many different organizations and marketing seminars. I can honestly say that the Taekwondo Professionals Convention has been the most helpful for my team and I and therefore have attended almost every seminar for the past 15 years. The ideas and strategies shared are based on universal concepts that can help Martial Arts schools of all sizes and locations as evidenced by the successes of their affiliates and the attendees. I am a firm believe that you are the average of the people you surround yourself with. I always send my team to the seminar because besides learning/sharpening different skills, they always come back more motivated and focused because of the positive and energetic environment surrounding the seminar and its attendees. The networking and camaraderie alone are worth more than the cost of attendance.”
Master George Hwang
“In the Taekwondo industry, we are grateful for the existence of Taekwondo Professionals. Taekwondo Professionals and World Class Masters support our growth by bestowing knowledge, helping us set goals, and providing a diverse network. As business owners, masters, and lifelong learners, we always have questions about improving our organization and solving our problems. The first person that pops up in our mind to get help is Master Mertens because we know World Class Taekwondo has encountered the same challenges we have and we can depend on them to share their wisdom. Taekwondo Professionals are the most significant resource for our staff growth. After our team meets these Taekwondo industry leaders the leaders understand our vision and picture their bright future with us.”
Master Seungrok Kim and Master Regina Im- Korea Taekwondo-KTKD
“The Taekwondo Professionals National Convention is THE BEST business seminar a school owner can attend. I have attended countless seminars and business coaching summits for over 20 years and I wholeheartedly believe that Taekwondo Professionals is the one I leave with actionable ideas that produce results quickly and with the integrity of our legacy strengthened.
Master Mertens brings together the best of the best who openly share how our industry evolves and their best practices to thrive in it. I look forward to meting you all at the next Taekwondo Professionals National Convention.”
Master Nickie Quan
“Master Kim and I have been members of TKD Professionals for over approximately 5 years. During that time there are truly just not enough words to describe how appreciative we have been throughout the length of this time exploring TKD Professionals. It has not only been the anchor in our strive for success, but it has enhanced our abilities to expand our minds mentally, our school physically and hearts emotionally in a positive and nurturing way. TKD Professionals have helped pave the way for so many martial arts schools through some pretty tough times that would have either make or break a school. We have trained our staff with all the videos, slides and Zoom training available to us. Master Kim and I are very grateful and look forward to the upcoming seminar.”
Ahra Ko
“One of the best things I did in 2022 was INVEST in my team to be a part of TKD Pros National Convention! I Brought 8 of my team members to be part of last year’s event and have loved the results. My team grew closer together with the activities throughout the weekend, gained so much practical knowledge through seminars, were able to gain perspective from meeting others in similar situations and positions in other schools and most importantly acquired a vision that the future of our industry is strong and absolutely will allow for a beautiful career and life in our organization!”
Master Scarsella
“My husband and I love coming to the TKD Professional Convention each year because it is a great opportunity to listen to some of the best TKD minds in the business share their ideas and mindsets. It also gives a great support opportunity to network with people from all over the country. We get the chance to take the best of what we learn and implement these ideas in our schools to keep them truly World Class.”
Master Vicky McDowell
“As a multiple school owner, I have joined and attended many different organizations and marketing seminars. I can honestly say that the Taekwondo Professionals Convention has been the most helpful for my team and I and therefore have attended almost every seminar for the past 15 years. The ideas and strategies shared are based on universal concepts that can help Martial Arts schools of all sizes and locations as evidenced by the successes of their affiliates and the attendees. I am a firm believe that you are the average of the people you surround yourself with. I always send my team to the seminar because besides learning/sharpening different skills, they always come back more motivated and focused because of the positive and energetic environment surrounding the seminar and its attendees. The networking and camaraderie alone are worth more than the cost of attendance.”
Master George Hwang
“In the Taekwondo industry, we are grateful for the existence of Taekwondo Professionals. Taekwondo Professionals and World Class Masters support our growth by bestowing knowledge, helping us set goals, and providing a diverse network. As business owners, masters, and lifelong learners, we always have questions about improving our organization and solving our problems. The first person that pops up in our mind to get help is Master Mertens because we know World Class Taekwondo has encountered the same challenges we have and we can depend on them to share their wisdom. Taekwondo Professionals are the most significant resource for our staff growth. After our team meets these Taekwondo industry leaders the leaders understand our vision and picture their bright future with us.”
Master Seungrok Kim and Master Regina Im- Korea Taekwondo-KTKD
“The Taekwondo Professionals National Convention is THE BEST business seminar a school owner can attend. I have attended countless seminars and business coaching summits for over 20 years and I wholeheartedly believe that Taekwondo Professionals is the one I leave with actionable ideas that produce results quickly and with the integrity of our legacy strengthened.
Master Mertens brings together the best of the best who openly share how our industry evolves and their best practices to thrive in it. I look forward to meting you all at the next Taekwondo Professionals National Convention.”
Master Nickie Quan
“Master Kim and I have been members of TKD Professionals for over approximately 5 years. During that time there are truly just not enough words to describe how appreciative we have been throughout the length of this time exploring TKD Professionals. It has not only been the anchor in our strive for success, but it has enhanced our abilities to expand our minds mentally, our school physically and hearts emotionally in a positive and nurturing way. TKD Professionals have helped pave the way for so many martial arts schools through some pretty tough times that would have either make or break a school. We have trained our staff with all the videos, slides and Zoom training available to us. Master Kim and I are very grateful and look forward to the upcoming seminar.”
Ahra Ko
“One of the best things I did in 2022 was INVEST in my team to be a part of TKD Pros National Convention! I Brought 8 of my team members to be part of last year’s event and have loved the results. My team grew closer together with the activities throughout the weekend, gained so much practical knowledge through seminars, were able to gain perspective from meeting others in similar situations and positions in other schools and most importantly acquired a vision that the future of our industry is strong and absolutely will allow for a beautiful career and life in our organization!”
Master Scarsella
Host Hotel: The Buffalo Marriott Niagara
All conference session will be held at the Buffalo Marriott Niagara. The hotel is a short drive from the Buffalo Niagara Airport and offers complimentary airport shuttle service.
A discounted room rate of $139 per night is available by using this link for rooms booked by May 19th, 2023.
2023 Sponsors
HOSTED BY:
THANK YOU TO OUR 2023 SPONSORS
© Taekwondo Professionals