Ho Rang Yi prides itself for its rich pedigree, which is not far removed from the founder of Tae Kwon Do. We believe that one of the things that sets apart from other martial arts schools is the quality of instruction we provide and the great experience of our instructors. The Ho Rang Yi instructors’ team looks forward to continuing its high standard with you and broadening its own knowledge base.
Tae Kwon Do: Although, TKD has roots going back hundreds of years, the current style was founded by General Choi Hong Hi (1918-2002) in the 30s and 40s. A Master Chung Sun Do trained directly under General Choi. In the 1960s, Master Chung was one of only two people given directives from General Choi to head TKD in the United States. Master Chung was in charge of the Western United States Region and at that time created the Northwest Tae Kwon Do Federation. It is here that the specific history of our school begins.
Ho Rang Yi and Master Mike McDonald: Master Mike McDonald, Ho Rang Yi's master instructor, began training with Master Chung and the Northwest Tae Kwon Do Federation in 1970, and in two short years earned black belt. An impressive feat. Mr. McDonald was the regional light/heavyweight sparring champion two years running in 1975 and 1976. In 1976, he was the Nationals light/heavyweight champion. Soon after, a medical condition forced him to retire from his intensive sparring circuit. This is when he founded Ho Rang Yi Tae Kwon Do, with the blessing of Master Chung. In late 1976, the school was based out of the old Puyallup YMCA, and it has been going strong ever since. Master McDonald, a 7th-degree black, carries a Master's Certification. He loves fighting, self-defense, and breaking. He also has a 2nd-degree black belt in iaido, the samurai sword art. He an expert in the use of the kubaton, wakasashi, and knife fighting/defense. Although now in semi-retirement, Mr. McDonald still assists with teaching on Tuesdays.
Mr. Douglas Hunter is currently a 5th dan black belt. He started his martial arts training 32 years ago, also studying under Master Chung of the Northwest Tae Kwon Do Federation. From 1975 -1981, Mr. Hunter studied under Vietnamese instructor, Master Chat Nguyen, of the International Tae Kwon Do Association. He earned his black belt in 1979. Mr. Hunter has instructed martial arts classes for 24 years at the following locations: Tacoma Community College 1978-1981, Puyallup Recreation Department 1982-1985, Western Washington University physical education classes and campus karate club 1985-1987, Puyallup Recreation Center/War Memorial Center 1987-present. He has over 75 first place awards in black belt competition including nine grand championship awards in fighting and forms competition. Mr. Hunter currently heads our Monday/Wednesday program. Please contact him at dlhunted@hotmail.com with any questions.
Mrs. Jennifer Wynn Hamerly is a 4th dan black belt. She has been involved in the martial arts for 16 years and has been teaching for 7 years. She began her martial arts journey at 12 with Butokukan Karate – an Okinawan-style martial art – where she earned a green belt (upper-level rank). After taking a hiatus during the college years, she rejoined martial arts in 1990 with Ho Rang Yi Tae Kwon Do, where she completed her black belt training in 1993. She consistently won numerous first place and grand championship designations in forms, weapons, and sparring throughout 1992-1997. She also has earned a brown belt in iaido, an art using the samurai sword. Mrs. Hamerly also has experience in the bo, the spear, and the wakasashi. She currently leads our Teusday/Thursday classes. Please contact her at 253.445.1938 or dhamerly@mindspring.com with any questions.
Mr. Marvin Arruda trained under Master Chung for two years beginning in 1972. He re-entered the martial arts arena under Master McDonald in 1990 and has been with HRY ever since. Mr. Arruda, a 1st dan, has been a black belt for two years and is proficient in the bo, iaido, and tonfas, and has done extensive breaking. Mr. Arruda also loves fighting and self-defense.
Ms. Natalie Evans is our official instructor-in-training. Currently a brown belt, she has been involved in martial arts for 10 years, eight of them with Ho Rang Yi. She earned “Most Improved” student in 1995, and “Student of the Year” in 1996. She has won four grand championships in forms and weapons. She is proficient in the spear and bo, and considers her speciality to be in forms. She is currently focusing on helping our 6-9 year olds who attend the Tuesday/Thursday class, as she continues her quest for black belt.
Mrs. Kay Elske is our newest addition to our school. A long-time acquaintance, of Ho Rang Yi she brings an entirely different perspective to our program. Mrs. Elske began training in Koga Ryu Ninjitsu in 1996 at Bennest Karate School. She earned her black belt in 2000, the first woman in the school's 30-year history to do so. As part of her black belt training, she learned the history and general use of 15 weapons. Also, she cross-trained in marksmanship, kubaton, jujitsu, aikido, shotokan, kobudo, kenjutsu, and iaido. She helps out our class when able.
Rounding out our awesome instructors team are Mr. Brian Raden, 1st dan (16 years experience), Mrs. Joanna Hunter, brown belt (9 years), and Mrs. Mary Evans, brown belt (8 years).