ABOUT | Taekwondo Louisville

THE OWNERS AND INSTRUCTORS

Taekwondo Louisville's instructors offer expert guidance, tailoring instruction to each student's unique pace and skill level. Our objective is to comprehensively prepare students for tournament achievement and equip them with practical self-defense skills, affording them a distinct advantage.

SR. INSTRUCTOR

Matt Brown

Matt serves as the Senior Instructor at Taekwondo Louisville. While he holds a Black Belt in the traditional ITF system, he is also proficient in the eight Taegeuk forms of the WT system. He sometimes competes in tournaments as a means of fostering personal growth and continuous self-improvement. For Matt, Taekwondo is far more than a martial art—it is a foundational way of life. He isn't driven by titles or the pursuit of recognition; instead, his dedication stems from a genuine love for Taekwondo and a deep-seated passion for mentoring others.

OWNER & INSTRUCTOR

Shelly Brown

Shelly's martial arts journey began at Hester's Kentucky Karate Club in December 2018 when she enrolled her granddaughter, Regan (5), in the Lil' Dragons class, followed by her grandson (3) in March 2019. In June 2021, her grandson Donovan earned his green belt and challenged Shelly to join the adult class. Initially hesitant, Shelly was persuaded by a friendly bet: who could reach black belt first?

Three years later, Shelly and Donovan tested for their school black belts together on September 26, 2024. Upon learning of Hester's Family Fitness sale, Shelly joined fellow students to transition Kentucky Karate Club into Taekwondo Louisville. As an owner, Shelly attributes her children's personal growth and achievements to karate's discipline and lessons. She's committed to guiding students toward success in martial arts and beyond.

INSTRUCTOR

Cephas Idan

Growing up, I’ve always been interested in martial arts. Unfortunately, there were no schools near where I lived, so I was unable to start training until I got to university. Our martial arts club at the university offered both WTF style taekwondo and Shotokan Karate which gave me the opportunity to learn both arts; however, my focus was more on Taekwondo. In 1998 I earned my

school black belt in WT Taekwondo.

I moved to Nottingham (UK) for further studies and got introduced to ITF style Taekwondo. While in England, I had some health issues and stopped training for some time.

I started training again in 2017, and in 2021 I joined Master Frank Rowe’s School. When Master Rowe retired, we decided to keep the school open, with me as the head instructor. In 2023, I got my Kukkiwon certification (DAN# 50012279), through Grandmaster Lolly. My goal is to continue to grow in my martial arts journey and help others with the little knowledge that I have acquired on the way.

OWNER

Clinton Samuels

Everyone's martial arts journey begins with a purpose. Mine started with my daughter, Joanna. From the moment she took her first steps, I knew martial arts would be in her future. I wanted her to learn self-defense, and at five years old, I enrolled her in Hester's Family Fitness, home to Kentucky Karate Club. She loved it, never missing a class.

I assisted her with forms at home and attended every class with her for a year and a half. Her instructor noticed my familiarity with the class and asked, 'When will you join?' I thought, 'Now or never.' After her testing, I joined. Six months later, Hester's Family Fitness closed.

Determined to keep the school alive for Joanna and other students, I collaborated with fellow students to establish Taekwondo Louisville. Now, Joanna, seven years old and a red belt, is working toward her brown belt, while I've earned my purple belt. Our goal is black belt.

My desire is for others to embark on their martial arts journey with their children at Taekwondo Louisville, experiencing the same growth and learning we have.

- Clinton Samuels