Congratulations to Robert Lee, this year’s male recipient of the United States Amateur Athletic Union Taekwondo Youth Leadership Award.

Meet Robert Lee, a passionate taekwondo athlete since age five. An AAU and USA National Team participant that credits taekwondo for shaping all aspects of his life.

“Mathematician Stephen C. Johnson once said, “A successful tool is one that was used to do something undreamt of by its author.” I, the author of my own life, could have never imagined that taekwondo could have affected my life by such great magnitude. Taekwondo, not as a mere sport, but a successful tool of life, has taught me not only the physical attributes, but respect, discipline, honor, and that mind and body work together as one.”

When Lee isn’t practicing taekwondo, you can find him on the tennis court with his varsity high school team or vigorously studying and doing homework. Having to travel an hour to and from taekwondo practice, time management is key for him. Six IB courses and one honors course is no light task for anyone to carry.