Menu
Lake Norman TaeKwonDo proudly serving Lake Norman since 1995
Lake Norman TaeKwonDo has Classes in Lake Norman, Perfect for Kids, Teens, and Adults Martial Arts Lessons.
Who we Are And why You Should Train Here
Since we’ve opened, we’ve been dedicated to changing the lives of people one person at a time, through martial arts, education and coaching. We strive to provide a safe, comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for all students and family members. We take pride in creating an environment for individuals to achieve, develop and succeed in their personal goals.
We strongly believe that martial arts can be for everyone, regardless of age, gender or experience levels. Throughout all of our programs, students will not only learn the necessary skill sets to protect themselves, we stand behind our realistic and practical approach, confident it will enable every member to achieve greatness and live their best life..
Get To Know Our World Class Instructors
Grand Master Phuoc Dang
Owner and Chief Instructor
Grand Master Phuoc Dang is an 8th degree Black Belt certified as a Master Instructor by the National Martial Arts Organization Taekwondo America. He has been involved in the martial arts since 1988 when he was 13 years old. He started taking classes under the instruction of Master George Strickland with his 2 younger brothers and sister. He was 15 when he earned his first Black Belt and became an instructor shortly thereafter.
He started his school in Mooresville in a dance studio in 1995 when he was a freshman in college. He moved his school into its own space a year later and continued to run his school while he completed his college education, taking college classes during the day and teaching Taekwondo in the evenings.
He decided even before he started college that he wanted to continue to run his Taekwondo school after graduation and majored in Small Business Management at UNC-Charlotte. He has been a full-time school owner since his graduation. He has trained over 100 Black Belts and is a Senior Partner with Taekwondo America.
He is married and has 3 children.
Elaina Green
Level 4 Instructor
Elaina Green started doing Taekwondo at the age of 5, but shortly after getting her 1st degree, moved to Florida. From there she continued studying Taekwondo in ITF where she got her 2nd degree black belt and began helping to instruct. After returning to us in 2021 she has worked to get her second degree in Taekwondo America and to become an instructor. Her biggest goal for teaching is to create a safe and fun environment where kids can learn and develop skills for both Taekwondo and life.
Katana-Marie Dang
Level 4
Ms. Katana Dang is a 3rd Degree Black Belt. She started taekwondo when she was 3 and has been doing it ever since. She took a break in 2017 and started back in 2020. Her favorite part of Taekwondo is forms and she love teaching as well. She enjoys watching movies and cooking/baking.
Abeer Salem-Naznin
Level 3 instructor
Abeer Saleem Naznin
Ms. Naznin is a committed and skilled martial artist with years of experience in Taekwondo. Beyond her training and teaching, she finds joy in expressing herself through music and dance, as well as staying active in multiple sports. Her journey in Taekwondo and love for athletics showcase her dedication, discipline, and well-rounded personality.
Ben Beaver
Level 2 instructor
Mr. Ben Beaver is a 2nd Degree Black Belt. He started taking Tae Kwon Do with his son in 2005. They began Tae Kwon Do at another school and when that school relocated, they transferred to Lake Norman Tae Kwon Do where they have been for the past 17 years. Ben’s son made it to Brown Belt before he went off to college, but Ben continued to take classes and is presently a Second Degree Decided Black and Level 2 Instructor. He has been an instructor for over 12 years. His favorite part about Tae Kwon Do is sparing and teaching others what he has learned. When he is not taking or teaching Tae Kwon Do he enjoys weight lifting and traveling/cruising.
Matt Adams
Level 2 instructor
Mr. Matthew Adams
Mr. Matthew Adams began his journey with the Lake Norman Taekwondo family in 1997 at the school’s original location off Stutts Road. He trained through high school and left after earning his red belt. Years later, he enrolled his son, Kirios, at LNTKD when he was six years old, and although Kirios reached orange belt, the family relocated to Florida when he was seven. After returning to North Carolina in 2016, the entire family rejoined Lake Norman Taekwondo in 2020. Upon evaluation by Mr. Shorey and other instructors, Mr. Adams was invited to resume training at the rank of brown belt—an impressive return after two decades away from formal instruction.
Though he was not actively training during those twenty years, Mr. Adams remained connected to martial arts through friends in the local community. He occasionally worked out with them, supported his brother’s MMA training by helping with striking basics, and developed a foundational understanding of grappling. This kept his skills sharp and his passion alive.
Committed to making the most of his return, Mr. Adams set a personal goal to go as far as he could in his martial arts journey. At the age of 39, he achieved his 1st Degree Decided Black Belt and became a Level 1 Instructor. Through consistent effort, he progressed further to earn his 2nd Degree Senior Black Belt and Level 2 Instructor certification. He is known for encouraging students to believe in themselves and strive for their goals both in and out of the dojang.
Mr. Adams places great value on the tenets of Taekwondo, integrating them into his everyday life and teaching. His drive to push himself and others beyond limits is matched by his gratitude for the supportive community at LNTKD. For him and his family, the school is more than a place to train—it’s a village that uplifts, supports, and grows together.
Gulistan Shaikh
Level 2 instructor
Mrs. Gulistan Shaikh
Ms. Shaikh was first introduced to martial arts in school as a member of the Karate club, but frequent school changes prevented her from continuing her training. Years later, inspired by her daughter, Ms. Abeer Saleem Naznin, she joined Lake Norman Taekwondo in 2017. She is now a 2nd Degree Black Belt and a Level 2 Instructor, dedicated to both her personal growth and teaching others.
An athlete at heart, she has always had a special interest in outdoor sports. Fitness and discipline are the two aspects of Taekwondo she values most, finding joy in both training and teaching. When she is not in class, she enjoys practicing and teaching yoga, further embracing a lifestyle of strength, balance, and well-being.
Neil Talaviya
Level 2 instructor
Mr. Neil Talaviya is a 2nd Degree Senior Black Belt, Level 2 Instructor
Johsua Johnson
Level 1 Instructor
Mr. Joshua Johnson
Mr. Joshua Johnson is a dedicated 2nd Degree Black Belt instructor at Lake Norman Taekwondo America in Mooresville, NC. His martial arts journey began in April 2021, and since then, he has shown unwavering commitment to both his personal growth and the development of his students.
Recognizable by his signature mask, Mr. Johnson embraces the spirit of a shinobi — always present to support others while remaining approachable and eager to connect with those around him. His quiet strength and readiness to help make him a valued member of the Lake Norman Taekwondo family.
Beyond Taekwondo, Mr. Johnson has a passion for studying the Japanese language and exploring other martial arts disciplines. His interests also extend to the world of professional wrestling — a sport he once pursued during his college years before discovering his love for Taekwondo.
Mr. Johnson’s diverse background and dedication to martial arts inspire students to push their limits and strive for excellence. Whether he’s leading a class or offering one-on-one guidance, he brings a unique blend of discipline, knowledge, and enthusiasm to every session.
Saleem Farookhi
Level 1 instructor
Mr. Farookhi
Saleem Farookhi is a 2nd Degree Black Belt and a Level 1 Instructor at Lake Norman Taekwondo. He began his journey in 2017, inspired by his daughter, now a 3rd Degree Black Belt and Level 3 Instructor, and his wife, a 2nd Degree Black Belt and Level 2 Instructor. With a strong foundation in sparring and forms, Saleem embraces the mental and physical disciplines of Taekwondo in both his training and teaching.
Believing that martial arts transform both mind and body, he connects with students of all abilities, helping them grow in skill and confidence. Beyond the dojang, Saleem is equally dedicated to fitness, enjoying weightlifting, tennis, trekking, and travel, all of which reflect his commitment to balance, strength, and continuous self-improvement.
Anushka Jha
Level 1 instructor
Ms. Jha
Anushka Jha has been passionately practicing Taekwondo since the age of 6 and has loved every step of the journey. While sparring holds a special place in her heart, her absolute favorite part about Taekwondo is the time she gets to spend with her friends — learning new techniques, challenging herself, and creating unforgettable memories.
Outside of Taekwondo, Anushka leads an active and creative life. She enjoys playing tennis, a sport that fuels her competitive spirit, and dancing, which allows her to express herself through movement. For a fun change of pace, she also experiments with cooking and baking, surprising her family with new and exciting dishes whenever inspiration strikes.
Anushka’s enthusiasm, both on and off the mat, is contagious. Her dedication to martial arts and her vibrant personality make her a valued member of the Lake Norman Taekwondo community.
J.D. Law
Level 1 Instructor
Mr. Law
J.D. Law is a 1st Degree Senior Black Belt who has been training at Lake Norman Taekwondo since 2020. He enjoys challenging himself while having fun and finds fulfillment in mentoring and motivating younger students. His supportive nature makes him a great role model within the dojang. Outside of Taekwondo, J.D. stays active by playing soccer and skateboarding, always pushing himself to improve and grow.
Avery Partridge
Level 1 instructor
Mrs Avery Partridge is a 1st Degree Senior Black Belt
Aarav Talaviya
Level 1 instructor
Mr. Talaviya
Aarav Talaviya is a 2nd Degree Black Belt at Lake Norman Taekwondo, where he has been training with steadfast determination since early 2019. He has a passion for sparring but also enjoys the friendships he has built, the memories he has created, and the new opportunities Taekwondo has given him.
Outside of Taekwondo, Aarav stays active by playing soccer and biking around his neighborhood. At home, he enjoys helping out whenever he can, which fuels his passion for teaching and supporting others. Even at school, he takes pride in assisting his peers when they face challenges in class. His dedication to martial arts and his constant desire to help others make him a valued member of the Taekwondo community.
Ciyana Satapathy
Level 1 instructor
Ms. Satapathy is a 2nd Degree Black Belt
Shreya Kolhe
Level 2 instructor
Ms. Shreya Kolhe has been doing Taekwondo since 2014 and has been an instructor since 2020. She is currently a 2nd Degree Senior Black Belt. She enjoys being an Instructor at LKN Taekwondo as well Shorey’s Taekwondo America. In her free time she babysits for a lot of families in her neighborhood, she is very active in all things physical fitness, and she loves spending time with her family and friends.
Shreya Kolhe
Level 2 instructor
Ms. Shreya Kolhe has been doing Taekwondo since 2014 and has been an instructor since 2020. She is currently a 2nd Degree Senior Black Belt. She enjoys being an Instructor at LKN Taekwondo as well Shorey’s Taekwondo America. In her free time she babysits for a lot of families in her neighborhood, she is very active in all things physical fitness, and she loves spending time with her family and friends.
Jacob Shorey
Level 3 Instructor
Mr. Jacob Shorey was born, April 8, 2006. Throughout his life Jacob has participated in many sports, academic challenges, music and art, and started martial arts at age 6. Mr. Jacob Shorey started Taekwondo America in September 2012, at the age of 6, and over the years he has risen to the rank of a 3rd Degree Black Belt and is certified as a Level 3 Instructor. In 2015 Jacob was trained in C.O.B.R.A. Self-Defense. Taekwondo has been the perfect vehicle for personal improvement in mind, body and spirit. Over the course of his training under the teachings of Grand Master Dang, an 8th Degree Black Belt, Jacob has become more confident and disciplined. Mr. Jacob Shorey feels it is an honor to be an instructor and enjoys being able to share with other what he has learned.
Michael Shorey
Level 4 Instructor
Mr. Mike Shorey is married with 4 children, and 5 grandchildren. Mr. Mike Shorey studied childhood development and education while in college and he is currently a Manufacturing Engineer at DRT Holdings in Midland, NC. He served our county for 6 years in the United States Air Force (USAF).
His first exposure to the combat arts was part of the USAF hand to hand combat training program. Mike became an instant fan. He received his first black belt in 1992 in an art form known as Poekoelan Tjumindie; an Indonesian form of Kung Fu. In 2015 was certified as a C.O.B.R.A Self-Defense instructor. He has been with Lake Norman Taekwondo for over 8 years. Under the teachings of Grand Master Dang, an 8th degree Black Belt, Mike has risen to the rank of 2nd Degree Senior Black Belt and is certified as a Level 4 Instructor by Taekwondo America. Mike is also a certified Tai Chi instructor. Mr. Mike Shorey is a lifelong Martial Arts student!