Mission Statement
Dear parents and students,
We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all of you for being a part of West Coast TKD. We are honored to have the privilege of teaching your children and helping them achieve their goals in TKD. Without your unwavering support and encouragement, none of this would be possible. We believe that the tenets of TKD are not just about kicking and punching, but also about building character, discipline, empathy, and responsibility. These are the qualities that will stay with our students for a lifetime and help them succeed in all aspects of their lives. We are proud to say that our school is known for its high standards of earning stripes and belt ranks, but we also understand the importance of discernment and treating all students equally.
Since opening in 1990, WCTKD’s vision has been to make a positive difference in the lives of children, teens, and adults through our love of the physical sport and the tenets we live by to this day. We are grateful for the opportunity to continue to do so and to see our students grow and thrive. As family, teachers, instructors, students, and friends, we know that there is no greater impact on a person’s life than their integrity of character. We strive to lead by example and instill these values in our students. We believe that these qualities are the roadmaps to success in all areas of life, including school, family, work, friends, relationships, and community. Once again, we want to thank you for being a part of our TKD family. We look forward to continuing to teach and learn from each other.
Sincerely,
West Coast Taekwondo Staff
“People don’t care about how much you know, until they know how much you care.” – Masters Gary and Lynn Williams, Founders
We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all of you for being a part of West Coast TKD. We are honored to have the privilege of teaching your children and helping them achieve their goals in TKD. Without your unwavering support and encouragement, none of this would be possible. We believe that the tenets of TKD are not just about kicking and punching, but also about building character, discipline, empathy, and responsibility. These are the qualities that will stay with our students for a lifetime and help them succeed in all aspects of their lives. We are proud to say that our school is known for its high standards of earning stripes and belt ranks, but we also understand the importance of discernment and treating all students equally.
Since opening in 1990, WCTKD’s vision has been to make a positive difference in the lives of children, teens, and adults through our love of the physical sport and the tenets we live by to this day. We are grateful for the opportunity to continue to do so and to see our students grow and thrive. As family, teachers, instructors, students, and friends, we know that there is no greater impact on a person’s life than their integrity of character. We strive to lead by example and instill these values in our students. We believe that these qualities are the roadmaps to success in all areas of life, including school, family, work, friends, relationships, and community. Once again, we want to thank you for being a part of our TKD family. We look forward to continuing to teach and learn from each other.
Sincerely,
West Coast Taekwondo Staff
“People don’t care about how much you know, until they know how much you care.” – Masters Gary and Lynn Williams, Founders
Meet The School Owner
Master Heather Vaughn
6th Degree Black Belt
My journey in Taekwondo began in August 2001, when I walked into West Coast Taekwondo at the age of 13. From the very beginning, I was determined to train hard and become the best I could be. In 2003, I achieved my goal and earned my Black Belt. But my journey didn’t end there. I continued to push myself, volunteering as an Instructor Trainee in 2004 and competing nationally in 2005. In 2008, I became a Senior Certified Instructor, a testament to my dedication and hard work.
When people ask me why I do Taekwondo, I tell them that the benefits are the same for kids and adults alike. It helps me focus, handle disappointment, and overcome adversity. Taekwondo has become a part of who I am, and I am proud to be known as the “me that does Taekwondo.” Over the years, I have had the privilege of founding WCTKD’s demo team, choreographing performances, and leading over 50 demonstrations across the country. I have also personally performed in 20+ demos and cross-trained in Inayan System of Escrima, showcasing my versatility and dedication to the martial arts.
In March 2019, I achieved a major milestone in my Taekwondo journey by passing my 6th Degree Black Belt Testing and becoming a Master Instructor. But my biggest challenge came in early 2019, when I spoke with the Senior Instructors about continuing West Coast Taekwondo when Master and Master Williams retired. With the support of my friends, I approached the Williams with our collective goal for the school and our desire to pass down the knowledge to the next generation of black belts and instructors. In May 2021, I officially purchased the school and began my mission to continue this legacy for the next 30 years. I am grateful for the opportunity to share Taekwondo with you and go on this amazing journey together.
When people ask me why I do Taekwondo, I tell them that the benefits are the same for kids and adults alike. It helps me focus, handle disappointment, and overcome adversity. Taekwondo has become a part of who I am, and I am proud to be known as the “me that does Taekwondo.” Over the years, I have had the privilege of founding WCTKD’s demo team, choreographing performances, and leading over 50 demonstrations across the country. I have also personally performed in 20+ demos and cross-trained in Inayan System of Escrima, showcasing my versatility and dedication to the martial arts.
In March 2019, I achieved a major milestone in my Taekwondo journey by passing my 6th Degree Black Belt Testing and becoming a Master Instructor. But my biggest challenge came in early 2019, when I spoke with the Senior Instructors about continuing West Coast Taekwondo when Master and Master Williams retired. With the support of my friends, I approached the Williams with our collective goal for the school and our desire to pass down the knowledge to the next generation of black belts and instructors. In May 2021, I officially purchased the school and began my mission to continue this legacy for the next 30 years. I am grateful for the opportunity to share Taekwondo with you and go on this amazing journey together.
Senior Instructors
Master Steven Austin
7th Degree Black Belt
Master Adam Gentry
7th Degree Black Belt
