About Our Founders
A Legacy of Excellence and Dedication
World Class Taekwondo Centers has a rich history rooted in the passion, dedication, and vision of its founders, Grandmaster Sun Chong and Master Michael Mertens. Together, they have built a legacy that has positively impacted thousands of students and families in Western New York and beyond.
The Journey Begins in 1983
The story of World Class Taekwondo began in 1983 when Grandmaster Chong opened his first school in Syracuse, NY. It was there that a young Michael Mertens began his journey in Taekwondo under Grandmaster Chong’s expert guidance. Michael quickly distinguished himself as a dedicated and talented student, becoming a three-time New York State sparring champion. His love for the sport and commitment to excellence earned him the position of captain of the Cornell University Taekwondo team, where he continued to hone his skills and competed at the highest national levels.
Expanding the Vision to Western New York
After graduating from Cornell, Master Mertens and Grandmaster Chong decided to take on a new challenge: bringing their world-class Taekwondo program to a larger city. In 1993, they opened the first World Class Taekwondo Center in Williamsville, NY. The response from the community was overwhelming. Families in Western New York quickly embraced the program, recognizing the high-quality instruction and the positive impact it had on students of all ages.
Over the next 15 years, Grandmaster Chong and Master Mertens expanded their vision, opening four additional locations across the Buffalo area in East Amherst, Amherst, Lancaster, Orchard Park, and Hamburg. Each new dojang featured upgraded facilities, ensuring that students had the best possible environment in which to train and grow.
A Training Ground for Future Leaders
World Class Taekwondo Centers has not only been a place for students to learn and practice Taekwondo; it has also served as a training ground for dozens of aspiring instructors. Grandmaster Chong and Master Mertens have always been committed to sharing their knowledge and expertise with others. As a result, over 35 former staff members have gone on to open their own independent Taekwondo schools across the United States. This has allowed the influence of World Class Taekwondo to spread from coast to coast, making a difference in the lives of countless students nationwide.
A New Chapter: Continuing the Legacy
In the summer of 2023, after a distinguished sixty-year career as a competitor, coach, instructor, and industry leader, Grandmaster Chong retired. His retirement marked the 30th anniversary of World Class Taekwondo in Buffalo. At this pivotal moment, Master Michael Mertens took over ownership of all the World Class Taekwondo locations, partnering with several World Class Masters to ensure the continuity of their exceptional program.
This transition ensures that the tradition and legacy of World Class Taekwondo will be upheld for many years to come. Today, the five dojangs in Western New York continue to provide top-notch Taekwondo instruction, fostering confidence, discipline, and respect in students of all ages.
Join the World Class Taekwondo Family
World Class Taekwondo Centers is more than just a place to learn martial arts; it is a community where students of all ages come together to grow, challenge themselves, and achieve their goals. Whether you’re looking to build confidence, improve fitness, or learn self-defense, our programs are designed to help you succeed in a supportive and positive environment.
Grandmaster Sun Ki Chong
- 8th Degree Black Belt
- Over 60 years of experience
- 5 Time Head Coach for the US National TKD Team
Master Chong’s World Class Taekwondo Centers were founded by Grand Master Sun Ki Chong. Grand Master Chong is one of the leading Taekwondo instructors in the world. He is both a former Korean champion, as well as a former head coach for the U.S. National Taekwondo team.
He personally developed the curriculum taught in our centers and designed it to be a balance of traditional Taekwondo forms, practical self defense, and Olympic Style sparring skills.
Grand Master Chong’s philosophy is that Taekwondo is about self improvement as well as self defense. This is evident in our teaching methods. Our instructors focus on teaching “life skills” just as much as physical techniques. We help students of all levels to gain increased focus, confidence, and determination that they can apply to all areas of their life.
Master Michael Mertens
Co-Founder & Executive Director
- 7th Degree Black Belt
- Former National Level Competitor
- Over 40 years of Taekwondo Experience
- Senior Student of Grandmaster Chong
Master Mertens is a 7th Degree Black Belt, and the senior ranking student of Grandmaster Chong, having studied under him for over thirty-five years. Master Mertens is responsible for curriculum development and instructor training for the staff of World Class Taekwondo Centers.
As an athlete, he was a three time New York State sparring champion, a 2x bronze medalist at the Collegiate National Taekwondo championships, and captain of the Cornell University sparring team.
Master Mertens is a graduate of the Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations, with a focus on Organizational Behavior.