Strikes after school
A deep dive into the Ha families' taekwondo dojo
Photo: Two Gold Taekwondo
Ansh Vigh, Sports Editor & Gus Silva, Staff Writer
The air in Two-Gold Taekwondo is thick with the scent of sweat and echoes of training students. Light filters through the windows, casting shadows along the mats as students move in precise, deliberate patterns. Every stance, every kick, every turn is measured, controlled, and purposeful. Students of all ages train here, learning not only the physical skills of taekwondo but also the life lessons of discipline, perseverance, and respect; these lessons are passed down from a family with an Olympic background.
The dojo was founded by Taekyung Ha, a two-time Olympic gold medalist for Korea, whose passion for the sport has resulted in the Ha family's three dojo branches, located in Alpharetta Ga., Johns Creek, Ga., and McKinney, Texas. At the Johns Creek location, Taekyung's daughters, Ashley and Jella Ha, along with their mother and their uncle, Minsoo Kim, teach and train students, carrying on their father's legacy while simultaneously carving their own paths.
For senior Ashley Ha, taekwondo has been a cornerstone of her life for 14 years. As both an instructor and a student, Ashley Ha balances her rigorous academic schedule with teaching the trainees, often heading to the dojo right after school. Beyond physical skills, she credits taekwondo with teaching her respect, discipline, and leadership; she states that guiding others and helping them grow improves herself as well.
Ashley Ha demonstrates a roundhouse kick.
Her younger sister, sophomore Jella Ha, has practiced taekwondo for 11 years and is a fourth-degree black belt along with her sister. Despite her young age, she has competed at national-level competitions and is now aiming for a spot on the U.S. national squad for her age group. Jella's daily schedule is equally demanding: after school classes at the dojo, her own training, and then her homework.
"It's barely any sleep," Jella Ha said, "but you gotta do what you gotta do."
Her dedication not only showcases her inner drive and passion for taekwondo but also the work ethic instilled in her through these practices.
Both sisters credit their father's achievements as motivation, but emphasize working hard to maintain his image and continue carving their own path.
"People have high expectations because we're his daughters," Jella said, "But in reality, we're just the same people, we're the same as everyone, and we also have to work harder to achieve that name value."
Taekyung Ha was trained intensely from childhood. He often ran up and down hills before school, leading to him understanding the value of discipline and resilience, which he passes down to his students. He frequently travels to manage all three locations, entrusting daily management of the Johns Creek location to his family.
The sisters also highlight the positive impact of manners, determination, and respect from their experiences with students.
"Taekwondo teaches more than just kicks and flips," Ashley Ha said, "It instills manners, respect, and character, making every student a better version of themselves. "Whether it's learning to bow respectfully, follow directions, or stay focused during a hard lesson, students walk away with lessons more precious than anything learned on the mat."
"It's not just about kicking or punching; It's about discipline, courtesy, and building a strong character," said Minsoo Kim, one of their uncles, who is also a headmaster.
Despite their accomplishments, both Ashley Ha and Jella Ha maintain a grounded view of their father's achievements and fame. While Taekyung Ha's Olympic gold medals are a source of pride, the sisters focus on their own growth.
"I don't like to constantly talk about it," Jella said. "I want to earn my own success and make my own mark." Ashley echoed this, stating that their practice is not about living in their father's shadow, but about building a community and inspiring others through taekwondo.
For the Ha sisters, balancing academics with their rigorous training has been a challenge.
Ashley said, "After school, I come here and teach, then train, and after all that, I have homework and more stuff to do, and it's exhausting."
Jella, similarly, works as hard, often staying up till 3 or 4 a.m. to finish her work. Despite the exhaustion, both sisters see value in doing what they do, knowing these skills and life lessons will take them farther than any amount of sleep or relaxation ever could.
Step into the Johns Creek Two-Gold dojo any day, and you'll find more than just students doing cool kicks and punches; you'll find a family pouring energy into every student, and two sisters improving themselves as they teach and guide others. For the two of them, Taekwondo is bigger than medals or titles; it's a foundation that they will build the rest of their life on. And when they move on to bigger and better things, or they don't have much time with the dojo anymore, these lessons will stick with them no matter where they go.
