Master Chien Vuong

Started practicing Taekwondo at the age of 14 and has participated in many state and national tournaments. He has won awards that include North Carolina’s Bantam Weight Championship for the years 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988 and… the Junior Olympic Bantam Weight gold medal in 1985. He studies under Master Chico De La Garza, 6th Degree Black Belt and Master Kyong De La Garza, 5th Degree Black Belt, Master Instructors in Fayetteville, NC. Master Vuong founded Vuong’s Taekwondo Center in 1992 and is the President-Elect of the Maryland Taekwondo Association (MSTA). He also received the Maryland Instructor of the Year from the United States Taekwondo Union in 1999-2000.

Sara Arlen

My name is Sara. I am 19 years old and have been doing taekwondo for 10 years. I have also been a member of the Vuong’s competition team for the past 7 years, earning bronze medals at Nationals in 2013, 2017, and 2018, as well as at the Canadian Open in 2016. Taekwondo has been a major source of happiness and friendships throughout my life, as well as a huge confidence-builder. It is something that I love doing, learning, and teaching.

I enjoy teaching for many reasons. It brings me great joy to see the students grow and reach new milestones. My favorite moments are often those where a student who has been struggling has a breakthrough, and their eyes light up as they understand. Vuong’s was always my “happy place” as I grew up in the school, and I hope to help the students who are studying with us now have a similar experience.

Connor Malkiewicz

Connor Malkiewicz joined Vuong’s Martial Arts in 2008 at the age of 8 years old, when Vuong’s was located at the Crofton Village Shopping Center. Connor earned his Black Belt in September of 2015 at the ages of 15 years old. Connor has consistently volunteered in Vuong’s Community events such as Bully Busters, Community Fairs and Parades, and School Demonstrations. Connor grew up in the after-school program and greatly benefited from the structure, discipline, friendships, and family environment it provided. The lessons he learned, friendships he’s built, and confidence he’s gained at Vuong’s Martial Arts continues to guide and improve his life today.

Connor is a graduate of Arundel High School and is set to attend Anne Arundel Community College in January 2019. Connor also earned his Eagle Scout rank in October of 2017 and continues to work and volunteer for both the Scouts and Vuong’s Martial Arts.

Joshua Malkiewicz

Joshua Malkiewicz joined Vuong’s Martial Arts in 2008 at the age of 5 years old in the Little Ninja’s program. Josh earned his Black Belt in September of 2015 at the age of 12 years old. Joshua has volunteered for many Vuong’s Community events such as Bully Busters, Community Fairs and Parades, and School Demonstrations. Josh grew up in the after-school program and thrived in the environment it provided. The lessons, friendships, and confidence he’s gained at Vuong’s Martial Arts continues to guide and improve his life today.

Joshua currently attends South River High School and is a member of the STEM Class of 2021. Josh has participated in several tournaments and won awards. Josh is a Life Scout and is well on his way to earning his Eagle Scout rank

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Kat Howard

Kat Howard has been practicing Taekwondo at Vuong’s Martial Arts since 2001, earning her first Black Belt at 16. She has been teaching as Taekwondo Instructor for Vuong’s since 2011. Now, she is currently the Chairman of the School at Vuong’s Martial Arts and a main Instructor at the West County Martial Arts branch located at Fort George G. Meade (since 2013). She has also worked many years at Vuong’s Summer Camp program, After-School Program, spoken at Bully Busters seminars at various local elementary schools, and participated in a number of local community events.

At Vuong’s, Kat discovered her passion for teaching children of all ages. It does not matter if it’s Taekwondo or tutoring math and reading during After-School. The skills that are picked up as a teacher, coach, and referee have been proven invaluable. Kat is currently majoring in both Early Childhood Education and Special Education, with a particular focus on child development and atypical psychology. She is currently a student at AACC, with an intent to transfer to a 4-year school soon. Until then, she is enjoying working with the many students at Vuong’s Martial Arts and watching them grow as martial artists and as people. It has been her experience that Vuong’s has a challenging, yet inclusive program that excels in teaching people self-defense, confidence and leadership building, and creating an environment that promotes both an interest in learning and becoming an active member of the community.