Instructors

Grand Master John Ra (7th Dan Hapkido, 6th Dan Taekwondo, 5th Dan Judo) has been immersed in martial arts since 1984. He earned a degree in Judo and Physical Education from the prestigious Yong In University of Martial Arts in Yongin, South Korea. Throughout his career, he has competed and medaled in numerous national and international Taekwondo tournaments, including Collegiate Nationals. With over 40 years of martial arts experience, Grand Master Ra oversees the day-to-day operations at Agape Black Belt Center and leads seminars and demonstrations across the Rochester area. He is deeply passionate about guiding his students in developing their life skills, with a strong emphasis on both technique and character.

Master Hailey Ra is a 4th-degree black belt who has been dedicated to taekwondo since the age of five. Over the years, she has achieved numerous state titles and has risen to become a top national competitor in Poomsae. Hailey’s excellence in forms, leadership, and overall achievement has earned her widespread recognition. She demonstrates great leadership by leading by example, and between 2018 and 2024, she proudly represented the Poomsae team. Currently, she holds state championship titles in three states and is a nationally ranked athlete.

In 2018, Hailey competed in the Canada Open Taekwondo Championships, where she dominated all Junior Poomsae divisions and was honored as the female Poomsae MVP. In 2024, she was a member of Team USA in freestyle pair alongside Master Matthew Ra in Brazil, where they won a bronze medal. Hailey is also a graduate of Baruch College and was distinguished as one of the 50 alumni in 50 years for CUNY—a testament to her outstanding contributions both in and out of the taekwondo arena.

Master Matthew Ra currently holds a 4th-degree black belt and has been dedicated to studying taekwondo since 2007. Throughout his years of training, Matthew has competed in numerous local, state, and national competitions. He is a determined sparring athlete and a member of the Freestyle USA Team for 2024, where he won a bronze medal in the Pan American Championship held in Brazil. Outside of taekwondo, Matthew enjoys playing basketball and spending time with his friends and family. He teaches every day and is deeply passionate about the discipline of Taekwondo and Judo.

My name is Mr. Luka, I am a third-degree black belt, I am 17 years old, and I have been doing Taekwondo at Agape Black Belt Center for eight years. I am an instructor here, and I specialize in Poomsae and I aspire to advance in sparring as well. I believe that anyone can be good at Taekwondo, as there is something for everyone to learn, whether it be physical or mental. Outside of Taekwondo, I enjoy grouping up with friends and spending time with my fellow instructors outside of class.

My name is Veer Kothari and I am one of the assistant instructors at Agape Black Belt Center! I have been doing taekwondo here at Agape for nearly 8 years and absolutely love the process of bettering my mental and physical health and discipline day by day in class. I have received 2 Gold Medals in a NYS tournament, I am currently training sparring for future tournaments and am most passionate about sparring. Outside of Agape I am an AP scholar, have my own business, and volunteer at the hospital. I am passionate about giving what I have learned to other people to benefit them in any way I can and for hobbies I enjoy running, biking, and of course doing Taekwondo! I am very excited to see all the students at Agape and in classes!