Portland Blue Wave instructor John Kitonis is committed to creating a friendly, supportive atmosphere where the entire family can have fun while training. Portland Blue Wave began offering Kukkiwon Taekwondo classes with Olympic style sparring in 2009, providing an all around workout that brings together the mind and body.

Mr. Kitonis began his training in St. Johnsbury, VT in 1984 as a reaction to being bullied at school. The experiences and lessons he learned through training have helped shape him as a person and he wants to pass that on to others.

"The confidence I have gained through Taekwondo training, has allowed me to be successful in all aspects of my life," Mr. Kitonis said of his martial arts experiences.

In the 1990s, Mr. Kitonis trained directly under Grandmaster Tae Sung Lee, Blue Wave’s Grand Master Instructor, and is currently a student of Blue Wave's President Master Gordon White. A long time competitor, Mr. Kitonis has been State champion in multiple New England states and competed nationally while representing Blue Wave.

Excited to help others develop as Taekwondo athletes, Mr. Kitonis said, "It is my goal to help guide my students to experience all that Taekwondo has to offer."