Read student testimonials

“The instructors are perfect for my child. This is the first activity he asks me to take him to –often!!! The instructors are top notch for children and there are plenty of classes to choose from. Being here feels like you are part of one big family!!”

Meet our team of dedicated instructors.

“True teachers use themselves as bridges over which they invite their students to cross; then, having facilitated their crossing, joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create bridges of their own.”

-Nikos Kazantzakis

Instructors

Sharon Thornton

Fourth Degree Black Belt in Chung Do Kwan Tae Kwon Do

Chung Do Instructor

 Self-Defense Instructor

Certified Personal Trainer

Certified Yoga Instructor

Martial Arts Program Director at

Renaud Spirit Center

Hypnotherapist and Reiki Master/Teacher

“Martial arts changes lives. My life is enriched because of the privilege of engaging with students of all ages. I find so much joy in opening their eyes to the possibilities that their own strengths and talents are so much more than they realized.” -Sharon

Jamie Thornton White

Fourth Degree Black Belt in Chung Do Kwan Tae Kwon Do

Chung Do Instructor

Self-Defense Instructor

Certified Personal Trainer

Certified Yoga, Cardio Kickboxing, Pilates,

and Group Exercise Instructor

Adjunct Professor of Yoga, Self-Defense, and Tae Kwon Do at

St. Charles Community College

Martial Arts Program Assistant Director at

Renaud Spirit Center

 “Yes, I teach martial arts technique, but the root of why I teach is to help enable students to arrive into their confidence, into their most powerful selves.” -Jamie

Lyndell Institute's Instructors

Jake west

Third Degree Black Belt in Chung Do Kwan Tae Kwon Do

“I was 20 when I began training at the St. Charles Community college TKD program instructed by Sharon Thornton. It was 2005. At the end of the semester, I enrolled at Lyndell Institute.  In 2009 I was awarded the rank of 1st degree black belt. One year later I became the Monday night instructor. In 2013 I achieved the rank of 2nd degree black belt. I have also taught various other classes over the years and have helped many students throughout their martial arts training. Instructing has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my martial arts journey. Whether it be mentoring a student breaking a board for the first time, winning a tournament championship, or achieving their black belt, knowing I was a part in helping them achieve their goal continues to drive me to this day.”

rob puhse

Third Degree Black Belt in Chung Do Kwan Tae Kwon Do

“I started training in 2008 and achieved the rank of Black Belt in March 2013, along with my amazing daughter Amanda. It was an experience that I will never forget and will cherish forever.  I have been teaching a Forms Review class nearly every Sunday at noon  since then. I also substitute teach classes at Lyndell when needed.
I was awarded my 2nd Degree Black Belt on June 10th 2017 and was awarded my 3rd Degree Black Belt on September 24th 2022.  I continue to train and teach at Lyndell as my journey continues . . .
I really enjoy teaching for two reasons.  The first reason is the satisfaction I get from helping others achieve their goals – there is something very satisfying in seeing the joy on someone’s face when they learn a new form, improve on a technique, or to perform well on a test or in a tournament.  The second reason is that I gain a lot of insight on our techniques and forms from the perspective of the instructor instead of the student.  I believe this helps me take a deeper look at myself, helps me improve my techniques, and makes me a better student.”

justin caringal

Second Degree Black Belt in Chung Do Kwan Tae Kwon Do

“I’ve been training for nearly 13 years. I started when I was 6.  I love teaching because it gives me experience with a wide array of different people and learning styles. Teaching also helps me further my understanding of my own training by letting me view other people’s techniques.”

sydney love

Second Degree Black Belt in Chung Do Kwan Tae Kwon Do

“I’ve been training at Lyndell for 10 years. I really enjoy teaching because I love to see my students discover potential they never knew that they had. The most rewarding experiences I’ve had in my teaching are when students work really hard towards something and finally achieve it. Their big smiles and the pride they show in themselves make everything I do worth it. I also like teaching because it helps me delve into my training more than I thought possible. I love when students ask me questions, especially when I don’t know the answer, because then we can figure out the answer together. This helps us both grow in our training, creates a bond between student and teacher, and helps the student realize that I’m learning the same way that they are. I think that’s my favorite part of teaching. I hope to continue my teaching and training , because Tae Kwon Do has taught me so many lessons about myself and my life, and I want to continue along that journey.”

Instructor Videos

train hard. live well. we welcome you.

What Our students say About us

“I am so incredibly lucky to have found this place to train. They have become like a second family over the years and I’ve never regretted having Sharon and Jamie as my teachers.”

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“I just want to say that I am so thankful to have you both in my life, not only as my teachers, but as my friends as well. I am so glad that I found Lyndell, because I enjoy the peaceful environment that it has, and all of the wonderful services provided there. Through taking yoga, I learned how to overcome some of my emotions and fears, which used to get the better of me. I have also noticed that I have become a better person from what I’ve learned. I am so glad to have met you all. Thanks so much for all of the wonderful things you’ve taught me.”

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“I am new to the martial arts and the experience at Lyndell has me kicking myself (pun intended) that I did not start earlier. Their professional approach makes the classes productive; and, their friendly attitude makes it a pleasure to return. It is amazing how the get the most out of each person, each class no matter what their skill level or their age. Cudos to the whole staff.”

human-for testimonials

“Awesome place to train. The owners and instructors make you feel like family. They have top notch fitness trainers as well.”

 

human-for testimonials

“My 7 yo daughter and I began taking Tae Kwon Do at Lyndell about 13 months ago. I cannot say enough about the amazing instructors and the wonderfully supportive family environment they have created. They make learning this physically and mentally challenging martial art a great deal of fun. The instructors are unbelievably positive and encouraging. It is a tremendous place for children to learn about respect, self discipline, self esteem, and form lasting friendships. I really cannot say enough about the program for children and adults at Lyndell Institute. I would absolutely recommend this school to everyone and anyone wanting to improve their quality of life!!”

human-for testimonials

“Absolutely awesome place! Ms Sharon and Ms Jamie are excellent teachers as well as the rest of the “seasoned” students. We are so happy we found this place!”

human-for testimonials

“The instructors are perfect for my child. This is the first activity he asks me to take him to –often!!! The instructors are top notch for children and there are plenty of classes to choose from. Being here feels like you are part of one big family!!”

human-for testimonials

“The supportive, friendly and “family” (no one is a stranger) atmosphere at Lyndell Institute is only surpassed by the teaching and nurturing skills of you two. I have met soooooooo many kind and friendly people there. I feel very blessed to be able to spend time with you and all of the new friends I have made attending classes. What a wonderful concept to be able to spend so much time around nothing but positive energy where people are so supportive of each other!!! If only I could bottle that positive energy and spread it at work ah, the possibilities would be limitless.”

human-for testimonials

“My son really enjoys coming here. He has learned so much for his mind, body and soul. Those you meet here become your friends and second family. I even take classes now too!”

human-for testimonials

“We LOVE Lyndell! They train the boys well and the family environment is great.”

human-for testimonials

“It was not difficult to get excited each class because my instructor, Jamie Thornton White, was so enthusiastic about self-defense. I really enjoyed the class and found it very beneficial. I have been able to show others what I have learned from this class and help them feel the same confidence I do. The world really is dangerous at times and anyone can become a target at some point. It is so good to know that I can defend myself and possibly protect others from an attacker. I am thankful to Jamie for the time and effort she put into our class to help us feel safer.”

human-for testimonials

“After I have taken this class, I find myself walking taller and I find that I have much more confidence when it comes to defending myself. I think this class is very unique. There is no way I would have ever known how to defend myself during an attack. I would have probably just started swinging. Hopefully I will never have to use my self-defense training, but now I know I will be fully prepared to do so.”

human-for testimonials

About

Chung Do Kwan History

Portrait of Ginchin Funakoshi
Ginchin Funakoshi Sensei
Won Kuk Lee
Master Yong Taek Chung
Master David Blevins

The Chung Do Kwan style of Tae Kwon Do is a traditional, explosively powerful, linear style designed as a lethal hand-to-hand combat art known for its dynamic techniques and its theory of “one strike, one kill.” Chung Do Kwan has remained true to the “way of the empty hand” by omitting weapons training in all classes, while continuing to train body, mind, and spirit.

Chung Do Kwan’s founder, Won Kuk Lee, moved to Japan in 1926, when he was 19 years old. While in Japan, he attended high school and the law school of Chuo University. He then joined Japan’s Karate-do headquarters, the Song Do Kwan (Shotokan). He received Karate instruction from Karate’s father, Gichin Funakoshi Sensei.

Grandmaster Yong Taek Chung  was a direct student of Won Kuk Lee. A 9th Degree Black Belt, Master Chung devoted his life to mastering and teaching Tae Kwon Do. He spent many years in Korea as a member of the original Chung Do Kwan and was an instructor for the Korean Police Force until he moved to Tokyo, Japan.
  

In Japan, Master Chung became a major figure in Japan’s martial arts community as president of the All Japan Tae Kwon Do Association and Headmaster of the Tokyo Chung Do Kwan. In 1959, Master Chung won the prestigious Tournament of Masters in Tokyo.

In 1974, Master Chung came to the United States and settled in Kansas City, MO, where he taught for the next 15 years. With over 50 years of teaching experience and thousands of students to his credit, Grandmaster Chung  directed the Chung Do Kwan worldwide.
 
Master David Blevins is a direct student of Grandmaster Yong Taek Chung. He is a 6th Degree Black Belt and Certified Master Instructor with nearly 50 years of experience. Originally from Kansas City, MO, Master Blevins brought traditional Chung Do Kwan Tae Kwon Do to the St. Louis area in 1989. He is the founder and Master at Blue Wave Martial Arts Center in Wentzville, MO.
 
According to Gichin Funakoshi, “The art of karate strives neither for victory, nor for defeat, but for the perfection of the character of its practitioners.”  Martial arts  training builds character and helps students discover their physical and mental limitations through hard training. The Lyndell Institute of Tae Kwon Do is proud to continue the tradition begun by Grandmaster Won Kuk Lee, Grandmaster Yong Taek Chung, and Master David Blevins.
Sharon receiving her First Degree Black Belt in 1994
Master Chung demonstrating Sparring with Master Blevins
Jamie receiving her first degree black belt from Master Chung in 2002