About

Master Tatum was born in Arizona in 1982. He started taekwondo training at age 13 and received his Black Belt in 1998.

Master Tatum studied taekwondo under 10th Dan, Chief Grand Master Jhoon Goo Rhee & Master Mendoza. Master Jhoon Rhee is widely recognized as the 'Father of American Taekwondo' for helping introduce martial arts to the United States of America in the 1950s. Chief Grand Master Rhee starred in a martial arts film titled “When Taekwondo Strikes” in 1973. He also created 'Martial Ballet', which is a martial art form that is conducted to music.

Master Tatum served in the United States Infantry from 2001 to 2009. After a combat tour with the 1st Infantry Division, he joined the US Army Reserve working as an instructor. In the USAR he taught self-protection, fire arms and weapons training, and combat lifesaving medicine.

Finishing his military service, he returned to school earning a degree in Business Management and Administration with highest honors – Summa Cum Laude – and began martial arts training again.

In 2009, Master Tatum joined the U.S. World Class Taekwondo Association and has trained state and national gold medal champions!

Master Tatum’s military discipline and love for fitness, coupled with his passionate teaching philosophy, have proven effective with students of all ages.  With his Taekwondo instructing style, sound business principles, compassion for people of all ethnicities, and Christian based ethics, his taekwondo school has been voted “Best School” over 5 times!

In 2011, he became the owner of USWC Tanasbourne, later adding USWC Aloha in 2014 and USWC Hillsboro in 2022.

In 2015, U.S. World Class Taekwondo launched Kickin Kidz licensed childcare centers to provide a structured alternative option for after school pickup, childcare and full day camps.

In 2022, Master Tatum was appointed Director of High Performance for USA Taekwondo Oregon.