Today we’d like to introduce you to Nathan Um.
Hi Nathan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My Story
My name is Nathan Um, and I represent Golden Eagle Taekwondo as the Headmaster of our 4th location. My father, Grandmaster Aaron Um, is the founder of Golden Eagle Taekwondo. His lifelong passion for teaching and transforming lives through martial arts is the foundation of who I am today.
Golden Eagle Taekwondo was originally founded in Tulsa, Oklahoma, when I was just two years old. Later, in 2016, my father established our schools here in Houston, Texas, where our family has continued building a legacy of excellence and leadership. I practically grew up on the mat — before I could even talk, I was already shouting “Kihap!” and “Pache!” and learning the discipline of Taekwondo.
By age 8, I began competing in local tournaments. As I grew older, I advanced to state, regional, and national championships, eventually competing in USAT National, AAU Nationals, the U.S. Open, and PATU (Pan American Taekwondo Union) international events. Those years taught me not only physical skills but also perseverance, humility, and mental toughness.
Over time, my father’s vision for Taekwondo evolved, from focusing solely on medals and championships to a deeper purpose: changing lives through leadership, discipline, and traditional values. This transformation shaped the heart of Golden Eagle Taekwondo’s curriculum today.
Like many young people, I once explored different dreams and goals, but eventually, I realized that my true passion is the same as my father’s, helping others grow through martial arts. When the opportunity came to lead our 4th location, I embraced it completely. This new chapter is not just a business expansion, but a calling to continue building a community where students develop confidence, respect, and a strong spirit that will guide them in every area of life.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey was definitely not easy. Preparing to become a black belt alone was challenging, but being part of Grandmaster Um’s special Elite Competition Team took it to another level. My father never went easy on us because we were his children, in fact, I believe he pushed us even harder. Years later, he told me how difficult it was for him as a father & coach at the same time to train his own kids so strictly, something I didn’t understand at the time.
Our Elite Team training was intense, 1000 kicks hours of nonstop drills, conditioning, and sparring that tested both our body and mind. There were many days when my sisters and I finished in tears, trying hard not to show weakness, but we knew deep down it was all for a purpose. Even after the toughest sessions, Grandmaster Um always ended with something fun, a team game or challenge that made us laugh again while still pushing our limits.
I still remember the big words written on the wall: “Pain is temporary, but victory is forever.” Looking back now, he was right. Those hard years taught us endurance, teamwork, and how to face challenges instead of running from them. We learned to adjust our attitude when things got tough, to trust our Master’s vision even when we couldn’t see the results yet.
It was a rough road, but also a glorious one. Those experiences shaped not just our skills, but our character. They made us stronger, closer, and more united, not only as a team, but as a family.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As the Headmaster of Golden Eagle Taekwondo’s 4th location, my work is centered on helping students grow in both character and confidence through the art of Taekwondo. I specialize in developing young leaders, not just martial artists who can kick or punch, but individuals who learn discipline, respect, and perseverance that carry into every part of their lives.
What I’m most proud of is being part of a legacy built by my father, Grandmaster Aaron Um, who has devoted his life to using martial arts as a tool to transform people’s lives. At our academy, we don’t just train for medals, we train for life skills. We teach honesty, courage, focus, and leadership as core values alongside physical training.
What sets me apart is my ability to connect with the younger generation. Having grown up in this environment, I understand how to make traditional martial arts training meaningful and relevant to today’s youth. I believe every student has a unique potential waiting to be discovered, and my role is to guide them to see that in themselves.
At Golden Eagle Taekwondo, our goal is to build champions in life, not just in competition, and seeing our students grow in confidence, overcome fears, and achieve things they never thought possible is what makes my work truly fulfilling.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that growth doesn’t come from the easy moments. It comes from the times that challenge you and push you out of your comfort zone. Every tough season, whether it was in training, competition, or learning how to lead, has shaped me into who I am today.
When I was younger, I believed that being strong meant hiding weakness. Over time, I’ve realized that real strength is found in humility and consistency. It means doing your best even when no one is watching and trusting the process even when the results aren’t clear yet.
I’ve also learned that success is never achieved alone. It’s built with the support of others, family, mentors, teammates, and students. Seeing our students grow, gain confidence, and overcome their fears reminds me that the true reward is not just reaching the goal, but becoming the kind of person who never gives up.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.geagletkd.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldeneagletkd/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getkdsunterra/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/93950185/admin/dashboard/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCElJN0bHRKFfkcRSkfePtuQ
