“I founded Montaño Taekwon-Do in 2017 .  I  named it in honour of my late father, Master Barney Montaño. I trained, competed, and travelled the world with Master ‘Pops’ Montaño for 31 years until his death in 2015. After my father died and being a mother myself, I saw how extraordinary and unique my life had been training, competing, and testing in Taekwon-Do with my father. Our tournament events included us both competing on the same floor, on the same day being our greatest cheerleaders all the way up to my attending two World Championships. It was only when I had my own kids that I realized that was not how families usually participated in organized events. When I originally created this Taekwon-Do school it was with the hopes that other families could train together, as Master ‘Pops’ and I had, and find their bonds of love and support strengthened as they encouraged each other on their Taekwon-Do journey.

Though the school now offers classes for, not only families, but individuals as well, I still strive to create an environment of community so even those who don’t train with their parents, children or spouse, train with their Taekwon-Do family.”