Our Story

It all started when Master Houma Maka, at age 23, immigrated to the United States from Tonga, one of the South Pacific islands, in 1974. Leaving behind his parents and 12 siblings, Master Maka began taking Taekwondo in the US as a way to meet new friends and learn English. At the time, Taekwondo was just a friendly way to connect with others and immerse himself in the new culture.

Master Lisa Maka watched her older brother compete and practice Taekwondo at a young age, but her parents did not think she was seriously committed to starting. Finally, when she was 15, she struck a deal with her parents to pay for half of the monthly dues—just $10 at the time—and her Taekwondo journey commenced.

At the age of 27, Master Maka was working as a diesel mechanic, teaching Taekwondo and boxing out of his garage to support his three children: Josh, Daniel, and Rachel. Josh earned his black belt in Taekwondo and currently teaches and lectures on yoga, martial arts, and meditation. Rachel currently works as an ultrasound technician and lives in TX with her family. Daniel now works as a private contractor and resides in Sioux Falls with his family.

Taekwondo followed Master Lisa Maka into her college years, where she met and took lessons from Mr. Maka. They became friends for many years. During this time, their Taekwondo team spent weekends training and carpooling to tournaments all around the US.

Master Lisa Maka placed 3rd in sparring at the 1990 Nationals, with 36 women in the division. Later, she competed in the Olympic Festival and at Nationals again in 1992, where she placed 2nd in Forms.

Master Houma Maka took 1st in the Tough Man (Boxing) competition in 1982, placed 1st at Nationals in Sparring in 1976, and represented Tonga at the World Taekwondo Games in 1977, earning 2nd place.

After earning his black belt, his instructor, Master Chang Hi Li, passed the school down to him. Eventually, Master Lisa and Master Houma Maka were married and had their daughter, Sarah, and son, Jeremiah.

Starting extremely young in Taekwondo, Sarah and Jeremiah earned their black belts and competed in local and overseas tournaments. Both Sarah and Jeremiah currently practice and instruct at Maka's Taekwondo. Sarah competed in sparring at the 2016 Nationals Taekwondo and earned 2nd place with 10 competitors in the division. Jeremiah played college football in Minnesota and Nebraska and continues to train and teach Taekwondo.

In 2021, Sarah, now Mrs. Smith, became a co-owner of the business and one of the head instructors, making Maka's Taekwondo a two-generation family business. Sarah lives in Sioux Falls with her husband, Mitchel, and their son.

Maka's Taekwondo also has several extremely experienced black belts who help instruct classes. Master Dennis Fitzgerald began Taekwondo in 1985, and Master Robert Kooiman began in 2003, Ms. Catherine Beall in 2006, and Mr. Gage Bickett.

We appreciate you for learning more about the foundation of our Taekwondo School!