get to know us
the founders
Chris Gantner
Grand Master Chris Gantner began his TaeKwon-Do journey at the age of eleven under the guidance of his father, Jay Gantner. What started as a father-son bond through martial arts grew into a lifelong vocation. Together, they opened their own school, where they inspired and trained hundreds of students—instilling in them not only discipline and technical excellence, but also the deeper values of the martial art.
Over the course of four decades, GM Gantner has traveled extensively, representing his art and country in competitions across the globe. His deep commitment to the traditional teachings of TaeKwon-Do culminated in his promotion to Grand Master, 9th Degree Black Belt—the highest attainable rank within the Global TaeKwon-Do Federation (GTF).
A highly respected figure in the global TaeKwon-Do community, GM Gantner serves as both Secretary General and Technical Chairman of the GTF. He is internationally recognized for his precision, depth of knowledge, and dedication to upholding the technical standards of the discipline. His expertise has led him to teach seminars around the world, where students and instructors alike seek his guidance.
In August 2024, GM Gantner was formally inducted into the International TaeKwon-Do Hall of Fame, where he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award—a testament to his enduring contributions to the art and his unwavering commitment to its integrity and evolution.
Today, GM Gantner is proud to continue his family’s legacy through The Lotus Academy, founded alongside his daughter, Katie. Together, they blend martial arts and wellness to create a space where tradition meets transformation—and where students of all ages can connect with the healing spirit of TaeKwon-Do.
Katie Gantner
a letter from Katie—
TaeKwon-Do has always held a special place in my heart. I grew up in my parents’ academy and began training when I was just five years old. Some of my best memories come from those early years—traveling for competitions and seminars, attending summer camps, and celebrating birthdays and milestones with our school community.
But it wasn’t until adulthood that I fully understood how deeply TaeKwon-Do shaped me. While my childhood was filled with joy, I was also quietly struggling with symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)—a debilitating and often misunderstood mental health condition.
Looking back, I credit a large part of my healing to my training. TaeKwon-Do constantly pushed me outside of my comfort zone. It taught me to face fear head-on, to do hard things even when they felt impossible. It helped me realize that courage isn’t the absence of fear, it’s learning how to move through it.
The Lotus Academy is the result of that journey. With the support of my family, I created this space to share the empowering, healing potential of martial arts—the same gift I was fortunate enough to receive. Alongside TaeKwon-Do, I’ve woven in other practices that have profoundly shaped my life, like Yoga and Reiki, to support a more holistic path to wellness.
This studio is my expression of love into the world—every aspect of it is created from my heart. I hope your experience here reflects that, and that you find not only strength, but healing, connection, and joy.
With gratitude,
Katie
meet the team
Our instructors are more than teachers—they’re guides, mentors, and partners on your journey. Each brings their own passion and expertise to help you grow stronger, calmer, and more confident. Get to know the team dedicated to supporting you every step of the way.
