Spotlight: One Taekwondo Academy
Started in 2013, One Taekwondo Academy has been supporting students who are learning how to practice Taekwondo. In August 2025, a fire broke out in a neighboring business in their north Portland location, forcing it to close temporarily due to severe fire and smoke damage. The academy has now reopened at 8440 N Ivanhoe St, Portland, OR 97203. Vicente, the owner, shared his business story, how he pivoted quickly after the fire, and what he’s proud of.
Tell us about your business and what has been your biggest success?
Vicente: At One Taekwondo Academy, we have classes by level, rather than by age. In fact, sometimes children are able to learn more quickly than adults are able to learn, so we organize classes by level.
I’m most proud of my students. When they go to a tournament and they are able to compete, I feel very satisfied that I was able to help these students reach their abilities. When there is a child who is struggling and may fall down and then I am able to help them get back up and work harder, I really enjoy these moments.
How do you feel Portland shapes or influences your business?
Vicente: I wish that Portland didn’t have such a high tax rate for businesses (laughs). But I do like how the city keeps up, so I understand that taxes go to keep the city working well.
The fire last year must have been a big challenge.
Vicente: Between the fire and smoke, I wasn’t able to recover anything. I was very sad because I never thought that such a thing would happen. I am always thinking about how to support my students so that they are able to improve and how to make my business become stronger.
With the fire damage, it felt like everything was back to zero. I am very grateful for the people who supported me, and I was able to open a new location within two months of the fire. During this time, we were doing everything that we could. We did a few lessons in the park and a friend also lent me her space, but I am so happy to have my own space again.
If you could go back to the beginning, what would you have done differently?
Vicente: I am actually starting over because I have had to restart my business in a new place due to the fire. Now I am trying to protect what I have so that we don’t have the same challenges as before. I want the studio to be better protected against crime or other types of issues.
What is your favorite part about owning a small business?
Vicente: For me, I like to do this because I like to work with people. I like to work with many different kinds of people. It is an honor to support and teach people who have many different backgrounds and levels of Taekwondo.
What's your advice for someone who wants to start or run their own small business?
Vicente: If you are thinking about starting a business, you need to trust yourself. At the same time, it is very important to have mentors who have gone through the process before and they can give ongoing support. I thought that I wouldn’t be able to do this, but I keep working hard and have been able to create a successful business. Even with this fire and I was so overwhelmed, it was so great when my students came and saw the new location, they were so excited.
