Whale Pass Taekwondo Thrives Despite Challenges

In the remote Southeast Alaska community of Whale Pass, black belt Jesse Dempsey leads a taekwondo class via Zoom on February 26, 2025, amid technical difficulties. As one of just seven students at the local school, Jesse’s leadership is crucial as the institution faces potential funding cuts due to low enrollment.

Whale Pass, nestled on the northeast side of Prince of Wales Island, boasts fewer than 100 residents, making access to resources like grocery stores a challenge. In a bid to attract more students, the school will soon transition to a magnet school, focusing on taekwondo as a unique selling point. Whale Pass is the nation’s first school to offer Songahm Taekwondo as a sport, and it holds the distinction of being the first ATA Martial Arts certified dojo in Alaska.

During class, Jesse impressed everyone with his performance in extreme forms—a competitive event combining kicks, punches, and choreography. His skills earned accolades in the Northwest Regional Championships, which previously overlooked Alaska. “Hey, we’re on the map!” Jesse celebrated, highlighting his pride in representing the state.

Students learn primarily via video conference from their instructor, Senior Master Dometrius Hill, who is based in Texas. Jesse’s initial training inspired his classmates, leading them to join and form Alaska’s first certified Songahm Taekwondo studio. Jesse’s mother, Michelle, emphasizes the sport’s role in shaping her son’s confidence and discipline, transforming him into a respectful young man.

With upcoming competitions on the horizon, Whale Pass Taekwondo is not just a lifeline for the school but a beacon of community and pride for its youth.

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Photo credit www.krbd.org