The founder of Lee’s Martial Arts Studio in Renton, as well as other Lee’s Martial Arts Academy schools on Monday released a statement disavowing Renton owner Robert Morrison, who was charged Aug. 19 with thee counts of rape of a child in third degree and one count of communicating with a minor for immoral purposes.

The owners of the independent schools, as well as Grand Master Tae Lee, for whom the schools are named, expressed “shock and outrage at the recent revelations” about Morrison.

“We stand united in condemning anyone who commits such indefensible crimes,” the statement reads. “The fact that the charges involve Morrison’s own students fills us with tremendous sadness, as all of our own schools are devoted to protecting our students and providing a safe place for them to learn.”

According to court documents, Morrison began a relationship with a student who was 14 at the time and progressed to a sexual relationship when the girl turned 15, including encounters at both the Renton and Maple Valley schools. He is also accused of sending nude photos of himself to other teenage students at the school.

Prosecutors labeled Morrison a “severe danger to the community and other children” and investigators have not yet counted out the possibility of additional victims.

According to the statement from Lee and the other owners, Lee’s Martial Arts is not a franchise, but independently owned and operated schools that share the name “Lee’s Martial Arts,” but have no affiliation with the Morrison-owned schools in Renton and Maple Valley, where the crimes allegedly took place.

The statement also says Lee’s involvement at those schools was limited to belt tests.

“None of us, including Master Lee, were aware of any improper or illegal acts by Morrison,” it reads.

The statement goes on to state that Morrison’s actions, if found to be true, violate the values of Lee and the other schools, as well as the Taekwondo concept of “do,” a concept that “gives students a respect for martial arts as well as other people.”

Lee and the other owners also expressed sympathy to the students and families involved in the case and said they “pray that no other victims will be uncovered.”

The statement invites any student from the Renton and Maple Valley schools who “no longer feels safe there” to join classes at one of the other schools.

“We want everyone to know that our students safety and protection has always been our No. 1 concern and we pledge that our own schools and instructors will continue to conduct themselves with the honor and integrity that we have always demonstrated,” it concludes.

The letter is signed by Lee and the owners of the Lee’s Martial Arts Academy schools in West Seattle, Edgewood, Burien and Bellevue.

The Renton school re-opened for classes last week. All references to Morrison on the schools’ website and Facebook page have been removed, but according to a previous statement posted to the page, Morrison is “taking time away” from the school.

Morrison’s attorney has not returned repeated requests for comment. Morrison is currently out on bail. His arraignment was scheduled for Sept. 8, too late for this edition of the paper.