Black Belt Interviews

Stephen Tapilatu Personal information Nickname The Dragon Nationality Dutch Born March 17, 1972 (age 52) Groningen, Netherlands Sport Country The Netherlands Sport Taekwondo, MMA, kickboxing Rank Teakwondo ITF 7 Dan Club Sportcenter tapilatu / Teakwondo Groningen(TKDG) Team Golden Glory (MMA) Now coaching National team, ITF Netherlands Achievements and titles World finals Canada 1990, Malaysia 1994 Regional finals 1990 Davos, 1992 Koszalin Updated on 8 February 2013 Stephen Tapilatu (born March 17, 1972, in Groningen) is a prominent Dutch martial artist who has achieved success at the highest level primarily in ITF but also in WTF taekwondo. He began taekwondo at the age of 8 under the tutelage of his black belt father, Wijnand Tapilatu. He became ITF World Champion in 1990 and 1994[1] and won two European titles, in 1990 and 1992.[1] In 1991 he won a silver medal at the WTF World Championship in Athens.[2] Tapilatu fought his way to victory in the prestigious King of Taekwondo competition in Tokyo, Japan, in 1995 and 1996.[3] After completing his taekwondo career he took up kickboxing and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), notably challenging leading figures including Dutch karate champion Ronny Rivano, Brian Lo-An-Joe[4] and the former kickboxing world champion Perry Ubeda. From 1999 to 2008 he was a member of Team Golden Glory,[5] alongside one of the most successful fighters of all time: Semmy Schilt. Stephen Tapilatu is a member of a large and successful taekwondo family headed by his father Master Wijnand Tapilatu, who was a member of the winning Dutch team that took the 1984 World Taekwondo Championship. His sister Bianca and his cousins Django and Patiparu have also won many ITF titles. Bianca Tapilatu is married to Tomaž Barada, three times ITF World Champion and six times ITF European champion. He retired from competitive martial arts in 2008. Since that time he has taught taekwondo with his father at Tapilatu's sport center in his home town of Groningen, the Netherlands. He is also much in demand as a personal trainer, and in 2012 played a key role in the return to form of the footballer Género Zeefuik, who began his career at Ajax and currently plays for FC Groningen.[6][7] Stephen Tapilatu was appointed national coach of ITF Netherlands in November 2012.[8] In July 2022 Tapilatu was promoted to the rank of 7th Dan black belt, joining an elite group of only 2 other ITF taekwondo practitioners currently holding this rank in the Netherlands.[9]

Mr Anslow began his martial arts journey around 1986 (whilst still at high school), dabbling in arts such as Shaolin Kung Fu, Wing Chun and even Ninjitsu. At college he studied both Judo and Fencing, before finally settling on Ch'ang Hon (ITF) Taekwon-do in early 1991 at Wembley Taekwon-Do School, under the instructorship of Master David Bryan (then a 5th degree) and Mr John Pepper, 2nd degree. During his formative years in Taekwon-do, he also got the opportunity to study some Jiu-Jitsu as well as training along side his friend (Dave Arnold), a Shotokan black belt, for many years. He graded to black belt in Taekwon-do in early 1994 under the B.U.T.F. and gained his 2nd degree in 1996. In 1999 he founded Rayners Lane Taekwon-do Academy, which ran in the same location until 2007, when the hall was demolished and we move into the newly built dojang (training hall), just a few hundred years away, continuing to run there ever since. In 2000 he graded to 3rd degree under Master Juan Mahai of the KTA (Korean Taekwondo Association), as well as winning a gold and silver medal at the AIMAA World Championships. In 2002, along with a couple of friends in the USA & Canada he founded IAOMAS (International Alliance of Martial Art Schools), which continues to flourish under the guidence of Mr Colin Wee, to this day. Stuart Anslow - Chief Instructor In 2003 he was inducted into Combat magazines 'Hall of Fame' & in 2004 he graded to 4th degree whilst in the USA, as well as 7 of his students becoming World Champions (2 as double world gold medallists) at the 2nd AIMAA World Championships. In 2005 he started writting his first book (Ch'ang Hon Taekwon-do Hae Sul, Vol. 1), which was released in 2006 to critical acclaim to Taekwon-Do students around the world. Also in 2005, he went from part-time instructor, to full-time instructor, establishing Harrow Martial Arts. Having written for and been interviewed in many martial arts magazines over the years, in early 2009 he started his own magazine; Totally Tae Kwon Do magazine, a global Tae Kwon Do magazine loved by all that read it, which he editted and ran free for 40 issues and is still going strong today. In 2010 he graded to 5th degree (along side fellow instructor Mr Vikram Gautam who was grading for 3rd degree) under legendary Taekwon-do pioneering Master, Willie Lim, 8th degree. Also in 2010 he released a further 3 books (The Encylopedia of Taekwon-Do Patterns, Vols. 1, 2 & 3), all of which were received extremely well and became top sellers Also in 2010 Mr Anslow was awarded a citation from Dr. Chungwon Choue, (then) President of the WTF (World Taekwondo Federation), South Korea, recognizing his 'outstanding contribution to the development of Taekwondo'. In 2012 he released the second volume of Ch'ang Hon Taekwon-do Hae Sul, which so many had been waiting for. Again, it was very well recieved. In 2013 he released his sixth book, From Creation To Unification, which is adored by many due to its in-depth historical contents regarding Taekwon-Do, in 2015 his first book (Ch'ang Hon Taekwon-do Hae Sul, Vol. 1) was released as a Spanish version as well and in 2017 he released his 7th book, 'Ch'ang Hon Taekwon-Do Hosinsul' which was a detailed look at the self-defence aspect of Taekwon-Do (known as Hosinsul). ​ In 2022, as well as his daughter gaining her 1st Degree black belt, he graded for 6th Degree, under Master Hay Harris, 7th Degree (Himself a Master promoted by Grandmaster Willie Lim, 9th Dan) Over the years he has taught numerous seminars (both home and abroad) on the applications of Taekwon-do's patterns (as well as other aspects of the art, such as knife and gun defence) and in 2015 he travelled to South Korea with one of his senior students, where he not only got to experience the fantastic culture of Korea and many historically relevant places, but also taught Taekwon-do in the homeland of the art, over the course of 10 days. And he returned in 2018, with another of his students, Matthew Baxter. Mr Anslow has 4 lovely children and continues to run the Academy. To him, Taekwon-Do is not a hobby or a part-time job, its not even a full-time job; it his his career that he devotes his life to, both developing excellent students, whilst continuing to promote and develop that art he loves.

Master Mariusz is a 8th degree black belt and professional ACE (American Council on Exercise) Certified Personal Trainer and sports coach, currently based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. He has been into sports since his early teenage years, following his greatest passion, ITF Taekwon-Do, which he has been studying ever since. He has over 30 years of experience in training and coaching including a successful competitive career that includes 3 gold medals from the ITF Taekwon-Do European Championships (1996, 1997, 1999) and 6 gold medals from the Polish Championships. Most notably, he has coached Finland and Vietnam's national teams. Under his lead, Finland rose from the far-middle of the list in the general classification to 5th in the World and 2nd in all of Europe. His Finnish and Vietnamese athletes have won 8 Gold medals from World Championships and dozens from the European and Asian Championships.

Part 1 of my interview with Master John Mcilvaney from Scotland.

Mel Steiner is a Martial Arts instructor and competitor with a 9th Dan in TaeKwon-Do. Among his many accomplishments he is listed on Who's Who in American Martial Arts, and also included in Marquis' Who's Who in the South and Southeast. Grandmaster Steiner is a Certified International Instructor, as well as a Certified International Umpire. In 1989, he was inducted into the International Karate Hall of Fame. In 1994, he was one of only five in the U.S. to be recognized by the International Taekwon Do Federation as “Outstanding Instructor” Grandmaster Steiner began his Martial Arts training in 1969 and began teaching in 1974. He opened Chi Taekwon Do school in 1981. His articles “Condition the Hand the Eastern Way”, “Martial Co-Ops, The New Wave” “China in Search of Roots”, “How to Measure Stances” and others have appeared in the Tae Kwon Do Times Magazine. Accomplishments 1969 – White Belt1974 – B.A. from Florida International University1981 – Opened TKD commercial school.1984 – 1st to demonstrate TKD at the Honan Shaolin Temple in China International TKD Federation-I.T.F.1986 – Promoted to 4th Degree #A-4-1021988 – Certified as ITF International Instructor #4191989 – Promoted to 5th Degree #A-5-371994 – Promoted to 6th Degree #A-6-211999 – Promoted to 7th Degree Master #A-7-142001- Feature cover Taekwon-Do Times Magazine2003 – Promoted to 8th Degree Master ICTF #12007 – Promoted to 9th Degree- GrandmasterI.T.F. school plaque #301Class “B” I.T.F. National Umpire #281Class “A” I.T.F. International Umpire #542Re-established I.T.F. governing body in ­ Jamaica, Colombia, Venezuela & NicaraguaHosted the 5th I.T.F. Instructors Course in the U.S., #35, taught by the founder of Taekwon Do – Gen. Choi Hong- Hi, in 1991Hosted the 1st ever I.T.F. Instructors course taught by a non-Asian Grandmaster C.E. Sereff – 9th DanParticipated in thirteen I.T.F. International Instructors Courses and taught twoOne of only five in the US ever to be awarded “Outstanding Instructor Award” by the I.T.F. in 1995Met with Nicaraguan President Chamorro to promote Taekwon-Do in the Army and public schoolsDesigned, published, copyrighted a unique method of measuring stancesInducted into the “International Karate Hall of Fame”First President of Organizacion Chi Taekwon-Do Venezuela and U.S.A.

Master Symonds has practiced Taekwon-Do since 1989 and gained 1st degree in 1993 under the instruction of Master Nardizzi. He was then selected by Master John Taylor to represent Great Britain at the 1995 European Championships and since then he has gone on to attend 13 European Championships, 2 European Cups and 2 World Championships. Master Symonds has won numerous National championships and over 20 World, European and International medals while representing and Captaining the ITF National Team from 1995 to 2010 under Master Gary Miller, Master Andrew Whitley and Master Thomas Denis. The highlights of his competition career are: 1995 European 1st degree Patterns bronze medalist (Germany)1996 European Cup Team Champions (Poland)1998 European 2nd degree Patterns bronze medalist (Greece)2000 European Team Sparring Silver medalist (Scotland)2000 European Team Power silver medalist (Scotland)2001 European Champion 3rd degree Patterns (Spain)2004 European Team Patterns Silver medalist (Finland)2005 European Team Patterns Champions (Italy)2005 European 4th degree Patterns bronze medalist (Italy)2005 World Team Power Champions (Germany)2008 European Team Power Silver medalist (Poland)2009 European Team Power Champions (Spain)Master Symonds has been a director of ITF England since 2006 spending 4 years as technical director and currently in his third term as Tournament Director.

Russell Dennis has been training in Martial Arts for the majority of his life. He started Taekwon-do in 1986, which he continues to train in and develop his knowledge. He presently holds an 8th Dan black belt (Master level) and is still very active in the Taekwon-do community working as an International Instructor, umpire and grading examiner with the International Taekwon-do Federation (ITF). Master Dennis runs the instructors courses for ‘Taekwon-do Impact' (London and the South East), has been a member of the ITF-England Discipline and Ethics committee and the ITF-England technical director. He is an Instructing Master for ITF-England and is still the technical director for the Taekwon-do Impact group and Senior instructor for the ‘Extreme Taekwon-do' group. From the beginning Russell Dennis was always particularly interested in the self defence and realistic fighting side of Martial arts. He is also involved in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and runs ‘Extreme Fighters' MMA gym in Redhill. Master Dennis has had several pro MMA fights (record of 4,1) and has several students who also compete in MMA. Master Dennis runs Taekwon-do schools in the Cheam, Dorking and Epsom areas and teaches students from 4years old to over 60.

GM James has had an illustrious career in Taekwon-Do with many remarkable experiences to be heard. Below are his comments on meeting the Founder General Choi Like many Taekwon-Doins, everyone has very nice memories of our General Choi Hong Hi. It started with my 4th dan examination in Pyong Yang (N-Korea) 30-06-89, during the World Games.A unique experience as I, together with Sahyun Wijnand, we were the only ones who passed the exam before him. After that, many seminars and examinations followed, 5 degree 230593 in Groningen with the smallest IIC. * During a seminar, I had to perform ap chagi before the group while General Choi was explaining, najunde palmok makgi. Unfortunately, I had to keep my leg stretched all the time and the lactic acid buildup in my leg. * Another example, with the ap juumuk palmok jurigi I had my thumb a like bit outside. When he walked by and corrected me, he said, “karate not good”. In the next seminar he remembered me and said again when passing by: “karate no good”. * I slept on the same floor as the General and heard a regular thumping around 6 am and later, I heard that it was he who was hardening his knuckle against the hotel wall, and you could also see his knuckles.

Grand Master Douglas began his Taekwon-Do career in 1973 at Dublin's number 2 club in Sean McDermott Street. Under Mr Robert Howard now (G.M Howard).In his 50 years of TaeKwon-Do, Grand Master Douglas has not only limited his skills to the physical side of TaeKwon-Do. He is also the organiser of many Courses, Seminars, National and International Tournaments; Grand Master Douglas has been on various committees to promote TaeKwon-Do around Ireland. He has been a highly regarded instructor for over 46 years. From 2002-2007 he coached the ITF Ireland National squad with distinction.From 2007 -2009 he was the Director of Coaching for the I.T.F. Ireland National squad.1977 1st Degree Black Belt Under Grand Master Choi-Hong Hi1977 Irish National Champion; Power 1st Place1978 International Seminar under Grand Master Choi Hong Hi1980 2nd Degree Black Belt under Master Rhee Ki Ha1980 European Championships, London; Irish Team Member1982 European Championships, Italy; Irish Team Member1982 Irish National Champion; Special Technique.1983 Irish National Champion; Special Technique.1984 World Championships, Scotland Irish squad member1985 3rd Degree Black Belt 1985 Waterford Championships, Ireland; Overall Champion1986 Arklow Championships, Ireland; Patterns 1st Place1986 Open TaeKwon-Do Championships, Dublin; Sparring 1st Place1987 Open TaeKwon-Do Championships, Dublin; Patterns 1st Place1987 British TaeKwon-Do Championship, U.K.; Patterns 2nd Place1988 4th Degree Black Belt 1989 Coach for two Junior Teams for British TaeKwon-Do Championships; 1st and 2nd Place1990 Tournament Director for 4 Nations Tournament (Ireland, England, Germany & Holland)1993 Tournament Director for 12 Nations Tournament Including Russia & Australia1991-94 Irish Team Manager1994 5th Degree Black Belt 1994 International Instructors Certificate from I.T.F. Technical committee 1995 International Seminar under Grand Master Choi Hong Hi1996 Class A International Umpire Certificate1999 International Seminar under Grand Master Choi Hong Hi (Ireland)1999 6th Degree Black Belt under Master Choi Jong-Hwa (Ireland)2002 Irish National Coach for European Championships Squad, Czech Republic2003 Irish National Coach to I.T.F. Ireland Squad for European Championships, Croatia; Gold Medal for Team Power2003 Irish National Coach for World Championships Squad, Poland; Gold Medal for Team Power; Gold Medal for Team Pattern2004 Irish National Coach for World Championships Squad, Finland; Bronze Medal for Team Pattern; Bronze Medal for Team Power; 6 Individual Medals2004 Irish National Coach for the Junior World Championships Squad, Italy; Gold Medal for Individual Pattern; Bronze Medal for Individual Sparring2004 International Instructors Course ( Belgium) under I.T.F. Technical Committee2005 Head Coach, Irish National Team, European Championships, Terracina, Italy 1 Gold, 3 Silver, 3 Bronzes.2005 7th Degree Black Belt under, Grand Master Van Bihn IX Degree, Master Pablo Trajtenberg VIII Degree, Master Hector Marano VIII Degree, and Master Trân Trieu Quân VIII Degree. (Ireland)2005 International Instructors course( Ireland ) under I.T.F. Technical Committee2005 Head coach for Irish National team, World Championships, Germany, 1 Gold, 2 Silver and 2 Bronze Medals2006 International Instructor Course (Germany) I.T.F. Technical Committee and Master Trân Trieu Quân VIII Degree.2007 Director of coaching ITF Ireland Squad2008 Director of Coaching ITF Ireland Squad2008 European Championships Wroclaw, Poland, Umpire2008 International Instructors Course, (Ireland) I.T.F. Technical Committee2009 Director of Coaching ITF Ireland Squad2009 Tournament Organiser, INTA International ITF Open Championships2010 Tournament Organiser, INTA International ITF Open Championships 2011 International Instructors course( Ireland ) under I.T.F. Technical Committee2011 Tournament Organiser, INTA International ITF Open Championships2012 International Instructors course( England ) under I.T.F. Technical Committee2012 International Instructors Course (Scotland) Under I.T.F Technical Committee2012 8th Degree Black Belt under Grand Master Marano, Grandmaster Ung Kim Lan, Grand Master Wim Bos.2015 International Instructors Course (Scotland) under I.T.F. Technical Committee2018 International Instructors Course (Ireland) under I.T.F. Technical Committee2020 Promoted to 9th degree Grand Master by the I.T.F. Promotions committee2022 International Instructors Course (Ireland) under I.T.F. Technical Committee

Full time ITF Taekwon-do International Instructor & Examiner.Current rank of 8th Degree Master.Former member of ITF Tournament & Umpire Committee and current Chairman of All Europe Taekwon-do Federation Tournament & Umpire Committee.Chairman of TKDSL.AA group for International Taekwon-do Federation in Scotland.

"Commit your spirit to the pursuit of excellence!"Kwan-Jang-Nim Gerhard Brunner was born in Munich and has been actively practicing Taekwondo for over 45 years. He has been teaching taekwondo for several decades and was appointed 9th DAN in September 2022 by the Secretary General of the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) in Korea for his numerous contributions to the spread of taekwondo. After setting up a number of schools in Germany, he moved to the USA in 1997. There he opened the first traditional Taekwondo school in Tampa, Florida. In addition, he is the first certified Kimoodo instructor in the USA. Grandmaster Brunner enjoys great international recognition and has received numerous awards, including the Hall of Fame Award (in 2012) for his outstanding achievements in traditional Taekwondo and the award "European Grandmaster of the Year 2017". In 2022 Grandmaster Brunner also celebrated his 25th anniversary in the USA. He looks back on many successful years in which he was able to bring Taekwondo closer to countless people and anchor it as a constant in their lives. Grandmaster Brunner continues to visit his system schools in Germany regularly. Several times a year he visits all schools as part of a Germany-wide course weekend, teaches courses that are both sweaty and inspiring and conducts belt tests.

Earl Weiss is a 9th dan black belt in the ITF style of Taekwon-Do. He was one of the last people to test for master's rank under Choi Hong Hi. Weiss is a prolific author on the topic of Taekwon-Do and is a frequent contributor to publications such as Totally TaeKwonDo magazine.Biography* 1971 - 1973 Judo at Niles North High School, Skokie, Illinois* 1972 - 1988 American Taekwon-Do Institute, Morton Grove, Illinois - Under the direction of Dr. Gregg Youstra VI Dan. ITF # A-6-13* 1974 - Ju Jitsu Self Defense training under Sensei Ben Bergwerf - Now head of the Tori Ryu Ju Jitsu School in Northbrook, Illinois and Chairs the United States Judo Association Ju Jitsu Committee.* 1975 - 1977 Taekwon-Do and Hapkido under the direction of Kyun Suk Park, Miami, Florida* 1976 - 1988 Instructor American Taekwon-Do Institute* 1976 First Degree Black Belt* 1979 Second Degree Black Belt A-2-2371* 1981 "Sereff's Camp Taekwon-Do," Rye, Colorado* 1982 "Sereff's Camp Taekwon-Do," Rye, Colorado* 1983 Third Degree Black Belt A-3-148* 1985 - 1993 Illinois State Director - United States Taekwon-Do Federation* 1986 - 1987 Instructor - Taekwon-Do; Yeshiva High School, Skokie, Illinois* 1987 Fourth Degree Black Belt A-4-101, USTF Class B Referee. ITF Class B Umpire No. 229 Member of United States Taekwon-Do Federation Constitution Committee First Place Belt Sparring American Taekwon-Do Institute Tournament, Center Referee - Corner Judge-- Production of Cable TV segment for an Evanston, Illinois Cablevision program, "The Friday Club," Taekwon-Do American Stytle" Camp Promotion.Director and Instructor "Youstra's 1987 Midwest Taekwon-Do Camp"* 1988 - Present -- C.E.O. and Instructor: National Taekwon-Do Academy, Inc, Des Plaines, Illinois.* 1990 ITF International Instructors Course taught by General Choi Hong Hi, International Taekwon-Do Federation Instructor No. 487 "Sereff's Camp Taekwon-Do," Grand Lake, Colorado* 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994 Hosted Midwest Taekwon-Do Tournament* 1992 Fifth Degree Black Belt A-5-58* 1993 "Sereff's World Camp" and two day Seminar with General Choi Hong Hi* 1993 - Present -- USTF Region 5 Director for the states of Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, and Minnesota PPCT Pressure Point and Control Tactic course and certification* 1994 Ju Jitsu Shodan United States Judo Association PPCT Spontaneous Knife Defense Course certification International Taekwon-Do Federation Class "A" International Umpire No. 547 Judge at the USTF National Championship, Las Vegas Nevada ITF International Instructors Course taught by General Choi Hong Hi, Odessa, TX* 1995 "Small Circle Ju Jitsu" Seminar, Prof. Wally Jay, Instructor "Gracie Ju Jitsu" Seminar (10 hours) - Royce Gracie, Instructor* 1996 Rickson Gracie Ju Jitsu Seminar Oak Park / Chicago, IL 4 days - 16 hours Reylson Gracie Ju Jitsu Seminar Wheeling IL 2 days - 10 hours ITF Technical Conference conducted by General Choi Hong Hi, Canada ITF International Instructors Course taught by Master C.E. Sereff, Miami, Florida USTF Knife Defense Course taught by Mr. Fred Akard* 1997 Sixth Degree Black Belt A-6-39 Judge: ITF Xth World Championships, St. Petersburg, Russia Seminar by General Choi Hong Hi, Arizona (Dec.)* 1998 ITF International Instructors Course taught by General Choi Hong Hi, Jamaica, Certificate # 148-59 Promoter - 1998 Authentic Taekwon-do Tournament, Des Plaines, IL Chuck Norris KDOAA Seminars - Twenty Seminars - 3 days, Chicago, IL* 1999 ITF International Instructors Course taught by General Choi Hong Hi, Colorado, Certificate # 153-13 Co - Promoter: Midwest tournament* 2000 Host, ITF International Instructors Course taught by General Choi Hong Hi, Illinois, Certificate # 167-1* 2001 ITF International Instructors Course taught by General Choi Hong Hi, Newfoundland, Canada, Certificate # 178-46* 2002 ITF International Instructors Course taught by Grand Master C.E. Sereff & General Choi Hong Hi, Colorado, Certificate # 187-14 7th Degree Black Belt, Master Instructor # A-7-28 Member International Taekwon-Do Federation Legal Consultative Counsel* 2009 8th Degree Black Belt USTF - 8- 10* 2016 9th Degree Black Belt USTF - 9 - 7

Dr. Johnson holds a Ph.D. from the Department of Sports and Taekwondo from Kyung Hee University South Korea, and was professor in the Humanitas College at the same University. He is a Co-Founder and Vice-President of iACT. He is the Executive Director for the International Association for Taekwondo Research (IATR), the copy editor for the Journal for the International Association of Taekwondo Research (www.jiatr.org), and a reviewer for two other international journals. He has published research articles on Taekwondo Philosophy and Education. In other academic work, Dr. Johnson has presented his research in South Korea, Mexico, Russia, the Czech Republic, and the United States. He was the International Relations Director for the Korean Hapkido Federation (KHF) and organized Hapkido demonstrations at US military bases, including the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea. Dr. Dr. Johnson holds a Ph.D. from the Department of Sports and Taekwondo from Kyung Hee University and is a professor in the Humanitas College at the same University. He is a Co-Founder and Vice-President of iACT. We have a fascinating conversation on all aspects of Taekwon-Do including the Do and it's origins. Dr Johnson's insights comes from his personal Taekwon-Do journey, his extensive academic background and many years spent living in South Korea. There's so much here I do hope you enjoy Not to be missed

Grand Master Willy van de Mortel wvdmortel16@gmail.com www.difesasports.nl Deurne, NetherlandsStart with Taekwon-Do in 1976:1e Degree: year: 1981 2e Degree: year: 1983 3e Degree: year: 1988 4e Degree: year: 1993 5e Degree: year: 1996 6e Degree: year: 2001 7e Degree: year: 2006 8e Degree: year: 2013 9e Degree: year: 2021H-1-82 H-2-31 H-3-18 H-4-15 H-5-9 H-6-4 H-7-3 H-8-2 H-9-2International Instructors Courses:Date: 18-11-1994 Date: 25-10-1996 Date: 04-06-2000 Date: 02-07-2000 Date: 11-03-2001 Date: 23-02-2003 Date: 01-06-2006 Date: 19-10-2007 Date: 27-04-2008 Date: 19-11-2010 Date: 24-11-2013 Date: 14-11-2014 Date: 07-07-2017 Date: 17-11-2018 Date: 11/12/2020Oostende, Belgium Treviso, Italy, Manchester, England, Amsterdam, Netherlands OnlineInternational Instructor: No.796 International Umpire "A" : No. 496International Umpire CourseNo:26-136 Date:10-09-2016 Oslo,Norway No:002-140 Date:17-04-2021 OnlineInternational Coaches Conference No: 1-132 Date: 28-06-2019Awarded by International Taekwon-Do FederationDate: 23-04-2019 Outstanding Personalities – Instructor/coachInternational Sparring CourseNo:001-275 Date:27-02-2021 OnlineMember of the A.E.T.F. Technical Committee.Member of ICC (International Competition Course) With courses in Netherlands, Spain, Scotland, EnglandGuest instructor on the IIC in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 2009. Competition results:16 times National ChampionWinner of 146 prizesMember of National Team from 1983 – 1991.Results national team: European title, Silver and Bronze medallist on World Championships.Was coach from National team from Italy – Slovenia – Netherlands – New Zealand and current from Norway.Conduct seminars all over the world, from Europe to South America and from Russia to New Zealand.Organise already a open tournament here in the Netherlands for 15 years called now the “Open Dutch”.At the moment technical director of ITF Netherlands.

Philip Hawkins 5th degree ITFPhilip has always held an interest in the history of TaeKwon-Do, and has been fortunate to meet, train with and interview many of the pioneering Grandmasters. He has travelled to Korea, Canada, USA and Europe to conduct interviews, which have been published in various martial arts magazines. Combat, TaeKwon-Do Times, Taekwondo and Korean martial arts, MAI, Totally TaeKwon-Do, ITF magazine.Opening Photos in the video are with General Choi Hong HI (Germany) and at Virginia Water, Windsor.

Grandmaster Eddie Minyard was introduced to Martial Arts (Judo), in 1965. His step-father was a soldier, who had trained while on active duty and then trained his twostepsons. Eddie then began training in Judo and Shorei Ryu Karate, in Moline, Iltaking a bus for 45 minutes each way to the school.While in the US Army in Vietnam, GM Minyard saw a demonstration of Taekwon-Do,presented by the ROK White Horse Division, at the RECONDO School in Nha Trang. Itbecame clear that Taekwon-Do was what he wanted to study. After returning home fromoverseas duty, he began training informally with Master Roger Dorethy, beginning in1970.He began formal training in 1973, under GM Chung En Kim (RIP) (Chang Moo Kwan),a direct student of The Founder of Chang Moo Kwan, Grand Master Nam Suk Lee. GMLee was also an Executive Council Member of the World Taekwondo Federation, in itsearly days. GM Kim was also the Founder of the American Taekwondo Federation, ofwhich GM Minyard was a member.In 1976, GM Minyard was relocated due to work, and began training with the ChoiBrothers, where his primary instructors were GM Yong Duk (YD) Choi and GM YongSung (YS) Choi - both also former students of GM Nam Suk Lee. Under their tutelage,Minyard was awarded his 1st Dan, in 1978. He has maintained his status as a student ofthe Choi Brothers, for the past 45 years, progressively earning rank up to 8th Dan.In 1979, in association with the Choi Brothers, GM Minyard was instrumental in theformation of the American Professional Taekwon-Do Association, a full-contactprofessional competition organization. He is also a contributor to GM YD Choi's book:Practical Tae Kwon Do.Ed is a Charter Member and highest ranked student of the World Sun Do SulFederation, where he assisted GM YS Choi in developing the martial art known as SunDo Sul. The art is based on Sunmudo - a Korean Buddhist Zen-based martial art,combined with elements of Taekwon-Do and Hapkido.In 1988, Minyard was introduced to Supreme Master Kim, Bok Man - one of the OriginalFounders of Taekwon-Do. They maintained a close friendship / mentorshiprelationship, from that time, through the time of SGM Kim's passing, in 2021. GMMinyard was awarded 8th Dan in SGM Kim's system, Chun Kuhn Taekwondo, currentlyserves as the President of the New Hampshire Chapter of The World Chun KuhnFederation and is a Special Advisor to the President of The World Chun KuhnFederation.In 1993, while training in New York under GM Yeon Hwan Park, former coach of theU.S. Olympic and Pan-American Tae Kwon Do teams and former vice president of theUnited States Tae Kwon Do Union, Ed was involved in organizing the 11th Annual WorldTae Kwon Do Championships, in NYC at Madison Square Garden. He was responsiblefor ensuring a memorable and comfortable experience for worldwide dignitaries, including the President of the WTF, Head of the US Olympic Committee and Head ofUSA Taekwondo. The event had over 700 competitors and was broadcast on ABCWide World of Sports. For his contribution, Ed was awarded a plaque consisting ofthree Gold Medals from the Championship.In 1998, GM Minyard was Certified to Officiate in events sanctioned by the WorldAssociation of Karate and Kickboxing Organizations - USA (WAKO_USA), authorizedby then-President GM Don Rodriques, Vice President, GM Tom Festa and ChiefInternational Referee, GMT. Rondo VanClief.In 2019, GM Minyard was certified by Deepak Chopra and the Chopra Center, as aPrimordial Sound Meditation Teacher. He incorporates this meditation practice into hisTaekwon-Do regimen, and teaches it to others.In 2020, Grand Master Minyard was inducted into the US Kido Federation Black BeltHall of Fame, as Grand Master of the Year, and is a Lifetime Member of the USKIDOFederation.Also in 2020, he was included in the Who's Who in America Martial Arts book, alongwith GM Chuck Norris and other notable Martial Arts luminaries.In 2021, GM Minyard was promoted to 9th Dan, by the International Jun TongFederation, for which he also serves as Northeast Regional Director and SpecialAdvisor to the Founder and the President of the Federation.Also in 2021, GM Minyard was accepted into the International Taekwon-Do Federationin Korea (ITF-HQ Korea).GM Minyard has operated schools in Illinois, lowa, Nebraska and New York. Hasprovided instruction to as many as 100 first responders, in disaster response basecamps, law enforcement officers and members of the military. He currently teachesprivate students in NH, at his Hayan San (White Mountain) Martial Arts Dojang. He alsoenjoys participating as a Promotional Board Member, Tournament Judge, Referee andCoach, for events across the United States.Throughout his life, Martial Arts have been a part of GM Minyard's foundation. He haschosen the life of a warrior in every aspect. As a soldier in Vietnam, a competitor intournaments, law enforcement officer and a First Responder - he has always fallenback on his martial arts training.Grand Master Eddie Minyard lives in the mountains of New Hampshire, with his wifeand two dogs, and is the proud father of a blended family of seven children, Grandfatherto eight, and a great-grandfather. Along with his daily practice of Taekwon-Do, Eddiealso loves to spend as much time as possible, surrounded by and making music with hiscollection of guitars!

Master Mark HuttonMaster Hutton began training in 1981 under Master Sutherland who was assistant to GM MacCallum in Bathgate which is located in Central Scotland.Bathgate was a successful full-time Academy when he joined and was always steeped in TKD tradition with First Grand Master Rhee a regular visitor for grading.This ensured the Academy was ITF to the core.Master Hutton's classes always centre around the importance of ensuring all his students and Instructors are well versed in all aspects of TKD from explosive fundamentals (dynamic & static) and Tuls to Ho Sin Sul for all, with emphasis on the devastating power and skill that so many students who focus solely on competition rarely understand/enjoy. He believes this must change through education to ensure ITF TKD not only survives but flourishes and is known as both devastating Martial Art and sport at the very highest level.Body conditioning/diet with fit for purpose training is for me most important to ensure we concentrate our efforts on TKD preparation maximising our results in the Dojang.National/International competition history* British Team Captain from 1998-2004, Scottish Team Captain 2004-2007 (Retired)*  Many times British pattern/Sparring Champion including 5 best competitor awards and twice overall British Taekwon-do Council Champion (BTC is all TKD groups in the UK)*  Twice World bronze medallist, Individual Pattern 1997 and Team Sparring Open World TKD Championships 1991* 5 time ITF European IV Degree pattern Champion 1993-97.

Master Chris Malarkey Owner/Operator of CMTKD in Belleville, NJ5th degree black belt in traditional Taekwon-Do25+ years of experienceTaught by 1st generation student: Grandmaster SJ Kim, 9th dan(direct pupil and bodyguard of the founder of TKD: General ChoiHong Hi)Former Owner/Operator of Complete Taekwon-DoFeatured in Overtime Hustlin' Magazine June 2021 (2-page spread)2019 recipient Best of Bergenfield Award for best Taekwon-DoschoolRecord Holder (9 boards skipping side kick 2018)Former head instructor of GRTKD 2007-2018Grand Champion Sparring 2017 TKDI InvitationalThe Chief Instructor of the Children's Program @GRTKD 2007-2018Mainstream Podcast host "Mastery" with Master Chris MalarkeyMontclair State University Alumniwebsite: mastercm.net

Grand Master Jong Soo Park 1941 - 2021 Master Park was born in 1941 in Chung-Nam, Korea. He holds a 9th Dan black belt in Tae Kwon-Do. At the age of 14, and since then, he has been the instructor of the Police Training Centre of Chun Bok in Korea and of the famed Tiger Division of the Korean Army.In 1964, he became Korean National Champion, and in 1965 he made a trip on request of the Korean Government, as demonstrating this art before the highest civil and military authorities of the countries they visited. In that same year, he was invited to Germany as the coach of the German Tae Kwon-Do Association.In 1966, he left Germany to go to Holland where he founded the Netherlands Tae Kwon-Do Association. In the beginning of 1968, he left for Canada and now has his own schools in the Greater Toronto Area.In November 1973, Master Park made another world trip to promote Tae Kwon-Do in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Master Park is known as one of the world's greatest Tae Kwon-Do experts

Taekwon-Do career: 1968-2021 = 53yearsOn September 1968 at the age of 15, after having played soccer for 6 years, started to train in Taekwon-Do. Black Belt Promotions: 1972 : 1st degree 1974 : 2nd degree1977 : 3rd degree1981 : 4th degree1985 : 5th degree1990 : 6th degree1996 : 7th degree2003 : 8th degree2010 : 9th degreeOther achievementsCompetitor career:* 7 times Dutch National Champion period 1970-1978* European Champion in sparring category -63 kg on 1976Chairman career:* Chairman of Tournament & Umpire Committee for the All European Taekwon-Do Federation (AETF) from 1993 to 2005* Chairman of Tournament & Umpire Committee for the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) from 1994 to 2005 (not the year 1999)PresidentPresident of the All European Taekwon-Do Federation (AETF) period 2004 to 2006Coach* National coach for the Netherlands from 1981 to 1987* National coach for Italy from 1987 to 1992Technical DirectorTechnical Director for the Italian Taekwon-Do Federation from 1992 – presentBoard of Directors Member* International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) 2003-2007 – treasurer* International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) 2007- march 2011 – secretary general* International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) march 2011 – 2019 – DirectorTechnical & Instruction Committee Member* Responsible for the ITF under Gen Choi Hong Hi named to set the rules and regulations and promote pre free arranged sparring period 2000-2001* Member of the ITF Technical and Instruction Committee from 2003 to 2015Seminars* + 15 Umpire Courses in Europe and rest of the world* 56 IIC courses for the ITF worldwide and instructed over 6000 black belts* +100 private seminarsTravellingVisited over 50 countries as a competitor, coach, organizer, member of board for the AETF and/or ITF

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE1942– Born in Ul-Ju-Gun, Kyng Sang Nam Do, South Korea1970– Earned a B.A. Degree in Mechanical Engineering at Han-Yang University1971-Immigrated to the U.S.1972– Established the Tae Kwon Do Academy in Cedar Rapids, Iowa1979– Established New Life Fitness World fitness club1981– Established Tri-Mount Publication, Inc.– First published the Tae Kwon Do Times1982-9– President of the Korean-American Society of Iowa1985-88– First U.S and Canadian Tae Kwon Do tour to Korea (Hosted by TKD Times)1987– Coordinated sister city founding between Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Ul-Ju Gun, South Korea1991– Formed joint Tae Kwon Do demo team, with athletes from North and South Korea, as well as the U.S.1995– Eagle's Nest (a Tae Kwon Do practice facility) opens at Colorado Springs1998-01– Member of NUAC (National Unification Advisory Council)2000– First North Korean Tae Kwon Do Tour (Hosted by TKD Times)2001-Pres.– Kyung-Hee University Honorary Professor2005-Pres.– Member of Kyung-Sang-Buk-Do, Korean Honorary Advisor2006– 2nd World TKD Festival Prayer for Unification — 60 participants from 12 countries performed board-breaking ceremony at the north side of the Korean DMZ (AP special news)2007– North Korean TKD Demo Team performs at Goodwill Tour (first time North Korean national anthem played in 5 major U.S. cities)2008– In response to Goodwill Tour, New York Philharmonic Orchestra plays American National Anthem for the first time in North Korea.2009– Established Woo-jin Jung Tree in Cedar Rapids, Iowa2010– Kye-Myung University — Tae Kwon Do Department Special Professor2011– 2nd North Korean Tae Kwon Do Demo Team performs in 3 major eastern U.S. cities during Goodwill Tour2016– 37 years, 9 fitness centers in US. Semi-retired, next generation, my son, continued in Las Vegas.– Back to original location, created history room, established Jung's Taekwondo Black Belt Association, a non-profit entity.2017– 1st ever ITF Taekwondo Team visits S Korea and joint demonstration with WTF team.– Helped WTF, ITF to meet in S Korea, 45 years later to try to make peace. I was invited to the meeting.2018– N Korea and S Korea special opening ceremony demonstration at            Pyeong Chang winter  Olymics. Special guest at this event. KBS                  made special documentary.2019-After 2007/ 2011 Good Will Tours to N Korea and 2008 New York          Philharmonic exchange program, KBS asked me to arrange a 3rd                  Goodwill Tour.AWARDS1985– Honorary Korean Award, presented by Prime Minister1986– Iowa Minority Small Business Person of the Year, presented by the Small Business Administration1990– Iowa Economic Development Award2009– TKD Ambassador Award, presented by the U.S. Taekwondo Grandmaster Society– Founding of Woojin Jun Tree Monument, dedicated by the City of Cedar Rapids)2011– Multi-Ethnic Sport Hall of Fame, 2011 inductee for Tae Kwon Do2012– Living Legend of Tae Kwon Do, presented at the Legends of Martial Arts Hall of Fame Awards2013-2017– So many awards and letters of thanks from all over the world. My focus has been on poor and disabled people all over the world.2017-North Korea & ITF returns to WTF World Championship in South Korea for the first time in 45 years. Woojin Jung arrived barefoot, only in his dobo with a sign to mark the historic event, carrying the spirit of traditional TaeKwonDo founder General Choi Hong Hi, realizing their dream of returning to their homeland. Not WTF or ITF, I am a pioneer of TKD. Not North or South Korea, I am Korean.2018-Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Pyeong Chang, South Korea in February 2018. Woojin Jung helped to facilitate the demonstrations between the North & South Korean Taekwondo demonstration teams. There was a KBS documentary(태권도, 하나를 위한 도전) done mentioning Woojin Jung's help as being instrumental in bringing these two countries together for this historic event. This documentary was shared at the event before the closing on February 24th. 2019-KBS full length documentary made to document the efforts of Taekwondo Times, Woojin Jung & U.S. Taekwondo people in bringing North & U.S. Taekwondo people together, starting with the Goodwill Tours of 2007 & 2011. These historic events were sponsored and funded by Woojin Jung. With the release of the KBS documentary(태권도 평화를 위한여정), the Korean government has more excitement about hiring KBS for a Third and last Goodwill Tour in the future.FOUNDATIONS1978– Jung's Black Belt Foundation1988– Woo Jin Scholarship, awarded to elementary and middle school students in Master Jung's hometown of Ulsan, South Korea2000– Grand Master Honorary Foundation2005– Jung Family Charitable FoundationCURRENT ACTIVITIES– Jung's Tae Kwon Do Academy, Inc. (45 branches in 4 states)– Point Aerie Ltd., LLC – Mountain Top Co. (Department Store, Office Building)– Tae Kwon Do Times (internationally-published magazine)– Jung's charity family foundation (focused on handicapped and disadvantaged children worldwide)

Christine YoungProfessional Taekwon-Do, Fitness & PT Instructor, co-founder The Martial Arts Academy, Tauranga NZChristine started training in Taekwon-Do in 1985 and gained her black belt in 1990.Christine has cross trained in Aikido and Kyokushinkai Karate whilst at Victoria University, NZ, from 1988 - 1992.And again in Aikido at Oxford University, England, from 1996 - 1997.A highlight of being a student of martial arts is to be able to train with many masters, instructors and friends from around the world.Christine moved to Tauranga in 2006 and started the Hwa Rang Taekwon-Do Academy.Christine says that the learnings and challenges from taking up Taekwon-do is so vast that there really is something special for everyone. It is more than a hobby or sport but a way of life that instills confidence, a healthier lifestyle and successes supported by a worldwide Taekwon-Do fraternity.Achievements1992 – 1995 Numerous NZ titles1996 UKTA Open ITF Champs Gold individual patterns1997 World Champion Gold Female team power breaking2003 World ITF Champs Bronze Female team power breaking and female team patterns2005 World ITF Champs Bronze Individual patterns2006 – 2007 NZ ITF National Team Head Coach2008 Oceania Champs Best overall female, gold individual patterns & sparring2008 ITF Nationals Best overall female, gold individual patterns, sparring and power breaking2008 - 2009 NZ ITF combined junior and seniors Team Assistant Coach2009 ITF Nationals Best overall female, gold individual patterns & sparring, Silver power breakingITF A Umpire2014 High Performance Advisor iTKD NZ2020 March promoted to 7th degree at IIC in New Zealand

TAEKWON-DO LEGEND SUPREME MASTER KIM BOK-MANSupreme Master Kim began his journey in the martial arts in 1941 when he was just 7 years old and has devoted his life ever since to advance the techniques he began to develop in his homeland during the brutal Japanese occupation (22 Aug 1910 – 2 Sept 1945), the atrocities of World War II (1 Sept 1939 – 2 Sept 1945), and, finally, the divisive Korean War (25 Jun 1950 – 27 Jul 1953), which not only separated families but split the Korean Peninsula along the 38th Parallel. Despite many obstacles, Supreme Master Kim helped Taekwon-do emerge from those dark hours and propagate around the world.https://www.worldchunkuhntkd.com/about-us/about-supreme-master-kim-bok-man/

GEORGE VITALENew York CityINTRODUCTION:Dr. George Vitale's fascination with the fighting arts began with Western systems as a youngster with boxing, spurred on by his Father's interest. As a teen he trained in Wrestling, competing locally in both. His introduction to the Eastern Arts began with an exposure to Tang Su Do. Thereafter he enrolled in Taekwon-Do under the tutelage of Master Kim Kwang-Sung (K-7-45) at ITF Main Gym #21 in the early 1970s. Grandmaster Kim born in Gwangju, Korea was originally from the Moo Duk Kwan and was a Taekwon-Do Pioneer in West Germany. Dr. Vitale's extensive involvement in Taekwon-Do saw him traveling nationally since 1984 and internationally since 1987. To date he has been to over 70 countries pursuing his love for Taekwon-Do, as a student, teacher, researcher and producer. His main area of interest is the history of Taekwon-Do. He is currently involved in 3 documentaries and writing a book on the subject. The Graduate School work he has done since 1993 has culminated in his earning an academic Doctorate Degree from north Korea, the first American to ever do so. As a result of the expertise he has developed over the decades he is often invited to share his experiences with various institutions and media outlets. Master Vitale is happy to have the opportunity to now share with followers of this website.EDUCATION:Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D)       2011 Sports Science/Physical Education (TKD)Master of Arts (M.A.)                     1997 Criminal JusticeBachelor of Arts (B.A.)                  2012 HistoryBachelor of Science (B.S.)          1984 Police ScienceAssociate of Arts (A.A.)                2011 Liberal StudiesAssociate of Science (A.S.)         1979 Security AdministrationTAEKWON-DO HIGHLIGHTS:ITF Order – Outstanding Contributions 2015Tri-States Icons Martial Arts Hall of Fame 2015Taekwondowon Contribution to Globalization 2014Kukkiwon Outstanding Contribution & Dedication 2014U.S. Grandmasters' Society Peace Award 2013International Hall of Fame World Peace & Outstanding Research 2012TaeKwonDo Times Master of the Year 2011Coordinator USA-DPRK Goodwill Tour 2011TaeKwonDo Times Ambassador of the Year 2010WTF Outstanding Contributions 2010VIII Dan (8th Degree) A-8-14(b) 2009Official Taekwondo Hall of Fame 2009Coordinator USA-DPRK Goodwill Tour 2007Cuba Taekwon-Do Goodwill Mission 2004Supported USANTF 2002Completed Numerous Research Papers on Traditional MAs & Juvenile Delinquency 1997Vice President USTF 1990Director ITF 1988ITF International Instructor #404 1987ITF International Class “A” Umpire 1987Graduate #9 of 5th ITF International Instructors Course 1987EXPERIENCE:Taekwon-Do Instructor           1977 to PresentNew York State Police            1981 to 2005NYC Youth Counselor            1977 to 1981ASSOCIATIONS:Lifetime Member – ITF & USTFMember – Korea Society (New York City)Member – National Committee on North Korea (Washington D.C.)Member – Amateur Athletic Union (Albany, NY)Member – World History AssociationMember – American Historical AssociationSTATEMENT:The history of Taekwon-Do has been purposely distorted and manipulated for a myriad of reasons. It appears that an early motivation for the intended confusion was to hide the connection to the obvious Japanese martial art influence that the Koreans had. Since the Japanese Empire had gone to extreme measures to subjugate Korea during their long-term occupation, after the occupation national efforts were made to reinvigorate Korean pride, at the same time when Taekwon-Do was being initially developed. This movement impacted the early telling of Taekwon-Do's history. Competing personalities and rival factions eventually split Taekwon-Do into two major groups. Once this happened additional pressures bore down upon the telling of Taekwon-Do's history, corrupting it even more. Eventually major political interference also impacted the truth of the history when General Choi Hong-Hi ran afoul with the south Korean dictatorships when he became a leading outspoken critic of the military regimes. Once General Choi fled Korea for his safety a concentrated campaign was undertaken to destroy him and his ITF, by enticing and even forcing his members to join the new WTF. As the WTF became more successful and grew into the premier Taekwondo organization, General Choi's ITF was weak and close to ending. As a result he looked to introduce Taekwon-Do to north Korea. General Choi had always envisioned spreading his Taekwon-Do without regard to race, religion, political ideology or national boundaries. He even dreamed of bringing it someday to the north, as a means of helping his beloved Homeland reunite. General Choi named his final Pattern Tong-Il, which denotes the long sought after reunification. Once General Choi visited the north, which was illegal in south Korea, he was labeled a communist traitor who committed a treasonous act by engaging in what was viewed by some as anti-nationalist activity. There always seems to be pressures that look to shape the telling of history. However, history is factual information that should inform us who did what, where and when. Dr. Vitale looks to draw upon his wide range of police training and investigative skills and combine that with his extensive academic education to uncover factual data and illicit information from many of the people who were there at various points along the development of Taekwon-Do.TKD.Research@yahoo.com

GEORGE VITALENew York CityINTRODUCTION:Dr. George Vitale's fascination with the fighting arts began with Western systems as a youngster with boxing, spurred on by his Father's interest. As a teen he trained in Wrestling, competing locally in both. His introduction to the Eastern Arts began with an exposure to Tang Su Do. Thereafter he enrolled in Taekwon-Do under the tutelage of Master Kim Kwang-Sung (K-7-45) at ITF Main Gym #21 in the early 1970s. Grandmaster Kim born in Gwangju, Korea was originally from the Moo Duk Kwan and was a Taekwon-Do Pioneer in West Germany. Dr. Vitale's extensive involvement in Taekwon-Do saw him traveling nationally since 1984 and internationally since 1987. To date he has been to over 70 countries pursuing his love for Taekwon-Do, as a student, teacher, researcher and producer. His main area of interest is the history of Taekwon-Do. He is currently involved in 3 documentaries and writing a book on the subject. The Graduate School work he has done since 1993 has culminated in his earning an academic Doctorate Degree from north Korea, the first American to ever do so. As a result of the expertise he has developed over the decades he is often invited to share his experiences with various institutions and media outlets. Master Vitale is happy to have the opportunity to now share with followers of this website.EDUCATION:Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D)       2011 Sports Science/Physical Education (TKD)Master of Arts (M.A.)                     1997 Criminal JusticeBachelor of Arts (B.A.)                  2012 HistoryBachelor of Science (B.S.)          1984 Police ScienceAssociate of Arts (A.A.)                2011 Liberal StudiesAssociate of Science (A.S.)         1979 Security AdministrationTAEKWON-DO HIGHLIGHTS:ITF Order – Outstanding Contributions 2015Tri-States Icons Martial Arts Hall of Fame 2015Taekwondowon Contribution to Globalization 2014Kukkiwon Outstanding Contribution & Dedication 2014U.S. Grandmasters' Society Peace Award 2013International Hall of Fame World Peace & Outstanding Research 2012TaeKwonDo Times Master of the Year 2011Coordinator USA-DPRK Goodwill Tour 2011TaeKwonDo Times Ambassador of the Year 2010WTF Outstanding Contributions 2010VIII Dan (8th Degree) A-8-14(b) 2009Official Taekwondo Hall of Fame 2009Coordinator USA-DPRK Goodwill Tour 2007Cuba Taekwon-Do Goodwill Mission 2004Supported USANTF 2002Completed Numerous Research Papers on Traditional MAs & Juvenile Delinquency 1997Vice President USTF 1990Director ITF 1988ITF International Instructor #404 1987ITF International Class “A” Umpire 1987Graduate #9 of 5th ITF International Instructors Course 1987EXPERIENCE:Taekwon-Do Instructor           1977 to PresentNew York State Police            1981 to 2005NYC Youth Counselor            1977 to 1981ASSOCIATIONS:Lifetime Member – ITF & USTFMember – Korea Society (New York City)Member – National Committee on North Korea (Washington D.C.)Member – Amateur Athletic Union (Albany, NY)Member – World History AssociationMember – American Historical AssociationSTATEMENT:The history of Taekwon-Do has been purposely distorted and manipulated for a myriad of reasons. It appears that an early motivation for the intended confusion was to hide the connection to the obvious Japanese martial art influence that the Koreans had. Since the Japanese Empire had gone to extreme measures to subjugate Korea during their long-term occupation, after the occupation national efforts were made to reinvigorate Korean pride, at the same time when Taekwon-Do was being initially developed. This movement impacted the early telling of Taekwon-Do's history. Competing personalities and rival factions eventually split Taekwon-Do into two major groups. Once this happened additional pressures bore down upon the telling of Taekwon-Do's history, corrupting it even more. Eventually major political interference also impacted the truth of the history when General Choi Hong-Hi ran afoul with the south Korean dictatorships when he became a leading outspoken critic of the military regimes. Once General Choi fled Korea for his safety a concentrated campaign was undertaken to destroy him and his ITF, by enticing and even forcing his members to join the new WTF. As the WTF became more successful and grew into the premier Taekwondo organization, General Choi's ITF was weak and close to ending. As a result he looked to introduce Taekwon-Do to north Korea. General Choi had always envisioned spreading his Taekwon-Do without regard to race, religion, political ideology or national boundaries. He even dreamed of bringing it someday to the north, as a means of helping his beloved Homeland reunite. General Choi named his final Pattern Tong-Il, which denotes the long sought after reunification. Once General Choi visited the north, which was illegal in south Korea, he was labeled a communist traitor who committed a treasonous act by engaging in what was viewed by some as anti-nationalist activity. There always seems to be pressures that look to shape the telling of history. However, history is factual information that should inform us who did what, where and when. Dr. Vitale looks to draw upon his wide range of police training and investigative skills and combine that with his extensive academic education to uncover factual data and illicit information from many of the people who were there at various points along the development of Taekwon-Do.TKD.Research@yahoo.com

Grand Master Paul Cutler is the first ever student in the United Kingdom to be promoted to 9th Dan Grand Master. Grand Master Cutler has been studying Taekwon-Do for over 40 years and his mentor and career long instructor is the legendary First Grand Master Rhee Ki Ha (FGMR), known as the Father of British and European Taekwon-Do.Grand Master Cutler teaches authentic ITF Taekwon-Do as formulated by Taekwon-Do's founder, the late General Choi Hong Hi. The complete Martial Art, its beliefs customs, culture, method and ideology, all of which all have equal importance as the physical movements; for without these Taekwon-Do's true identity would be lost.Grand Master Cutler has been honoured and awarded best instructor in Britain by the founder of Taekwon-Do General Choi Hong Hi on several occasions and received the outstanding instructor award in 1995. Grand Master Cutler attended over 30 international courses with General Choi Hong Hi and personally assisted General Choi on seminars in Europe and Australia.

Grand Master Paul Cutler is the first ever student in the United Kingdom to be promoted to 9th Dan Grand Master. Grand Master Cutler has been studying Taekwon-Do for over 40 years and his mentor and career long instructor is the legendary First Grand Master Rhee Ki Ha (FGMR), known as the Father of British and European Taekwon-Do.Grand Master Cutler teaches authentic ITF Taekwon-Do as formulated by Taekwon-Do's founder, the late General Choi Hong Hi. The complete Martial Art, its beliefs customs, culture, method and ideology, all of which all have equal importance as the physical movements; for without these Taekwon-Do's true identity would be lost.Grand Master Cutler has been honoured and awarded best instructor in Britain by the founder of Taekwon-Do General Choi Hong Hi on several occasions and received the outstanding instructor award in 1995. Grand Master Cutler attended over 30 international courses with General Choi Hong Hi and personally assisted General Choi on seminars in Europe and Australia.

Master Fitzgibbon is the founder, and chief instructor of Connacht Taekwon-Do Academy (the first Taekwon-Do School in Galway), since 1993. He is a 7th degree black belt and is the also the Chief Instructor of Connacht Taekwon-do Schools, a group of 5 TKD Schools in the West of Ireland.Master Fitzgibbon is a graduate of NUI Galway (science), as well as a qualified Gym Instructor with ITEC, and a certified Strength & Conditioning coach. He is the co-host of the annual Connacht Championships and Tribal Cup, along with Ms. Connolly, the Gort TKD Academy instructor.He has featured as a regular author in the international magazine, Totally Taekwon-Do, and produced numerous blogs for Health websites and newspapers.As a competitor, Master Fitzgibbon was the longest-serving (twelve years) captain of the Irish Senior Male Team and has also represented Europe three times winning gold on each occasion. He has won sixteen World medals in the space of ten years – six of them gold. He has trained five World Champions and over a dozen World medalists.Now, retired from competition, his time is devoted entirely to running the school, and producing top-class martial artists.https://shanefitzgibbon.ie/products/

Grand Master O'Neill TKD Qualifications Name:   Raymond Peter O'Neill                     Date of Birth 30th May 1961 Date started Taekwon-Do 13th September 1978 COLOURBELT QUALIFICATIONS Grade Belt Date Examiner Venue 9th Kup Yellow Tips 12.02.79 Master Rhee 7th Dan Amesbury8th Kup Yellow Belt 09.05.79 Master Rhee 7th Dan Amesbury7th Kup Green Tips 24.09.79 Master Rhee 7th Dan Boscombe6th Kup Green Belt 28.03.80 Master Rhee 7th Dan Boscombe5th Kup Blue Tips 02.06.80 Master Rhee 7th Dan Salisbury4th Kup Blue Belt 16.09.80 Master Rhee 7th Dan Bristol3rd Kup Red Tips 27.02.81 Master Rhee 8th Dan New Milton2nd Kup Red Belt 10.09.81 Master Rhee 8th Dan Bristol1st Kup Black Tips 25.05.82 Master Rhee 8th Dan Weston SM BLACKBELT QUALIFICATIONS 1st Dan Black (Novice) 27.03.83 Master Rhee 8th Dan Derby2nd Dan Black “ 04.11.84 Master Rhee 8th Dan Glasgow3rd Dan Black “ 10.08.86 Master Rhee 8th Dan Cardiff4th Dan Black (Expert) 17.09.89 Master Rhee 8th Dan Elgin5th Dan Black “ 07.03.93 Master Rhee 8th Dan Wishaw6th Dan Black “ 08.03.98 Grand Master Rhee 9th Dan Glasgow7th Dan Black (Master) 09.03.03 Grand Master Rhee 9th Dan Elgin8th Dan Blk (Senior Mst) 09.12.08 Pioneer Rhee Ki Ha 9th Dan Glasgow9th Dan Blk (Grand Mst) 16.11.12 Pioneer Rhee Ki Ha 9th Dan Stonehenge    INSTRUCTOR QUALIFICATIONS National ‘C' C;ass 29.07.84 Master Rhee 8th Dan GlasgowNational ‘B' Class 14.07.85 Master Rhee 8th Dan GlasgowNational ‘A' Class 08.08.86 Master Rhee 8th Dan CardiffInternational Instructor 17.09.89 Master Rhee 8th Dan ElginMaster Instructor 09.03.03 Grand Master Rhee 9th Dan Elgin UMPIRE QUALIFICATIONS National Umpire 08.06.85 Master Rhee 8th Dan GlasgowInternational Umpire 30.05.87 Master Rhee 8th Dan ReadingMaster Park 8th Dan EXAMINER QUALIFICATIONS International & National 17.09.89 Master Rhee 8th Dan Elgin  

Grand Master O'Neill TKD Qualifications Name:   Raymond Peter O'Neill                     Date of Birth 30th May 1961 Date started Taekwon-Do 13th September 1978 COLOURBELT QUALIFICATIONS Grade Belt Date Examiner Venue 9th Kup Yellow Tips 12.02.79 Master Rhee 7th Dan Amesbury8th Kup Yellow Belt 09.05.79 Master Rhee 7th Dan Amesbury7th Kup Green Tips 24.09.79 Master Rhee 7th Dan Boscombe6th Kup Green Belt 28.03.80 Master Rhee 7th Dan Boscombe5th Kup Blue Tips 02.06.80 Master Rhee 7th Dan Salisbury4th Kup Blue Belt 16.09.80 Master Rhee 7th Dan Bristol3rd Kup Red Tips 27.02.81 Master Rhee 8th Dan New Milton2nd Kup Red Belt 10.09.81 Master Rhee 8th Dan Bristol1st Kup Black Tips 25.05.82 Master Rhee 8th Dan Weston SM BLACKBELT QUALIFICATIONS 1st Dan Black (Novice) 27.03.83 Master Rhee 8th Dan Derby2nd Dan Black “ 04.11.84 Master Rhee 8th Dan Glasgow3rd Dan Black “ 10.08.86 Master Rhee 8th Dan Cardiff4th Dan Black (Expert) 17.09.89 Master Rhee 8th Dan Elgin5th Dan Black “ 07.03.93 Master Rhee 8th Dan Wishaw6th Dan Black “ 08.03.98 Grand Master Rhee 9th Dan Glasgow7th Dan Black (Master) 09.03.03 Grand Master Rhee 9th Dan Elgin8th Dan Blk (Senior Mst) 09.12.08 Pioneer Rhee Ki Ha 9th Dan Glasgow9th Dan Blk (Grand Mst) 16.11.12 Pioneer Rhee Ki Ha 9th Dan Stonehenge    INSTRUCTOR QUALIFICATIONS National ‘C' C;ass 29.07.84 Master Rhee 8th Dan GlasgowNational ‘B' Class 14.07.85 Master Rhee 8th Dan GlasgowNational ‘A' Class 08.08.86 Master Rhee 8th Dan CardiffInternational Instructor 17.09.89 Master Rhee 8th Dan ElginMaster Instructor 09.03.03 Grand Master Rhee 9th Dan Elgin UMPIRE QUALIFICATIONS National Umpire 08.06.85 Master Rhee 8th Dan GlasgowInternational Umpire 30.05.87 Master Rhee 8th Dan ReadingMaster Park 8th Dan EXAMINER QUALIFICATIONS International & National 17.09.89 Master Rhee 8th Dan Elgin  

Tae Kwon-Do Biography of Michael Cormack - Toronto, Canada ITF Tae Kwon-Do Pioneer and Tournament CompetitorHistory - Initial Tae Kwon-Do training commenced in early 1974 at the Jong Park Institute of Tae Kwon-Do (GM Park Jong-Soo) in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.Noteworthy Events and Achievements - Member of the International Tae Kwon-Do Federation since 1974 and Secretary Treasurer of the ITF Canadian Tae Kwon-Do Association in the early 1980's, under GM Lee Suk Hi.1st Degree Black belt awarded in Toronto by GM Park Jong Soo on April 2, 1977. (C-1-126)2nd Degree Black Belt awarded by GM Park Jung Tae on July 15, 1979.3rd Degree Black Belt awarded by GM Park Jung Tae on May 21, 1985. 4th Degree black Belt awarded by General Choi Hong Hi on July 1, 1990. (C-4-32)*4th Degree Black Belt awarded by GM Sabree Salleh (P.J.C.) on July 1, 1990. ( M-4-C-121)International Instructor Certificate Awarded July 1, 1990 Cert #: 485International Umpire Certificate Awarded July 1, 1990 Cert #: 435International Team Demonstrations -*Member of the 6th ITF Tae Kwon-Do Demonstration Team to Argentina in November 1979 with General Choi Hong Hi, GM Kim Jong Chan, GM Choi Chan Keun, GM Rhee Ki Ha, GM Park Jung Tae, GM Lee Jong Moon, GM Choi Kwang Duk, GM Kim Suk Jun, Michael Cormack. Demonstrations conducted across Argentina in sport venues within the cities of Buenos Aires, Rosario, Cordoba, San Juan and Mendoza.*Member of the 7th ITF Tae Kwon-Do Demonstration Team to Moscow and the DPR of Korea, October 1980. One of 15 delegation members from various countries, along with General Choi Hong Hi.Demonstrations in Moscow, USSR, at the Embassy of the DPR of Korea, in Pyongyang and Wonsan cities, DPR of Korea during the delegation's visit. Multiple visits to the DPR of Korea and PR of China throughout 1980 to 1989 to promote ITF Tae Kwon-Do through seminars, student training and to assist General Choi Hong Hi in the production of the Encyclopedia of Tae Kwon-Do. *Demonstration Assistant to General Choi Hong Hi during the 1982 Central America Tour and the Pan Am Central America Tae Kwon -Do Championships - hosted by Master Raul Bonilla in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Individual demonstrations in Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras with General Choi Hong Hi and the local TKD black belts from each nation and/or jurisdiction.*Demonstration Assistant to General Choi Hong Hi at Cold Lake, Colorado and GM Chuck Seriff ITF Tae Kwon-Do Summer Camp - 1988. Demonstrations and conducted the Free Sparring Seminar.Tournament History and Achievements -*1977 North American Tae Kwon-Do Championships - May 1977 Toronto, Canada - 2nd place Men's Black belt Middleweight division - free sparring (1st tournament as a new 1st Degree black belt). *Member of the 1977 Goodwill Canada versus USA Team's, Rockford, Illinois. GM Lee Jong Moon (USA) and GM Park Jong Soo (Canada) - team coaches. Canada winner. *Mid-West Tae Kwon-Do Championships - 1st Place Individual Lightweight Men's Sparring division.* 1977 Can-Am Tae Kwon Do Championships - 2nd place Lightweight division Men's Sparring. Hamilton Ontario.*Awarded Canadian Team Membership during team trials, June 1978 in Toronto, Ontario Canada.*1978 ITF World Tae Kwon-Do Championships , Sept 8 to 10th, 1978 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA. Hosted by GM Jack Hwang at the Myriad Gardens Complex, with the finals overseen by Master Chuck Norris. 1978 2nd ITF World Championships - Medals won -1) Gold Medal - Team Free Sparring2) Silver Medal - Individual Middle Weight Men's Free Sparring3) Silver Medal - Team Patterns*1978 Canadian National Karate Championships - 1st Place Men's Lightweight Sparring division in Hamilton, Ontario Canada.1979 Central Canada Open Tae Kwon-Do Championships - 3rd Place Sparring - Men's Heavyweight division, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada . *1979 Kwang Kim's Cup Open Tae Kwon do Tournament - 1st place Black Belt sparring - Men's Lightweight division, Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Thierry MeyourITF Taekwon-Do FinlandVII degree Master FL-7-2A-Umpire certificateCURRICULUM VITAETaekwon-Do History1976- Started Martial arts with Judo under the guidance of Feu Masanori Fukami 8th Degree and Mait Kawas 3rd degree (one of the first female Judo black belt in the world).1979- Started Taekwondo/Taekwon-Do in Lebanon.1987- Moved to Italy (due to the Lebanese civil war) and continued my training in Rome under the guidance of Mr. Vincenzo Coteni.1989- Founded my first school in Rome.1992- Moved to France and established the AFTITF (founding association of the current ITF France).1996- Moved back to Lebanon and established the first ITF NA at the request of Gen. Choi.1998- Moved to Finland.1999- Established Black Eagle Taekwon-Do.2000- Assisted Gen. Choi in the first IIC in France along with Master Lear.2013- Awarded ITF Finland most influential personality.2014- Elected President of ITF Finland and Technical Director (more than doubled the membership level within my term).2015- Co-organizer IIC 106 Tampere.2016- Co organizer of the European Championships in Tampere (Considered among the best ITF competition to date).2016- Awarded ITF Finland Instructor of the year.2016- Black Eagle Taekwon-Do awarded Workers Union most inclusive and fair club in Finland among over 3000 clubs.2017- Successfully negotiated the integration of ITF Finland as full member of the Finnish Olympic Committee with voting rights.2018- Awarded the Medal of Merit of Sports by the Finnish Ministry of Education.2018- Appointed as Head Coach of the Finnish National Team.2018- Vice President of ITF Finland in charge of communication with the ITF.Responsibilities and achievements:2008-2020: Member of ITF Finland Board (4 years as board member, 4 years as president, 2 years as vice-president).2008-2018: Technical Director of ITF Finland.Since 2018: Head Coach of the Finnish National Team.Since 2014: Member of the Disciplinary Committee of ITF Finland.Since 1999: Head Instructor of Black Eagle Taekwon-Do in 4 different locations in the Tampere region- Approx. 200 members.- 30 active black belts, 5 instructors (2 more to be promoted within the next 2 years).2019: co-Established Black Eagle Taekwon-Do Singapore with Sabum Viktor Rikkonen.- Co organizer of 1 IIC (2015)- Co organized 1 European Championship (2016)- Member of the organizing committee of the World Championships 2021.- Organized 10 international competitions (Winternational Taekwon-Do Open and nowadays Black Eagle Taekwon-Do Open)- Organizer of the Legends seminar series with: Mr Pierre Guenette, Master Van de Mortel, Mr Oleg and Mrs Katya Solovey, Master Jaroslaw Suska, Master Jurek Jedut, Master Mark Hutton, Master Tomasz Barada, Mr Mark Trotter, Mr Carl Van Roon, Mr Julio Carlos, Mr. Lylian Doulay and Mr. Neil Ernest- Successfully trained top athletes: Mira Sjövall (2x World Champion, 4x European Champion, 1x Vice European Champion, 1x European Bronze Medalist), Lylian Doulay (1x World Champion, 5x European Champion, 1x Vice World Champion, 1x World Bronze medalist), Ukko Haverinen (2x Vice World Champion, 2x Vice European Champion, Thomas Maffei (Vice World Champion), Mohammad Altaai (European Champion), Antti Holmen (European Bronze medalist), Jukka Holmen (European bronze medalist).- Founder of ITF Patterns Unleashed Grading History:- 1st degree Junior: circa: 10.1984- 1st degree Senior: 1.12.1988- 2nd degree 27.11.1994 - Gen. Choi Hong Hi- 4th degree 30.07.1995 - double graded by Gen. Choi Hong Hi- 5th degree 28.02.2000 - Gen. Choi Hong Hi- 6th degree 27.01.2008- ITF Technical Committee- 7th degree 22.02.2014 – GM Ung, GM BekingIIC – IUC – Conventions- IIC 82, 86, 103, 147, 152, 163 under the guidance of General. Choi Hong Hi.- IIC 64, 81, 88, 98, 106, 114, 146 under the guidance of the ITF technical committee.- IUC 9-55 Limerick.- ITF convention – Benidorm 2017.- ICC: Dublin 2019Education:- Physical Education Teacher- Professional Coach European proficiency level 6.Professional experience:1995-2005: Security for various artistsLanguages:- French: Mother tongue- English: Fluent- Italian: Fluent - Arabic: Fluent- Finnish: Advanced- Spanish: NotionsHobbies:Lead Singer in the Finnish Tribute to Pink Floyd (the most successful tribute band in Finland)Scuba DivingSauna and ice swimmingCooking

Master Tony Vella, a 8th Degree Black Belt with the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF). He is an international instructor and grading examiner with all his grades and qualifications recognised by the ITF which has over 100 member countries. He has been training in Taekwon-Do since 1982 and has been graded beginner to senior Instructor by Grand Master Rhee Ki Ha 9th Degree, the founder of Taekwon-Do in the UK.As a former member of the British National Team he has competed and won medals all over the world including: California, North Korea, Switzerland, Greece, Having served the public in the instruction of Taekwon-Do for over 25 years.

Master Tony Vella, 8th Degree Black Belt with the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF). He is an international instructor and grading examiner with all his grades and qualifications recognised by the ITF which has over 100 member countries. He has been training in Taekwon-Do since 1982 and has been graded beginner to senior Instructor by Grand Master Rhee Ki Ha 9th Degree, the founder of Taekwon-Do in the UK.As a former member of the British National Team he has competed and won medals all over the world including: California, North Korea, Switzerland, Greece, Having served the public in the instruction of Taekwon-Do for over 25 years.

Hanshi Dave Kovar, the founder of Kovar Systems and Kovar's Satori Academies, started his martial arts journey in 1972 as a teenager, following in the footsteps of his older brother, Tim. He began studying Kenpo Karate, training under Hanshi Bruce Juchnik and immediately fell in love with the martial arts. As he recalls, he was immediately hooked and still remembers the immediate confidence boost he felt after learning his first self-defense technique. Just 2 years later, at the ripe old age of 15, he began teaching.His martial arts journey was just beginning, but his student mindset would stay with him for the rest of his life. He has embraced the best of what all martial arts have to offer, and shortly after starting his training, he began seeking out new styles, disciplines, and training partners to compliment his growth as a martial artist. In 1974, Kovar started Japanese Jujitsu under Bob McKean. In 1975, he began Serrada Escrima with the Angel Cabelas Organization. He earned his first black belt - his 1st degree in Kenpo Karate - in May, 1977. He would come to earn black belts in 9 other styles over his training career, while continuing to advance in his love of Kenpo. Kovar loved to spar and compete. He competed in over 200 martial arts tournaments in forms and fighting from 1974-1989. Of those, he won first place over 90 times including 4 “grand champion” sparring titles and in 1982 he was rated “California Competitor of the Year.” In 1988 he won the United States Martial Arts Championships men's heavyweight division in Reno, Nevada.But perhaps what most defines the martial arts career of Hanshi Dave Kovar is how he defines his priorities – his guiding compass through the years. As he has shared countless times with his team and those he meets, he considers himself a Martial Artist first, an Instructor second, and a Businessman third. It is through this prioritization of those different roles that has maintained his fire as a life-long student, always seeking to learn from others. Early-on, he sought out several pioneers and luminaries in the industry. He trained in Okinawan Kobudo with Shihan Mikio Nishiuchi, Serrada Escrima with George Santana, and Modern Arnis with Remy Presas. In the late 80's Dave begin training Tae Kwon Do formally under Grand Master Jhoon Rhee, the father of American Tae Kwon Do. In the early 90's Dave further branched his training to include Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Cesar and Ralph Gracie, Jeet Kune Do under Burt Richardson, Tai Chi under David Dernhardt, CDT and LRT under Tom Patiere. Over the years his list of instructors has only grown, and he continues to set the example of maintaining an “empty cup” with a persistent willingness to learn.  His willingness to learn has meant, of course, that he is a wealth of martial arts information, and he has – quite literally – written the book on being a martial arts instructor. He oversees the operation of his eight Kovar's Satori Academy schools, currently serving nearly 3000 students in the Sacramento area. Since he began teaching in 1978, he has had literally tens of thousands of students come through his doors, and has promoted over three thousand students to the rank of black belt and beyond. But his instructional skills extend well beyond Sacramento, CA. He is the lead instructor for the Martial Arts Industry Association and in 1992 earned “Instructor of the Year” from the U.S. Martial Arts Association. His love for teaching and developing others led him to sharing his teaching methods via seminars around the world on several continents and more recently online through The Satori Alliance, a martial arts association dedicated to raising the standard for Martial Arts Instructors through Instructor Certification and Ranking.Today, Hanshi Kovar is recognized worldwide as an innovator of best practices for ethical martial arts school operation. He believes strongly in doing business in a way that puts students and the martial arts first, in line with his guiding principles. He realized early on in his career as an instructor that to build a great team, defining and documenting his processes would be key to long-term success. And document he did! Dave Kovar has been a prolific author and has produced countless video, online, and written series on curriculum, teaching, business systems, and more. His methods have been shared through a long list of industry-organizations. He founded ProMAC, the Professional Martial Arts College to help share a deeper level of what he's learned about running a successful martial arts business with school owners around the globe. In 2010, he was honored to be named the recipient of the Martial Arts Industry Association's Lifetime Achievement Award. Clearly, his impact in the industry has been wide-felt though the last four decades.

Master M Hewlett VIIth DegreeI started TKD in Germany when my Father was stationed in Rheindahlen. My first instructors were Roy Marsden, 3rd degree and Morris Matthews 1st Degree. Although based in Germany we were graded under the Dutch TKD association at the time. In 1985 I moved back to the UK and joined the UKTA with my gradings under FGMR Rhee Ki Ha.In the late 80's I took over Tunbridge Well TKD school.I ran this and Hastings TKD until leaving full time instructing to join the Ambulance service. I now train in solitude in North Devon and once the pandemic is over will be visiting Master Phil Lear at Vision to train with him and his students.I spend my time researching mindfulness and meditation now and am the producer of the Calming Anxiety podcast show.

Tom Callos Mini-Bio:Tom Callos is a 7th degree black belt under Ernie Reyes, Sr. --and a 1st dan in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu under Andre Galvao. His first lessons were in judo, in 1969. He earned his 1st degree black belt in Taekwondo in 1979 --and his Black Belt in Jiu-Jitsu 49 years after he first stepped on the mats.Tom owned 2 schools located in Reno, Nevada that at their peak taught over 800 students each week. He was, for a time, in a partnership with his teacher in 11 schools in California's Bay Area and owned a school located in Hilo, Hawaii which is now owned and operated by his former student, BJ Penn. For several decades before his retirement in 2019, Tom was in service to the international martial arts community as a business consultant and curriculum designer. The programs he designed focused on altruism and his “Out of the dojo and into the world” approach to marketing, teaching, and rank testing. He designed programs such as The Ultimate Black Belt Test, The 6-Tasks Character Development Program, The Random Acts of Kindness Program --and for 15 years ran an annual “build-vention,” a martial arts business convention that was held in rural Alabama and had participants raising money for --and then building --homes and other structures to benefit people in need. His efforts in Alabama brought a quarter of a million dollars in donations and was a catalyst for more than 40,000 man-hours of volunteer labor. Now retired from consulting, Tom is working on his Bachelor of Fine Arts, with a specialty in printmaking at Boise State University.

Tom Callos is a 7th degree black belt under Ernie Reyes, Sr. --and a 1st dan in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu under Andre Galvao. His first lessons were in judo, in 1969. He earned his 1st degree black belt in Taekwondo in 1979 --and his Black Belt in Jiu-Jitsu 49 years after he first stepped on the mats.Tom owned 2 schools located in Reno, Nevada that at their peak taught over 800 students each week. He was, for a time, in a partnership with his teacher in 11 schools in California's Bay Area and owned a school located in Hilo, Hawaii which is now owned and operated by his former student, BJ Penn. For several decades before his retirement in 2019, Tom was in service to the international martial arts community as a business consultant and curriculum designer. The programs he designed focused on altruism and his “Out of the dojo and into the world” approach to marketing, teaching, and rank testing. He designed programs such as The Ultimate Black Belt Test, The 6-Tasks Character Development Program, The Random Acts of Kindness Program --and for 15 years ran an annual “build-vention,” a martial arts business convention that was held in rural Alabama and had participants raising money for --and then building --homes and other structures to benefit people in need. His efforts in Alabama brought a quarter of a million dollars in donations and was a catalyst for more than 40,000 man-hours of volunteer labor. Now retired from consulting, Tom is working on his Bachelor of Fine Arts, with a specialty in printmaking at Boise State University.

Grand Master Phap Lu, 9th Dan, MBABiographyGrand Master Phap Lu currently holds a 9" Degree Black Belt and has held the followingtitles:• International Taekwon-Do Master Instructor• International Umpire and Examiner• Assistant Instructor for the Founder of Taekwon-Do; General Choi Hong Hi,(1985-2002)• President of Chan Hun International TaeKwon-Do Federation,www.chitf.org• Founder of Wu-Zen, a Canadian Martial art & Meditation, www.iwzf.org• Author of the self defence book-" Enough is Enough”• Author of TAEKWON-DO CURRICULUM TEXT BOOKS• Author of “Martial Art Business Management”• Producer of the Self-Defence DVD “Enough is Enough”• Producer of the 24 TAEKWON-DO PATTERNS - DVDS Series• Producer of the TAEKWON-DO CURRICULUM DVDs• Producer of the WU-ZEN Videos• Producer of “ TAEK CHO DVD• 1984 World Champion – 4" ITF World TKD Championship- Glasgow, Scotland• 1982 Champion-Intercontinental Cup- Quebec, Canada• 1985 winner of the “Outstanding Ontario Youth award” for Athletic Achievement• In 1994 received the “Outstanding Instructor Award” from General Choi Hong Hi• Founder/Principle of the INTERNATIONAL TAEKWON-DO CORRESPONDENTSCHOOL• Founder of "SOFT FIST'- A Canadian version of Tai-Chi• Founder of “TAEK CHO'- Aerobic Kickboxing exercisePhap Lu was born in Saigon, Vietnam in 1956. At the age of 13, he started Taekwon-Dotraining and received his 1" Degree Black Belt at the age of 15. He then became anInstructor at the famous Ohdokwan Taekwon-Do School in Vietnam.In 1979, Master Lu came to Canada . In 1982 Phap Lu won first place in Free StyleBreaking Techniques at the Inter Continental Cup in Quebec City. He also helped theCanadian Team place 1 overall at the same tournament. Phap Lu was a Gold Medalist inthe 4th World Taekwon-Do Championship held in Scotland in 1984. Over 45 countriesparticipated and Grand Master Lu helped lead the Canadian Team to be the victoriousGrand Champions.2In 1989, the Founder of Taekwon-Do, General Choi Hong Hi, askedGrand Master Lu toassist him with International Instructor's Seminars around the World. Grand Maste Luassisted General Choi with International Instructor's Seminars until the General's death in2002.On an academic level, Grand Master Lu earned his MBA Degree from the University ofOttawa in 1998.Grand Master Lu established the Chan Hun International TaeKwon-Do Federation in2013 with 50 affiliated countries members. As well Grand Master Lu founded the Wu-Zen, a Canadian Martial art & Meditation system.Grand Master Lu has dedicated his life to continue to uphold the Founder, Gen. ChoiHong Hi, original TaeKwon-Do techniques, his philosophy to the next generation throughconducting international seminars, work-shops, World Championships, Conferences.Grand Master Lu has also volunteered his free service to teach people who would like tolearn about the method of Wu-Zen meditation for a healthy life-style.

Grand Master Phap Lu, 9th Dan, MBABiographyGrand Master Phap Lu currently holds a 9" Degree Black Belt and has held the followingtitles:• International Taekwon-Do Master Instructor• International Umpire and Examiner• Assistant Instructor for the Founder of Taekwon-Do; General Choi Hong Hi,(1985-2002)• President of Chan Hun International TaeKwon-Do Federation,www.chitf.org• Founder of Wu-Zen, a Canadian Martial art & Meditation, www.iwzf.org• Author of the self defence book-" Enough is Enough”• Author of TAEKWON-DO CURRICULUM TEXT BOOKS• Author of “Martial Art Business Management”• Producer of the Self-Defence DVD “Enough is Enough”• Producer of the 24 TAEKWON-DO PATTERNS - DVDS Series• Producer of the TAEKWON-DO CURRICULUM DVDs• Producer of the WU-ZEN Videos• Producer of “ TAEK CHO DVD• 1984 World Champion – 4" ITF World TKD Championship- Glasgow, Scotland• 1982 Champion-Intercontinental Cup- Quebec, Canada• 1985 winner of the “Outstanding Ontario Youth award” for Athletic Achievement• In 1994 received the “Outstanding Instructor Award” from General Choi Hong Hi• Founder/Principle of the INTERNATIONAL TAEKWON-DO CORRESPONDENTSCHOOL• Founder of "SOFT FIST'- A Canadian version of Tai-Chi• Founder of “TAEK CHO'- Aerobic Kickboxing exercisePhap Lu was born in Saigon, Vietnam in 1956. At the age of 13, he started Taekwon-Dotraining and received his 1" Degree Black Belt at the age of 15. He then became anInstructor at the famous Ohdokwan Taekwon-Do School in Vietnam.In 1979, Master Lu came to Canada . In 1982 Phap Lu won first place in Free StyleBreaking Techniques at the Inter Continental Cup in Quebec City. He also helped theCanadian Team place 1 overall at the same tournament. Phap Lu was a Gold Medalist inthe 4th World Taekwon-Do Championship held in Scotland in 1984. Over 45 countriesparticipated and Grand Master Lu helped lead the Canadian Team to be the victoriousGrand Champions.2In 1989, the Founder of Taekwon-Do, General Choi Hong Hi, askedGrand Master Lu toassist him with International Instructor's Seminars around the World. Grand Maste Luassisted General Choi with International Instructor's Seminars until the General's death in2002.On an academic level, Grand Master Lu earned his MBA Degree from the University ofOttawa in 1998.Grand Master Lu established the Chan Hun International TaeKwon-Do Federation in2013 with 50 affiliated countries members. As well Grand Master Lu founded the Wu-Zen, a Canadian Martial art & Meditation system.Grand Master Lu has dedicated his life to continue to uphold the Founder, Gen. ChoiHong Hi, original TaeKwon-Do techniques, his philosophy to the next generation throughconducting international seminars, work-shops, World Championships, Conferences.Grand Master Lu has also volunteered his free service to teach people who would like tolearn about the method of Wu-Zen meditation for a healthy life-style.

Master Natasa Manavaki VII ITF HQ KoreaEurope Chairwoman of Education and AmbassadorTaekwon Do club owner and pro teaching tkd itf and Fitness since 1997 Seminary International Taekwon Do ITF 7th degree instructor A class refereeFitness ,Gravity Yoga,Pilates ,boxing and Tigers kids program instructor.One year (2018)year instructor in HQ Korea center of excellence program in South Korea Sejong city ,and conducting many seminars there also with well known GM's and Masters like Gm Sanders ,Master Kruk ,Gm Kang ,Master Lee Jongmok.Currently working and teaching based in Greece Thessaloniki city together with GM Vasilis Alexandris and fully working for HQ Europe ,organizing and participating in ITF Taekwon Do HQ Europe Federation

Master Michael Thompson VIII BSc Sports Science, Cert EdTae Kwon-Do CVName:Michael John ThompsonNicknames:The attitude re-adjustment officer or the Big left HookCurrent Grade:8th Degree ITF & Korean Kickboxing MasterNational Organisations:ITF HQ Scotland January 2018 to PresentUnited Kingdom Tae Kwon-Do Federation 1987 to 2018United Kingdom Tae Kwon-Do Association 1976 to 1987International Organisations:ITF HQ Korea January 2018 to PresentITF 1976 to 2018AETF 1976 to 2018Started Training:UKTA/ ITF Tae Kwon-Do 6th January 1976 in Elgin, Scotland under one of the most prolific instructors in the UK at the time the late Mr. J.C.Scott.Promotion:10th Kup to 1st Kup Graded by FGM Rhee Ki Ha (FGMR)Black Belt Promotion Dates:1st Degree3rd September 1978 (FGMR)2nd Degree25th September 1983 (FGMR)3rd Degree10th August 1986 (FGMR) 4th Degree26th August 1989 (General Choi & FGMR)5th Degree25th September 1994 (GM McCallum)6th Degree25 October 1999 (General Choi)7th Degree6th January 2005 (GM Trân Triêu Quân)8th degree6th January 2018 (ITF HQ Korea)International Courses:International Instructors Course – Vienna 1990International Instructors Course – Scotland 1991International Umpires Course – Venice 1995International Umpires Course – London 1996International Instructors Course – Dublin 1999International Instructors Course – Scotland 2002International Instructors Course – Belgium 2004International Instructors Course – Dublin 2005International Instructors Course – Australia 2006International Instructors Course – Scotland 2012International Instructors Course – Scotland 2019National Courses:Attended UKTA Instructors and Umpires Courses annually from 1979 to 1987 with FGMRAttended UKTF Instructors and Umpires Courses annually from 1987 to 2018Delivered UKTF Instructors Courses 2002 to 2018Current and Other Duties:ITF HQ Scotland Black Belt Grading ExaminerITF HQ Scotland Technical DirectorITF HQ Europe Special Advisor Committee memberKorean Kickboxing Instructor and ExaminerSports Scotland Martial Arts Coach VerifierSchools:Elgin School of Tae Kwon-Do 1976 – 1979 - studentFounder Forres School of Tae Kwon-Do in 1979 - instructorFounder Gateshead School of Tae Kwon-Do in 1986 – instructorFounder Fence Houses (Durham) School of Tae Kwon-Do in 1989 – instructorFounder Longbenton (Newcastle) School of Tae Kwon-Do in 1990 - instructorDunbar Black Belt Academy 2003 – 2005 – senior instructorITF TaeKwon-Do Scotland 2005 – present - Consultant Master InstructorOther fitness qualifications: Kickboxing Master Instructor/Examiner, NCFE in Personal Training - Exercise Prescription - Circuit Training - Exercise to music, Fatburn Extreme instructor, Cardio-kickboxing instructor.I have also attended many National and International Tournaments as a competitor (1978 to 1997), and latterly as a black belt from 1979 as an umpire, corner referee, centre referee, and jury president.

Here I interview Master Paul McPhail 8th Degree from ITF New ZealandMaster McPhail began training in 1975 and attained 1st dan black belt at sixteen. He opened his first school in 1985, and began examining in 1988 on his promotion to 4th dan black belt. Master McPhail became Technical Director and Chief Examiner of ITFNZ in 1990.He attended many seminars with General Choi Hong Hi and received the 'Outstanding Instructor Medal' from the International Taekwon-Do Federation in 1994. He attained 8th dan black belt in 2013 and became a member of the ITF Technical and Instruction Committee in 2015.In 2015 he launched the on-line instructions platform TKDCoaching.com which has since grown to become the go-to teaching resource for ITF practitioners and instructors alike.I do hope you enjoy Thank you for listening Please like and subscribe

Here I interview Grandmaster KJN Joe Cariati, 9th Dan GM KJN Cariati started his martial art training in the early 70's, with over 45 years of martial art training and experience, GM KJC Cariati is one of the most senior Ch'ang Hon Style Taekwondo practitioners in the world today.Serving and working with the late Founder of Taekwondo, General Choi Hong Hi, in the last 15 years of his life, allowed GM KJN Cariati to learn the original Taekwondo technique in its most authentic form.  In between 1991 and 2002, he traveled with the late Founder as Personal Assistant throughout North America, South America, and Europe, which marked the most valuable period in his life.  Living and working side-by-side with the Founder no doubt has equipped GM KJN Cariati with excellent knowledge in the original Taekwondo technique developed in that last period of the Founder's life.  GM KJN Cariati is one of a handful non-Korean who has earned the privilege of being a direct disciple of the Founder.  This undoubtedly makes GM KJN Cariati a true heritage in the original martial art of Taekwondo.After the Founder passed in 2002, GM KJC Cariati joined hands with a few other senior Taekwondo practitioners to preserve the Founder's legacy by forming the International Ch'ang Hon Taekwon-Do Federation.  GM KJN Cariati was elected as the Executive Vice President in the Founding Congress in 2003, and was elected to be the President of ICTF four years later in 2007.   GM KJN J Cariati has been unanimously elected as the Chairman of ICTF under a perpetual term by the Executive Committees in 2017.Today, GM KJC Cariati stands as a Ch'ang Hon Style Taekwondo Martial Art Icon.  His unselfish character drives him to impart the most authentic original Taekwondo techniques to the Taekwondo practitioners throughout the world in invitational seminars and events.  As a true Ch'ang Hon Style Taekwondo martial artist, GM KJN Cariati's contribution to the betterment of original Taekwondo martial art is unmatched and beyond comparison. ICTF ChairmanICTF PresidentGrandmaster KJN Joe Cariati, 9th Dan

Here I interview Grand Master Peter Sanders IX from the Netherlands9TH DAN TAEKWONDO (Chairman Masters Council HQ Korea) 8TH DAN HAPKIDO (Technical Director Europe) 7TH DAN TEUKGONG MOOSOOL (Technical Director Europe) MASTER SANDERS IS A MASTER WHO IS A WELL KNOWN REPRESENT OF KOREAN MARTIAL ARTS. HE HAS STUDIED AND PRACTISED MARTIAL ARTS FOR OVER 53 YEARSGrandmaster Peter Sanders 9th Degree Blackbelt in Taekwon-Do ITFGrandmaster Peter Sanders is an internationally renowned Grandmaster in various Martial Arts such as hapkido 8th degree and Teukgong Moosool 7th Degree.He is a valued representative of Korean Martial Arts and as such conducted seminars in over 20 countries such as USA, Canada, Mexico, Croatia, Hungary, Serbia, Russia, England, Ireland, Scotland, Turkey and others. Grandmaster Sanders has supported many countries in developing Martial Arts without any financial gain through his Grandmaster Sanders FriendshipGrandmaster Sanders managed and supported Taekwon-Do clubs all over the world, from Europe to Asia and from the US to Russia.Grandmaster Sanders holds various positions in the International Martial Arts scene, such as;* President Council of masters* Vice President International Taekwondo Federation HQ korea* Olympic Taekwondo Topsport Coordinator* Technical Director Europe* International Referee and ExaminerThe special relation Grandmaster Sanders had with General Choi made him change from a Taekwondo consumer to a Disseminator of the art. “ Nobody ever touched me the way General Choi did”.Grandmaster Sanders is Director of the Dutch Security Company Security Professionals and has as such connected Martial Arts to his business life. As instructor for various police squads and armed forces in the world he showed his ability to perform realistic self defence of the highest possible level.“ A good GrandGrandmaster has strong hands on the outside and warm hands on the inside” is the principle Grandmaster Sanders brought into his instructing.At the Taekwon-Do Hall of Fame inauguration in las vegas, Grandmaster Sanders was honoured because of his teaching according to this principle. Training can be hard where the technical part is concerned but the love and friendship, the will to teach, listen, help and be there for his students is the warm hand, always willing to help, also in real life situations.Awards:* Taekwondo Hall of Fame* Preservation of the Martial Heritage* ITF Exceptional Disseminator of the Arts