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USAT Announces Historic Kukkiwon Special Dan Testing   USA Taekwondo, The USAT Martial Arts Commission and Kukkiwon are pleased to announce the planning of an unprecedented Special Dan Rank Promotion testing event.  This testing opportunity will apply to all Kukkiwon ranks from 1st-7th  Dan, as may be appropriate for the applicant. This opportunity is only being offered through USA Taekwondo (National Governing Body.) The special promotion tests will apply to the following categories of taekwondo practitioners. Kukkiwon Rank Recognition Test: Those who have never received a Kukkiwon Dan rank but who have received a Dan rank from a credible taekwondo organization or credible Master/Grandmaster Instructor and are seeking Kukkiwon recognition of the rank they have achieved. Skip Dan Test: Those who hold a Kukkiwon Dan rank, but who missed the opportunity (on more than one occasion) to test for subsequent Kukkiwon Dan ranks and would like to bring their Kukkiwon Dan current and will need to skip one or more Dan ranks (up to three ranks) to do so. Time Reduction Test: Those who wish to test for a higher rank, but whose age or time in the current rank do not meet Kukkiwon standards, may test if their overall training and experience otherwise satisfies Kukkiwon's requirements. Kukkiwon will hold a mandatory 12-16 hour Poomsae seminar on the 13th and 14th of February during the U.S. Open in Las Vegas, with testing to occur either later on the 14th or on the morning of the 15th.  All applicants shall submit a resume of their martial arts history, complete the Kukkiwon forms, and where applicable submit a copy of their current Dan rank certificate. In addition, 4th Dan to 7th Dan applicants must take the seminar and a physical test, and must submit a thesis on a topic to be assigned. "This is an unprecedented and exciting opportunity for Masters to achieve their deserved Kukkiwon ranks," said USAT CEO David Askinas. "We are hoping to receive a positive response from the taekwondo community so we can schedule the testing event in Las Vegas at U.S. Open." USAT will be posting application forms guidelines  (Click Here 크릭하여 심사원서 작성 및 안내서 참조) on this website.  We will want your current Kukkiwon Rank, your desired rank, and a letter detailing the reasons why you believe your promotion is justified.  The applications will be reviewed by USAT and the Martial Arts Commissions for acceptability and forwarded to Kukkiwon for final review.  Applicants who meet all necessary requirements to qualify for testing will receive notice of approval their application in advance of the test date. "This is a remarkable and rare opportunity to make Taekwondo history," added Martial Arts Commission Chairman Grand Master JP Choi. "Every eligible Taekwondo Dan holder in the USA should embrace this moment with enthusiasm and apply for promotion without delay. The chance may never come again." Fees for testing will be charged in the following manner and are due at the time the application is received.  An applicant will be charged for a maximum of three Dan rank tests regardless of the number of ranks involved in the test. For example, if an applicant is applying for the new Kukkiwon Rank Recognition Test or seeking a Skip Dan Test, he/she will be charged only for the three highest rank test fees. For example, a 3d Dan seeking 7th Dan would pay fees only for 5th, 6th, and 7th  Dan. Similarly, an applicant seeking a Rank Recognition test for 7th Dan, will also only pay test fees for the three highest testing ranks (in this case, 5th, 6th, and 7th Dan-). If only one or two rank promotions are being sought, the applicant will be charged for those requested ranks. The planned test is conditioned upon 70 approved physical test (4th-7th Dan and/ or those who are skipping three Dans) applications from Kukkiwon. It is important that all applicants submit their applications and other materials not later than January 10, 2009. USAT and the Martial Arts Commission will promptly review the applications and submit them to Kukkiwon. Kukkiwon will issue notice of approval in time for travel arrangements to be made. Should the test not go forward in Las Vegas in February, the back up plan is to hold it in July in conjunction with the Junior Olympics and Senior Nationals which will be held in Austin, Texas.  Another special testing opportunity for 8th and 9th Dan will be offered later in 2009 by the Kukkiwon if all applicants meet the Kukkiwon requirements. Please address all questions to USAT CEO David Askinas david.askinas@usa-taekwondo.us or Grandmaster Joon Pyo Choi, Co-Chairman of the USAT Martial Arts Commission  jpchoi@moogong.com.  * 캘리포니아 협회에 심사원서를 제출하여 주시기 바랍니다. 미국 태권도 지도자들의 다시 찾은 영광? <무카스미디어 = 정대길 기자> (2008-07-11 오후 5:27) ㅣ 추천수:3 ㅣ 인쇄수:12 미주 주니어올림픽태권도대회, 홀대 받던 한인사범들 위상회복 경기장에 나선 미국 한인 사범들의 모습. 미국태권도협회가 공인하는 경기에서 홀대받던 한국계 태권도 지도자들이 본부석에 앉게 되는 영광을 되 찾았다. 지난 1일부터 6일까지 미국 전역에서 3000여명이 모여 기량을 겨룬 ‘전 미주 주니어올림픽태권도대회’에 냉대 받던 한인 사범들이 공식 석상에 초대받은 것이다. 앞서 2004년 USTU 전임 회장의 비리사건 이후 USOC로 부터 모든 한국인 사범들은 대회장에서 많은 수모를 겪어 왔었다. 더욱이 지난 4년 동안 미국태권도협회가 주관하는 공식 태권도 경기 그 어디에서도 한인 사범들의 모습을 찾아볼 수 없었다. 마치 장외에서 서성거리는 국외자 취급을 당해 온 것이다. 이런 문제를 해결하기 위해 미국의 최준표, 김홍강 사범은 미국 태권도협회와 어려운 법적 투쟁 및 끈임 없는 협상을 시작했다. 결국 미국태권도협회 (USAT)내에 무도연맹(Martial Arts Commission - MAC) 설립에 성공했고, 현재 200 명이 넘는 한국계 고단자 들을 미국연맹에 가입시키고, 2천명이 넘는 회원을 등록시켰다. 이 결과 한국계 관장 및 사범들은 2008 쥬니어 올림픽경기 개회식 본부석에서 전원이 미국태권도의 개척자 및 지도자로 인정되는 커미셔너 임명패를 수여 받았다. (사진제공 = USAT) [정대길 기자 / press02@mookas.com]

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In Memory of our dear Great Grand Master Lee, Boem Jhoo August 29, 2008 Grandmaster Hong L. Kim (Left), Grandmaster Boem Jhoo Lee (Right) Our dear great Grand Master Lee, Boem Jhoo, Secretary general of Belgium Tae Kwon Do Federation,  the former USAT-Martial Arts Commissioner  dedicated his whole life in Taekwondo has passed away. He began training in Taekwondo since 1961 and over 50 years has served in many different areas of promoting Marialil Artst; in training, teaching, propagating and further expanding around the world including, Belgium, Denmark, Norway and China. His contributions to Taekwondo and his dedications are worthy of a title as an ambassador of public relations in Taekwondo. He has always been pleading for the best of Taekwondo and has sacrificed his whole life with positive attitude to promote our martial art, Taekwondo to the world. We hope and pray for the comfort and encouragement for the family who have lost their love ones especially for the loss of the Mother of Grand Master Lee, Boem Jhoo  who passed away right after her son’s death. May the peace be with the family members. Now, as we give this condolence in memory of our Great Grand Master Lee, Boem Jhoo , we also dedicate ourselves to follow after Grand Master Lee’s footsteps to carry on this precious royal task to promote Taekwondo all around the world. USAT-MAC Co-Chairman, Joon P. Choi and Hong Kong Kim Grandmaster Hong Lae, Kim Secretary general of USAT-CAMAC 고 이범주 큰 사범님 전에 태권도에 일생을 바친 우리동지 벨지움 태권도협회 사무총장이자 USAT-MAC의 커미셔너 이범주 큰사범이 하늘의 부르심을 받고 세상을 떠나셨습니다. 1961 년 에 태권도 에 입문하여 50여년동안 태권도의 수련, 교습, 홍보, 및  벨지움, 덴막 , 노르웨이 및 중국등  세계 태권도 보급에 헌신한 그의 공덕은 우리태권도 인은 물론 대한민국의 홍보대사로 가히 인정을 받고도 남음이 있습니다. . 그는 태권도 정의구현을 위하여 일생을 투신했고 항상 긍정적인 자세로 태권도 의 발전에 기여 하였습니다. 이제 우리와 세상을 달리한 이범주 큰사범의 영혼과 사랑하는 아들 을 보내고 그 뒤를 따르신 어머님과 뒤에 남은 온 가족에게 평안 이 있기를 기원합니다. 이범주 큰사범이 남긴 귀중한 업적은 후세 태권도 발전에 초석이 될것임을 확신하며  삼가 조의를 표합니다. USAT-MAC 미국태권도무도연맹 공동회장 최준표, 김홍강 Grandmaster 김홍래(Hong L,Kim) Secretary general of USAT-CAMAC

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The Commissioner  Moon Dae Sung of USAT-MAC ‘Elected IOC Member’ He was appointed as a commissioner of USAT-MAC on May 6th, 2008  The young Korean IOC committee’s member who produces “Small miracle” seemed more good-looking conspicuously. It seems to surprising the people of world, the Olympic gold list , the university professor, a executive member of the world Taekwondo Federation and the cosmetics model one outward appearance back existing which it observes in the career which is gorgeous it soaks recently in global village sports nobility and he grasped the title of a player member of IOC in 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic.

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'Taekwondo Hanmadang' Goes Back Home Injured   July 25, 2008 'World Taekwondo Hanmadang' takes place in US with only 'few' countries December 9th 1992, new era of Taekwondo as a martial arts began. That was when 'Taekwondo Hanmadang' was first introduced. It was first hosted by Korean Taekwondo Association and in 1999; Kukkiwon took its place in hosting the event. Hanmadang which represents the birthplace of Taekwondo celebrated its 17th year at '2008 US World Taekwondo Hanmadang' since it first began. This year was the first time that Hanmadang was hosted at a foreign country. When it was first announced that Hanmadang will be leaving Korea to be hosted in the United States in year 2008, many people voiced their opposing views. Regardless, rights to host 2008 Hanmadang in the United States were given to United States Taekwondo Federation (USTF, President Sang Chul Lee). US Hanmadang began on the 16th and ended on the 20th at the Anaheim Convention Center in California. This year's Hanmadang's total attendance, including competitors and spectators who came to watch the opening ceremony was approximately 2000. Through this year's Hanmadang, Taekwondo practitioners in the United States definitely were able to experience Taekwondo's martial art spirit. That is one thing this year's Hanmadang did accomplish. In that sense, one may say this was a successful event. However, Hanmadang had more losses through this year's Hanmadang in the United States. This year's Hanmadang can hardly be called 'World Taekwondo Hanmadang'. Even Korea, which is a country that usually has the most competitors at Hanmadang only came with about 100 competitors. Masters from United States failed to form a unity for the sake of Hanmadang and did not show up even if the event was being held in their area. For that reason, this year's Hanmadang was not a 'Festival for world Taekwondo practitioners' but more like a local tournament. Event organizers blame current economy crises in the United States, lack of support from masters in the United States, and lack of financial contribution from Kukkiwon for the outcome of this year's Hanmadang. But these factors were already anticipated and calculated from the beginning. One master who participated at this year's Hanmadang said "if they started preparing with more time and host the event next year, it could have been a successful Hanmadang." USTF President Sang Lee also said "I agree we needed more time to prepare for this event" and acknowledged lack of preparation. Hanmadang without the President and Vice President...frustrated competitors and referees Hanmadang held its opening ceremony on the 18th. Hanmadang is Kukkiwon's main event. Hence, President of Kukkiwon, Un Kyu Um should be directing the event. But President Um did not even show up to this year's Hanmadang. Vice Presidents also were not present. Director Seung Wan Lee from Kukkiwon was the only Kukkiwon top official who was present to direct the event. Kukkiwon President Um recently announced his resignation so he could not attend according to Kukkiwon officials. And Vice President could not attend due to health reasons they say. However, Taekwondo masters and competitors felt regardless of their situation, they needed to attend this year's Hanmadang in the United States to show their support. Regardless of current situation at Kukkiwon, since President Um agreed to host Hanmadang in the United States, he should be present at the event. Also, this year's Hanmadang was poorly executed. On the forth day of the competition, referees from Korea started a protest and the event was stopped for about an hour. The competition was scheduled to end at 6 pm. But more and more competitors started to show up and it was hard to determine when the day will conclude. This is due to event coordinators accepting competitors while the competition is still going on. This fact was never reported to Kukkiwon official nor the referees. USTF President Sang Lee and Kukkiwon officials pleaded with referees and the competition finally continued after about an hour into the protest. But to show this type of negative situations to Taekwondo practitioners who are experiencing Hanmadang for the first time is unacceptable. Last year's Hanmadang was the most successful Hanmadang to date according to critics. To prepare for last year's Hanmadang, Kukkiwon started their preparation from 2006 and did well to market the event. But this year's Hanmadang was not even close to last year's success. One Taekwondo professor said "This year's Hanmadang was all political. This will affect Kukkiwon more than USTF." With much controversy and drama, United States Hanmadang closed the door on July 20th. It's too late and pointless for regrets. What's important is to rise up from the mishaps from this year's event and address them properly. Jun Chul Shin, James Kim

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USAT to Launch New Website August 26, 2008 USA Taekwondo, in conjunction with the U.S. Olympic Committee, will launch a new website in the coming days, http://taekwondo.teamusa.org/. The majority of material from the current USAT website is already converted over to the new site and more material will be added in the coming weeks. The new website platform will provide you with more multimedia options and links to many taekwondo-related material in a concise and professional-looking site. As with any new project there will be some growing pains and an adjustment period in locating your favorite sections of the current website, but we think you will enjoy the end result. If you have any questions or concerns with the new site, please contact Bill Kellick at: bill.kellick@usa-taekwondo.us.

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USAT Martial Arts Commissioners Inauguration in Conjunction with 2008 Junior Olympics Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan, July 1-6, 2008 The USAT Martial Arts Commission conducted its third inauguration ceremony for the commissioners of Taekwondo masters in the USA.  It was held in conjunction with the 2008 Junior Olympics held in Detroit, Michigan, inside the famous Ford Field from July 1-6, 2008. There were nearly 3,000 competitors and the competition was exciting, leading to the selection of the USA Taekwondo junior national sparring team and Poomsae team members who will be attending the 3rd World Poomsae Taekwondo Championships to be held in Turkey in December 2008. In sparring, the USAT utilized the Lajust electronic Hogu scoring system in several rings, and it was well received from most of the competitors, coaches and referees who ran the rings. Ever since we started the martial arts commission (MAC) in July 2007 at the Junior Olympics in San Jose, California, we have gained more than 200 high-ranking (9-5th dan) martial artists as commissioners, and we also have claimed more than 2,000 members under the umbrella of the USAT. It is an astonishing accomplishment to recruit so many high-ranking commissioners within a one-year period.  It is a sign of the enthusiastic support of the high-ranking Masters and Grand Masters and of the USAT CEO David Askinas and Board of Directors chair Ronda Sweet. Since July 2007, commission co-chairmen Joon Pyo Choi and Hong Kong Kim worked hard to bring new images for USAT by visiting Korea three times to meet officials of the Kukkiwon,  World Taekwondo Federation and other leaders of Taekwondo in Korea.  Many profound leaders of Taekwondo in Korea were told of the significant changes of USAT attained through the establishment of the MAC, including efforts to bring the Korean-American pioneers, elders and seniors back to the organization.  That helps enhance the sports side of Taekwondo as well as the martial-arts side, which includes Poomsae development, Dan-rank certification, Dojang management, seminars and international exchange programs. The most significant results we had from this year’s event: Kukkiwon is coming to the United States to officiate the rank test of 8th-Dan and 9th-Dan black belts during the US Open 2009, to be held in Las Vegas, Nevada. Also, Kukkiwon agreed to work with USAT to improve administrative processes for Dan-certification. Through the visit with the World Taekwondo Federation Secretary General, we also visited Taekwondo Promotion and Development Corp with Secretary General Dong Keun Song, suggesting that we are trying to help to globalize Taekwondo to the world.  It is necessary to work with the national governing body of USAT and the MAC to promote Taekwondo as well as the Mooju Taekwondo Theme Park.  Song agreed to work with the USAT, the national governing body, through the MAC. At the 2008 Junior Olympics in Detroit, MAC offered to USAT instructors and Dojang owners a business seminar led by Master Rick Shin from Oregon and Master Han from Los Angeles, California.  The seminar covered how to maximize a school business and how to make it a millionaire school. Then, we had seminars for Taekwondo aerobics led by Master Dure Chang from Alaska, a Poomsae World Champion and the 2008 Poomsae National champion who will represent the United States in Turkey in December.  In addition to Master Chang, Master Chang Hyeon Lim and Master Seung Bong Heo from Miami, Florida, assisted to complete the outstanding Poomsae Seminar. After that seminar, the MAC conducted the USA Taekwondo Dan-rank certification examination.  More than 30 Grand Masters attended to officiate the Dan-rank certification seminar and to establish the most efficient system for determining rank-promotion for the future of USAT.  The Dan rank test process was conducted by Joon Pyo Choi and was successfully completed with an overwhelming appreciation by the applicants and those who were testing along with the Grand Masters on the testing board.  The average grade was a B-plus, and the results will be forwarded to Kukkiwon so those who tested can attain Kukkiwon Dan-certification. On July 4th, the USAT conducted the State Presidents Meeting with newly appointed and elected state presidents. There were more than 80 masters, grand masters, state presidents and officials, and there were many open discussions for the future development of Taekwondo from the state level to the national level. The meeting lasted more than two hours and ended on a positive note by USAT CEO David Askinas, Board of Directors chair Ronda Sweet and MAC co-chairman Joon Pyo Choi, who said it is time to embrace the future and leave the past behind.  Everyone felt warm and united, from younger generations to the senior Masters and Grand Masters in their 60s and beyond. During the opening ceremony on Saturday, July 5th, there were more than 80 commissioners sitting at the main table inside the arena.  The induction ceremony passed the torch to 51 newly inducted commissioners.  There was a wonderful demonstration by Taekwondo Poomsae champions, Taekwondo aerobic and traditional Korean military martial artists.  There also was a Hapkido self-defense demo ended by the power breaking of Grand Master Kevin Bang from North Carolina, who broke over 10 bricks on the table without supports. It was a fantastic finale. In conclusion, USAT CEO David Askinas, Board of Directors chair Ronda Sweet and the martial arts commissioners are committed to restoring the membership and programs of Taekwondo in the United States to the highest levels that there ever have been by recruiting 1,000 commissioners and registering at least 35 members to the USAT for each of their schools thereby securing more than 35,000 new USAT members.  By doing that, we should have more than 5,000 competitors in the Junior Olympics and the Senior Nationals and will be able to offer the programs necessary to help all the Taekwondo practitioners in the United States. Reported by Joon P. Choi / Hong Kong Kim, co-chairman USAT Martial Arts Commission (MAC)

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California TMAC Inauguration Ceremony April 29, 2008 Congratulations to all Martial Arts Commissioners from California. California USAT Martial Arts Commission completed its inauguration ceremony with a great success. Thanks to Commissioner Hong Lae Kim and all organizers and supporters. Best of luck for USAT - CAMAC.   GM Choi Hong Kong Kim, Co-chairman USATMAC

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Dear Commissioner Kim, Hong Lae Newly Appointed Officers and Members of Commission: April 25, 2008 It is my distinct pleasure to congratulate you on the formation of the California Taekwondo Martial Arts Commission.  This is a very important step for USA Taekwondo as we move forward into the 21st Century.  Our Martial Arts Commissions are playing a vital role in developing the traditional martial arts side of our organization and in revitalizing USA Taekwondo. We are proud to have you and our California members as part of USA Taekwondo and as a vital part of the Olympic movement.  Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you in our mutual endeavors. Most Sincerely,   David M. Askinas CEO USA Taekwondo The Congrats Letter to Grandmaster Hong Lae Kim PDF Version (Click here)