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...

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...

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...

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/