document_title: List of taekwondo grandmasters

question_text: what is the highest rank of black belt in taekwondo

text: List of taekwondo grandmasters

text: Kukkiwon (World Taekwondo)[edit]

text: This list includes persons who:

text:
are ranked at least 9th dan by Kukkiwon (the highest rank normally awarded to living persons within that system);
are notable as individuals; and
are notable for their contribution to taekwondo.

text:
Name

Rank

Life

Residence

Prominence

References

Grandmaster Man Hee Han

9th dan[citation needed]

1938-

United States

Grandmaster Han was on the Board of Directors of the Korean Tae Kwon Do Federation in its early days.[citation needed] He helped design the Palgue forms presently used by the World Tae Kwon Do Federation.[citation needed] Grandmaster Man Hee Han is the founder of the Youn Wha Ryu System of martial arts. It is based in traditional Tae Kwon Do,  incorporating elements of Hapkido, Karate, Kung Fu and Judo.

Hong, Sung Chon

9th dan

1945–

Philippines

Kukkiwon Chairman of the Board (2016–).  CEO and Chief Instructor of the Philippine Taekwondo Association (1975–)

[1]

Choi, Joon

10th dan

1950-

United States of America

Creator Of Battle Of Columbus, Olympic Coach, Founding father of Oriental Martials Arts College, coached  teams in the 3rd World Taekwondo Championship - 1977 in Chicago where the team became 3rd place in the world;, 1988 U. S. National Team Coach for the Seoul Olympics which brought home 11 medals, US women’s Team became 1st place in the world and the Men’s Team became 2nd place in the world.

Lee, Eun Woo

9th dan

1948-

South Africa

President of Kwanjangdo(KJD) in South Africa and the United Kingdom, Technical Director of the Mozambique Taekwondo Federation and Technical Advisor for Swaziland. Kukkiwon Technical Advisor.

[2]

Lee, Moo Yong

10th dan

1938-2016

United States of America

2016 Lifetime Achievement Award from President Obama's Council on Physical Fitness. Promoted to 10th Dan posthumously on 21 February 2017.

[3][4]

Ahn, Kyongwon

9th dan

1937–

United States of America

Founded United Taekwondo Association; former president of the United States Taekwondo Union

See main article

Goh, Chae T.

9th dan

1950s-

Korea

secretary for 8/9 dan testing [5] Co-Grandmaster of the year 1994. Winner, first king of the world competition (YouTube)

Cha, Yong-Kil

9th dan

1946–

Germany

President of the Jidokwan Europe Federation

[6]

Chang, Seong Dong

9th dan

1953–

South Korea

President of Sangrok World Taekwondo Academy, founder of Taekwondo in India

[7]

Choi, Eung Gil

9th dan

unknown-

United States of America

Korean Special Forces Takewondo champion (1975-1977)[8]
Served as Peaceful Unification Advisor for the South Korean Government to improve its relationship with North Korea (1999-2005)[9]
Received the Korean Presidential award for outstanding performance as a peaceful unification advisor.[9]
Founded the "Kick Cancer Out of this World" benefit event which has raised over $120,000 for cancer charities.
Awarded the Korean National Medial of Honor (10/14/2017) by the Government of South Korea.

[8][9]

Choi, Tae-hong

9th dan

1935–2009

United States of America

Founded first taekwondo school in Oregon, USA; former Vice-President of the United States Taekwondo Union

See main article

Chung, Sun Hwan

9th dan

1940–

United States of America

Founder of Moo Sool Do and President of World Academy of Martial Arts Association. Korean National Champion (1963-1965).  Kukkiwon Advisory Council (2008). Hall of Fame - U.S. Taekwondo Grandmasters Society.  Former President, U.S.T.U. Michigan Tae Kwon Do Association.

[10][11][12]

Dong, Seung Gyoo

9th dan

1946–

United States of America

President of Advanced World Martial Arts System; author of several books

[13]

Kailian, Gregory S.

9th dan

1946 -

United States of America

9th dan (Kukkiwon #05001960)
1st Class Master Instructor (Kukkiwon #1647001)
1st Class Poom/Dan Promotion Test Examiner (Kukkiwon #1020001)
"S" Class World Taekwondo Federation (WTF), International Referee (WTF IR #013-0625)
Author, Sport Taekwondo Referee Primer

Sport Taekwondo Referee Primer

Kil, Sang Sup

9th dan

Unknown

United States of America

Korean National Champion between the years of 1965 and 1968, Founding President of the United States Han Mu Kwan Federation, President of the Michigan Tae Kwon Do Association

[14]

Kim, Il-Kwon

9th dan

1942–2015

United States of America

Founder and President of the I. K. Kim Ja Be Ryu Tae Kwon Do Organization located in Cincinnati Ohio & President of the World Martial Arts Federation

[15]

Kim, Ki Whang

9th dan

1920–1993

United States of America

Promoted to 9th dan by the KTA; Chairman of the US Olympic Taekwondo team 1988. Inducted into Taekwondo Hall of Fame  2009

See main article

Lee, Bum-I

9th dan

1938–

Germany

President of the German-Korean culture Federal e.V. (DKK e.V.). Chairman of Taekwondo Instructor Association in Europe. Chairman of the European Taekwondo delegation in Korea. Highest Dan-grade of Europe (1985) and "father of Taekwondo" in Germany. Lives in Hannover.

[16][17]

Lee, Chong Soo

9th dan

1938–2017

Canada

Father of Canadian Taekwondo

[18]

Lee, Tae Eun

9th dan

Unknown

Canada

Executive Council member of the World Taekwondo Federation; Major player in having WTF Taekwondo recognized as an official Olympic sport; Goodwill Ambassador for the 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Korea and Canada, from 3 October 2012 – 31 December 2013. Founded his own Taekwondo school in Ottawa.

[19][20]

Sell, Edward B

10th dan

1942-2014

United States of America

Highest ranked non-oriental Taekwondo black belt in the world. The only registered non-Korean posthumous 10th dan in the Kukkiwon. Only non-Korean honored at the Taekwondo Park in Seol, Korea. Founder of the United States Chung Do Kwan Association.

[21][22]
Edward B. Sell

Lee, Hyeon Kon

9th dan

c. 1947–

United States of America

Chairman of Board of Education of Kukkiwon; former Vice Chairman of Education of the WTF; author of taekwondo textbook

[23][24][25]

Lee, Kwan Sung

9th dan

c. 194?–2003

United States of America

President of Kentucky Taekwondo Association.

[26]

Mayes, Myong Sok Namkung

9th dan

c. 1954–

United States of America

Highest-ranked woman in taekwondo, 1988 US Olympic Coach (Women's)

[27][28][29]

Nardizzi, Donato

9th dan

c. 1960-

United Kingdom

Former President of ITF England, Chairman of the ITF Children's Education Committee and creator of the Kids Development Program, 2012 Olympic torchbearer.

Nguyen, Dang Phung

9th dan

Unknown

Australia

President of Chang Moo Kwan Australasia, Order of Australia Medal (OAM) 2009

See main article

Paik, Sang Kee

9th dan

1929–2009

United States of America

Early student of B. I. Yoon and first Black Belt of Grand Master Ki Whang Kim; created Sa-Sang Kwan system. Inducted into Taekwondo Hall of Fame  2013

See main article

Park, Dong Keun

9th dan

c. 1941–

United States of America

Father of Thai taekwondo; Head Coach of US Olympic taekwondo team in 1988 and 1992

See main article

Pak, Jang Hee

9th dan

United States of America

Produced 5 Black belt students who have represented the United States National Tae Kwon Do Team, two of whom won gold medals in the Olympic Games.

Park, Yeon Hwan

9th dan

1952–

United States of America

Korean National Champion 1971–1975; US Olympic Coach; Pan-American Team Coach; author of several reference books

See main article

Park, Young Ghil

9th dan

1941–

Italy

One of Founders of Italian Taekwondo (three Park Brothers - Sun Jae Park, Young Ghil Park, Chung Un Park); current Honorary President of FITA - Italian Taekwondo Federation; current Technical Director of WTF Poomsae Committee

[30][31][32][33]

Shin, Jang-Hwan

9th dan

1951–

Austria

Father of Austrian taekwondo

[34]

Lee, Hyeon Kon

9th dan

c. 1947–

United States of America

Chairman of Board of Education of Kukkiwon; former Vice Chairman of Education of the WTF; author of taekwondo textbook. Uses Western and Eastern Medicine concurrently with great success. Became an M.D. in 2000. Published medical scientist in over 10 journals and one book.  Life dedicated to helping the sick return to health.

[23][24][25]

Ko, Tai Jeong

9th dan

1948 -

Denmark

Former national coach of Denmark - "Today Ko Tai-Jeong teaches Taekwondo at a Danish højskole (literally: high school) a unique Danish type of boarding school for adults dedicated to lifelong learning. The 9th Dan Grandmaster is also the central figure and role model for Sim Uu, a special interest group under the Danish Taekwondo Federation (and thereby World Taekwondo)" Reference: The Smiling Taekwondo Pioneer.

Park, Suk Byung

9th dan

Unknown -

South Korea

Founder of Jungdo Federation, Korea Judo National Champion (1969-1974), Olympic Head Coach – Netherlands, Yongin University Assistant Professor, Black Belt Man of the Year 1983, 1993, 1999, World Championships – 2nd Place

Nam, Kil, Kim

9th dan

Unknown

United States of America

Founder of the San Diego taekwondo Association

founder of the California Tae Kwon Do championship

Robinson, Clint

9th dan

Unknown

United States of America

Co-founder of the United World Taekwondo Association.
Since 1975 Grandmaster Robinson has trained thousands of students to the highest levels of expertise in the Korean-based martial art.

See main article

Cho, Woon Sup

9th dan

1952

Norway

President of Traditional Taekwond Union (TTU)

Cho, Byung Kon

9th dan

1947-

United States of America

Student of Grand Master Pong Ki Kim and Grand Master Kop Soo Kwon
Kukkiwon #05000166 - Issued:  2001-09-08
Founder:  Wisconsin Governors Cup
Founder:  Virginia Governors Cup
Author:  Korean Culture, Tourism and Language
Author:  Star Taekwon-Do Master's Course
Author:  Martial Arts Dynamic Marketing and Management Seminar
Author:  International Discipline in the Martial Arts Seminar
Author:  A Health Revolution
Secretary General for Korean-American Foundation (KAF)
Past President of the Virginia State Tae Kwon Do Association
Former Secretary General for US Taekwondo Martial Arts Commission
Former Flexibility Consultant for Green Bay Packers

[35][36]
TaeKwonDo Times Magazine Issue March 1991

Grandmaster Faye Lousise Allman

9th dan

1980-

United Kingdom

Student of Grand Master Pong Ki Kim and Grand Master Kop Soo Kwon
Kukkiwon #05000166 - Issued:  2001-09-08
Founder:  Wisconsin Governors Cup
Founder:  Virginia Governors Cup
Author:  Korean Culture, Tourism and Language
Author:  Star Taekwon-Do Master's Course
Author:  Martial Arts Dynamic Marketing and Management Seminar
Author:  International Discipline in the Martial Arts Seminar
Author:  A Health Revolution
Secretary General for Korean-American Foundation (KAF)
Past President of the Virginia State Tae Kwon Do Association
Former Secretary General for US Taekwondo Martial Arts Commission
Former Flexibility Consultant for Green Bay Packers

UK Taekwondo Mastery Assosiation

text: you forgot grandmaster Sun ki Chong! :)

text: Richard Chun 9th Dan -November 2017 United States of America

text: Grandmaster Soo Woong Lee 9th Dan-United States of America

text: International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) and International Chang-Hon Taekwondo Federation (ITCF)[edit]

text: This list includes persons who:

text:
are ranked 9th dan by the ITF (and thus officially recognised as 'Grand Masters' within that system);[37]
are notable as individuals; and
are notable for their contribution to taekwondo.

text:
Name

Rank

Life

Residence

Prominence

References

Grand Master Richard Kang

9th dan

unknown

USA

Grand Master Richard Kang - 9th Dan Black Belt Taekwondo, Black Belt BJJ, and Certified Muay Thai Instructor. Grand master at Kangs MMA in Maryland. staff:
Senior Master Martin Kang - 6th Dan Black Belt Taekwondo
Master Pat Shepherd - 5th Dan Black Belt Taekwondo and Blue Belt BJJ
Master Ian Ishida - 5th Dan Black Belt Taekwondo, Blue Belt BJJ, and Yellow Belt Kumdo
Master David Barnette - 4th Dan Black Belt Taekwondo, Blue Belt BJJ, and White Belt Kumdo
Mister Victor Almeida - 2nd Dan Black Belt Taekwondo, White Belt BJJ, and White Belt Kumdo
Mister Martavious Rodgers - Brown Belt Taekwondo, White Belt BJJ, and White Belt Kumdo
9th Dan Black Belt Taekwondo, Black Belt BJJ, and Certified Muay Thai Instructor

[citation needed]

Bos, Willem Jacob

9th dan

1952–

Italy

President of the All European Taekwon-Do Federation 2004–2006; Technical Director for the Italian Taekwon-Do Federation 1992–

[38][39]

Choi, Chang Keun

9th dan

c. 1940–

Canada

Leading campaign to reunite the ITF; one of the KTA's 12 original masters

See main article

Choi, Hong Hi

9th dan

1918–2002

Canada

Played major role in establishing Taekwon-Do; inaugural president of the KTA; founded the ITF; co-led the KTA's 12 original masters

See main article

Choi, Jung Hwa

9th dan

1951–

Canada

President of one of the three ITF organisations; son of H. H. Choi; involvement in Korean political controversy. Choi Jung Hwa was born on Cheju Island, Korea on 22 May 1951 and has studied Taekwon-Do since the age of 7, not only under his father, but also under many high ranking and pioneering Taekwon-Do Masters during their visits and stays with General Choi. He served many years on the ITF Executive Board and, later on, Choi Jung Hwa would assist General Choi on many of his International Seminars throughout the world, and later would be appointed by the ITF to conduct these International courses on General Choi’s behalf. Grandmaster Choi held the post as Secretary General of the ITF for several years until elected as General Choi’s successor to the presidency by the ITF members in 2001 at the ITF Congress. Choi Jung Hwa was promoted to 9th-degree Black Belt in 2004 and to the rank of Grandmaster, is the only son of the founder of Taekwon-Do General Choi Hong Hi.

[40][41][42][43]

Hwang, Kwang Sung

9th dan  K-9-1 on 12/08/1997

Born 1942, Taegu, Korea

United States of America Manchester, Connecticut

GM Hwang was one of the first three instructors that General Choi, Hong Hi promoted to the rank of 9th Dan. The list consisted of FGM Rhee, Ki Ha UK-9-1, GM Hwang Kwang Sung K-9-1, and GM Charles "Chuck" Seriff A-9-1 who was also the first non-Asian to receive this honor.
GM Hwang began studying at the age of 11 and received his 1st Degree in Tang Soo Do in 1957, his 2nd Degree in 1961, his 3rd Degree from the I.T.F. K-3-40  September 18, 1968, staying loyal to General Choi Hong Hi through the years. He was at General Choi's side where he transcribed General Choi's last words. GM Hwang retired a captain in the ROK Army where he had instructed The Korean Tiger Division, The Korean Army, The U.S. Marines, U.S. Army, Marine, and the Vietnamese Army receiving many Commendations. GM Hwang simultaneously served as special assistant to General Choi, official spokesman of the ITF, chairman of the ITF promotion and merger committees, and Secretary General of the ITF. GM Hwang also served as the head of the KoreAmerica Taekwon-Do Union as requested by General Choi Hong Hi. GM Hwang is now head of the International Taekwon-Do Federation Unified.  His mission is to carry on his previous duties as requested by General Choi to work to unify all who practice Taekwon-Do.

[44][45][46]

Howard, Robert

9th dan

c. 1938–

Ireland

President of the Republic of Ireland Taekwon-Do Association; helped establish taekwondo in Ireland; first European man promoted to 9th dan

[47][48][49][50]

Cariati, Joe

9th dan

unknown

Canada

Barrett Francis
9th dan. Student of Grand Master Anthony Phelan. 3rd Irishman to be promoted to 9th dan, ITF congress September 2017, in Pyongyang. Chief instructor to south east of Ireland.

9th dan
Head instructor of Woodbridge Taekwondo Group
President of International Chang-Hon Taekwondo Federation (ICTF)

[51][52]

Kong, Young Il

9th dan

1943–

United States of America

One of the few promoted to 9th dan by H. H. Choi; one of the KTA's 12 original masters

See main article

Massar, Frank

9th dan

1958–

United Kingdom

Founded Massar Taekwondo Association

See main article

Nam, Tae Hi

9th dan

1929–2013

United States of America

Father of Vietnamese taekwondo; pivotal performance in martial arts demonstration 1954; co-led the KTA's 12 original masters

See main article

Nardizzi, Donato

9th dan

1960-

United Kingdom

President of ITF England, Chairman of the ITF Children Development Committee, co-author of the study book and instructor manual of the Taekwondo Kids Development Program, 2012 Olympic Torchbearer.

See main article

Yogendranathan, Satheshghanna

9th dan

1987-

Canada

President of BBC Club, Chairman of the OKM Committee, author of the study book and instructor manual of the Plug Walk, 2018 ROD Torchbearer, loves to juggle balls.

See main article

Dang, Huy Duc

9th dan

1944–

United States of America

Director of Martial Arts Training Center, South Vietnam National Police Force Headquarters; one of the few promoted to 9th dan by H. H. Choi

[53][54][55]

Nguyen, Van Binh

9th dan

1936–

United States of America

Chairman of ITF Masters Promotion Committee; President of ITF-USA; pioneer of taekwondo in Vietnam

[56][57][58]

Park, Jong Soo

9th dan

1941–

Canada

One of the KTA's 12 original masters

See main article

Rhee, Ki Ha

9th dan

1938–

United Kingdom

Father of British and Irish taekwondo; one of the few promoted to 9th dan by H. H. Choi; one of the KTA's 12 original masters

See main article

Sereff, Charles

9th dan

1933–

United States of America

One of the few promoted to 9th dan by H. H. Choi; founded the United States Taekwon-Do Federation

[59][60][61]

Tran, Trieu Quan

9th dan

1952–2010

Canada

President of one of the three ITF organisations from 2003 to 2010

See main article

Trajtenberg, Pablo

9th dan

c. 1955–

Argentina

President of one of the three ITF organisations after T. Q. Tran's death in 2010

[62][63][64][65]

Kirschbaum, Len G.

9th dan

1955-

United States of America

President of IOTF and Founder of the International Academy of TKD. Delegate for H.H. Choi for special certification seminars for ITF.

[citation needed]

O'Toole, Brendan

9th dan

?

Ireland

President of the Irish National Taekwon-do Association (INTA).

[66]

text: Other taekwondo systems[edit]

text: This list includes persons who:

text:
have been widely recognized masters of taekwondo for at least 30 years;
are notable as individuals; and
are notable for their contribution to taekwondo.

text:
Name

Rank

Life

Residence

Prominence

References

Cho, Hee Il

9th dan

1940–

United States of America

Founded Action International Martial Arts Association; wrote several taekwondo books

See main article

Lee, Haeng Ung

10th dan

July 20, 1936 – October 5, 2000

United States of America

Founded American Taekwondo Association; first grandmaster of the ATA; author of The Way of Traditional Taekwondo

[67]

Cho, Sihak Henry

9th dan

1934–2012

United States of America

Pioneer of taekwondo in the United States of America; wrote several books; contributed karate article in World Book Encyclopedia (1976)

See main article

Kim, Pyung-soo

10th dan

1939 -

United States of America

One of only two students that tested and promoted to 5th Dan at the first Korean Tae Soo Do Association exam in 1962. First correspondent from South Korea to Black Belt Magazine(1964–68). Founder of The International Chayon-Ryu Martial Arts Association. Author of three Taekwondo Books (Ohara Publications): Palgue 1-2-3 of Taekwondo Hyung, Palgue 4-5-6 of Taekwondo Hyung, Palgue 7-8 of Taekwondo Hyung, and one Taekwondo book published in Russia.

See main article

Choi, Kwang Jo

9th dan

1942–

United States of America

Founded Choi Kwang-Do; one of the KTA's 12 original masters

See main article

Han, Cha Kyo

9th dan

1934–1996

United States of America

One of the KTA's 12 original masters

See main article

Hwang, Kwang Sung

9th dan

c. 1942–

United States of America

One of the few promoted to 9th dan by H. H. Choi

[61][68]

Kyong Lee

9th dan

Canada

Founded Wanin Do

[citation needed]

Park, Jung Tae

9th dan

c. 1943–2002

Canada

One of the KTA's 12 original masters

See main article

Rhee, Chong Chul

8th dan

c. 1935–

Australia

Considered as the Father of Australian taekwondo; founded Rhee Taekwon-Do; one of the KTA's 12 original masters

See main article

Rhee, Jhoon Goo

10th dan

1932–2018

United States of America

Father of American taekwondo

[citation needed]

Kirschbaum, Len G.

9th dan

1955-

United States of America

Founder of Original Taekwon-Do Federation (IOTF) on June 17, 2002. Served as special ITF seminar instructor and loyal student of Taekwon-Do founder, General Choi Hong Hi.

[citation needed]

Cheah, Wee Hin (Steven)

8th dan

Australia

Considered one of the fathers of Australian taekwon-do, founded Cheah Taekwon-Do, learned TaeKwon-Do in Malaysia under Gen. Choi and C.K Choi.

[citation needed]

Oliver, David

9th dan

United Kingdom

Tae Kwon-Do Association of Great Britain (T.A.G.B.) Chairman

[69]

Jhoon Rhee should be on this list. He is easily the most influential Korean martial artist ever in The U.S.

text:
|Jay "Flying Tiger" Blanton
|"10th "dan"
|United States of America
|Founder of Mang Ho Ryu Tae Kwon Do System in 1993
|Tae Kwon Do System was named by Grandmaster Kang Rhee, Memphis, Tennessee USA
|Grandmaster Kang Rhee was the Instructor of Elvis Presley and Bill "Super Foot" Wallace and many others.
|Grandmaster Jay "Flying Tiger" Blanton has wrote 2- books on Prevailing Against being bullied,1- book on his Tae Kwon Do Martial Arts system history and his training, and a Anti-Bullying Program for schools, colleges,etc. He has been in many martial arts magazines, newspapers, TV news and talk shows. Has won many awards for his community work with bullying and working with Veterans with P.T.S.D.