Becoming a taekwondo grandmaster is a big achievement. It takes years of hard work and dedication. I’ve seen many legends in taekwondo, and each one has a unique story. In this article, we’ll look at the taekwondo grandmaster list and see who has reached this top rank. Keep reading to learn what it takes to become a grandmaster and how you can get there, too.
Understanding the Taekwondo Grandmaster Rank
Becoming a taekwondo grandmaster takes years of practice. It’s about more than just mastering moves—it’s about dedication and respect for the art. I’ve seen many practitioners work hard to reach this level. In this section, let’s see what it means to be a grandmaster and how to get there.
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What is a Taekwondo Grandmaster?
A Taekwondo Grandmaster is a high-ranking martial artist, typically holding a 9th Dan black belt or, in rare cases, a 10th-degree black belt. These grandmasters are recognized by organizations like Kukkiwon (World Taekwondo Headquarters), World Taekwondo (WT), and the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF).
Grandmasters are more than just technical experts—they are teachers, leaders, and ambassadors of the art. They embody Taekwondo philosophy, including courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit.
Requirements for Becoming a Grandmaster
Becoming a Taekwondo Grandmaster requires decades of training, teaching, and leadership. Each governing body—Kukkiwon, World Taekwondo, and the ITF—has its own criteria for awarding high dan ranks.
- Kukkiwon (Seoul, South Korea) typically awards 9th dan to those who have shown lifetime dedication to the art.
- ITF Taekwondo also recognizes 9th and honorary 10th dan holders.
- World Taekwondo emphasizes contributions to the Olympic sport of Taekwondo and international development.
This journey is not just about physical ability—it also involves teaching, mentoring, and spreading Taekwondo worldwide.
The Process of Promotion: 9th Dan and 10th Degree Black Belt Taekwondo
Promotion to 9th Dan (Kudan) or 10th Dan (Judan) black belt is the highest recognition in Taekwondo. The process includes:
- Demonstrating martial arts philosophy both inside and outside the dojang
- Decades of practice and competition experience
- Contributions to Taekwondo development through teaching, publishing, and leadership roles
- Official examinations by governing bodies like Kukkiwon or ITF.
The Importance of Taekwondo Grandmasters
Grandmasters in Taekwondo are more than just skilled fighters. They shape the art and inspire others. I’ve seen how their impact reaches far beyond the mat. Let’s take a look at how these grandmasters influence Taekwondo and the world.
Pioneers of the Art
Historic figures such as General Choi Hong-Hi (founder of ITF) and Kim Ki-whang (Kukkiwon pioneer in the U.S.) were instrumental in spreading Taekwondo beyond South Korea.
Their work helped establish Taekwondo as both a traditional martial art and a modern Olympic sport.
Cultural Influence and Legacy
Taekwondo Grandmasters brought the martial art to countries like the United States, Vietnam, Canada, and Germany. Through cultural exchange, Taekwondo became a bridge between Korean heritage and the global martial arts community.
Beyond the Rank: Taekwondo as a Lifestyle
Grandmasters live by the Do (the “way” or philosophy of martial arts). Even after achieving the highest ranks, they continue teaching, mentoring, and inspiring younger generations.
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Taekwondo Grandmaster List: Notable Figures
Taekwondo has many grandmasters who shaped the sport. They made Taekwondo global and inspiring. Let’s look at some top figures from Kukkiwon, ITF, and other Taekwondo systems.
Top Kukkiwon Grandmasters
Kukkiwon has produced many famous grandmasters. These figures helped spread Taekwondo across the world. They led tournaments and developed new programs for Taekwondo. Grandmasters like Kim Ki-whang helped shape the sport for generations.
- Kim Ki-whang – Spread Taekwondo in the U.S.
- Lee Chong-woo – One of the founding masters of Kukkiwon
- Park Hae-man – Senior Kukkiwon instructor and examiner.
| Name | Rank | Life | Prominence | Residence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hong Sung-chon | 9th dan | 1945–present | Kukkiwon Chairman (2016–); CEO of the Philippine Taekwondo Association | Philippines |
| Kim Ki-whang | 10th dan | 1920–1993 | Chair of US Olympic Taekwondo Team 1988; Hall of Fame inductee | United States |
| Park Young-Ghil | 10th dan | 1941–2024 | Founder of Italian Taekwondo; Technical Director of WTF Poomsae Committee 2018 | Italy |
| Chung Sun-hwan | 9th dan | 1940–present | Founder of Moo Sool Do; U.S. National Champion (1963–1965) | United States |
| Samer Kamal | 9th dan | 1966–present | Chair of the US Olympic Taekwondo Team 1988; Hall of Fame inductee | Canada |
| Sell, Edward B | 10th dan | 1942–2014 | An early student of Grand Master Ki Whang Kim; created the Sa-Sang Kwan system | United States |
| Paik, Sang-kee | 9th dan | 1929–2009 | Chairman of the Board of Education of Kukkiwon; published medical scientist | United States |
| Lee, Hyeon-kon | 9th dan | 1947–present | Chairman of Board of Education of Kukkiwon; published medical scientist | United States |
| Cho, Byung-kon | 9th dan | 1947–present | Founder of Wisconsin and Virginia Governors Cup; author of multiple Taekwondo books | United States |
| Wyllie, Gregory | 9th dan | 1955–present | Introduced Taekwondo into New South Wales schools; runs Wyllie Strike Taekwondo academy | Australia |
ITF Grandmasters
ITF Taekwondo also has grandmasters who changed the game. Choi Hong-Hi founded the ITF and spread Taekwondo around the world. These grandmasters’ work still shapes how Taekwondo is practiced today.
- Choi Hong-Hi – Founder of ITF Taekwondo
- Rhee Ki Ha – Known as the “Father of British Taekwondo”
- Nam Tae-hi – One of the original pioneers
These figures helped shape Taekwondo into a global martial art and Olympic sport.
| Name | Rank | Life | Prominence | Residence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kim Jong-Chan | 9th dan | 1936–present | Grandmaster Jong Chan Kim, a key figure in ITF history | Canada |
| Choi Chang-keun | 9th dan | 1940–present | Chairman of the ITF Masters Promotion Committee; pioneer in Vietnam | Canada |
| Choi Hong-Hi | 9th dan | 1918–2002 | Founder of ITF, instrumental in spreading Taekwondo worldwide | Canada |
| Choi Jung-hwa | 9th dan | 1951–present | Led efforts to reunite the ITF, one of KTA’s 12 original masters | Canada |
| Robert Howard | 9th dan | 1938–present | Helped establish Taekwondo in Ireland; first European man promoted to 9th dan | Ireland |
| Kong Young-il | 9th dan | 1943–present | Promoted to 9th dan by Choi Hong-Hi; one of KTA’s original masters | United States |
| Nam Tae-Hi | 9th dan | 1929–2013 | Father of Vietnamese Taekwondo; co-led KTA’s 12 original masters | United States |
| Nguyen Van Binh | 9th dan | 1936–present | Founder of the United States Taekwon-Do Federation | United States |
| Park Jong-soo | 9th dan | 1941–2021 | One of KTA’s original masters | Canada |
| Rhee Ki-ha | 9th dan | 1938–present | Father of British and Irish Taekwondo; key figure in ITF history | United Kingdom |
| Charles Sereff | 9th dan | 1933–2022 | President of the ITF organization after 2010 | United States |
| Pablo Trajtenberg | 9th dan | 1955–2022 | President of the ITF organization from 2003 to 2010 | Argentina |
| Trieu Quan Tran | 9th dan | 1952–2010 | President of ITF organization from 2003 to 2010 | Canada |
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Other Taekwondo Grandmaster List
In addition to well-known figures from Kukkiwon and ITF, there are many grandmasters from other Taekwondo systems. These include ATA, Chang-Hon/ITF Style, and Traditional Taekwondo. They have made big contributions by spreading Taekwondo to new places and creating their own styles.
| Name | Rank | Life | Prominence | Residence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cho, Hee-il | 9th dan | 1940–present | Founded Action International Martial Arts Association; author of multiple Taekwondo books | United States |
| Cho, Sihak Henry | 9th dan | 1934–2012 | Pioneer of Taekwondo in the U.S.; contributed to the World Book Encyclopedia | United States |
| Choi, Kwang-jo | 9th dan | 1942–present | Founder of Choi Kwang-Do; one of KTA’s 12 original masters | United States |
| Han, Cha-kyo | 9th dan | 1934–1996 | One of the KTA’s 12 original masters | United States |
| Hwang, Kwang-sung | 9th dan | 1942–present | Promoted to 9th dan by Choi Hong-Hi; key figure in Taekwondo development | United States |
| Hwang, Jang-lee | 9th dan | 1944–present | Taekwondo instructor and Technical Advisor at World Tang Soo Do General Federation | Korea |
| Kim, Bok-man | 11th dan | 1934–2021 | Founder of World Chun Kuhn Taekwon-Do Federation; key figure in Southeast Asia Taekwondo | USA |
| Kim, Pyung-soo | 10th dan | 1939–present | Founder of the World Chun Kuhn Taekwon-Do Federation; key figure in Southeast Asia Taekwondo | United States |
| Lee, Haeng-ung | 10th dan | 1936–2000 | Founder of the International Chayon-Ryu Martial Arts Association; author of multiple Taekwondo books | USA |
| Park, Jung-tae | 9th dan | 1943–2002 | One of the KTA’s 12 original masters | Canada |
| Rhee, Chong-chul | 9th dan | 1935–2023 | Father of Australian Taekwondo; founder of Rhee Taekwon-Do | Australia |
| Rhee, Jhoon-goo | 10th dan | 1932–2018 | Father of American Taekwondo | USA |
| Vega, Orlando | 9th dan | 1952–present | Influential figure in ITF; studied Kempo Karate before focusing on Taekwondo | USA/Puerto Rico |
| Yun Dukan | 9th dan | 1942–present | Moo Duk Kwan Taekwondo pioneer; began teaching in the United States in 1968 | USA |
How Does One Become a Taekwondo Grandmaster?
Becoming a Grandmaster requires training, teaching, and contribution to the martial arts community. The path includes:
- Earning black belt dan ranks through decades of practice
- Contributing to Taekwondo federations, schools (dojangs), and international organizations
- Publishing materials, promoting philosophy, and mentoring younger instructors
The Path to 9th Dan and Beyond
- 9th Dan Black Belt – Considered the pinnacle of technical and teaching mastery in Taekwondo
- 10th Dan Black Belt – Rarely awarded, usually honorary, given for lifetime contributions (often posthumously)
Training, Dedication, and Teaching
A Grandmaster must be both a practitioner and an educator. This includes:
- Daily training in forms (poomsae / tul), sparring, and self-defense
- Studying Taekwondo philosophy and history
- Teaching students and mentoring instructors
- Contributing to martial arts organizations and competitions
How Aspiring Practitioners Can Learn from Grandmasters
- Attend seminars, workshops, and Taekwondo camps led by Grandmasters
- Learn from their teaching methods and martial arts philosophy
- Study their autobiographies, published books, and training videos
- Observe their discipline, leadership, and community service
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How to Follow in the Footsteps of Taekwondo Grandmasters
Finding the Right Taekwondo School
Look for accredited schools affiliated with Kukkiwon, WT, or ITF. The best dojangs emphasize respect, tradition, and personal development.
Setting Goals
Set achievable goals—whether reaching black belt, competing in Olympic Taekwondo tournaments, or aspiring toward master instructor certification.
Learning from Grandmasters’ Stories
Grandmasters’ journeys—from hardship in post-war Korea to building Taekwondo schools abroad—teach perseverance, humility, and leadership.
Conclusion
The Taekwondo Grandmaster list shows the global impact of these leaders. From General Choi Hong-Hi to modern Kukkiwon instructors, Grandmasters shaped Taekwondo into one of the world’s most practiced martial arts.
Whether your goal is to become a Grandmaster or simply improve in Taekwondo, the lesson is clear: discipline, perseverance, and respect will guide you.
Taekwondo is not just about fighting—it is a lifestyle, philosophy, and legacy carried forward by its Grandmasters.
FAQs About the Taekwondo Grandmaster List
Who is the youngest Taekwondo Grandmaster?
The youngest Taekwondo grandmaster is typically recognized by their ability to achieve a high rank at an early age. Some practitioners reach the 9th dan in their 30s or 40s, though it’s rare. Learn more about notable youngest grandmasters.
What is the highest rank in Taekwondo?
The highest rank in Taekwondo is the 10th dan black belt. Achieving this rank requires decades of dedication, mastery, and contribution to the sport. It is a rare and prestigious title in the taekwondo grandmaster list.
How do I get promoted to 9th dan in Taekwondo?
To be promoted to 9th dan, you must demonstrate mastery of Taekwondo techniques, teach others, and contribute significantly to the community. It takes many years of hard work and commitment.
What is the role of Taekwondo Grandmasters in Olympic Taekwondo?
Taekwondo grandmasters play a vital role in Olympic Taekwondo by shaping the sport, teaching athletes, and setting high standards. Their expertise influences both training and competition at the Olympic level.
What are the most recognized Taekwondo organizations?
The most recognized Taekwondo organizations are World Taekwondo (WT), International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF), and various national bodies. These organizations oversee ranking systems and promote global growth.
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Founder, Owner, and CEO of TaekwondoKing.
He is one of the top 100 martial artists in the World and among the top 20 referees in Bangladesh.
Ehatasamul Alom is an esteemed Kukkiwon Certified Taekwondo 3rd Dan Black Belt with over 15 years of experience in this dynamic martial art. Born in Rajshahi, Bangladesh, Ehatasamul’s journey with Taekwondo began at the tender age of seven. His passion led him to compete at national and international levels, where he has bagged numerous awards and honors. He is also a member of the Taekwondo National Referee Panel.
With a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Science from the prestigious Rajshahi University, Ehatasamul has a deep understanding of the technical and scientific aspects of martial arts and some other martial arts.
In 2022, Ehatasamul created the “TaekwondoKing.com” to share his knowledge, Free Resources, Values, and Real experiences. His articles focus on Taekwondo training techniques, competition strategies, Sport Products Reviews, and the art’s rich history and philosophy. He also writes about the importance of mental fortitude and discipline, key aspects of his teaching philosophy. He has already launched many sports, Taekwondo, and health-related Free online tools. His goal is to inspire both beginners and seasoned practitioners worldwide through insightful and engaging content.
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