Traditional Taekwon-Do is on the upswing as Grand Master Nam Tae Hi and twelve of the most senior Traditional Taekwon-Do Masters in the world gathered for what proved to be a world-class tournament event in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. The World Taekwon-Do Alliance hosted the 2012 Taekwon-Do International World Pioneer's Cup Championships July 20-22 in Memphis, Tennessee at the Downtown Sheraton Hotel. This was a large international Martial Arts tournament that was available to the public and all Traditional Taekwon-Do schools. Spectators and Masters were impressed with the skill and passion of competitors from over 17 different countries and 23 states. Competitors provided action in the various categories of sparring including, Point Sparring, Continuous Semi-Contact Sparring & Full Contact Olympic Sparring. There were demonstrations by advanced instructors, as well as a power board breaking competition, and patterns contest by various ages & skill levels.

Event spokesperson Mr. Hoss Rafaty states “This is going to be one of the most diversely represented International Taekwon-Do events in US history. Never before have so many traditional Taekwon-Do practitioners gathered from so many different countries and states. In addition, we have several of the original pioneers of Taekwon-Do, including the most senior instructors in the world today, Grand Master Nam Tae Hi. This is truly going to be an epic event.”

Grand Master Nam Tae Hi is famous for his demonstration before the South Korean President, where he demonstrated punching thirteen roofing tiles with a single blow. The President was so impressed that he decreed that all armed forces would begin training this fantastic martial art. The launched the pathway of the most popular martial in the world today. Grand Master Nam was very pleased with the extremely high level of competition that was demonstrated during the tournament.

The World Taekwon-Do Alliance has been established since 2002 and is comprised of many of the original Pioneers of Taekwon-Do. This Traditional Taekwon-Do organization has been designed to assist the development and promotion world-wide. The non-political approach with emphasis on high quality technique and usable modern day philosophy is attracting many old school Taekwon-Do practitioners. The WTA is the only Traditional Taekwon-Do organization that is recognized by the 70 million member WTF Olympic organization. The WTA is a working member of Taekwon-Do International, a Great Britain based network with over 600 clubs in the United Kingdom and 84 countries world wide. For more information about the WTA please refer to www.wtaonline.net. Or download membership information on this site.

Warmest Regards, 

Grand Master Scott McNeely
TI-USA
World Taekwon-Do Alliance
9th Degree Black Belt