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Author: Bret Gordon  About a month ago, I wrote an article detailing my history and experience in the Aiki arts (click here to read). After receiving such positive feedback, I thought it only proper to document my journey in the art I have studied since the beginning: Taekwondo. My first exposure to Taekwondo was at 4 years old. The school I joined was originally under a Master Yoo (I don't remember his full name) but at some point when I was 5 or 6 it was taken over by Master Dong Soo Kwak and renamed Ultimate Taekwondo Centers. While Master Kwak ran the school, his assistant Mark Bivens ran the majority of the classes and I consider him my primary instructor during this time.  Mark Bivens top left in red dobak, Master Kwak top right in the red, white and blue track suit jacket.
Yours truly in the middle row, second from the left.
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Author: Bret Gordon  We are thrilled to announce that the American Jidokwan Association is now the US Traditional Taekwondo Federation! This change represents our commitment to preserving the rich heritage and traditional values of Taekwondo while embracing a more inclusive and representative identity for our community.
Why the Change? For many years, the American Jidokwan Association has been a pillar in the Taekwondo community, promoting the principles and techniques of this martial art. However, as we continue to grow and evolve, we recognized the need for a name that better reflects our dedication to all traditional aspects of Taekwondo, not just one specific kwan. The new name, US Traditional Taekwondo Federation, embodies our mission to uphold the essence of Korean Karate. It signifies our ongoing efforts to honor the history, culture, and philosophy of this ancient martial art while fostering a spirit of unity and excellence across the United States.  WTJF Masters License The interest in and feedback about our upcoming Masters Course has been nothing short of mind-blowing! Two of the most frequently asked questions are who this course is intended for, and what about those who already hold an International Masters License from the World Taekwondo Jidokwan Federation?
This course is open for all Taekwondo instructors from any affiliation, but most specifically is intended for those who are already Jidokwan members, as well as those seeking to join Jidokwan. During the final day of the course, there will be a Dan exam where those who are not currently Jidokwan certified can receive recognition, or those who hold Jidokwan Dan rank and are eligible for advancement can test for their next rank. You must be a Jidokwan Dan holder in order to receive a Jidokwan Masters License. For those that are already both Jidokwan Dan holders and have received an International Masters License from the WTJF, this course will still be an exceptional training and networking opportunity. Furthermore, those instructors will receive a $200 discount on their course attendance. Early registration for the Masters Course ends on September 30th, and the deadline to attend at all is December 31st. Don't miss out on what is anticipated to be one of the most exciting and intensive training experiences of the year! For more information, please contact our headquarters today. Author: Bret Gordon  Yes. But also no. But also yes...
A conversation with one of my students prompted this article to answer the question "Is Taekwondo Karate?" As the opening line suggests, answering that question is not as simple as you might think and really comes down to how you define "Karate." Let's explore it first from our perspective at the American Jidokwan Association, and then the martial arts community at large. Fundamentally, we believe traditional Taekwondo is Karate. In my previous article "How Can Jidokwan Be Tang Soo Do?" (click here), I broke down the Jidokwan's origins in both Shotokan and Shito Ryu, and showed that even the early generations referred to their art specifically as Karate. To understand the difference between modern Taekwondo and Karate, we have to understand the history of Taekwondo itself. Author: Bret Gordon  While our mission at the American Jidokwan Association is to preserve traditional Korean Karate, we recognize many of our members are also avid competitors. Whether they teach Olympic Taekwondo, Kickboxing, or Point Fighting as their preferred method of sparring, the AJA and/or our Headquarters school is registered with each of these national governing bodies so that our AJA members have access to their events without needing to register independently. This is just another way we are committed to serving our members and helping them reach their goals in Taekwondo!
To join as a competitor or coach with these organizations under our club registration, please contact our Headquarters for information and instructions. Author: Bret Gordon  The American Jidokwan Association is opening its doors and accepting applications for membership globally. As such, we are seeking representatives from all countries to help us spread Jidokwan!
Due to our membership requirements detailed in our previous article (click here), those applying for representative positions must already be certified by the World Taekwondo Jidokwan Federation in Korea. All other international applicants will be eligible for Class C Membership as detailed in the above article, but not for full Jidokwan certification and licensing until the in-person testing requirements are met. International representatives will be responsible for helping spread Jidokwan and growing the organization in their country, and upholding our standards of integrity and high quality training. Full details of position responsibilities available upon request. If you are interested in a leadership position with one of the fastest growing Taekwondo and Tang Soo Do organizations, please apply by emailing our Headquarters (click here). Author: Bret Gordon  Joining the American Jidokwan Association offers a myriad of benefits for martial arts instructors seeking both personal growth and community connection. With a rich history and lineage, the AJA is renowned for its dedication to preserving and promoting the art of Jidokwan, fostering an environment where practitioners can refine their skills and deepen their understanding of martial arts philosophy.
As members of both the World Taekwondo Jidokwan Federation and the World Tang Soo Do General Federation, our members can enjoy an unbroken connection to the deepest origins of Taekwondo and Tang Soo Do. All of our certified members receive their international certifications, ranks, and licenses directly from Korea. But aside from certifications, what separates us from any other organization? Why should any instructor specifically join our group? Author: Bret Gordon  The American Jidokwan Association proudly supports the World Taekwondo Jidokwan Federation in Korea, and our members are leaders in the field of traditional Korean Karate!
Last year I received this award for service to the WTJF in helping preserve and spread Jidokwan nationally. With branches in several states and internationally, the American Jidokwan Association is quickly becoming one of the premier martial arts organizations in the United States with the highest standards for certification. Stay tuned for more exciting updates as we continue growing and upgrading our services to provide even more value to our members!  📣 Attention all Taekwondo black belts 🥋
We're thrilled to announce the upcoming Jidokwan Masters Course, scheduled for February 28 through March 2, 2025 in Ocoee, Florida! This exclusive course by the American Jidokwan Association will offer a deep dive into the art of Jidokwan, providing participants with invaluable insights, techniques, and strategies directly from seasoned masters. Open to all Taekwondo black belts regardless of affiliation, this course promises to elevate your skills and understanding to new heights. In addition to immersive training sessions, the event will include testing opportunities for Jidokwan rank recognition or advancement. Participants ranked 4th Dan and higher will also have the chance to receive an International Masters License from the World Taekwondo Jidokwan Federation in Korea 🇰🇷 This prestigious recognition highlights your expertise and commitment to the art of Jidokwan Taekwondo. Whether you're aiming to refine your skills, pursue membership or higher rank within Jidokwan, or earn your International Masters License, this course is designed to support your journey every step of the way. Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn from the best, connect with fellow martial artists, and take your martial arts journey to the next level! Stay tuned for more details on registration and course curriculum. Mark your calendars, spread the word, and get ready for an unforgettable experience! Author: Reverend Daniel Duplantis  Morio Higaonna, the founder of the International Okinawa Goju-ryu Karate-do Federation once wrote:
“Karate begins and ends with kata. Kata is the essence and foundation of karate and it represents the accumulation of more than 1000 years of knowledge. Formed by numerous masters throughout the ages through dedicated training and research, the kata are like a map to guide us, and as such should never be changed or tampered with (Kane & Wilder, 2005).” This description is strikingly similar to the way the Catechism of the Catholic Church describes the Eucharist, the sacrament by which bread and wine is substantially changed into the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus Christ. It states: “The Eucharist is ‘the source and summit of the Christian life.’ The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself, our Pasch (CCC 1324).” In essence, forms are to martial arts what the Lord’s Supper is to Christianity. It is the spiritual center of its respective art, and to belittle or, heaven forbid, remove this spiritual center is to remove the essence of martial arts. |
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