Event

On June 21-22, a seminar was held in Velešín with Grandmaster Lee Yoo Sun (9th dan), HOME of International Taekwondo, ITF pioneer, and legend. Grandmaster Yoosun Lee was born in 1941 and began practicing martial arts at the Chun Do Kwan dojang at the age of fifteen. Lack of funds prevented him from attending university, so he joined the army, where his superiors quickly noticed his fighting skills and transferred him to the Oh Do Kwan dojang. Under the leadership of General Choi Hong Hi and Captain Nam Tae Hi, the new dojang trained army instructors for the Korean army at the time. One of them was the young Yoosun Lee, who, after initially working in Hong Kong, moved to Europe, where he worked alongside another pioneer. After his European engagement in the Netherlands and France, he headed to the American continent, where he spread the popularity of taekwondo from Chicago to Midland, Texas, and Houston. During his subsequent stay in Korea, he briefly served as a personal bodyguard to the Korean president. Currently, Grand Master Lee Yoo sun is the president of the organization he founded, "Home of International Taekwondo," which aims to unite today's fragmented taekwondo and clear the name of General Choi, who fell out of favor in the south due to his cooperation (albeit only at the level of teaching taekwondo) with the northern part of the Korean peninsula.The seminar itself is always a great experience because you meet many friends from the Czech Republic and abroad (the Netherlands, Austria, the USA, and Korea). In addition, Grand Master Brad Shipp, a direct student of the legendary Kim Bok Man, was also present. Grandmaster Lee gave us a taste of the military training he led in the armies of the Republic of Korea and South Vietnam. What did we actually practice? Kicking exercises, fast combinations with an emphasis on dynamic technique, self-defense, knife defense, one-round sparring, one-round sparring with foot blocks, and fighting against two and three opponents. There was also a lecture on the history of taekwondo and the use of techniques. The evening was marked by good food and quality conversations. The seminar ended with the presentation of certificates, where I, as a participant in my second seminar, received an instructor's certificate.

Day 1 June 13, 2025, Grandmaster Yoo Sun Lee led a belt test with the TKMAA, where Master Saint tested for 8th dan and other black belts demonstrated their skills for rank recognition in the ITF Home Federation. The event was intense, with everyone giving their best effort. Congratulations and Pil Seung Master Saint!

I wanted to take a moment and thank many in our Taekwon-do family that helped to make the weekend with pioneer and IX degree Grandmaster Lee You Sun’s seminar a success. To name a few, Mr. Lightwine for doing all the important little things - Mrs. Saint for hosting Grandmaster in our home and feeding him, Mrs. Gonzalez & Mrs. Maas for assisting with the cooking. Many of our family of black belts that helped set up, get bricks, clean up and more!Of course, special thanks to all the participants who came from IL, IA, WI, and CO to experience training with GM Lee. It was a bit historic that this was the first time GM Lee had ever been to Wisconsin! Grandmaster Lee really enjoyed Wisconsin and was impressed with those who participated. He corrected movements, gave encouragement and worked with the younger students. It was truly a weekend to remember for all!!! Many photos to follow in the coming days. Special note:On Friday evening, GM Lee led an ITF testing for several high ranking black belts and awarding them lateral certification in his International Taekwon-Do Federation Home organization. Preserving original Chang Hun Taekwon-Do is the mission of Traditional Korean Martial Arts Acadrmy, and this weekend enhanced our understanding and history of the art we love. Pil Seung Master Saint

 video

Day #1 in Argentina! - We were honored to visit two local Do Jang's in Buenos Aires.The first class was lead by 8th Dan Gabriel Mendez. The other groups that joined were Máster Hernán Cisternas, Sr. Instructors Raúl Bustamante and Alejandro Novas. Méndez was assisted by instructor Mariano Argento. There were approximately 60 people in the class and the use of space was amazing. Hand techniques, kicking drills, free, sparring, and pad work.The second class was at the Do Jang of Master Manuel Esteban Adrogue lead by instructor Rafael Sabini, 6th Dan. This was a smaller class made up of mostly professionals: lawyers, doctors, engineers, etc. It was easy to see that everyone enjoyed their training. The class consisted of basic techniques, pad drills, free sparring, and step sparring. It was inspiring to watch!I am thankful to all of the Masters and Instructors for making us feel so welcome.I am looking forward to a great 70th Anniversary Taekwon-Do International Seminar. We will have the presence of GM Yoosun Lee (pioneer of Taekwon-Do ITF, direct disciple of the Gral. Choi, original member Oh Do Kwan in the Korean Army, HOME of International taekwondo 國際跆拳道本山and ITF pioneer yoosun Lee IX Degree), GM Han Chang Kim (Introductor of Taekwon-Do in Argentina)

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First Seminar in the Czech Republic with Grandmaster Lee

A significant event for all Taekwon-Do enthusiasts took place in České Budějovice – the very first seminar in the Czech Republic led by Grandmaster Lee. The occasion attracted guests from around the world, including Grandmaster Brad Ship, Master Raymond Saint from the USA, and many Czech students, masters, and instructors who did not want to miss this opportunity.

The seminar program offered not only training sessions and expert lectures but also a festive dinner, where participants had the chance to share experiences and build new friendships in a friendly atmosphere. The evening was filled with mutual respect, joy from meeting in person, and a shared passion for Taekwon-Do.

The first meeting with Grandmaster Lee in the Czech Republic has thus become not only an important milestone for the Czech Taekwon-Do community but also an inspiration for the years to come.