Following the conclusion of the Chuncheon 2026 World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships, British Taekwondo International Referees Master Kambiz Ramzan Ali MBE and Master Carolina Barros Clark visited Kukkiwon, the World Taekwondo Headquarters in Seoul, for a series of important meetings.
Both had represented Great Britain as World Taekwondo International Poomsae Referees at the Championships before travelling to Seoul to discuss the future development of Taekwondo and closer cooperation between Kukkiwon and the Taekwondo community in the United Kingdom.
During her visit, Master Carolina Barros Clark met with the President of Kukkiwon. Their discussion focused on strengthening Kukkiwon’s relationship with the UK, supporting qualified masters and providing clearer guidance and opportunities for Kukkiwon Dan promotion.
Master Barros Clark also highlighted the importance of maintaining Kukkiwon’s international standards while ensuring that dedicated masters and practitioners in the UK have access to the correct pathways for education, development and advancement.
Master Barros Clark said: “It was a great privilege to meet the President of Kukkiwon and discuss the development of Taekwondo in the United Kingdom.
“We had a very positive conversation about supporting UK masters and ensuring that practitioners receive the correct information, guidance and opportunities for Kukkiwon Dan promotion.
“Kukkiwon has an important role in protecting the standards, traditions and identity of Taekwondo worldwide. I hope our meeting will help develop an even stronger relationship between Kukkiwon and the UK Taekwondo community.”
In separate meetings at Kukkiwon, Master Kambiz Ramzan Ali MBE met with the Vice President of Kukkiwon and Ahn Jae-yoon, President of the World Taekwondo Academy.
Master Ramzan Ali’s discussions focused on preserving and promoting Taekwondo’s culture, heritage and traditional values while developing stronger sporting and cultural relationships between South Korea, the United Kingdom and other European countries.
Particular attention was given to international instructor education, training programmes, support for UK masters, youth development and opportunities for greater participation within local communities.
The meetings also explored practical ways of improving communication and cooperation between Kukkiwon and masters in the UK, including access to education and appropriate pathways for Kukkiwon Dan promotion.
Master Ramzan Ali highlighted his work with British Taekwondo and as a member of the European Taekwondo Union Culture and Heritage Committee. He also represented his home town of Harrogate during the visit.
Master Ramzan Ali presented official Letters of Commendation from Councillor Viv Poskitt, Mayor of Harrogate, and Tom Gordon MP, Member of Parliament for Harrogate and Knaresborough, to President Ahn Jae-yoon.
The commendations recognised President Ahn’s longstanding contribution to developing Taekwondo leaders internationally, promoting Taekwondo as a global martial art and strengthening cultural and sporting relationships between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Korea.
Master Ramzan Ali said: “It was very special to visit Kukkiwon, the home of Taekwondo, and hold these important meetings with the Vice President of Kukkiwon and President Ahn Jae-yoon of the World Taekwondo Academy.
“Our discussions about supporting UK masters, instructor education and Kukkiwon Dan promotion were very valuable. Masters and practitioners must receive clear guidance and meaningful opportunities to continue their development while maintaining Kukkiwon’s high international standards.
“Taekwondo is much more than a martial art. Its history, culture, heritage and educational values can bring people and communities together.
“I was proud to represent British Taekwondo, the European Taekwondo Union Culture and Heritage Committee, the Mayor of Harrogate and Tom Gordon MP during this important visit.
“I will continue working to preserve and promote the heritage of Taekwondo, strengthen our relationship with Kukkiwon and support the future development of Taekwondo across the UK.”
President Ahn Jae-yoon expressed his appreciation for the commendations and reaffirmed the World Taekwondo Academy’s commitment to developing international education and training opportunities for Taekwondo practitioners, instructors and masters.
The meetings reflected a shared commitment to protecting Taekwondo’s cultural heritage and creating further opportunities for master and instructor development, Dan promotion, youth participation and international cooperation.
Master Kambiz Ramzan Ali MBE is a Kukkiwon International Master, Kukkiwon 7th Dan, Class II Dan Examiner and World Taekwondo International Poomsae Referee.
About Kukkiwon
Kukkiwon, widely known as the World Taekwondo Headquarters, is a central institution for the international development, education and promotion of Taekwondo. Its World Taekwondo Academy provides education and training programmes for Taekwondo practitioners, instructors and masters from around the world.
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