A visit to the World Taekwondo Chungdokwon Headquarters gave two British Taekwondo officials an opportunity to reconnect with an important part of their martial arts heritage.
Master Kambiz Ramzan Ali MBE and Master Carolina Barros Clark are both longstanding Chungdokwon members. Master Ramzan Ali holds an 8th Dan, while Master Barros Clark holds a 7th Dan.
Their visit followed the Chuncheon 2026 World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships, where Master Ramzan Ali represented Great Britain as a World Taekwondo International Poomsae Referee and Master Barros Clark served as a Competition Management Official.
Chung Do Kwan, traditionally translated as the “School of the Blue Wave”, was founded in Seoul by Lee Won-kuk in 1944 and became one of the historic schools that helped shape the development of modern Taekwondo.
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.
The letters were presented to Grandmaster Shin, who accepted them on behalf of World Taekwondo Chungdokwon President Grandmaster Park Hae Man.
The commendations recognised the leadership of Chungdokwon and its longstanding contribution to preserving Taekwondo’s traditions, developing martial artists and sharing Korean culture around the world.
The gathering also included Chungdokwon members from Australia and Kazakhstan, creating an international meeting between practitioners connected by the same lineage and shared values.
Master Ramzan Ali said: “Visiting the World Taekwondo Chungdokwon Headquarters was very special for both Carolina and me. As an 8th Dan member, Chungdokwon forms an important part of my own Taekwondo journey.
“It was a privilege to present these commendations to Grandmaster Shin on behalf of the Mayor of Harrogate and Tom Gordon MP, and for them to be accepted on behalf of President Grandmaster Park Hae Man.
“Meeting fellow members from Australia and Kazakhstan reminded us that, although we come from different countries, we belong to the same Chungdokwon family.”
Master Barros Clark said: “As a 7th Dan Chungdokwon member, visiting the headquarters was a meaningful opportunity to connect with the history behind our training.
“Understanding and respecting our roots helps us pass the true values of Taekwondo to our students and future generations.”
The meeting reflected the worldwide reach of Chungdokwon and the importance of maintaining strong links between its Korean roots and members across Great Britain, Europe, Australia and Kazakhstan.
For the two British representatives, the visit was not about looking back at history alone. It was also about carrying Chungdokwon’s identity, discipline and values forward for the next generation.
Leave A Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.