Remembering Grand Master Park Soo Nam

Grand Master Park Soo Nam sadly passed away on the 14th June 2024.

His funeral in Stuttgart, Germany was attended by British Taekwondo’s CEO Ian Leafe, Grand Master Neil Guest and Louise Guest, as well as Mike McKenzie & Pete Adamsons, who were particularly close to GM Park for many years.

Here we celebrate and look back on his Taekwondo life, achievements, and tremendous contribution to Taekwondo, particularly in the UK.

Prof. Dr. h.c. Soo-Nam Park

13.08.1947 – 14.06.2024

GM Park was President of British Taekwondo (Control Board as it was named then) for 18 years between 1992 to 2010 and during this time, was relentless in his efforts behind the scenes to support the work to strengthen and grow our organisation. He was at the forefront of the amalgamation of many groups into BT(CB) and strived to form a more united Taekwondo family.

He was Vice President of World Taekwondo for a time, and Honorary President of the European Taekwondo Union, making him a valuable ambassador for Taekwondo in Great Britain and role model for many.

What was also so amazing about GM Park though, was his approachability.

He reached out to everyone no matter who you were.

Whether you were a small child or an older person, white belt or a high-ranking black belt, he had time for everyone. His sense of humour and his passion for Taekwondo made him a unique, popular and very special person.

Many people got to experience and enjoy his educational and fun sessions, not to mention the thorough Dan promotion tests he chaired over the years.

Most long-standing senior members of British Taekwondo will no doubt have tested with him at some point during his regular multiple annual visits to the UK.

Following his passing Grand Master Park Soo Nam, a long-standing 9th Dan Kukkiwon rank holder, was awarded a posthumous 10th Dan by Kukkiwon, the World Taekwondo Headquarters in Korea.

The passing of Grand Master Park Soo Nam is a huge loss for the Taekwondo family.

Celebrating a life full of positive contributions.

Below are just some of his many achievements in a life to be celebrated for its many positive contributions:

Ten years as national coach of Germany, with five European team championship titles in a row (1975 – 1985).
National coach of Austria (1986 – 1987).
German Olympic coach (1988 – 1989).
Recipient of the Federal Cross of Merit on Ribbon.
Recipient of the Order of Merit Kukmin Hunchang Moranchang of the Republic of Korea.
Recipient of the Kukki-jang, the highest order of merit of the Kukkiwon.
Honorary President of the European Taekwondo Union.
President World Children Taekwondo Union.
Chair Professor at Youngsan University in Korea.

Vice President of World Taekwondo (2005 – 2009).
President of the British Taekwondo Control Board (1992 – 2010).
President of the German Taekwondo Union (2012 – 2016).
Editor of the journal “Taekwondo Aktuell”.
Author of the book “Competition”.
Organiser of the Park Cup and the International Children’s Tournament.
Organiser of successful seminars, such as Taekwondo Defence and Ik-pil Kang Academy.
Coach at the Park Sports School in Stuttgart, which he founded.