Athletes from Holladay World Martial Arts (WMA) achieved remarkable success at the 30th Annual World Taekwondo Hanmadang, held in July at the Anaheim Convention Center in California. This event was historic because it was only the second time it had taken place outside of Korea. Organized by Kukkiwon, the World Taekwondo Headquarters, the festival attracted over 2,500 competitors from 30 countries and 30 states in the United States. Participants celebrated the essence of Taekwondo through various events, including poomsae (forms), board breaking, and self-defense demonstrations, bringing home gold, silver, and bronze medals.

Under the leadership of Grandmaster Jin Yong Kwon, Vice President of the Kukkiwon U.S. Branch, and Coach, Master Susan Kwon, a 5th Dan Black Belt, their WMA's Panther Poomsae Team achieved remarkable success at their first international tournament, earning a total of 12 medals in various divisions.

Master Susan Kwon reported that six athletes, ranging in ages from 10 to 46, competed in individual, team, and family poomsae events, as well as board breaking.  Their performance showcased high-level skill, unity, and spirit embodying the values of Taekwondo both on and off the mat.

“I have a team of 11 athletes, but for this competition, I had a team of 5, Susan Kwon said. “We competed in three sections or team forms. All of my athletes received gold medals, including myself.  I want to thank my father, Grandmaster Kwon, for supporting my ambition and starting my Taekwondo journey,” said Master Susan Kwon. To my athletes, “Thank you for your hard work and dedication. And to all the parents — your belief in me means everything.””

Grand Master Jin Yong Kwon: Grand Master Jin Yong Kwon is a 13-time Korean national champion with a 9th-degree black belt and 50-plus years of teaching experience. He is the founder of the World Martial Arts schools located in Holladay, Riverton, and South Jordan. (Photo courtesy World Martial Arts)

Grand Master Jin Yong Kwon is a 13-time Korean national champion with a 9th-degree black belt and over 50 years of teaching experience. With locations in Holladay, Riverton, and South Jordan, Jin Yong Kwon says, “Our Taekwondo school is the largest in Utah, having served over 4,000 students in the last 15 years. This historic event not only brought global recognition to our athletes but also showcased the strength and discipline of Utah’s Taekwondo community.” 

Master Susan Kwon shared with The City Journal, “World Taekwondo Hanmadang, founded in 1992 in Seoul, South Korea, is not a typical competition. Unlike sparring-focused events, it emphasizes the foundations of martial arts, such as precision, power, and discipline. The event is open to participants ranging from ages 4 to 90, including yellow belt to 9th Dan black belts. The success of the WMA Panthers at this year’s World Hanmadang represents a major milestone for Utah and American Taekwondo, inspiring the next generation of martial artists to pursue excellence and cultural unity through martial arts.”

As a traditional Taekwondo school, Korean values such as respect and humility are incorporated into the teaching and instilled in the students. The pillars of Taekwondo, courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit, guide the behavior of Taekwondo practitioners both inside and outside of the dojang (studio). 

“A lot of school counselors recommend martial arts as a tool for managing ADHD and anger management,” Master Susan Kwon said. “Taekwondo is a great emotional outlet to help young students find their center.” 

The success of the WMA Panthers at this year’s World Hanmadang represents a significant milestone for Utah and American Taekwondo, inspiring the next generation of martial artists to pursue excellence and cultural unity through martial arts.

"As a sport, we are growing in popularity, said Master Susan Kwon.  “It’s awesome to see the amount of growth that happens with each of our students.  It’s so rewarding."