Black Belt Interviews

GEORGE VITALE
New York City
INTRODUCTION:
Dr. George Vitale’s fascination with the fighting arts began with Western systems as a youngster with boxing, spurred on by his Father’s interest. As a teen he trained in Wrestling, competing locally in both. His introduction to the Eastern Arts began with an exposure to Tang Su Do. Thereafter he enrolled in Taekwon-Do under the tutelage of Master Kim Kwang-Sung (K-7-45) at ITF Main Gym #21 in the early 1970s. Grandmaster Kim born in Gwangju, Korea was originally from the Moo Duk Kwan and was a Taekwon-Do Pioneer in West Germany. Dr. Vitale’s extensive involvement in Taekwon-Do saw him traveling nationally since 1984 and internationally since 1987. To date he has been to over 70 countries pursuing his love for Taekwon-Do, as a student, teacher, researcher and producer. His main area of interest is the history of Taekwon-Do. He is currently involved in 3 documentaries and writing a book on the subject. The Graduate School work he has done since 1993 has culminated in his earning an academic Doctorate Degree from north Korea, the first American to ever do so. As a result of the expertise he has developed over the decades he is often invited to share his experiences with various institutions and media outlets. Master Vitale is happy to have the opportunity to now share with followers of this website.
EDUCATION:
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D)       2011 Sports Science/Physical Education (TKD)
Master of Arts (M.A.)                     1997 Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)                  2012 History
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)          1984 Police Science
Associate of Arts (A.A.)                2011 Liberal Studies
Associate of Science (A.S.)         1979 Security Administration
TAEKWON-DO HIGHLIGHTS:
ITF Order – Outstanding Contributions 2015
Tri-States Icons Martial Arts Hall of Fame 2015
Taekwondowon Contribution to Globalization 2014
Kukkiwon Outstanding Contribution & Dedication 2014
U.S. Grandmasters’ Society Peace Award 2013
International Hall of Fame World Peace & Outstanding Research 2012
TaeKwonDo Times Master of the Year 2011
Coordinator USA-DPRK Goodwill Tour 2011
TaeKwonDo Times Ambassador of the Year 2010
WTF Outstanding Contributions 2010
VIII Dan (8th Degree) A-8-14(b) 2009
Official Taekwondo Hall of Fame 2009
Coordinator USA-DPRK Goodwill Tour 2007
Cuba Taekwon-Do Goodwill Mission 2004
Supported USANTF 2002
Completed Numerous Research Papers on Traditional MAs & Juvenile Delinquency 1997
Vice President USTF 1990
Director ITF 1988
ITF International Instructor #404 1987
ITF International Class “A” Umpire 1987
Graduate #9 of 5th ITF International Instructors Course 1987
EXPERIENCE:
Taekwon-Do Instructor           1977 to Present
New York State Police            1981 to 2005
NYC Youth Counselor            1977 to 1981
ASSOCIATIONS:
Lifetime Member – ITF & USTF
Member – Korea Society (New York City)
Member – National Committee on North Korea (Washington D.C.)
Member – Amateur Athletic Union (Albany, NY)
Member – World History Association
Member – American Historical Association
STATEMENT:
The history of Taekwon-Do has been purposely distorted and manipulated for a myriad of reasons. It appears that an early motivation for the intended confusion was to hide the connection to the obvious Japanese martial art influence that the Koreans had. Since the Japanese Empire had gone to extreme measures to subjugate Korea during their long-term occupation, after the occupation national efforts were made to reinvigorate Korean pride, at the same time when Taekwon-Do was being initially developed. This movement impacted the early telling of Taekwon-Do’s history. Competing personalities and rival factions eventually split Taekwon-Do into two major groups. Once this happened additional pressures bore down upon the telling of Taekwon-Do’s history, corrupting it even more. Eventually major political interference also impacted the truth of the history when General Choi Hong-Hi ran afoul with the south Korean dictatorships when he became a leading outspoken critic of the military regimes. Once General Choi fled Korea for his safety a concentrated campaign was undertaken to destroy him and his ITF, by enticing and even forcing his members to join the new WTF. As the WTF became more successful and grew into the premier Taekwondo organization, General Choi’s ITF was weak and close to ending. As a result he looked to introduce Taekwon-Do to north Korea. General Choi had always envisioned spreading his Taekwon-Do without regard to race, religion, political ideology or national boundaries. He even dreamed of bringing it someday to the north, as a means of helping his beloved Homeland reunite. General Choi named his final Pattern Tong-Il, which denotes the long sought after reunification. Once General Choi visited the north, which was illegal in south Korea, he was labeled a communist traitor who committed a treasonous act by engaging in what was viewed by some as anti-nationalist activity. There always seems to be pressures that look to shape the telling of history. However, history is factual information that should inform us who did what, where and when. Dr. Vitale looks to draw upon his wide range of police training and investigative skills and combine that with his extensive academic education to uncover factual data and illicit information from many of the people who were there at various points along the development of Taekwon-Do.
[email protected]

Grand Master Paul Cutler is the first ever student in the United Kingdom to be promoted to 9th Dan Grand Master. Grand Master Cutler has been studying Taekwon-Do for over 40 years and his mentor and career long instructor is the legendary First Grand Master Rhee Ki Ha (FGMR), known as the Father of British and European Taekwon-Do.

Grand Master Cutler teaches authentic ITF Taekwon-Do as formulated by Taekwon-Do's founder, the late General Choi Hong Hi. The complete Martial Art, its beliefs customs, culture, method and ideology, all of which all have equal importance as the physical movements; for without these Taekwon-Do's true identity would be lost.

Grand Master Cutler has been honoured and awarded best instructor in Britain by the founder of Taekwon-Do General Choi Hong Hi on several occasions and received the outstanding instructor award in 1995. Grand Master Cutler attended over 30 international courses with General Choi Hong Hi and personally assisted General Choi on seminars in Europe and Australia.

Grand Master Paul Cutler is the first ever student in the United Kingdom to be promoted to 9th Dan Grand Master. Grand Master Cutler has been studying Taekwon-Do for over 40 years and his mentor and career long instructor is the legendary First Grand Master Rhee Ki Ha (FGMR), known as the Father of British and European Taekwon-Do.

Grand Master Cutler teaches authentic ITF Taekwon-Do as formulated by Taekwon-Do's founder, the late General Choi Hong Hi. The complete Martial Art, its beliefs customs, culture, method and ideology, all of which all have equal importance as the physical movements; for without these Taekwon-Do's true identity would be lost.

Grand Master Cutler has been honoured and awarded best instructor in Britain by the founder of Taekwon-Do General Choi Hong Hi on several occasions and received the outstanding instructor award in 1995. Grand Master Cutler attended over 30 international courses with General Choi Hong Hi and personally assisted General Choi on seminars in Europe and Australia.

Master Fitzgibbon is the founder, and chief instructor of Connacht Taekwon-Do Academy (the first Taekwon-Do School in Galway), since 1993. He is a 7th degree black belt and is the also the Chief Instructor of Connacht Taekwon-do Schools, a group of 5 TKD Schools in the West of Ireland.

Master Fitzgibbon is a graduate of NUI Galway (science), as well as a qualified Gym Instructor with ITEC, and a certified Strength & Conditioning coach. He is the co-host of the annual Connacht Championships and Tribal Cup, along with Ms. Connolly, the Gort TKD Academy instructor.

He has featured as a regular author in the international magazine, Totally Taekwon-Do, and produced numerous blogs for Health websites and newspapers.

As a competitor, Master Fitzgibbon was the longest-serving (twelve years) captain of the Irish Senior Male Team and has also represented Europe three times winning gold on each occasion. He has won sixteen World medals in the space of ten years – six of them gold. He has trained five World Champions and over a dozen World medalists.

Now, retired from competition, his time is devoted entirely to running the school, and producing top-class martial artists.

https://shanefitzgibbon.ie/products/

Grand Master O’Neill

TKD Qualifications
 
Name:   Raymond Peter O’Neill                     Date of Birth 30th May 1961
 
Date started Taekwon-Do 13th September 1978
 
COLOURBELT QUALIFICATIONS
 
Grade Belt Date Examiner Venue
 
9th Kup Yellow Tips 12.02.79 Master Rhee 7th Dan Amesbury
8th Kup Yellow Belt 09.05.79 Master Rhee 7th Dan Amesbury
7th Kup Green Tips 24.09.79 Master Rhee 7th Dan Boscombe
6th Kup Green Belt 28.03.80 Master Rhee 7th Dan Boscombe
5th Kup Blue Tips 02.06.80 Master Rhee 7th Dan Salisbury
4th Kup Blue Belt 16.09.80 Master Rhee 7th Dan Bristol
3rd Kup Red Tips 27.02.81 Master Rhee 8th Dan New Milton
2nd Kup Red Belt 10.09.81 Master Rhee 8th Dan Bristol
1st Kup Black Tips 25.05.82 Master Rhee 8th Dan Weston SM
 
BLACKBELT QUALIFICATIONS
 
1st Dan Black (Novice) 27.03.83 Master Rhee 8th Dan Derby
2nd Dan Black “ 04.11.84 Master Rhee 8th Dan Glasgow
3rd Dan Black “ 10.08.86 Master Rhee 8th Dan Cardiff
4th Dan Black (Expert) 17.09.89 Master Rhee 8th Dan Elgin
5th Dan Black “ 07.03.93 Master Rhee 8th Dan Wishaw
6th Dan Black “ 08.03.98 Grand Master Rhee 9th Dan Glasgow
7th Dan Black (Master) 09.03.03 Grand Master Rhee 9th Dan Elgin
8th Dan Blk (Senior Mst) 09.12.08 Pioneer Rhee Ki Ha 9th Dan Glasgow
9th Dan Blk (Grand Mst) 16.11.12 Pioneer Rhee Ki Ha 9th Dan Stonehenge
 
 
 
 
INSTRUCTOR QUALIFICATIONS
 
National ‘C’ C;ass 29.07.84 Master Rhee 8th Dan Glasgow
National ‘B’ Class 14.07.85 Master Rhee 8th Dan Glasgow
National ‘A’ Class 08.08.86 Master Rhee 8th Dan Cardiff
International Instructor 17.09.89 Master Rhee 8th Dan Elgin
Master Instructor 09.03.03 Grand Master Rhee 9th Dan Elgin
 
UMPIRE QUALIFICATIONS
 
National Umpire 08.06.85 Master Rhee 8th Dan Glasgow
International Umpire 30.05.87 Master Rhee 8th Dan Reading
Master Park 8th Dan
 
EXAMINER QUALIFICATIONS
 
International & National 17.09.89 Master Rhee 8th Dan Elgin
 

Grand Master O’Neill

TKD Qualifications
 
Name:   Raymond Peter O’Neill                     Date of Birth 30th May 1961
 
Date started Taekwon-Do 13th September 1978
 
COLOURBELT QUALIFICATIONS
 
Grade Belt Date Examiner Venue
 
9th Kup Yellow Tips 12.02.79 Master Rhee 7th Dan Amesbury
8th Kup Yellow Belt 09.05.79 Master Rhee 7th Dan Amesbury
7th Kup Green Tips 24.09.79 Master Rhee 7th Dan Boscombe
6th Kup Green Belt 28.03.80 Master Rhee 7th Dan Boscombe
5th Kup Blue Tips 02.06.80 Master Rhee 7th Dan Salisbury
4th Kup Blue Belt 16.09.80 Master Rhee 7th Dan Bristol
3rd Kup Red Tips 27.02.81 Master Rhee 8th Dan New Milton
2nd Kup Red Belt 10.09.81 Master Rhee 8th Dan Bristol
1st Kup Black Tips 25.05.82 Master Rhee 8th Dan Weston SM
 
BLACKBELT QUALIFICATIONS
 
1st Dan Black (Novice) 27.03.83 Master Rhee 8th Dan Derby
2nd Dan Black “ 04.11.84 Master Rhee 8th Dan Glasgow
3rd Dan Black “ 10.08.86 Master Rhee 8th Dan Cardiff
4th Dan Black (Expert) 17.09.89 Master Rhee 8th Dan Elgin
5th Dan Black “ 07.03.93 Master Rhee 8th Dan Wishaw
6th Dan Black “ 08.03.98 Grand Master Rhee 9th Dan Glasgow
7th Dan Black (Master) 09.03.03 Grand Master Rhee 9th Dan Elgin
8th Dan Blk (Senior Mst) 09.12.08 Pioneer Rhee Ki Ha 9th Dan Glasgow
9th Dan Blk (Grand Mst) 16.11.12 Pioneer Rhee Ki Ha 9th Dan Stonehenge
 
 
 
 
INSTRUCTOR QUALIFICATIONS
 
National ‘C’ C;ass 29.07.84 Master Rhee 8th Dan Glasgow
National ‘B’ Class 14.07.85 Master Rhee 8th Dan Glasgow
National ‘A’ Class 08.08.86 Master Rhee 8th Dan Cardiff
International Instructor 17.09.89 Master Rhee 8th Dan Elgin
Master Instructor 09.03.03 Grand Master Rhee 9th Dan Elgin
 
UMPIRE QUALIFICATIONS
 
National Umpire 08.06.85 Master Rhee 8th Dan Glasgow
International Umpire 30.05.87 Master Rhee 8th Dan Reading
Master Park 8th Dan
 
EXAMINER QUALIFICATIONS
 
International & National 17.09.89 Master Rhee 8th Dan Elgin
 

Tae Kwon-Do Biography of Michael Cormack - Toronto, Canada
ITF Tae Kwon-Do Pioneer and Tournament Competitor
History -
Initial Tae Kwon-Do training commenced in early 1974 at the Jong Park Institute of Tae Kwon-Do (GM Park Jong-Soo) in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Noteworthy Events and Achievements -
Member of the International Tae Kwon-Do Federation since 1974 and Secretary Treasurer of the ITF Canadian Tae Kwon-Do Association in the early 1980's, under GM Lee Suk Hi.
1st Degree Black belt awarded in Toronto by GM Park Jong Soo on April 2, 1977. (C-1-126)
2nd Degree Black Belt awarded by GM Park Jung Tae on July 15, 1979.
3rd Degree Black Belt awarded by GM Park Jung Tae on May 21, 1985.
4th Degree black Belt awarded by General Choi Hong Hi on July 1, 1990. (C-4-32)
*4th Degree Black Belt awarded by GM Sabree Salleh (P.J.C.) on July 1, 1990. ( M-4-C-121)
International Instructor Certificate Awarded July 1, 1990 Cert #: 485
International Umpire Certificate Awarded July 1, 1990 Cert #: 435
International Team Demonstrations -
*Member of the 6th ITF Tae Kwon-Do Demonstration Team to Argentina in November 1979 with General Choi Hong Hi, GM Kim Jong Chan, GM Choi Chan Keun, GM Rhee Ki Ha, GM Park Jung Tae, GM Lee Jong Moon, GM Choi Kwang Duk, GM Kim Suk Jun, Michael Cormack.
Demonstrations conducted across Argentina in sport venues within the cities of Buenos Aires, Rosario, Cordoba, San Juan and Mendoza.
*Member of the 7th ITF Tae Kwon-Do Demonstration Team to Moscow and the DPR of Korea, October 1980. One of 15 delegation members from various countries, along with General Choi Hong Hi.
Demonstrations in Moscow, USSR, at the Embassy of the DPR of Korea, in Pyongyang and Wonsan cities, DPR of Korea during the delegation's visit.
Multiple visits to the DPR of Korea and PR of China throughout 1980 to 1989 to promote ITF Tae Kwon-Do through seminars, student training and to assist General Choi Hong Hi in the production of the Encyclopedia of Tae Kwon-Do.

*Demonstration Assistant to General Choi Hong Hi during the 1982 Central America Tour and the Pan Am Central America Tae Kwon -Do Championships - hosted by Master Raul Bonilla in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
Individual demonstrations in Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras with General Choi Hong Hi and the local TKD black belts from each nation and/or jurisdiction.
*Demonstration Assistant to General Choi Hong Hi at Cold Lake, Colorado and GM Chuck Seriff ITF Tae Kwon-Do Summer Camp - 1988. Demonstrations and conducted the Free Sparring Seminar.
Tournament History and Achievements -
*1977 North American Tae Kwon-Do Championships - May 1977 Toronto, Canada - 2nd place Men's Black belt Middleweight division - free sparring (1st tournament as a new 1st Degree black belt).
*Member of the 1977 Goodwill Canada versus USA Team's, Rockford, Illinois. GM Lee Jong Moon (USA) and GM Park Jong Soo (Canada) - team coaches. Canada winner.
*Mid-West Tae Kwon-Do Championships - 1st Place Individual Lightweight Men's Sparring division.
* 1977 Can-Am Tae Kwon Do Championships - 2nd place Lightweight division Men's Sparring. Hamilton Ontario.
*Awarded Canadian Team Membership during team trials, June 1978 in Toronto, Ontario Canada.
*1978 ITF World Tae Kwon-Do Championships , Sept 8 to 10th, 1978 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.
Hosted by GM Jack Hwang at the Myriad Gardens Complex, with the finals overseen by Master Chuck Norris.
1978 2nd ITF World Championships - Medals won -
1) Gold Medal - Team Free Sparring
2) Silver Medal - Individual Middle Weight Men's Free Sparring
3) Silver Medal - Team Patterns
*1978 Canadian National Karate Championships - 1st Place Men's Lightweight Sparring division in Hamilton, Ontario Canada.
1979 Central Canada Open Tae Kwon-Do Championships - 3rd Place Sparring - Men's Heavyweight division, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada .
*1979 Kwang Kim's Cup Open Tae Kwon do Tournament - 1st place Black Belt sparring - Men's Lightweight division, Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Thierry Meyour
ITF Taekwon-Do Finland
VII degree Master
FL-7-2
A-Umpire certificate

CURRICULUM VITAE
Taekwon-Do History

1976- Started Martial arts with Judo under the guidance of Feu Masanori Fukami 8th Degree and Mait Kawas 3rd degree (one of the first female Judo black belt in the world).
1979- Started Taekwondo/Taekwon-Do in Lebanon.
1987- Moved to Italy (due to the Lebanese civil war) and continued my training in Rome under the guidance of Mr. Vincenzo Coteni.
1989- Founded my first school in Rome.
1992- Moved to France and established the AFTITF (founding association of the current ITF France).
1996- Moved back to Lebanon and established the first ITF NA at the request of Gen. Choi.
1998- Moved to Finland.
1999- Established Black Eagle Taekwon-Do.
2000- Assisted Gen. Choi in the first IIC in France along with Master Lear.
2013- Awarded ITF Finland most influential personality.
2014- Elected President of ITF Finland and Technical Director (more than doubled the membership level within my term).
2015- Co-organizer IIC 106 Tampere.
2016- Co organizer of the European Championships in Tampere (Considered among the best ITF competition to date).
2016- Awarded ITF Finland Instructor of the year.
2016- Black Eagle Taekwon-Do awarded Workers Union most inclusive and fair club in Finland among over 3000 clubs.
2017- Successfully negotiated the integration of ITF Finland as full member of the Finnish Olympic Committee with voting rights.
2018- Awarded the Medal of Merit of Sports by the Finnish Ministry of Education.
2018- Appointed as Head Coach of the Finnish National Team.
2018- Vice President of ITF Finland in charge of communication with the ITF.

Responsibilities and achievements:
2008-2020: Member of ITF Finland Board (4 years as board member, 4 years as president, 2 years as vice-president).
2008-2018: Technical Director of ITF Finland.
Since 2018: Head Coach of the Finnish National Team.
Since 2014: Member of the Disciplinary Committee of ITF Finland.
Since 1999: Head Instructor of Black Eagle Taekwon-Do in 4 different locations in the Tampere region
- Approx. 200 members.
- 30 active black belts, 5 instructors (2 more to be promoted within the next 2 years).
2019: co-Established Black Eagle Taekwon-Do Singapore with Sabum Viktor Rikkonen.
- Co organizer of 1 IIC (2015)
- Co organized 1 European Championship (2016)
- Member of the organizing committee of the World Championships 2021.
- Organized 10 international competitions (Winternational Taekwon-Do Open and nowadays Black Eagle Taekwon-Do Open)
- Organizer of the Legends seminar series with: Mr Pierre Guenette, Master Van de Mortel, Mr Oleg and Mrs Katya Solovey, Master Jaroslaw Suska, Master Jurek Jedut, Master Mark Hutton, Master Tomasz Barada, Mr Mark Trotter, Mr Carl Van Roon, Mr Julio Carlos, Mr. Lylian Doulay and Mr. Neil Ernest
- Successfully trained top athletes: Mira Sjövall (2x World Champion, 4x European Champion, 1x Vice European Champion, 1x European Bronze Medalist), Lylian Doulay (1x World Champion, 5x European Champion, 1x Vice World Champion, 1x World Bronze medalist), Ukko Haverinen (2x Vice World Champion, 2x Vice European Champion, Thomas Maffei (Vice World Champion), Mohammad Altaai (European Champion), Antti Holmen (European Bronze medalist), Jukka Holmen (European bronze medalist).
- Founder of ITF Patterns Unleashed

Grading History:
- 1st degree Junior: circa: 10.1984
- 1st degree Senior: 1.12.1988
- 2nd degree 27.11.1994 - Gen. Choi Hong Hi
- 4th degree 30.07.1995 - double graded by Gen. Choi Hong Hi
- 5th degree 28.02.2000 - Gen. Choi Hong Hi
- 6th degree 27.01.2008- ITF Technical Committee
- 7th degree 22.02.2014 – GM Ung, GM Beking

IIC – IUC – Conventions
- IIC 82, 86, 103, 147, 152, 163 under the guidance of General. Choi Hong Hi.
- IIC 64, 81, 88, 98, 106, 114, 146 under the guidance of the ITF technical committee.
- IUC 9-55 Limerick.
- ITF convention – Benidorm 2017.
- ICC: Dublin 2019

Education:
- Physical Education Teacher
- Professional Coach European proficiency level 6.

Professional experience:
1995-2005: Security for various artists

Languages:

- French: Mother tongue
- English: Fluent
- Italian: Fluent
- Arabic: Fluent
- Finnish: Advanced
- Spanish: Notions

Hobbies:
Lead Singer in the Finnish Tribute to Pink Floyd (the most successful tribute band in Finland)
Scuba Diving
Sauna and ice swimming
Cooking

Master Tony Vella, a 8th Degree Black Belt with the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF). He is an international instructor and grading examiner with all his grades and qualifications recognised by the ITF which has over 100 member countries. He has been training in Taekwon-Do since 1982 and has been graded beginner to senior Instructor by Grand Master Rhee Ki Ha 9th Degree, the founder of Taekwon-Do in the UK.As a former member of the British National Team he has competed and won medals all over the world including: California, North Korea, Switzerland, Greece, Having served the public in the instruction of Taekwon-Do for over 25 years.

Master Tony Vella, 8th Degree Black Belt with the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF). He is an international instructor and grading examiner with all his grades and qualifications recognised by the ITF which has over 100 member countries. He has been training in Taekwon-Do since 1982 and has been graded beginner to senior Instructor by Grand Master Rhee Ki Ha 9th Degree, the founder of Taekwon-Do in the UK.As a former member of the British National Team he has competed and won medals all over the world including: California, North Korea, Switzerland, Greece, Having served the public in the instruction of Taekwon-Do for over 25 years.