About the
United Taekwondo Association
The United Taekwondo Association is dedicated to preserving the standards, traditions, and leadership principles established by Grandmaster Kyongwon Ahn while supporting the continued growth of Taekwondo schools, instructors, Black Belts, and students.
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Today, the UTA provides an organized framework for rank recognition, promotion oversight, curriculum development, education, mentorship, and leadership—helping ensure that its members remain connected to a respected and enduring martial arts tradition.
Who We Are
The United Taekwondo Association is a traditional Taekwondo organization established by Grandmaster Kyongwon Ahn to promote consistency, integrity, and continuity in training and rank advancement.
The UTA serves affiliated schools and clubs, instructors, Black Belts, and students by connecting them to an established system of standards, leadership, education, and support.
Through this shared structure, members become part of a broader Taekwondo community that spans generations. While each school maintains its own identity, UTA affiliation creates a common connection through recognized rank, shared traditions, experienced leadership, and a commitment to the continued development of Taekwondo.
Current UTA Schools & Clubs
The United Taekwondo Association is proud to support a network of affiliated schools and clubs dedicated to the traditions and standards of traditional Taekwondo. Below are the current active members of our association.
Jason Jacob's Taekwondo
Miami Township, OH
Head of School/Club: Mr. Jason Jacobs
Walker's School of Taekwondo
Madisonville, OH
Head of School/Club: Master Brian Walker
What We Do
The United Taekwondo Association supports its members through a combination of rank oversight, education, leadership development, and organizational support. These programs are designed to maintain consistency across affiliated schools while helping instructors, Black Belts, and students continue to grow within a recognized Taekwondo system.
Rank Recognition and Documentation
The UTA maintains and verifies rank records for qualified members, helping preserve a clear and credible history of advancement. This documentation supports continuity across schools and generations of practitioners.
Promotion Testing and Oversight
The UTA provides structure and oversight for promotion testing to help ensure that rank advancement remains consistent, meaningful, and aligned with established standards.
Curriculum Review and Development
UTA leadership reviews and develops curriculum to support clear, consistent instruction across affiliated schools and clubs while preserving the technical foundations of traditional Taekwondo.
Instructor Development
The UTA provides educational opportunities designed to strengthen teaching skills, professionalism, leadership, and long-term instructor development.
Referee Development
Referee education helps members develop a stronger understanding of competition rules, officiating responsibilities, and fair application of standards at UTA events and related competitions.
Black Belt Mentorship
The UTA’s mentorship efforts connect developing Black Belts with experienced leaders who can provide guidance, encouragement, and support as they continue progressing in Taekwondo and leadership.
Seminars and Educational Opportunities
Seminars, retreats, training sessions, and other educational programs give members opportunities to learn from senior instructors, refine their skills, and strengthen connections throughout the organization.
Support for Affiliated Schools and Clubs
The UTA provides affiliated schools and clubs with access to organizational guidance, rank support, educational resources, senior leadership, and a broader martial arts community. This support allows local programs to maintain their individual identity while benefiting from the strength and continuity of an established organization.
Grandmaster Kyongwon Ahn
President
Grandmaster August O'Neal
President
Leadership
The United Taekwondo Association is guided by experienced senior practitioners who help preserve the organization’s standards, traditions, and long-term direction. Through its leadership structure, the UTA provides oversight in areas such as promotion testing, curriculum, policy, education, and organizational development.
Grandmaster jeffery schare
President, United Taekwondo Association
Grandmaster Jeffrey Schare, serves as President of the United Taekwondo Association. He began his Taekwondo training in 1972 and has more than five decades of experience in traditional Song Moo Kwan Taekwondo, including extensive work as an instructor, competitor, and organizational leader.
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As UTA President, Grandmaster Schare helps guide the organization while supporting its commitment to strong standards, traditional Taekwondo, leadership development, and the continued growth of the UTA for future generations.
Board of Grandmasters
The Board of Grandmasters provides senior-level guidance to the UTA and helps safeguard the organization’s traditions, standards, and long-term vision. The Board may be called upon to advise on matters involving senior rank promotion, organizational policy, historical continuity, and the future direction of the association.
Board of Masters
The Board of Masters supports the ongoing work of the UTA through promotion testing, curriculum review, program development, and member education. Its members help ensure that established standards are applied consistently while also supporting the needs of affiliated schools, instructors, Black Belts, and students.
Past Presidents of the United Taekwondo Association
The leadership of the United Taekwondo Association has been defined by a commitment to standard, tradition, and service. We honor those who have served as President, guiding the association through its history.
Lineage and Instructional Heritage
The United Taekwondo Association holds a proud instructional lineage that traces back through Grandmaster Kyongwon Ahn. This heritage represents the continuity of knowledge and the bond between generations of martial artists.
Together, the Boards provide the experience, continuity, and leadership necessary to support the UTA’s mission and guide the organization for future generations.
Our Commitment
The United Taekwondo Association is committed to preserving the values, standards, and traditions that have shaped the organization while continuing to support its growth for future generations. That commitment is reflected in five key areas.
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Preserving Grandmaster Ahn’s Legacy
The UTA works to honor and carry forward the teachings, standards, and leadership principles established by Grandmaster Kyongwon Ahn.
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Maintaining Credible Rank Standards
The UTA promotes consistency and integrity in rank advancement through established requirements, documentation, and promotion oversight.
Supporting Traditional Taekwondo
The organization remains committed to preserving the technical foundations, discipline, and traditions of Taekwondo while supporting quality instruction across affiliated schools and clubs.
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Developing Instructors and Leaders
Through education, mentorship, and continued training, the UTA works to prepare knowledgeable instructors and responsible leaders who can guide future generations of practitioners.
Strengthening Relationships Between UTA Schools
The UTA brings schools and clubs together through shared standards, programs, events, and opportunities for collaboration, creating a stronger and more connected Taekwondo community.
Become Part of the UTA
The United Taekwondo Association brings together schools, instructors, Black Belts, and students who value tradition, credible standards, strong leadership, and continued growth. Learn more about how UTA affiliation can connect you to a broader, multi-generational Taekwondo community.
