Carrying the Olympic Torch

Grandmaster Yoon was born in Korea. At the age of 7, he was a very small child and often bullied by other children because of his size. So his father knowing he would need to build up his body and find the inner ability to protect himself, decided that he would learn Tae Kwon Do. He not only learned how to stand up for himself, he learned how to teach others, respect, courtesy, kindness and the grace of the art of Tae Kwon Do. After graduating high school he went into the Korean Army, as a Special Course Trainer for Tae Kwon Do. Later he would travel to Vietnam to train their military. Returning to Korea for one year, after which he came to America where he opened several schools in PA, WV and NC. He has given over 1500 black belts to students.

Grandmaster Joe Fox is Master Yoon’s highest ranking student. He has this to say about Grandmaster Yoon. “Although I was a young black belt when I came to train with Grandmaster Yoon, he taught me inspiration discipline and conditioning of the mind, body and spirit. I assisted Grand Master Yoon in running a studio in Durham NC, and although times were lean and difficult he always managed to laugh and bring a positive attitude. Over the years it is that indomitable spirit that has been with Grand Master Yoon and a spirit that he passes down to his students of which there have been over 10,000.”

In 1988 Grand master Yoon carried the Olympic Torch. This was a first in many ways. It was the first time that someone in a Tae Kwon Do uniform carried the torch and it was the first time that the Olympics recognized Tae Kwon Do. To take the torch and carry it for two countries representing Tae Kwon Do as a future Olympic sport that is a way of life for Grand Master Yoon was an honor that will be talked about for many years to come. A man’s heart and soul shine forth in the grace and courage of mastering a skill, and in mastering the skills and styles of Tae Kwon Do, Grandmaster Yoon would find himself holding many positions.


President – Alabama State Tae Kwon Do Association

Former President – World International Referee Association

Former Vice Chairman – National Training Committee of Tae Kwon Doe US Olympic Center.

1988 – Selected to the US Olympic delegation and carried the torch at the 24th Olympiad in Seoul. (This was the first time in the history of the Olympiad that anyone wore a Tae Kwon Do uniform while carrying the torch)

1989 – 1993 – US Olympic Festival Official Staff

1992 – US Olympic Team Trial Head of Judges at the US Olympic center.

1993 – The World Championship Head of Judges at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

1995 – US Head of Team in Osaka Japan in the International Games.

International Referee of the Year 1998

There are many more accomplishments in National and International Levels.

Many years serving as the Alabama State Sport Festival Tae Kwon Do Commissioner and Tournament Director