From left: The first Elgin School of Taekwon-Do instructor - Mr. Dave Coulson, The first UKTA Scottish Master and Elgin School of Taekwon-Do's chief instructor since 1983- Master John Williamson 8th Degree, The UK pioneer Master - Grand Master Rhee Ki Ha, The first Elgin School of Taekwon-Do student to achieve black belt - Mr. David Benton.
In the early 1960’s, many UK service personnel were serving a tour of duty in Singapore. Some had been introduced to the Martial Art, Taekwon-do and had trained under Mr Rhee Ki Ha (now Grand Master). When they returned to the UK, there was a demand for continuing their training. General Choi chose the “Greatest ever exponent of Taekwon- Do” to come over to the UK and introduce Taekwon-do to the British people; and in 1967 the United Kingdom Taekwon- Do Association was born.
Schools were opening throughout the UK, and RAF Kinloss was one of the very first Taekwon-do schools. RAF serviceman, Dave Coulson, established the Elgin School of Taekwon-Do in 1973. The school has always trained at the Elgin Community Centre and has a reputation for excellence, which has been maintained by John Williamson, who took over as Instructor in 1983.
Grand Master Rhee is the Grading examiner for all Black Belt promotions and the Chairman of the promotions committee for the International Taekwon-Do Federation. After 40 year’s our Black Belts continue to be examined and promoted by our Pioneer Grand Master, who introduced Taekwon-do to the UK. Elgin Black Belts are honoured to have their promotions certified by Grand Master Rhee Ki Ha.
If you are a former Black Belt of Elgin School, please contact us if you would like to register your name on our Black Belt page. Email - john@jfwilliamson.com