kukiwan

Question
I need the address for submittal for my daughter's tae kwon do black belt (1st degree) for her kukiwan certification.  Also, I need the correct cost.

Can you help me or point me to someone who can?

Respectfully,
Frustrated Mom
Linda Taflinger
[email protected]

Answer
Mrs. Taflinger,

I almost hit the "This question is out of my area" icon, until I read "frustrated mom."

I've been out of that "world" for a number of years now, and no longer practice poomse, etc. I have a tactical study group I meet with that does self defense drills.

The Kukkiwon is in Seoul, Korea.  Your daughter cannot take the test directly from them.  This from their webpage:

"The World Taekwondo Academy, Kukkiwon conducts Dan promotion tests and issues black belt Dan certificates to Taekwondo practitioners through member national associations of the WTF. Contestants to participate in international Taekwondo competitions sponsored or approved by the WTF should hold Kukkiwon Dan certificates. Kukkiwon Dan holders are estimated at 4.2 million persons all over the world as of the end of 1998." (http://www.academictaekwondo.com/kukkiwon.htm)

The school your daughter has gone to should be a member of the WTF (World Tae Kwon Do Federation).  These schools are under the umbrella of the Kukkiwon, and are empowered to conduct the tests and issue rank in accordance with their rules.  The school must submit the appliction and testing result to Kukkiwon - individuals cannot.

There is no set testing fee, but whatever the fee is, a set amount will go to the Kukkiwon, and an amount with go to the school.

Unfortunately, not all member schools/instructors are scrupulous or honest.  You may want to do a web search for Tiger Claw Tae Kwon Do in Leesburg, Virginia.  J Douglas (5th degree Master)is very busy, but he's an honest man and a nice guy.  If you call him, he may be able to help you.

I'm sorry for your frustration, and hope this will help you some.