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Distinguished Black Belts

Oldest Collegiate Traditional Tae Kwon-Do Program in America
Celebrating 39 years on the campus of, The University of Northern Iowa

Last Update -- August 18, 2008

Recent Updates Meet Our Instructors Events/Practice Schedule Welcome Freshmen Awareness & Discovery Benefits of Taekwondo Training Links to visit Photo Gallery & Awards Our Proud Heritage Our Junior Black Belts Interpretation of Patterns The Tenets of Tae Kwon-Do Dan Testing Requirements Gup Testing Requirements University of Northern Iowa Wellness & Recreation Maucker Union Contact Us Our preferred method of responding to inquires concerning membership in the UNI Tae Kwon-Do Club, is by an in-person visit, or by telephone. Our classes are always open for the public to observe, learn, and ask questions.

The birth of the UNI Tae Kwon-Do Club came in the fall of 1969. Thirty-nine years later, our Club is UNI's longest active Sport Club, and is nationally recognized as the oldest Collegiate Traditional Tae Kwon-Do program in America. Additionally, our program has produced 579 Distinguished Black Belts, including 10 Master Instructors (5th and 6th Dans), and 134 Junior Black Belts (those who earned their Black Belts as children and young adults). After intensive training in Topeka, Kansas under Grand Master ChaeSun Yi, my SabBumNim, I returned to Iowa in 1976, to become Chief Instructor of the UNI Tae Kwon-Do Club. I can truly say, I have enjoyed every one of my 32 years at this fine University. The University of Northern Iowa is acclaimed internationally for its teachers, and the UNI Tae Kwon-Do Club strives to reflect the values of great teaching in all of our programs. It is my experience that students who actively participate in Tae Kwon-Do training, have a higher graduation rate. I believe there is a direct correlation between participation in our Club's activities and one's discipline to perform well in academic classes, which reflects well upon the values I instill as an instructor. My students range in age from an 85 year old Catholic nun, to 5 year olds learning the values of Discipline, Courtesy, and Respect. They range in skill from agile students capable of flying 20 feet laterally to devastate a target to those capable of breaking 5 boards. They range in athletic ability from those who enjoy burning up to 2000 calories per class, to those who need crutches or wheel chairs for mobility. Tae Kwon-Do truly is for everyone, and it's a fun way to exercise.  My 39 years of experience has enabled me to tailor the 2500 year old Korean Art form to fit the needs of anyone. My adult Black Belts are re certified annually, and thus, remain qualified to officiate in national competition. Many of my students have gone on to become lifelong students of Tae Kwon-Do, integrating its physical and mental training into their daily lives well beyond graduation from college. Since my advancement to the 7th Dan six years ago, I have proudly served as the most senior "Master Instructor" in the Midwest. I am humbled by the wisdom of the Korean Grand Masters, and honored by the trust they have placed in me. My most memorable career accomplishments... 1976 * Becoming the first American to earn Instructor Certification 1976 * under Grand Master ChaeSun Yi 1985 * Being the first African-American to become a Tae Kwon-Do Master 1985 * Serving as an ACTA Chairman and Chief Instructor to more than 15,000 students 1985 * including 3,000 Black Belts 1988 * Presiding as Chief Judge for ACTA Promotional Testings 1999 * Serving as a Judge at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs 2002 * Advancing to 7th Dan, and Senior Master Instructor 2005 * Promoting my most senior student to 6th Dan 2008 * Since 1976, have produced 579 Distinguished Black Belts 2008 * including 10 Master Instructors 2008 * and 134 Junior Black Belts 2007 * Respected as KwanJangNim 2008 * Completed my 32nd year instructing the UNI Tae Kwon-Do Club Welcome to our website. Enjoy the learning experience. Master Joseph Philip 7th Dan Senior Master Instructor (KwanJangNim) My Credentials & Our Proud Heritage The UNI Tae Kwon-Do Club® Web Site is Designed and Maintained by Trouble Inc. Copyright © 1990-2000 UNI Tae Kwon-Do Club All rights reserved.