I grew up in the martial arts, and studied Tae Kwon Do initially. I migrated on to other martial arts disciplines, but always respected TKD.
While jiu-jitsu and Krav Maga may be more practical for combat, TKD learned correctly is formidable.
Even as I moved on to other martial arts, I thanked my senseis from TKD for what the art taught me about focus and power. And as a fighter, I know that I use techniques I learned decades ago from TKD to deliver devastating kicks and punches.
So when I heard that Trump got a black belt in TKD it caught my attention. I thought, “I had no idea Trump was a fellow martial artist.”
Then I learned that the former president received an honorary ninth Dan Belt certificate in TKD from the sport’s main governing body in Florida over the weekend.
Who better to receive this honor than Trump?
After all, Trump is traditional, like TKD. Some people have moved on to “sexier” arts, but symbolically, Trump prefers old school methodologies for solving problems.
The story continues,
Issued by Kukkiwon president Lee Dong-sup, Trump received the honorary belt at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Fla. Kukkiwon posted the exchange to its Facebook page, where Trump can be seen wearing a traditional taekwondo uniform, outfitted with a black dan belt.
In taekwondo, the ninth dan belt is the highest level a person can achieve.
“It is my honor to receive the honorary dan certificate and I think Taekwondo is a magnificent martial art for self-defense. I wish to see Kukkiwon taekwondo team’s demonstration,” said Trump according to Kukkiwon’s Facebook page.
Like Chuck Norris, Trump transcends the physicality of TKD. He represents the mental aspect of the sport.
Trump’s victories in 2016 and 2020 symbolize the indomitable spirit of the man, and I’m glad TKD recognized him as a 9th Dan.
You can bet that Joey Demento will never receive such an honor. He can’t even get a participation trophy from the DC t-ball league.
