On October 16, 2009, the President of Taekwon-Do International, Grandmaster Suk Jun Kim, announced the promotion of Grandmaster Thomas W. Welsh to the rank of 9th Dan.
“Grandmaster Welsh has dedicated much of his life to the true purpose of Taekwon-Do”, said Grandmaster Kim. “His leadership and commitment to teaching the traditional values of Taekwon-Do have earned him the respect of thousands of practitioners worldwide. His support of Taekwon-Do International and his loyalty to our way of practicing and teaching has earned him the highest rank of 9th Dan. We are very proud that he is the first Ninth Degree Black Belt promoted in our organization.”
Grandmaster Welsh teaching class
In the late 1990s, there were roughly 28 people registered as Ninth Degree black belts. Of those less than half were alive and practicing. As such, Grandmaster Welsh is among a very small, elite group of Taekwon-Do practitioners. As the Master instructor of schools in Wilmington Delaware, Grandmaster Welsh still puts on a dobok and teaches classes. Taekwon-Do International certification is recognized world wide for its early and long lasting ties to the founder of Taekwon-Do, General Choi Hong Hi. Grandmaster Welsh has trained and promoted hundreds of black belts during the last 30 years, further contributing to the growth of traditional Taekwon-Do schools all over the world.
Grandmaster Kim added: “Grandmaster Welsh is a true master in the complete art of self defense. He represents the true purpose of Taekwon-Do because of his success in the pursuit of wisdom, kindness, and courage.”
Grandmaster Welsh (far left) seated with other Masters including Grandmaster Kim in the 1970s
Taekwon-Do International proudly recognizes the accomplishments of Grandmaster Thomas W. Welsh. We are extremely grateful for his longstanding commitment to its traditional roots and wish him continued success in his schools and training.
For more information, please see the page briefly describing the Taekwon-Do career of Grandmaster Thomas W. Welsh.
Tricycle Magazine
All the students at Glen Ridge Taekwon-do would like to congratulate Grandmaster Welsh. We are very happy for you. We are also proud that you are part of our TKD community.
All the Masters, Black Belts and his students in Delaware are proud of this announcement and congratulate GM Welsh on his well deserved promotion!
To this day, I still teach how to do an L stance using the technique taught by Grandmaster Welsh at a seminar I attended in 2002. His example, leadership and commitment to the original, traditional Taekwon-Do legacy is an inspiration to me and all of us at Oneonta Taekwon-Do are proud to have him representing our union.
Congratulations Grandmaster Welsh,
I am sorry that I could not attend that evening, but I look forward to seeing you soon so that I may convey my congratulations in person. Your continued guidance and teachings have made our entire Tae Kwon Do community stronger. Thank you for all your hard work over the years.
Congratulations to GrandMaster Welsh . I studied under this amazing individual many years ago back in the 70s where his teachings lasted me a lifetime . Ill never forget the nite a local so called Master Berry came to challenge GrandMaster Welsh in his Glenalden School near Chester PA needless to say Mr Berry went home with his tail between his legs .. I will always remember GM Welsh the rest of my life …Wish I was still with Him
congratulations to GrandMaster Welsh . I studied under this amazing individual many years ago back in the 70s where his teachings lasted me a lifetime . Ill never forget the nite a local so called Master Berry came to challenge GrandMaster Welsh in his Glenalden School near Chester PA needless to say Mr Berry went home with his tail between his legs .. I will always remember GM Welsh for the rest of my life . I wish I could still be under his influence