Two newly inducted grand masters made their bows at the American Taekwondo Association's first Night of Distinction, held July 2 in the ballroom of the Little Rock Marriott.
The event wrapped up the association's weeklong annual World Expo.
New Grand Masters Robert Allemier and Bill Clark joined Grand Master Richard Reed, a 2015 inductee; serving Grand Master In Ho Lee; and his brother, Grand Master Emeritus Soon Ho Lee, in addressing the audience.
"You are in the presence of six grand masters ... five in the state and one in spirit," In Ho Lee told guests, referring to his late brother and association founder, Eternal Grand Master H.U. Lee. Traditionally, the organization has had one grand master at a time, he said.
"But now we're all coming off of 50 years of songahm tradition, and I am supported by almost 40 chief masters ... it is time to create a path for them to be acknowledged as grand master instructors."
Speech highlights included Soon Ho Lee's humorous accounts of having to leave behind his flamboyant 1970s-era hair and dress to properly represent the association; Reed's memories -- shared on film -- of using his aunt to help him demonstrate the head kicks he'd been taught as a young association student (the kicks did not make contact with his aunt's head); and Clark's humorous take on just about everything. He and Allemier shared, live and via video, memories of their days of helping develop the association.
Sun C. Lee, widow of H.U. Lee and chairman of the association board, also shared remarks during an evening that included recognition of the three top association schools, all located outside the state.
Guests, each given a scroll bearing the mottoes of all the grand masters, gathered the men's autographs after the program.
-- Story and photos by Helaine R. Williams
High Profile on 07/17/2016