Training Requirements
- 60 months training at 5th Dan level
- 25 hours community service
- Must be actively involved in teaching TaeKwon-Do
Grand Master Hups Facts
Students must demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of Grand Master Kent Hups, founder of the Traditional TaeKwon-Do Alliance:
Background and Training
- Began TaeKwon-Do career under Grand Master Charles Sereff, founder of the United States TaeKwon-Do Federation (U.S.T.F) in 1974 while a sophomore at Lakewood High School in Colorado
- Promoted to 1st Dan Black Belt in 1980
- Began as an assistant instructor at the U.S.T.F
- Taught at the U.S.T.F headquarters for 10 years
- Served in the U.S. Navy
- Joined the police force in 1982
Dan Progression
- 2nd Dan in 1982 and competed in the first national tournament that year
- 3rd Dan in 1985
- 4th Dan in 1988
Relationship with General Choi Hong-Hi
- Attended his first International Instructors course in 1991 taught by General Choi Hong Hi
- Attended his second International Instructors course in 1994 where he was honored to be personally asked by General Choi to demonstrate Yul Gok Tul in front of over 250 black belts from around the world
- Attended a total of six different International Instructors courses
- Had the honor to perform demonstrations with General Choi in Chicago, Alaska, and Florida
- Developed a close personal relationship with General Choi, often picking him up or taking him to the airport and helping at World Camps
- Shared many personal experiences including workouts, meals, and social time with General Choi
School and Organization Development
- Started his own school, Hups TaeKwon-Do in 1992 (as a 5th Dan)
- Classes have been held at the City of Westminster's MAC center for decades
- In 2012, formed the Traditional TaeKwon-Do Alliance
- Additional T.T.A. classes started by his students include West View TaeKwon-Do, Paonia TaeKwon-Do, Gunnison TaeKwon-Do, and In-Nae TaeKwon-Do
- Estimated to have trained over 10,000 students
- Personally promoted hundreds of black belts
Master Level Leadership
At 6th Dan level, students are expected to demonstrate master level leadership in the TaeKwon-Do community:
- Senior instructor responsibilities
- Mentoring and developing junior instructors
- Understanding of organizational structure and management
- Advanced knowledge of TaeKwon-Do history and philosophy
- Commitment to preserving and transmitting traditional TaeKwon-Do
