What happens when power consolidation overshadows the spirit of community in martial arts? Join us as we engage with the legendary Herb Perez, an Olympic gold medalist and ninth dan Black Belt, who shares his candid insights on the controversial creation of Kukkiwon USA. Herb reveals concerns about the lack of transparency in leadership selection and the potential marginalization of established organizations that have long been pillars of American Taekwondo. This episode challenges the notion of unity within the Taekwondo community and questions if Kukkiwon USA might inadvertently sow division instead.
Herb also doesn't shy away from the pressing topic of diversity and inclusion within this new entity. He underscores a glaring absence of representation in Kukkiwon USA's leadership, questioning the exclusion of experienced foreign nationals and its implications for Taekwondo's growth in the U.S. We explore whether there is a genuine commitment to fostering a leadership structure that mirrors the diverse tapestry of American Taekwondo practitioners. This episode offers an unfiltered look at the realities and challenges facing Taekwondo leaders and enthusiasts as they navigate these transformative times. Tune in to understand the dynamics at play and what the future might hold for Taekwondo in America.
Speaker 1:
Welcome back to Taekwondo World, the podcast that brings you the heart and soul of martial arts from the dojang to the Olympic arena. Greetings Taekwondo enthusiasts. Master Fleischhammer here with Master Sam Tanshu, and we are ready to dive deep into the world of kicks, punches and the philosophy that drives us all. That drives us all. This week we have a truly legendary guest joining us a pioneer, an innovator and an Olympic gold medalist, and a ninth, dan Black Belt, who has shaped the landscape of modern taekwondo. Please welcome, herb Perez. Thank you.
Speaker 2:
It is a pleasure to join you both and I have always enjoyed watching your careers and listening to your podcast and I have always enjoyed watching your careers and listening to your podcast.
Speaker 3:
Kukuan Headquarters recently announced the formation of Kukuan USA. Can you describe the goals and intended purpose behind establishing this new entity?
Speaker 2:
While the stated goal of Kukuan USA is to unify and standardize taekwondo in America, the actual effect seems to be the consolidation of power and control under a very select group. It appears to be more about creating a new hierarchy rather than truly supporting the diverse and thriving taekwondo community that already exists here.
Speaker 3:
What process was used to select the leadership for Kukuan USA? What criteria were prioritized in this selection process?
Speaker 2:
The selection process lacked transparency. It appears the primary criterion was pre-existing relationships with those in power at Kukyuan headquarters quarters. Qualifications, experience, teaching in the USA and contributions to American taekwondo seem to have been secondary, if considered at all.
Speaker 1:
How does the creation of Kukiwon USA relate to the existing organizational structure of taekwondo in the United States, particularly regarding established organizations and schools?
Speaker 2:
Instead of collaborating with existing successful organizations, kukiwan USA seems intent on supplanting them. This creates unnecessary conflict and undermines the decades of hard work many grandmasters and masters have put into building the American taekwondo community.
Speaker 3:
The initial leadership announced for Kukyuan. Usa appears to lack diversity, particularly in terms of racial and ethnic representation, as well as gender balance. Was diversity a consideration in the selection process? If so, how was it addressed process?
Speaker 2:
If so, how was it addressed? If diversity was a consideration, it certainly doesn't show the leadership is homogenous and doesn't reflect the rich tapestry of American taekwondo. This suggests that either diversity wasn't prioritized or the selection process was inherently biased.
Speaker 1:
Given the diverse demographics of taekwondo practitioners in the United States, how does Kukyuan USA plan to ensure that its leadership reflects the broader taekwondo community it aims to serve?
Speaker 2:
So far there are no concrete plans to address this lack of representation. This raises serious doubts about Kukyuan USA's commitment to serving the entire American taekwondo community, not just a select segment of it.
Speaker 3:
What steps will Kukiwon USA take to actively promote diversity and inclusion within its leadership structure in the future? Are there specific goals or timelines for achieving greater representation?
Speaker 2:
We haven't seen any indication of genuine commitment to change. Without a transparent plan and timeline, any promises of future diversity ring hollow. A fundamental shift in approach is needed, not just superficial gestures.
Speaker 1:
It has been reported that all foreign nationals, regardless of their rank, experience or contributions to Taekwondo in the US, are excluded from any position within Kukiwon USA. Can you explain the reasoning behind this policy?
Speaker 2:
This policy is about control, not organizational necessity. It's a deliberate choice to exclude some of the most experienced and knowledgeable taekwondo practitioners in America. Many highly respected grandmasters and masters who are US citizens have dedicated their lives to teaching and promoting taekwondo in the United States. How does their exclusion benefit the development of taekwondo in America?
Speaker 3:
How does their exclusion benefit the development of Taekwondo in America?
Speaker 2:
It doesn't, it actively harms it. Excluding these individuals deprives American Taekwondo of a vast reservoir of knowledge, experience and mentorship. It's a self-inflicted wound on the American Taekwondo community.
Speaker 1:
What is your response to concerns that the current structure and policies of Kukiwon USA may create division and resentment within the American Taekwondo community?
Speaker 2:
The division and resentment are not just concerns, they are realities. The current structure is inherently divisive. It creates an us-vers us versus them dynamic that is incredibly damaging to the unity and spirit of American Taekwondo.
