Senior Master De Silva, VIII Dan

With the exception of Grand Master Rhee, Master De Silva is the most experienced and senior Tae Kwon-do practitioner in the United Kingdom . Master De Silva first began to learn Tae Kwon-do in Singapore under Grand Master Rhee (then and international instructor). When Grand Master Rhee moved to the UK to teach, Master De Silva followed. Master De Silva was also a had the honour of knowing General Choi.

masterdesilva@ukta.com

Master Andrew Whiteley , VII Dan

Whilst pursuing a successful competitive career in badminton to international level until 1991, Master Whiteley was a comparative latecomer to Taekwon-Do.  He started training in Reading with Master Cutler in 1984 before promotion to 1st Degree in 1988 following a memorable course instructed by Master Park Jung Tae. 

He gained his first international success for Taekwon-Do in 1990 during the 7th World Championships, Canada and continued with further medal success at the 6th European Championships, England 1991. He was then offered placement on a one year’s intensive training course at the Olympic Centre, Moscow University, the former USSR, run by Master Ri Yong Sok.
and later qualified in 1992 as IV Degree International Instructor and‘A Class’ Umpire by Gen. Choi Hong Hi.

He has since covered 14 European Championships, 10 World and as many Home Internationals either as competitor, or as England Coach from 1998, culminating in two individual medals in both patterns and power test at the Veteran World Championships in Bulgaria 2006.  He was a Combat Hall of Fame Awards Winner in 2001, made presentations to HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in 2002, and HRH Princess Anne in 2004.

Now Coaching Director for ITF England and UKTA National Demonstration Team he continues to promote Taekwon-Do in the Thames Valley during its own 25th year as well as assisting with the development of ITF France, where he is now based.

Master Derek Blackburn , VII Dan

I began training in TKD in the mid 70's, reaching 1st degree in 1986. a year later I took over running the School in Newmarkert.
I have trained with many TKD Masters and instructors, including 3 seminars with General Choi. Travelling all over the UK to gain experience and knowledge.
As a ITF umpire I have officiated at National and European championships.
In 2003 I opened classes in Cambridge and Bury St. Edmunds renaming my School Mid Anglia School of Taekwon-do. I now teach every evening, passing on to others what I have learned.
My greatest achievement in TKD was being promoted to 7th Degree by the greatest ever exponent of TKD Grand Master Rhee Ki Ha.

Master Leroy Small , VII Dan

Master Andrew K.H. Rhee VII Dan

I started Taekwon-do in 1977 under the instruction of Mr Roy Oldham (pre TAGB) and Mr Paul Kelly who taught in Atherstone and is still a UKTA Instructor to this day! I later moved to Middlesex with my Father and attended Mr Raymond Choy's classes. Following a 1 year sabbatical spent in Seoul, Korea attending Yonsei University, I returned to the UK and trained under Mr William Shannon. Grand Master Rhee has been my Instructor since then.
As the eldest Son of 'The Grand Master', I have been fortunate to experience more than most people in Taekwon-do. One of my most memorable experiences is being sent by my Father to assist General Choi, the Founder, at ITF Seminar's in FeCamp, France and then London in early 2001. I was even more honoured during the London event to be given the duty of 'rooming' and 'serving' the General, a huge learning curve for anyone in their Taekwon-do career.
And now years on, I find myself at the grade of 7 Dan and bearing the name "Master Rhee"... a distinguished title for which my Father was so famous! Nevertheless, just as I grew into the rank of Black belt, Instructor, then International Instructor. Now as a Master, I am sure I will rise to the responsibility.
I thank my Father, Grand Master Rhee for his knowledge, guidance and wisdom.

Master Sean Cattanach VII Dan

My Taekwon-Do career started in 1983 when I joined the UKTA, and Elgin School of Taekwon-Do, under Senior Master John Williamson, where I still regularly train.
I promoted to ildan in 1989 and chilldan in 2010; I am proud to say that I completed the entire UKTA syllabus under First Grandmaster Rhee. I have attended several seminar with our Founder, General  Choi Hong-Hi; most notably a five day course in 1990. My tournament experience is modest but the intrinsic rewards of Taekwon-Do are too many to mention. I am married to Susan, samdan, and have four wonderful children; Hannah, Iain, Samuel and Thomas. I currently run my own school, Speyside School of Taekwon-Do, in the northeast of Scotland.