20 Years Ago in Y.H. Park History-The 11th Taekwondo World Championships (1993)

20 Years Ago in Y.H. Park History-The 11th World Taekwondo Championships (1993)

Grandmaster Yeon Hwan Park interviewed by ABC Sports at the 1993 World Championships

20 Years Ago in Y.H. Park History-11th World Taekwondo Championships at MSG

December 26, 2013- It was 20 years ago.  The most significant Taekwondo Tournament in the World, the 11th World Taekwondo Championships, was brought to NYC's Madison Square Garden by none other than Grandmasters Yeon Hee Park and Yeon Hwan Park.

This historic event set the stage for full Olympic Medal Status.  This is all part of the rich history of the Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy.

Honoring 40 Years of the Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy

Honoring 40 Years of the Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy

December 20, 2013-   2013 was a very memorable year for the Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy. While there were many achievements and accomplishments throughout the course of the year by the Academy, it's students, and instructors, the year was, particularly, significant because it marked the Academy's 40th Anniversary.  Over the past 4 decades the Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy has distinguished itself "as one of the premiere martial arts school in the United States" (The NY Times); focusing on personal growth, as well as physical excellence.  

This short video celebration premiered at the 2013 Taekwondo Holiday Night Ball, held on Sunday December 15, 2013 in Flushing, NY.  While this video highlight's some of the amazing accomplishments of the past 40 years, it only scratches the surface of the countless numbers of students touched, milestones reached, and paths forged by this amazing institution.

As we embark on 2014 the best chapter of the story is about to be told as we begin to create the story for the highlight reel of the NEXT 40 YEARS of the Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy.   

Find out more at http://www.yhpark.com

Grandmaster Yeon Hee Park (left) and Grandmaster Yeon Hwan Park (circa 1973)

Grandmaster Y.H. Park with Master Edward Park (l)
& Master Elliott Park (2013) (Photo Credit: James Haxton)

Grandmaster John Buran-2013 Golden Award Winner

Grandmaster John Buran-2013 Golden Award Winner

December 17, 2013- Grandmaster John Buran, Flushing Bank President, and Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy founding member, was honored at the 2013 Taekwondo Holiday Night Ball held on December 15, 2013 at the Dae Dong Manor in Flushing, NY.

As part of the evening's festivities and celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy, Grandmaster Y.H. Park bestowed the Golden Award upon Grandmaster Buran for his decades of contributions to the global development and enrichment of Taekwondo. Grandmaster Buran has distinguished himself as a community leader that has selflessly leveraged his goodwill in the support of the Taekwondo mission of "One World Through Taekwondo".

This award was presented on behalf of the NY Open Taekwondo Championships & Korean Cultural Organizing Committee and the U.S. Taekwondo Education Foundation, as well as the U.S. Taekwondo Leaders Union.

Thank you, Grandmaster Buran, and congratulations.

Grandmaster John Buran (left) and Grandmaster Yeon Hwan Park
at the 2013 Taekwondo Holiday Nightball

Grandmaster Yeon Hee Park (left) and Grandmaster John Buran (circa 1990)

The 2013 TaeKwonDo Holiday Night Ball & 40th Anniversary Celebration

The TaeKwonDo Holiday Night Ball & 40th Anniversary Celebration

December 16, 2013- Over 200 members of the regional Taekwondo community gathered, with the Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy, last night at the Dae Dong Manor in Flushing Queens for the TaeKwonDo Holiday Night Ball.   This fantastic event marked, not only a celebration of the success of 2013, but also a celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy.

Members of various Taekwondo schools dined as Master of Ceremonies, Master Edward Park, lead a program of music, raffles, awards, honors and celebrations.  In the backdrop of the cocktail hour the crowd had an opportunity to watch informative videos about the opening of the new Taekwondowon training facility in Muju, Korea.  During the evening they were treated to, first rate, live musical performances by, none other than Y.H. Park's own, Nina Park, and Jeeminn Lee.  Throughout the event the crowd was delighted by the musical stylings of Master and DJ Elliott Park.

In addition to a spread of gourmet food, drink and first class performances, several significant awards and scholarships were given out, including the Presidential Service Award to Y.H. Park Student and 3rd Dan Black Belt, Roy Garzon.   Fellow Y.H. Park Student and 2nd Dan Black Belt, Eman Tan, was awarded a Scholarship for his high academic performance and strong, personal character.

Grandmaster John Buran, founding Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy member and President of Flushing Bank was honored with the Golden Award for his countless contributions to the development and enhancement of worldwide Taekwondo.  The presentation of a massive trophy to Grandmaster Buran and the heartfelt praise of Grandmaster Y.H. Park was preceded by a moving, video tribute.

At the conclusion of the dinner portion of the event, the guests had the opportunity to view a video tribute honoring the 40th Anniversary of the Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy with photos dating back to Senior Grandmaster Park's days in South Korea, through the World Championships of 1993, the Olympics, the NY Open Championships and Korean Cultural Festivals, Citifield Demonstrations and so much more.  

Following the formal portion of the program, the crowd joined on the dance floor to conclude what, really, was a joyous celebration of the holidays, of 2013, of the promise of 2014, and of 40 years of excellence, both in and out of the Dojang.