On September 4, a ceremony to commemorate the establishment of 'California Taekwondo Day' was held in LA, the center of Korean society. In July, California passed a resolution to commemorate September 4 every year as 'Taekwondo Day'.

The ceremony was attended by senior taekwondo instructors, many instructors, taekwondo officials, state lawmakers and local politicians such as deputy mayors and city councilors, and figures from all walks of life, including the Los Angeles Consul General, the Los Angeles Cultural Center, and the Korean Sports Council in the United States. In addition, the regional Hallelujah Do-jang demonstration team and the Kukkiwon demonstration team in Korea further heightened the atmosphere of the ceremony.

In particular, when lawmakers such as Sharon Quark Silva, Choi Seok-ho, and Dave Min, who took the lead in enacting Taekwondo Day at the California State Council level, declared a "Taekwondo Day Relief" at the same time, they created a climax full of emotion. When lawmakers in uniforms performed punching and kicking on stage, it added more excitement and deep meaning, and made the participants feel the infinite potential of Taekwondo once again.

The establishment of 'Taekwondo Day' is not the purpose in itself. Through the official enactment of legislation, various taekwondo events will be held at each school and organization with the commemoration of 'Taekwondo Day' every year from now on, and it is expected to serve as a cornerstone for strengthening and revitalizing Taekwondo publicity. In this regard, the LA Taekwondo Association is planning various events such as the 'Korea Day' competition to promote not only Taekwondo but also Korean culture as an annual event.

The enactment of 'Taekwondo Day' is expected to have a positive effect on improving the image of Korea (people) in American society and increasing brand value.

Great Master Lee Jae-heon, who has led the Korean Taekwondo Association in the United States and the California Taekwando United(CTU), said, "Taekwondo is not owned by any individual, but belongs to all Taekwondo people. With this as an opportunity, I hope that Taekwondo will continue to develop further by showing the united power of Taekwondo people in America."

Taekwondo provided the basis for the early settlement of Korean communities in the Americas. Now, Taekwondo is expected to be a valuable catalyst for enhancing Korea-US relations as well as enhancing the status of the Republic of Korea.

Reporter Cha Seung-min smcha@nvp.co.kr