A MESSAGE FROM THE Australian Taekwondo PRESIDENT Jean Kfoury OAM

On behalf of Australian Taekwondo

It is with immense pride and sincere respect that I congratulate our Australian Masters and Grand Masters who were inducted into the Official Taekwondo Hall of Fame 2026 on 15 August 2026 in NY/NJ.

OFFICIAL TAEKWONDO HALL OF FAME 2026

OUR AUSTRALIAN HONOUREES

It is a privilege to recognise the distinguished Australian Masters and Grand Masters whose exceptional dedication, leadership, and lifelong contribution to Taekwondo have earned them this prestigious international honour.

AUSTRALIAN INDUCTEES

Grand Master Russell Macarthur - Russell Macarthur Taekwondo (Humanitarian)

Grand Master Hassan Iskandar OAM - Pinnacle Martial Arts (Taekwondo Family of the Year)

Dr. Joseph Tamer - Australian Taekwondo Medical Committee (Humanitarian)

Master Hakan Manav - Australian Martial Arts Academy (Outstanding Instructor)

AUSTRALIAN TAEKWONDO BOARD INDUCTEES

Grand Master Adrian Hitch - Australian Taekwondo Secretary General (Life Achievement)

Grand Master Hugh Eagling - Australian Taekwondo Chairman (Life Achievement)

Master Melhim Badreddine - Australian Taekwondo Board Director (Outstanding Leadership)

Grand Master Jean Kfoury OAM - Australian Taekwondo President (Life Achievement)

This distinguished recognition represents far more than an honour. It is a celebration of decades of dedication, sacrifice, discipline, leadership, and an enduring commitment to the art and values of Taekwondo.

For many of our inductees, this journey spans 50 years or more a lifetime devoted to learning, teaching, mentoring, building, and inspiring generations through the principles of Taekwondo.

As President of Australian Taekwondo, I am deeply proud to see these exceptional Australians recognised on an international stage alongside the pioneers, legends, Masters, Grand Masters, champions, and leaders who have contributed to the development and advancement of Taekwondo worldwide.

As someone who was also privileged to be inducted on this historic occasion, I had the distinct honour of sharing this unforgettable moment with my fellow Australian inductees.

That made the occasion even more meaningful.

We did not stand together simply as individuals receiving personal recognition. We stood as representatives of Australia and of the many generations of Taekwondo practitioners, instructors, Masters, and leaders whose dedication has helped build the foundation upon which Australian Taekwondo continues to grow.

Behind every black belt is a story.
Behind every Master is a generation of students.
Behind every achievement are years of discipline, commitment, and sacrifice.
And behind every enduring legacy are people who believed in the journey, embraced its challenges, and continued to move forward.

A particularly historic moment was the posthumous induction of Chuck Norris into the Official Taekwondo Hall of Fame®️, together with the ceremonial enshrinement of his actual black belt in the United States Taekwondo Museum. This was a powerful and deeply meaningful tribute to a life and legacy that remain forever connected to Taekwondo.

To our Australian Honourees:

This honour is yours, but your legacy belongs to all of us.

Your dedication has helped shape Australian Taekwondo. Your leadership has inspired others. Your commitment has opened pathways for those who have followed, and your example will continue to influence future generations.

May this recognition serve not as the conclusion of your journey, but as a lasting acknowledgment of the profound contribution you have made and the inspiration you continue to provide.

On behalf of Australian Taekwondo, I extend my deepest congratulations, admiration, and gratitude to each and every one of you.

Australia is proud of you.
Australian Taekwondo is proud of you.
And the Taekwondo world now celebrates your legacy.

One Taekwondo. One Family