QUICK NOTES … Did you know that Omaha, Nebraska has a rich martial arts history? Thanks in part to Offutt AFB, a lot of founding pioneers of the TaeKwon-Do found their way to Omaha. US Servicemen became acquainted with these pioneers and helped sponsor their migration to the USA. Early pioneers included, S.K. Shin, H.U. Lee, K.H. Kim, and a host of others.
A number of these individuals helped develop the martial arts landscape of the midwest and of the entire country. H.U. Lee was the 2nd President (often misnamed as the founder) of the American TaeKwon-Do Association. At one time this was one of the largest and most successful martial arts organizations in the country.
Currently, Omaha is home to GM Jeffrey Helaney, IX Dan in TaeKwon-Do. GM Helaney is one of a handful of Traditional TaeKwon-Do Black Belts in the world to hold this rank. He was inducted into the Official TaeKwon-Do Hall of Fame for Outstanding Leadership and is the recipient of the General Choi, Hong Hi (founder of TKD) award for Outstanding GrandMaster. GM Helaney is the president of the United States Kido Federation and on the Advisory Board of the International TaeKwon-Do Federation -HQ USA, the International Jun Tong TaeKwon-Do Federation, and the World TaeSool Association.
Want to learn more? Contact Omaha Blue Waves Martial Arts at (402) 215-6003.
