Inspire. Inform. Empower.
Welcome to usatkdstateofplay – your dedicated hub for all things Taekwondo in the United States.
At usatkdstateofplay.com, we believe that Taekwondo is more than a sport—it’s a lifelong journey of discipline, precision, and personal growth. Whether you’re a passionate athlete, a curious beginner, a dedicated coach, or a fan of martial arts culture, our mission is to provide reliable insights and engaging coverage on every aspect of Taekwondo.
Why usatkdstateofplay.com?
Our name reflects our purpose: a snapshot of the current state of play in U.S. Taekwondo. We break down what’s happening across the community, spotlight key developments, and help practitioners of all levels improve through education and shared knowledge.
We focus on four key pillars:
- News: Up-to-date reporting on national tournaments, athlete highlights, federation changes, and key moments that shape the landscape of Taekwondo in the U.S.
- Events: Detailed previews, live coverage, and recaps of state, regional, and national competitions, seminars, and virtual meetups.
- Education: Drills, video tutorials, training plans, and resources for belt advancement, coaching, and school owners.
- Techniques & Terminology: Practical breakdowns of forms (poomsae), sparring strategies, and the Korean terminology that defines traditional Taekwondo practice.
We’re not just another martial arts blog—we’re a community-driven publication powered by athletes, coaches, referees, and martial arts educators.
What You’ll Find on usatkdstateofplay.com
✅ Original Reporting: News stories backed by firsthand interviews and expert analysis
✅ How-To Articles: Instructional breakdowns for poomsae, sparring, and self-defense
✅ Terminology Guides: Korean-English glossaries, belt system insights, and etiquette tips
✅ Event Coverage: Photo galleries, result sheets, and behind-the-scenes moments
✅ Educational Resources: Downloadable guides, coaching tools, and structured training advice
🥇 Our Promise
We aim to champion transparency, celebrate excellence, and build a stronger Taekwondo community by making our content inclusive, informative, and actionable.
Whether you’re chasing a national title or tying your belt for the first time—usatkdstateofplay.com is here to support your journey.
Let’s grow, compete, and honor the art—together.
📄 Terms of Use | usatkdstateofplay.com
Welcome to usatkdstateofplay.com
By accessing this website, you agree to the following terms and conditions. These terms govern your use of all content, features, and services offered through usatkdstateofplay.com.
1. Content Ownership
All articles, images, videos, tutorials, and downloadable materials are the intellectual property of usatkdstateofplay unless otherwise credited. You may not copy, republish, or reproduce our content without written permission.
2. Use of Information
Our website is for educational and informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee that all content is error-free or fully up to date. Always consult certified coaches, tournament organizers, or governing bodies for official guidance.
3. Community Engagement
We encourage respectful dialogue in our comment sections, forums, and guest submissions. However, we reserve the right to remove content that is:
- Offensive, abusive, or discriminatory
- Spammy or promotional in nature
- Violating another person’s privacy or intellectual property rights
4. External Links
We may link to third-party websites for reference or educational purposes. usatkdstateofplay is not responsible for the accuracy or reliability of content on external sites.
5. Disclaimer
Participation in martial arts carries inherent risk. We are not liable for injuries or damages resulting from the application of techniques discussed on this site. Always train under supervision and follow safety protocols.
6. Privacy
We collect basic data such as cookies and analytics to improve your browsing experience. For more details, view our Privacy Policy (coming soon).
7. Updates
These terms may be updated periodically. Continued use of the site after changes are posted means you accept the new terms.
If you have questions about our content or terms, feel free to contact us through our Contact page.
Let’s keep the Taekwondo spirit strong and respectful—online and off.
Meet the Team Behind the Site
Kiara Thompson
Lead Editor & TKD Black Belt Instructor
Voice: Supportive, technical, and growth-oriented Kiara Thompson is the guiding voice behind our editorial direction and a 3rd Dan black belt with over a decade of experience teaching Taekwondo. Her journey began as a teenager in a small dojang in Texas, and over the years, she has grown into a respected instructor and mentor, guiding students from their first belt to the competition stage. With a background in kinesiology, Kiara blends modern sports science with traditional TKD principles. Her articles are known for being supportive, technical, and packed with practical insight—always written with the intent to help others grow, whether they’re white belts or seasoned competitors.
David Munoz
Events Reporter & Photographer
David Munoz is the lens and voice of the competition world. A longtime event photographer and storyteller, David captures the raw energy, emotion, and rhythm of tournaments across the country. He’s a regular at regional qualifiers and national meets, often seen ringside with a camera in hand and an eye for detail. His path into Taekwondo journalism began when he attended his niece’s tournament and fell in love with the sport’s spirit and community. Now, his work helps tell the stories behind the matches—from athlete interviews and behind-the-scenes looks to dynamic event recaps that make you feel like you were there.
Lauren Kim
Education & Curriculum Contributor
Lauren Kim is a 4th Dan black belt and master instructor who has spent more than twenty years shaping how students learn Taekwondo. She specializes in youth programs and curriculum development and has built structured belt systems that are used in dojangs nationwide. Fluent in both English and Korean, Lauren often integrates pronunciation guides and cultural context into her terminology breakdowns, helping students understand the deeper meaning behind their practice. Her teaching style is clear, inclusive, and deeply rooted in tradition. Through her work at usatkdstateofplay.com, she shares resources that benefit instructors, students, and parents alike.
Michael Ross
Industry Analyst & News Editor
Michael Ross brings a sharp, investigative edge to our coverage of the Taekwondo world. As a journalist with a focus on sports and policy, Michael keeps his finger on the pulse of USATKD regulations, federation updates, and global developments in the martial arts community. He’s reported on everything from belt ranking controversies to Olympic trials, always striving to provide balanced, well-researched news that practitioners and club owners can rely on. With a voice that’s concise and insightful, Michael translates complex updates into accessible reads for everyone, from casual fans to full-time instructors.