In a momentous event this past weekend, Trinidad and Tobago played host to Master Peter Lue, VIII Dan, hailing from Jamaica and the highest-ranking master in the Caribbean. The primary purpose of his visit was to conduct a rigorous test for two individuals aspiring to attain the esteemed rank of 4th Dan.
Master Lue, with an impressive 48 years of experience in ITF Taekwon-Do, has been a pivotal figure in shaping the development of the ITF in the Caribbean. His influence extends beyond Jamaica, as his students has been instrumental in establishing ITF National Associations in Trinidad, Anguilla and by extension Barbados.
Among Master Lue’s dedicated students is Sbn Ryan Rampair, VI Dan, who initiated his Taekwon-Do pioneering journey in Trinidad 23 years ago. Master Lue is on a mission to cultivate a formidable team of instructors to further expand ITF in the Caribbean, encouraging his students to venture into other islands.
The focal point of Master Lue’s visit was the testing of two candidates for the 4th Dan black belt. Bsbn Akash Rampersad who is 28 years old and the head of Team A Taekwon-Do, the largest school in Trinidad with over 300 students, was one of the candidates. The other candidate was Bsbn Ryan Walker, who is the current President of the Barbados Taekwon-Do Federation. Ryan (or “Brush” as he is affectionately known in Trinidad) started his Taekwon-Do journey in Trinidad 22 years ago while pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering at the University of the West Indies, Walker recently revitalized the Taekwon-Do program in response to the government’s lifting of COVID-related restrictions on combat sports.
Master Lue expressed his admiration for the growth of Trinidad and Tobago’s ITF community since his last visit in 2011. The country has evolved into one of the largest ITF nations in the Caribbean, boasting some of the youngest full-time instructors who are both physically capable and knowledgeable. Impressed by the progress, Master Lue revealed his plans to revisit the region in the second quarter of 2024.
This remarkable event not only symbolizes the dedication and skill within Trinidad and Tobago’s Taekwon-Do community but also underscores the collaborative efforts spearheaded by Master Peter Lue to elevate ITF across the Caribbean.
President’s Message: Holiday season 2023
