Branford Taekwondo Athletes Attend World Championships In Hong Kong

BRANFORD, CT — The last days of November and the first few of December 2024 saw students from the Branford World Champion Taekwondo dojang travel to Hong Kong for the World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships.

State Rep. Robin Comey said it was a "privilege to recognize the accomplishments" of Master Kyeongseob Han and his Branford World Champion Taekwondo dojang with a proclamation from Gov. Ned Lamont.

"For the last 18 years, the studio has been a nurturing environment for students of every age to develop skills that echo beyond the four walls of the dojang," Comey said. "Master Han’s commitment to fostering a safe, encouraging environment for growth is a testament to the positive culture cultivated."

Han posted on the studio's Facebook page, reels from the Korean martial arts championship event across the globe.

"Your hard work, dedication, and passion inspire us all," Han wrote. "A heartfelt thank you to all the Masters, Team USA coaches, and staff who made it possible for us to participate in the World Championships. Your guidance and support mean the world to us."

Comey said she was "thrilled to be able to honor the athlete’s hard work, dedication, and passion for this sport," when presenting the governor's proclamation.

"Ramy Tantawy of Branford, Enoch Sean Choi of Trumbull and Haley Han of Bethany were honored for their remarkable achievements and dedication to the principles of Taekwondo and the CRISPD ethos while bringing pride to Connecticut," Comey said.

Han, born and raised in South Korea, he began Taekwondo training at age eight, according to his bio on the training center's website, and it has been a "cornerstone of his life" since, with the tenets of taekwondo having opened many doors, he continues to pass those values on through his teaching."

In October 2006, he opened his own taekwondo school in Branford and has "led athletes to earn Gold Medals on the National Level, and takes great pride in the character-building curriculum he has assembled."

When presented with the gubernatorial proclamation by Comey, Han posted on Facebook that he was "deeply honored" to receive the commendation.

"This award is not only a personal achievement, but also a testament to the hard work and dedication of my students and our Taekwondo community," he said. "Thank you for acknowledging our efforts and for your commitment to promoting positive values and community growth. I will continue striving to inspire and empower those around me."

The studio is located on Commercial Parkway in Branford. Learn more here.