BEDFORD- Kenneth and Elizabeth Britt were honored to represent the USA while competing in the World Taekwondo Open Championship held in Seoul, South Korea. They both qualified and competed in the Kukkiwon World Taekwondo Hanmadang, the highest Taekwondo ranking qualifier in the world. Kenneth ranked 4th Internationally in the Men’s Poomsae Division, and Elizabeth ranked 1st in the Women’s Poomsae Division, earning World Championship Titles. In the Seoul Cup, a Korean domestic and international competition, Kenneth won gold and Elizabeth the silver medal.
Kenneth and Elizabeth Britt
Poomsae (patterns) are a non-contact and enjoyable part of the martial art you practice individually. The non-contact setting is perfect for people of all ages and abilities. Poomsae comprises sets of pre-arranged defense and attacking movements that gradually become more complex as one progresses in Taekwondo.
“We have studied martial arts for almost a hundred years between the two of us,” said Kenneth, “the Hanmadang is basically the Olympics for Taekwondo.” The couple arrived weeks early to train in the Korean heat and humidity to prepare for the competition. Elizabeth said of the world championships, “You have to know a plethora of high-ranking forms, which is why it can take a lifetime to qualify.”
How would it feel to compete on the world’s biggest stage doing something you have invested a lifetime of passion in? “It’s probably the most frightened I have ever been,” said Elizabeth, “there are seven international judges, everything is videotaped, you have drones overhead, so there can be no disputes about anything that has been done.”
In addition to the world ranking and Seoul Cup title, Kenneth was honored with a lifetime achievement award.
Kenneth and Elizabeth are passionate about passing on their knowledge to keep the art alive and thriving. They run the company Tabula Rasa LLC., which takes in a select number of students to teach them traditions that have been passed down through the ages. They hold traditional teaching in such high regard that Grand Masters in Korea accredit them, and they must travel there every few years to be recertified to pass on the art.
Congratulations to our hometown World Champions, Kenneth and Elizabeth Britt!
