Question: Grandmaster Minyard, thank you for joining us today. To begin, can you tell us how your martial arts journey started?
Answer: It’s my pleasure, thank you for having me. My journey began in 1965 when I first started studying judo and Shorei-Ryu. From the very beginning, martial arts wasn’t just a hobby for me—it became a path of self-improvement and personal growth. This journey took me across the U.S., where I had the privilege of refining my skills under some incredible masters.
Question: Who were some of the key instructors that shaped your martial arts development?
Answer: In 1973, I began training under Grandmaster Chung Eun Kim, a direct student of Grandmaster Nam Suk Lee. That training formed the foundation of my Taekwon-Do journey. Later, I had the honor of training with the Choi Brothers—Grandmasters YD Choi and YS Choi. Their influence on my Taekwon-Do has been immense, and I’m proud to be considered their most senior student and a brother in the martial arts community.
Question: Over the years, you’ve earned numerous prestigious titles. Can you share some of your key accomplishments?
Answer: I hold the 9th Dan Grandmaster rank from four esteemed organizations: the International Jun Tong Federation, the Home of International Taekwondo, the World SunDoSul Federation, and the Chun Kuhn TaeKwon-Do Federation. Additionally, I hold the 8th Dan Senior Master rank from the International Taekwon-Do Federation. These honors represent a lifetime of dedication to learning, teaching, and serving the martial arts community.
Question: You were involved in a significant international event in the 1990s. Can you tell us about your role in the World Tae Kwon Do Championships?
Answer: In 1993, I was training in New York under Grandmaster Yeon Hwan Park, who was the coach of the U.S. Olympic and Pan-American Tae Kwon Do teams. That year, I helped organize the 11th Annual World Tae Kwon Do Championships at Madison Square Garden. I was responsible for ensuring a smooth experience for international dignitaries, including the President of the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF), the Head of the U.S. Olympic Committee, and the Head of USA Taekwondo. With over 700 competitors and live coverage on ABC’s Wide World of Sports, it was an unforgettable event. In recognition of my contributions, I was honored with a plaque featuring three gold medals from the championship.
Question: That’s a remarkable milestone. You’ve also officiated at various events, right?
Answer: Yes, that’s correct. In 1998, I was certified to officiate at events sanctioned by WAKO-USA—the World Association of Karate and Kickboxing Organizations. This certification was issued by then-President Grandmaster Don Rodrigues, Vice President Grandmaster Tom Festa, and Chief International Referee Grandmaster T. Rondo VanClief. It was a privilege to serve in this capacity and uphold the standards of martial arts competition.
Question: Looking back on your journey, which recognitions have meant the most to you?
Answer: I’ve been truly humbled by the recognition I’ve received over the years. I was inducted into the Official Taekwondo Hall of Fame and awarded their Lifetime Achievement Award. I’m also a Lifetime Member of the United States Kido Federation and was inducted into their Black Belt Hall of Fame as Grand Master of the Year. These honors are especially meaningful because they come from peers who share the same passion and dedication for the martial arts.
Question: Beyond competing and teaching, you’ve also educated many others. Can you tell us about some of your students?
Answer: Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of teaching law enforcement officers, first responders, military personnel, and countless students across the country. I’ve operated martial arts schools in Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, New York, and New Hampshire. Watching students grow and develop in their martial arts journey has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.
Question: In addition to martial arts, you also teach meditation. How did that come about?
Answer: That’s right. I’m certified through the Chopra Center as a Primordial Sound Meditation Teacher. I integrated meditation into my Taekwon-Do practice because I believe in nurturing both the body and the mind. It’s been incredibly rewarding to share this aspect of balance and awareness with others, helping them achieve a deeper connection to themselves and their practice.
Question: What is life like for you now?
Answer: These days, I live in the peaceful mountains of New Hampshire with my family. I continue to teach private students and travel to participate in martial arts events across the country. I also have a deep love for music and surround myself with my guitars. There’s a harmony between martial arts and music that I’ve come to appreciate. Both have been constants in my life.
Question: Finally, what do you hope your legacy in martial arts will be?
Answer: I hope my story inspires others to pursue martial arts not just as a sport or discipline, but as a lifelong journey of learning and personal growth. The values of respect, perseverance, and honor that martial arts instill are timeless, and I hope the next generation will continue to carry those forward. That, to me, would be the greatest legacy.
Grandmaster Eddie Minyard’s journey is one of dedication, resilience, and passion—a testament to the transformative power of martial arts. His influence continues to resonate, inspiring students and instructors worldwide, proving that the martial spirit only deepens with time.
