GM Jeff Helaney, IX Dan Biography

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Grandmaster Jeffrey W. Helaney, IX Dan, stands as a pillar of excellence in the martial arts community, widely recognized for his lifelong dedication to practice, instruction, and service. His journey through martial arts has been marked by disciplined study, strategic leadership, and innovative outreach, and he has helped raise not only the technical standards of the arts but also the ethical and organizational frameworks that guide modern instruction across the nation.

Early Life and Martial Arts Foundation

Grandmaster Helaney’s introduction to martial arts began in 1969, guided by his father, Wallace G. Helaney—a formative influence whose mentorship laid the foundation for a life devoted to personal discipline and integrity. His formal training took root at the Omaha Karate & Judo School in Benson, Nebraska, under the instruction of Grandmaster S.K. Shin. Throughout the 1970s, he advanced in rank while studying Judo, TaeKwon-Do, and Sports Karate. He trained under the guidance of several prominent instructors, including Master Fred VanAckeren and Master Steve Johnson, whose teachings helped shape Helaney’s technical precision and instructional philosophy.

Expansion and Instruction

By the early 1980s, Grandmaster Helaney had evolved from a competitor into a teacher, broadening his skill set while instructing at ACS Martial Arts Schools and Davis TaeKwon-Do. It was during this time that he integrated Combatique and Hapkido into his already formidable TaeKwon-Do base, deepening his understanding of Korean martial systems. His approach to instruction emphasized not only technical excellence but also the cultivation of personal values—discipline, humility, respect, and service—cornerstones of the martial way.

Law Enforcement Career and Public Service

In 1984, Helaney began a distinguished 21-year career in law enforcement, applying the principles of martial arts to public safety and leadership. He served in multiple capacities, including as a Training Officer, Investigator, Field Supervisor, Shift Commander, and Detective Bureau Commander, before ultimately being promoted to Assistant Chief of Police. His contributions went far beyond tactical enforcement; he championed officer training, community engagement, and ethical leadership.

Following his retirement in 2005, he continued serving his community as a Regional Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug (ATOD) Director, overseeing prevention programs that spanned several counties. His work in public health demonstrated a rare ability to unite physical discipline with civic responsibility—core ideals that would later shape his approach to martial arts education and outreach.

Kick Drugs Out of Alliance (KDOA) and National Recognition

One of the most impactful initiatives of Grandmaster Helaney’s career was the founding of the Kick Drugs Out of Alliance (KDOA) program in 1996. Created to provide martial arts-based drug prevention education to youth, the program was both visionary and deeply practical, using martial training as a vehicle for empowerment and resilience.

KDOA received commendations from the Ohio House of Representatives and the Ohio Department of Education, along with a letter of recognition from a former U.S. President. Thousands of students benefited from the program, which became a national model for integrating martial arts into community development. In 2003, Helaney was honored with the Grandmaster of the Year award by Budo Magazine, a prestigious recognition of both his martial achievements and his social contributions.

Educational Pursuits and Overcoming Adversity

Helaney’s path was not without challenges. After suffering a career-ending injury in law enforcement, he turned adversity into opportunity by pursuing certifications and studies in Oriental Medicine. This holistic discipline reinforced his belief in martial arts as a lifelong journey of healing and growth. The integration of Eastern healing philosophy into his teaching further expanded the mental, physical, and spiritual dimensions of his instruction, allowing him to mentor not just fighters, but complete martial artists.

Founding Omaha Blue Waves and the United States Kido Federation

In 2007, Grandmaster Helaney founded Omaha Blue Waves Martial Arts, a school that reflects his lifelong commitment to excellence, accessibility, and community. More than a dojang, Omaha Blue Waves has become a training ground for future leaders—an environment where martial arts are taught not just as techniques, but as a philosophy of life.

In 2012, he took his vision to the national level with the establishment of the United States Kido Federation (USKF). As President and Founder, Helaney created a platform that supports martial artists and schools in preserving traditional Korean martial arts, while offering a modern framework for rank certification, instructor development, and inter-organizational collaboration. Omaha Blue Waves now serves as the flagship school of the USKF ensuring its curriculum meets the highest global standards.

Honors, Credentials, and Organizational Leadership

Grandmaster Helaney’s credentials represent decades of dedication and mastery. In 2014, he was awarded his 9th Dan in Traditional TaeKwon-Do by Grandmaster Robert Dunn, during a formal ceremony attended by martial arts dignitaries and peers. He holds an 8th Dan in TaeSool Hapkido, and additional black belts in Sports Karate (5th Dan) and Pent-Jak Silat (2nd Dan). These distinctions place him among the highest-ranking martial artists in the United States—specifically, the highest-ranking traditional TaeKwon-Do instructor in Nebraska and the only 8th Dan TaeSool Hapkido instructor in the Midwest.

Helaney also serves in prominent advisory roles for several international organizations, including the International Jun Tong TaeKwon-Do Federation, the International TaeKwon-Do Federation HQ – USA, and the World Tae Sool Association. His leadership has been instrumental in building formal partnerships between the USKF and respected global institutions. These alliances help preserve technical integrity, ethical instruction, and organizational transparency in a field often marred by division and inconsistency.

Recognitions and Legacy

Over the years, Grandmaster Helaney has received numerous accolades for his enduring contributions. He was inducted into the Official TaeKwon-Do Hall of Fame for Outstanding Leadership in the Martial Arts and received the General Choi, Hong Hi Award for Outstanding Grandmaster—one of the most esteemed recognitions in Korean martial arts. He has also been featured in Who’s Who in the Martial Arts as a Legend and Pioneer, a testament to his historical significance in the development of martial arts in the U.S.

Beyond titles and ranks, Grandmaster Helaney’s true legacy lies in the lives he has shaped. Through national seminars, rank certifications, safety and instructor trainings, and youth mentorship programs, he continues to guide martial artists of all ages and levels. His teaching philosophy—anchored in respect, accountability, and continuous growth—has become a beacon for practitioners seeking more than just physical mastery.

Continuing Impact

Today, as Co-owner and Martial Arts Director of Omaha Blue Waves Martial Arts, Grandmaster Helaney remains actively engaged in advancing his mission. Under his leadership, the USKF continues to offer comprehensive educational programming, safe sport compliance training, and organizational support to schools across the nation. His students include military veterans, law enforcement professionals, educators, youth mentors, and international instructors who carry forward his principles in their own communities.

Grandmaster Helaney’s life is a testament to the enduring power of martial arts as a force for good. With every student he mentors, every program he leads, and every alliance he forms, he reaffirms the values that first drew him to martial arts as a young man: honor, perseverance, service, and the unrelenting pursuit of excellence.

Current Martial Arts Ranks Held

Current Licenses, Certifications, Honors, Professional Memberships

  • International Jun Tong TaeKwon-Do Federation (#A-237) – 9th Dan Card Rank Card / Lifetime Member
  • International TaeKwon-Do Federation HQ Korea (#US-101420 – 9) – 9th Dan Card Rank Card
  • International TaeKwon-Do Federation (#USA3707) – Lifetime Member
  • World Black Belt Bureau – 9th Dan/ Lifetime Member
  • American Alternative Medical Association – Board Certification #66402412
  • International Sport Science Association, PFT #371114
  • Institute of Korean Natural Health, Doctor of Science Oriental Medicine
  • Training Center for the Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine – Medboo, OM/Acupuncture Certificates A-G
  • State of Nebraska Licensed Massage Therapist – License #3474
  • North American Hombu Hakko-Ryu Jujitsu Federation – KoKoDo Shiatsu Basic Certification
  • American Massage Therapy Association – Professional Member
  • American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine – Professional Member
  • International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Retired/Current Member

Martial Arts Positions Held:

  • 2020 to Present – International TaeKwon-Do Federation – HQ (USA): Board Advisor
  • 2019 to Present – World Tae Sool Association/Tae Sool Won: Board Advisor
  • 2016 to Present – International Jun Tong TaeKwon-Do Federation: Board Advisor
  • 2012 to Present – United States Kido Federation: President and Founder
  • 2012 to Present – World Organization of Martial Arts Athletes: Regional Director
  • 2011 to Present – Omaha Blue Waves Martial Arts: Co-Owner
  • 2005 to Present – Private Consulting and Seminars
  • 2004 to Present – Five Elements Massage, Martial Arts, and Oriental Health Center, LLC: Co-Owner

Martial Arts Past Positions Held:

  • 2008 to 2011 – Midwest Martial Arts League, Public Relations and Tournaments Director/Executive Vice-President
  • 2007 to 2012 – TaeKwonDo Times Magazine, Correspondent
  • 1998 to 2005 – Kick Drugs Out of Alliance Program: Program Director
  • 1993 to 2005 – Alliance Chung Do Kwan Tae Kwon Do Club: President
  • 1999 to 2005 – International TaeKwon-Do Union: Ohio State Director
  • 2003 to 2005 – World Martial Arts Hall of Fame, Cleveland, Ohio: Member
  • 1994 to 1995 – Police Martial Arts Association, Canada: Ohio State Representative

Recognition and Awards:

  • 2025 – Warriors Legacy Hall of Fame (Lifetime Achievement)
  • 2022 – Official TaeKwon-Do Hall of Fame Inductee (Outstanding Leadership)
  • 2021 – World’s Greatest Martial Artists, (honoree) Volume 31
  • 2020 – Appreciation Award from SGM Kim, Bok-Man and World Chun Kuhn TaeKwon-Do Federation
  • 2020 – General Choi, Hong Hi Awards: Outstanding Grandmaster of the Year (ITF Australia)
  • 2020 – Who is Really Who in the Martial Arts/AMAA: Golden Lifetime Achievement and “Who’s Who Legends” award recipient
  • 2019 – Who is Really Who in the Martial Arts/AMAA: Hall of Honors “Who’s Who Legends” award recipient
  • 2019 – Who is Really Who in the Martial Arts: Masters and Pioneers by Jessie Bowen (Grandmasters of the Martial Arts/pages 167-169)
  • 2005 – Budo Magazine’s Hall of Fame: GrandMaster of the Year – TaeKwon-Do
  • 2004 – Ohio Department of Education: Partnering in Progress Award
  • 2004 – Professional Karate Commission’s Ohio Black Belt Hall of Fame: Inductee
  • 2004 – Ne-De-U-Kan-Tae Federation: Outstanding Contributions to the Martial Arts
  • 2003 – World Wide Martial Arts Hall of Fame: Master Instructor of the Year Award
  • 2003 – World Martial Arts Hall of Fame: Induction Award, honorary title and degree Professor of Martial Arts (Ph.D./MA) awarded, and appointment to Hall of Fame Board.
  • 2002 – North American Black Belt Hall of Fame: Most Distinguished Martial Artist of the Year
  • 2002 – Action Martial Arts Magazine: Outstanding Contributions to the Martial Arts and 2002/2003 Trading Card
  • 2002 – World Wide Martial Arts Hall of Fame: Outstanding Organization of the Year for Kick Drugs Out of Alliance Program
  • 2001 – World Wide Martial Arts Hall of Fame: Master Instructor of the Year
  • 2001 – Team Power Master’s Hall of Fame: Inspiration Award
  • 2001 – North American Black Belt Hall of Fame: Outstanding Contributions to the Martial Arts
  • 2001 – Alliance Board of Education: Commendation for Excellence in Education
  • 2001 – National Exchange Club, Alliance Chapter: Police Officer of the Year, Service to Youth
  • 2000 – USA Karate Federation and US Jujitsu Federation Hall of Fame: Sadaki Nakabayashi Award for Community Service
  • 1998 – United Martial Artists Association Black Belt Hall of Fame: Outstanding Contributions to the Martial Arts 

Publications/Media:

  • Totally TaeKwon-Do Magazine (2021) – “History Repeats Itself” Cover Story
  • TaeKwon-Do Journeys (2020) – Author (instructor manual)
  • Focus on Fit (2017-2018) – Local Television Show – Writer/Producer/Director
  • Deliberate Indifference (2013) – Movie Writer/Producer 
  • Just for Kicks: Martial Arts for Everyone (2011/2012) Local Television Show – Writer/Director
  • “Domestic Violence” (2007) Film Project Technical Advisor
  • “Calypso’s Promise” (2007)- Consultant
  • Budo International (Internationally Released 2006) “Dim Mak” Video Starring Vincent Lyn with Jeff Helaney
  • Budo Magazine (2006) “Dim Mak” – Author w/Vincent Lyn
  • Budo Magazine (2005) “Martial Arts and Drug Education: A Perfect Combination” – Author
  • “Soft Target” (2004) Technical Advisor for action film starring Don “The Dragon” Wilson and Gary Busey.
  • Pro-Karate Sport Weekly (2003/2004) Broadcast and Internet Radio Show, “Alliance Drug Free Open Martial Arts Tournament”
  • America’s Dumbest Criminals (2000)  Syndicated Television Program, “Alliance, Ohio”
  • To Serve and Protect: The Real Story (2001) Syndicated Television Program, “Kick Drugs Out of Alliance”, (2002) “Alliance Drug Free Open Martial Arts Tournament”, (2003) “KDOA Revisited”
  • TaeKwonDo Times Magazine
  • (1999) “Pressure Points: Do they Work?” – author;
  • (2000) “Police Officer Lauded for Martial Arts/Anti-Drug Program”
  • (2001) “Seminar Fights Drugs”, “ITU Ohio State Director Named”, “Alliance Martial Arts Tourney Fights Drugs”, “Overdrive in Omaha”, “Alliance Challenge Kicks Out Drugs”; 
  • (2002) “Action Martial Arts Hall of Fame Recognizes Top Martial Artists”, “Summer Fun Fitness Challenge – focus; 
  • (2003) Alliance Drug Free Open Martial Arts Tournament – focus; “Increasing Technique Effectiveness” – author 
  • (2004) “Alliance Drug Free Open Martial Arts Tournament”; (2012) “Omaha National Martial Arts Championship”;
  • (2013) “USKF Black Belt Hall of Fame”, “Omaha National Martial Arts Championship”
  • (2014) GM Helaney Promoted to 9
    th Dan in Traditional TaeKwon-Do
  • GrandMaster Magazine (1998) ”Martial Arts, Drug Education, and Children: A Winning Combination” – author
  • Ohio Police Magazine (1993) “Police Martial Arts Association Names New Ohio State Director”
  • PMAA NEWS (1993) “Impact Weapons” and “Pressure Points in the Martial Arts” – author

Video Produced by Students and Family for 9th Dan Promotion (2014)