Meet Grandmaster Jeffrey W. Helaney, IX Dan
- President – United States Kido Federation
- Board Advisor – International Jun Tong TaeKwon-Do Federation
- Board Advisor – International TaeKwon-Do Federation HQ – USA
- Board Advisor – World Tae Sool Association
The Journey 1969 to Present
Grandmaster Jeffrey W. Helaney, a distinguished martial artist with a legacy spanning decades, stands at the pinnacle of the martial arts world. With a remarkable journey that began in 1969 under the guidance of his late father, Wallace G. Helaney, Grandmaster Helaney has passionately dedicated his life to martial arts, education, and community service. His impressive accomplishments and contributions have earned him profound respect and recognition, marking him as a true martial arts luminary.
Grandmaster Helaney embarked on his martial arts odyssey at the Omaha Karate and Judo School in Benson, NE, under the tutelage of Grandmaster S.K. Shin (d). Throughout the 1970s, he diligently studied Judo, TaeKwon-Do, and Sports Karate, guided by the expertise of notable mentors such as Master Fred VanAckeren and Master Steve Johnson.
In the early 1980s, Grandmaster Helaney commenced his teaching career at ACS Martial Arts Schools and Davis TaeKwon-Do. He expanded his martial arts repertoire, embracing TaeKwon-Do, Combatique, and Hapkido. Simultaneously, his law enforcement journey began in 1984, setting the stage for a unique fusion of martial arts training and real-world experience.
Throughout his career, Grandmaster Helaney championed martial arts as a catalyst for positive change. He founded the Kick Drugs Out of Alliance (KDOA) program in 1996, fostering drug education through martial arts. KDOA flourished, touching the lives of countless children and garnering commendations from the Ohio House of Representatives, the Ohio Department of Education, and even a letter from a former U.S. President. His devotion earned him accolades, including inductions into various martial arts halls of fame and Budo Magazine’s Grandmaster of the Year in 2003.
Grandmaster of the Year
Grandmaster Helaney’s journey diversified further in the 21st century. Acquiring degrees and certifications in Oriental Medicine, he added a new layer to his expertise. Despite challenges, including injuries that led to his retirement from law enforcement, Grandmaster Helaney founded Omaha Blue Waves Martial Arts in 2010. His dedication to education and community service remained unswerving, leading to the establishment of the United States Kido Federation in 2012.
Grandmaster Helaney’s influence extends across the martial arts landscape. As President and Founder of the United States Kido Federation, he has fostered growth, unity, and educational opportunities for martial artists across the nation. His impact is felt as a Board Advisor to various organizations, including the International Jun Tong TaeKwon-Do Federation, International TaeKwon-Do Federation HQ – USA, and World Tae Sool Association.
Grandmaster Helaney’s exceptional contributions have garnered an array of accolades. From Budo Magazine’s Grandmaster of the Year to being named a Legend in Who’s Who in the Martial Arts, his legacy is celebrated in recognition of his service, dedication, and unwavering commitment to martial arts and community upliftment.
Grandmaster Jeffrey W. Helaney, IX Dan, embodies the spirit of martial arts – a commitment to personal growth, community service, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. His legacy will forever illuminate the path for aspiring martial artists and stand as a testament to the power of martial arts to transform lives.
In 2014, Grandmaster Helaney received the highest honor available in Traditional TaeKwon-Do and was presented his 9th Dan from his mentor GM Robert Dunn on behalf of the International Jun Tong TaeKwon-Do Federation during a packed house ceremony from martial arts luminaries from across the county.
Photo taken after promotion of GM Jeffrey Helaney to 9th Dan in TaeKwon-Do on April 26, 2014 Omaha, NE Left to Right: GM Patrick M. Hickey, President Kwanmukan; GM Brandon Richards, Kukkiwon Advisory Board; GM Troy Trudeau, President World TaeSool Association; GM Jeff Helaney, President United States Kido Federation; GM James James Paul Rosenbach, President RWTG; GM Robert Dunn, President International Jun Tong Taekwondo Federation; GM Rodney Kauffman Past President Ne-De-U-Kan-Tae Federation.
Quick Stats at a Glance
Current Martial Arts Ranks Held
- 9th Dan Traditional TaeKwon-Do – International Jun Tong TaeKwon-Do Federation
- 7th Dan Tae Sool Hapkido – World Tae Sool Association
- 5th Degree Black Belt Sports Karate – ACS Martial Arts
- 2nd Degree Black Belt Poekoelan – Green Dragon Pentjak-Silat
Current Licenses, Certifications, Honors, Professional Memberships
- 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
- International Jun Tong TaeKwon-Do Federation (#A-237) – Lifetime Member
- International TaeKwon-Do Federation (#USA3707) – Lifetime Member
- International TaeKwon-Do Federation HQ Korea (#US-101420) – Current Member
- World Black Belt Bureau – Lifetime 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
- 2008 to 2011 – Midwest Martial Arts League, Public Relations and Tournaments Director/Executive Vice-President
- 2007 to 2012 – TaeKwonDo Times Magazine, Correspondent
- 2005 to Present – Private Consulting and Seminars
- 2004 to Present – Five Elements Massage, Martial Arts, and Oriental Health Center, LLC: Co-Owner
- 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:
- 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 9th 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
