Grandmaster Robert Dunn’s journey in martial arts began in 1962 when he started training in Go-Ju and Shorei, two traditional Japanese karate styles. His path took a pivotal turn in 1969 when he was introduced to Taekwon-Do under the instruction of Grandmaster Kong Young Il, one of the original pioneers of the art. This introduction sparked a lifelong commitment to the discipline, and within a year, Dunn opened his first Taekwon-Do school, setting the foundation for an expansive career dedicated to teaching and spreading the art worldwide.
As a dedicated practitioner, Dunn sought to refine his skills and deepen his knowledge of Taekwon-Do. By 1987, he had earned certification as an International Judge under Grandmaster Ahn Eung Choon. The following year, he was inducted into the International Karate Hall of Fame, a recognition of his growing influence in the martial arts community. His expertise extended beyond the United States when, in 1989, he was contracted to train Peruvian troops in Lima, demonstrating his ability to teach Taekwon-Do in diverse environments.
Dunn’s contributions to martial arts continued to gain recognition. In 2009, he was promoted to 9th Dan Black Belt by Grandmaster Ahn Eung Choon in Macon, Georgia. This honor was a testament to his decades of training, teaching, and shaping the next generation of martial artists. Over the years, he established multiple Taekwon-Do schools across the globe, including locations in Crawley, England; Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico; Hoshmonaim, Israel; and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. His commitment to Taekwon-Do education extended beyond physical instruction, as he continually sought to preserve the traditional aspects of the art.
In 2013, Dunn was inducted into the USKF Black Belt Hall of Fame, further solidifying his status as one of the leading figures in the martial arts world. Four years later, he received another prestigious recognition when he was inducted into the Taekwon-Do Hall of Fame in New York City, acknowledged as a Pioneer of Taekwon-Do. His impact on the martial arts community was not limited to personal achievements; in 2018, he was appointed Secretary General of the World Taekwon-Do Alliance, reinforcing his influence on an international scale. That same year, he was inducted into Who’s Who in Martial Arts in Washington, D.C., celebrating his lifelong contributions to the discipline.
Grandmaster Dunn’s passion for Taekwon-Do led him to establish the International Jun Tong Taekwon-Do Federation (IJTF), an organization dedicated to maintaining and promoting the traditional values of the martial art. His vision for the IJTF was one of authenticity, ensuring that the art stayed true to its roots while continuing to evolve in modern times. The federation grew rapidly, setting up headquarters in various countries, including the United Kingdom and Puerto Rico.
As of 2023, Dunn relocated the IJTF’s international headquarters to Hendersonville, North Carolina, where he also established the J.T.F Taekwondo School. From this new base, he continues to conduct seminars, oversee black belt testings, and mentor students who, like him, have dedicated their lives to martial arts. His students have followed in his footsteps, earning their own places in martial arts halls of fame, a testament to Dunn’s profound influence on generations of practitioners.
Grandmaster Robert Dunn’s legacy is one of dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence in Taekwon-Do. His lifelong contributions to the art have not only shaped his own path but have also paved the way for thousands of students around the world to carry on the tradition.
GM Dunn currently serves on the United States Kido Federation Advisory Board
References
International Jun Tong Taekwon-Do Federation. (n.d.). Grandmaster Dunn Bio. Retrieved from https://www.jtftaekwondo.com/gm-dunn-bio
Taekwon-Do Hall of Fame. (n.d.). Grandmaster Robert Dunn Profile. Retrieved from https://taekwondohalloffame.com/honorees/gm-robert-dunn
