The United States Kido Federation (USKF), founded in 2012 by Grandmaster Jeffrey Helaney, has played a significant role in the promotion, coordination, and growth of traditional Korean martial arts in the United States. With a mission to create a non-political platform for practitioners, instructors, and organizations dedicated to Korean-based martial arts, the USKF has become an influential force within the martial arts community, providing opportunities for practitioners of all levels to engage with various organizations while promoting peace, unity, and mutual respect.
Founding of the USKF
The USKF was established in 2012 as a direct response to concerns from a number of martial arts practitioners and instructors who were frustrated with the administrative challenges and political influences they encountered in other organizations. Several founding members, seeking a better way forward, approached Grandmaster Jeffrey Helaney for guidance. Heeding their call, Helaney and the founding members set out to create an organization that would focus on cooperation, mutual respect, and the pure advancement of martial arts rooted in Korean traditions.
From its inception, the USKF was designed to be a non-political body that could bring together various martial arts organizations with the shared goal of advancing Korean arts like Taekwondo, Hapkido, Tang Soo Do, and Kuk Sool Won among others. It aimed to bridge the gaps between different schools and lineages while promoting the best practices and common values inherent in these disciplines.
Grandmaster Jeffrey Helaney: A Journey of Dedication and Accomplishments
Grandmaster Jeffrey Helaney, the visionary behind the USKF and owner of Omaha Blue Waves Martial Arts, is a highly accomplished martial artist with decades of experience in multiple disciplines. He holds a 9th Dan in TaeKwon-Do and an 8th Dan in Hapkido, both prestigious ranks that reflect his dedication and expertise. Helaney’s journey into martial arts began at an early age, and he has since earned a reputation for being a serious and devoted practitioner with a focus on both personal growth and the development of the martial arts community.
Helaney’s martial arts career is distinguished not only by his high ranks but also by his leadership roles in several key martial arts organizations on the national and international stages. He has served in administrative positions with prestigious bodies such as:
- The International TaeKwon-Do Federation Headquarters-USA (ITF-HQ-USA)
- The International Jun Tong TaeKwon-Do Federation (IJTF)
- The World Martial Arts Athletes Association (WMAA)
- The World Tae Sool Association (WTSA), to name a few,
Throughout his career, Helaney worked diligently to foster relationships between various martial arts organizations and create a global network where martial artists could train and learn without the limitations of politics or infighting.
The USKF’s Mission and Growth
Since its founding, the USKF has made great strides in establishing itself as a credible and influential organizationin the world of Korean martial arts. One of the key components of its success has been its commitment to promoting collaboration over competition. The USKF’s leaders, led by Helaney, have worked to establish Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with numerous organizations both in the U.S. and internationally. These MOUs create avenues for cooperation, shared events, seminars, and educational opportunities for students and instructors alike.
Today, the USKF maintains ties with a diverse range of organizations, creating a broad network that includes both formal agreements and informal connections with martial arts practitioners worldwide. These relationships enable the USKF to facilitate the sharing of knowledge, techniques, and expertise, thereby enriching the martial arts community and ensuring that practitioners across the world continue to benefit from the exchange of ideas and experiences.
The USKF’s mission remains clear: to serve as a unified body for Korean martial arts in the United States and to help maintain the integrity and purity of these traditions. The organization has positioned itself as a vital resource for both practitioners and instructors by providing guidance, support, and access to training that emphasizes the core values of respect, discipline, and personal growth.
Looking Ahead
As the USKF continues to grow, it remains focused on fulfilling its mission of unity and cooperation in the martial arts world. The organization’s commitment to fostering relationships with other martial arts organizations—whether through formal or informal means—ensures that the legacy of Korean martial arts will continue to thrive and evolve.
Grandmaster Helaney’s leadership and dedication to the arts serve as a beacon for the USKF’s future, as the organization continues to pave the way for a more inclusive and supportive martial arts community. The USKF’s website serves as a hub for learning more about the organization’s ongoing projects, its extensive network of partners, and the variety of resources available to martial artists of all levels.
Through its non-political stance and focus on collaboration, the USKF stands as a testament to what can be achieved when martial artists come together with shared values and respect for the traditions that unite them. As it moves forward, the USKF will undoubtedly continue to play a crucial role in the development of Korean martial arts in the U.S. and beyond.
To learn more about the USKF, including upcoming events, partnerships, and opportunities, visit the official website at uskido.org.
