- About Grandmaster James S. Benko
- Grandmaster Benko began studying the Korean martial arts of TaeKwon-Do and Hapki-Do in 1959 under Ki Jun Lee. Nine years later, Grandmaster Benko found himself in Viet Nam as a member of the American Special Forces (Green Berets). While in Viet Nam, he taught TaeKwon-Do and other Korean martial arts the American and Vietnamese military personnel and police. He was also an instructor of survival tactics for the Green Berets. He was decorated twice for valor and received two purple hearts for wounds he had received in battle. During his three tours of duty in Viet Nam, he worked closely with the famed Korean "White Horse" and "Tiger" divisions.
- While in Viet Nam, he also studied the Vietnamese martial art of Vo Vi Nam. (Vo Vi Nam used circular hand moves and joint manipulations similar to Chinese Chin Na, reflecting the strong Chinese influence on the art.) After receiving advanced training in TaeKwon-Do, Hapki-Do, Korean weapons, and other Korean martial arts from such prominent Korean masters as Yang Hyee, Won Soo Kim, Coe Jae Duk, and Yong Kim, he returned to the United States in 1970 and continued teaching.
- As he became aware of the lack on unification of TaeKwon-Do practitioners, Grandmaster Benko realized there was a need for an organization dedicated to unifying TaeKwon-Do practitioners. On July 9, 1974, Grandmaster Benko founded the Midwest TaeKwon-Do Association (MTA). As more and more dojangs from around the world joined Grandmaster Benko's organization, he soon found himself changing the name of the MTA to the ITA, or the International TaeKwon-Do Association. Since 1974, the ITA has been the world governing body dedicated to preserving traditional Chang-Hun TaeKwon-Do.
- As the President of the ITA, Grandmaster Benko continues to teach the Korean martial arts and holds seminars in dojangs throughout North America. He is the author and publisher of over two dozen books about the Korean martial arts. He has been featured in, or had articles in, several magazines in Europe, Asia, and the United States. His books and video productions are used by universities and martial arts schools all over the world.
- Grandmaster Benko received the honor of being listed in "The Martial Arts Source Book", "Who's Who in American Martial Arts", "Who's Who in Karate and The Other Martial Arts", and "Masters, Founders and Leaders of American Martial Arts."
International TaeKwon-Do Association
P.O. Box 281
Grand Blanc, Michigan 48439
USA
Phone: (810) 232-6482
Fax: (810) 235-8594
