Testimonial by Mr. Keith Whitley VI 'Yuk' Dan B.U.T.F.

I first set eyes on Master Choy back in 1978 as a nervous 18 year old waiting to take my first grading. His entrance was announced by an instructor with an explanation about something, none of which I could hear. I had been told my examiner would be Master Rhee Ki Ha, head of the UKTA and then a 7th Dan so of course I thought Master Choy, who was then a 3rd Dan, was indeed Master Rhee and continued to think that until my next grading. What I certainly didn't think was that we would later become friends, a friendship that has grown and grown over some 30 years!

Back then when Master Choy was a 3rd Dan, he was one of the highest grades in Taekwondo and was Master Rhee's right hand man, often stepping in to oversee gradings, so over the years he must have graded (or failed) thousands of students. He has an incredible talent as an examiner I never cease to be amazed by. Since becoming an instructor myself I have sat in on many gradings and he will always analyze and make note of more mistakes in my students than I can and that's while examining another half dozen or so students at the same time!! He makes it look easy and since becoming an examiner myself I know how impossible it is.

Soon after I became an instructor there was unrest in the UKTA. Master Choy and Master Au took me under their wing, ferrying me to many meetings, the product of which was the formation of the BUTF. The work put in by the then senior instructors was immense, all under the guidance of Master Choy. The standards set are still in place today (I'm very glad to say) and although sometimes it might be tough it's well worth it in the end. A student of the BUTF will out shine his contemporary from any organization and you can thank Master Choy for that.

A martial artist through and through, his knowledge and understanding of Taekwondo is complete which is of great benefit to us his instructors, and in turn you our students. His honesty and integrity is beyond repute. A fine example being when he walked away from the second most senior post within the ITF because he disagreed with certain questionable goings on re: funds that were not accounted for. Most would have turned a blind eye for such a job! The generosity of his time and the hospitality he gives to his instructors is immense. Hours of his time will be freely given to us on all aspects of our training. How else can senior instructors learn their patterns? And then a meeting at his house is always accompanied by generous hospitality. Yes, become an instructor with the BUTF and you do get looked after!

It is a great privilege to be a colleague and friend to a truly devoted Master who has literally devoted his life to this art and my heartfelt congratulations go to you on this fitting promotion to the status of Grandmaster!

PLEASE NOTE: Further testimonials or acknowledgments may be emailed to headoffice@butf.com with the subject line "Grandmaster Promotion". We will endeavour to publish all appropriate messages.

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