“Taekwon-Do was created for everyone. It’s one of the rare places where no matter who you are or where you come from, it’s a place where you can challenge yourself and grow as a person,” says Master Suzan Crochet, 8th Degree, President Phoenix Group (USA). “The World Championships is the place where we challenge our best athletes. It provides a platform where those who are more athletically inclined can push themselves to the max. The Championships unite the world to provide an opportunity for the elite athletes among us to come together in competitions, encourage each other and establish bonds and friendships that will last a lifetime.”
Suzan Crochet has been a member of the Phoenix Group since its inception and has held its chairmanship since 2016, after the death of Grandmaster John Tompkins. In that role, his work in preparation times for competitions, such as the ITF World Championships 2022, is essential. “I do everything possible to ensure that athletes receive the best training and the best advice on nutrition, training and rest. Treatment to make sure our referees are prepared and ready to provide all athletes with a high-quality, fair event.”
The return to face-to-face competition after the pandemic generates expectations for everyone and in this sense, the Master Crochet is also attentive to see what the impact of COVID has been. “I suspect there will be some countries that won’t be able to attend because they didn’t feel they could adequately prepare their athletes due to the lockdowns and other restrictions that have plagued us for the past few years. I think most of the restrictions have been lifted around the world. , so I hope most of us will be there.”
In this complex global context, the Phoenix Group President highlights the work of the ITF. “Hats off to the ITF for putting together such an important event at such a stressful time. Thank you ITF for all you do to continue to build peace and grow relationships and opportunities around the world. Thank you too! for following President Choi and keeping our art works and traditions alive!”
Regarding the great candidates for this World Cup, he highlights Argentina as the great cheerleader to beat while in his team, he highlights Mrs. Amanda Cheney and Mr. Matt Lepley, both with multiple experiences in the World Championship.
On the current situation of Taekwon-Do in her country, Master Suzan Crochet explains that “after the death of General Choi, Taekwon-Do was very fractured. In the United States, the two INO are working together to provide events and opportunities for the schools to grow and for Taekwon-Do to return to the spotlight.”
“We believe that through exposure and providing high-quality events we can ignite in others the Taekwon-Do flame that burns so brightly in each of us.”