MASTER
STEVE MILLIS
Master Steve Millis began training in Taekwon-Do in 1991. What started as a personal journey has developed into more than 35 years dedicated to the art as a student, instructor, competitor, umpire, national coach and senior official.
During his Taekwon-Do journey, he had the privilege of training under General Choi Hong Hi, Founder of Taekwon-Do, achieved international success as both a competitor and coach, and was promoted to 7th Degree Master in Pyongyang, Korea in 2017.
Today, as an 8th Degree Master and President of ITF England, he continues to teach regularly through TKD4ALL, passing on the knowledge and experience gained throughout his Taekwon-Do career.
Integrity
Perseverance
Self-Control
Indomitable Spirit
The Journey
The Journey Begins
Steve begins training in Taekwon-Do in South Devon, starting a journey that will go on to span more than three decades.
First National Titles
Wins both the UKTA English Championships and UKTA Welsh Championships, achieving his first major national competition successes.
Becomes an Instructor
While still a Red Belt, Steve takes over as instructor of his Taekwon-Do school with the special permission of Master Rhee Ki Ha VIII Degree.
This begins a teaching career that continues more than 30 years later.
Training with the Founder
Attends a Technical Seminar conducted by General Choi Hong Hi, the Founder of Taekwon-Do.
1st Degree Black Belt
After four years of training, Steve achieves his 1st Degree Black Belt, grading under Master Rhee Ki Ha VIII Degree.
Training in Cardiff
While running his own school in South Devon, Steve travels from Torbay to Cardiff each week to continue his training under Mr Michael Prewett V Degree.
2nd Degree
Promoted to 2nd Degree Black Belt under Grand Master Rhee Ki Ha IX Degree.
3rd Degree
Achieves 3rd Degree Black Belt, again grading under Grand Master Rhee Ki Ha IX Degree.
Millenium Seminar
Attended Millenium Seminar conducted by General Choi’s SonMaster Choi Jung Hwa in 2000.
Meeting General Choi
Accompanies Grand Master Rhee Ki Ha and his son Andrew Rhee to a meeting with General Choi Hong Hi in Weymouth, UK.
4th Degree
Promoted to 4th Degree Black Belt under Grand Master Rhee Ki Ha IX Degree.
International Instructor
Qualifies as an ITF International Instructor under Grand Master Rhee Ki Ha, shortly after achieving 4th Degree.
TKD4ALL Established
The TKD4ALL domain is established, beginning the development of an identity that would later become the brand for the South Devon schools.
5th Degree
Promoted to 5th Degree Black Belt under Grand Master Rhee Ki Ha IX Degree.
Best UKTA Umpire
Presented with the Best UKTA Umpire Award, recognising his contribution to competition officiating.
6th Degree
Promoted to 6th Degree Black Belt under Grand Master Rhee Ki Ha IX Degree.
World Championship Medals
Wins two Bronze medals at the ITF World Championships in Estonia, marking his first World Championship medals.
He also becomes UK Open Champion.
UK Open Champion
Wins the UK Open Championship for the second consecutive year.
World Champion
A standout year of international competition. Steve wins two Silver medals at the EITF European Championships in Belarus before becoming a World Champion at the ITF World Championships in Tajikistan.
He also becomes UKTA Welsh Champion.
Triple European Silver
Wins three Silver medals at the EITF European Championships in Italy.
International ‘A’ Class Umpire
Qualifies as an ITF ‘A’ Class International Umpire under Grand Master Rhee Ki Ha.
European Bronze
Wins a Bronze medal at the EITF European Championships in Greece.
Head Coach of ITF England
Serves for eight years as Head Coach of ITF England, working with England competitors and coaches at European and World Championships.
7th Degree — Master
Promoted to 7th Degree in Pyongyang, Korea, becoming a Master of Taekwon-Do.
The grading is conducted by Grand Master Hwang Ho Yong IX Degree and Grand Master Kim Ung Chol IX Degree.
8th Degree
After 33 years in Taekwon-Do, Master Millis is promoted to 8th Degree by the ITF Promotion and Commendation Committee.
President of ITF England
Elected President of ITF England, continuing his service to the national organisation after eight years as Head Coach.
ITF World Championships — Jesolo
Attends the ITF World Championships in Jesolo, Italy as President of ITF England, representing England at the championships and the ITF Congress.
35 Years of Taekwon-Do
Celebrates 35 years in Taekwon-Do and more than 30 years as an instructor.
The same year, TKD4ALL becomes a registered trademark and a new brand identity is introduced, marking the next chapter for the South Devon schools.
Dan Grading History
| Degree | Date | Examiner |
|---|---|---|
| VIII | 11 May 2024 | ITF Promotion & Commendation Committee |
| VII | 16 Sep 2017 | GM Hwang Ho Yong IX GM Kim Ung Chol IX |
| VI | 4 Sep 2011 | GM Rhee Ki Ha IX |
| V | 27 Aug 2006 | GM Rhee Ki Ha IX |
| IV | 22 Jun 2002 | GM Rhee Ki Ha IX |
| III | 19 Sep 1999 | GM Rhee Ki Ha IX |
| II | 7 Sep 1997 | GM Rhee Ki Ha IX |
| I | 10 Sep 1995 | Master Rhee Ki Ha VIII |
Qualifications & Recognition
Taekwon-Do Master
16 September 2017
Promoted to Master in Pyongyang, Korea
Graded by Grand Master Hwang Ho Yong IX Degree and Grand Master Kim Ung Chol IX Degree
ITF International Instructor
31 August 2002
Qualified under Grand Master Rhee Ki Ha
ITF ‘A’ Class International Umpire
11 March 2016
Qualified under Grand Master Rhee Ki Ha
Best UKTA Umpire Award
2007
Presented with the Best UKTA Umpire Award
Competition Highlights
ITF World Championships — Tajikistan
Still Teaching. Still Developing.
More than 35 years after beginning Taekwon-Do and over 30 years after first becoming an instructor, Master Millis continues to teach regularly through TKD4ALL.
His experience encompasses almost every aspect of Taekwon-Do — from student and instructor to national and international competitor, international umpire, England Head Coach and President of ITF England.
Despite his national and international roles, teaching at club level remains at the heart of his Taekwon-Do. His focus continues to be helping students of all ages develop their skills, confidence and understanding of the art, while passing on the knowledge and experience gained throughout his own journey.