About the United Taekwon-Do Alliance
founded in 2007
The United Training Taekwondo Alliance (UTA) was founded by GM Buddy Hudson, GM Terry Brumley, GM Jason Wadley, and Master Brice Bishop with a clear mission: to provide exceptional training, certification, and support to martial arts schools around the world. Under the leadership of GM Jason Wadley, who was elected president in 2009, the organization embraced a new vision—building a vibrant network where collaboration and connection drive growth.
Today, the UTA unites over 500 clubs across the United States and more than 200 international clubs, creating a global community where knowledge is shared, events are celebrated, and certifications are recognized. In an era often marked by division, the UTA stands as a beacon of collaboration, offering independent instructors the chance to remain autonomous while staying deeply connected to a larger community of open-minded martial artists.
Our philosophy is simple yet powerful: unity, not uniformity. By putting aside differences and working together, martial artists can reach heights far beyond what they could achieve alone. The UTA is more than an association—it’s a movement that inspires growth, encourages connection, and empowers every member to thrive both individually and collectively.
UTA Constitution
United Taekwondo Alliance (UTA) – Constitution, Bylaws & Rules
Table of Contents
Constitution
Headquarters and Contact Information
Masters Council / Official Positions
Purpose and Mission
Management / Governance
Amendments
Membership Overview
Member Benefits
Bylaws
Membership / School Charters
Membership Fee Schedule
Officials’ Duties
Rank System & Time Requirements
Citations and Waivers
Uniform Dress Code
Instructor Requirements
Seminars and Tournaments
Sanctioned Tournaments
Rules and Regulations
Dismissals
Affiliate Organizations
Protocols & Ethics
Closing
Constitution
Headquarters and Contact Information
Corporate Office:
103 North Parking Place, Lake Jackson, Texas 77566
Phone: 979-297-8444
Email: [email protected]
Leadership:
President & CEO: Grand Master Jason Wadley
Secretary: Mrs. Candace Wadley
The United Taekwondo Alliance is internationally recognized as UTA.
Masters Council / Board of Advisors
The Masters Council serves as the governing body of the Alliance, overseeing
regulations, ethics, promotions, and organizational growth.
Council Members:
Grand Master Terry Brumley
Grand Master Jim Hammons
Grand Master Larry Wells
Grand Master Dan Valin
Chief Master Shane E. Nixon
Senior Master Ray Saint
Master Sherry Roche
Master John Swift
Master Jose Castro
Executive Positions:
CEO / International President: GM Jason Wadley
CFO: Mrs. Candace Wadley
Secretary General: To be announced
National President: Open
National Vice Presidents: 1: Grand Master Jim Hammons 2: Open 3: Open
National Tournament Director: Mr. Robert Powell
Committees Include:
Tournament Committee
Promotions Committee
Awards Committee
Special Projects Committee
Expansion Committee
Certifications Committee
International Teams Committee
UTA Women’s Committee
Technical Committee
Professional Development
Junior Leadership Council
Health and Safety Council
Historical Committee
Fit Club
Mission Statement
The UTA exists to unite martial artists (Taekwondo) from all backgrounds under a shared commitment to excellence, integrity, and growth. We create a supportive, family-oriented environment where instructors, students, and schools can train, learn, and advance together.
We inspire passion, build leaders, and foster global connections, making Taekwondo a lifelong journey of skill, character, and belonging.
Purpose and Objectives
UTA provides a premier environment for growth, education, and connection, promoting:
1. Growth and engagement in all Taekwondo styles
2. Collaboration among smaller organizations and schools
3. Standardized testing, promotions, and techniques
4. Opportunities for professional development and advancement
5. Certification of Dan grades, Instructor, and Assistant Instructor ranks
6. Affordable access to events, seminars, and tournaments
7. State, national, and international travel experiences
8. Recognition through esteemed associations (Kukkiwon, ITF, Moo Duk Kwan, etc.)
UTA is a global martial arts family committed to integrity, excellence, and lifelong growth.
Management / Governance
Leadership & Authority:
CEO / President has ultimate authority.
Management is vested in the President, Masters Council, and appointed officers.
Masters Council membership is by Presidential appointment.
Only the CEO/President may remove Board members or officers.
Responsibilities & Communication:
President and Vice Presidents keep members informed of policies and procedures.
School owners and instructors disseminate information to their DoJangs.
Maintain accurate records of schools, instructors, and Black Belts.
Ensure timely submission of paperwork and fees.
Ethical Conduct:
Members shall not misuse UTA for wrongdoing.
Use of UTA name/logo requires Presidential approval.
Succession & Contingency:
Appointed Vice President may act as President if needed.
Financial Authority:
Grand Master Jason Wadley has sole financial authority.
Promotion & Advancement Policy
Authority:
Promotions are governed by the President, Masters Council, and senior officers.
UTA maintains integrity, credibility, and consistent standards.
Purpose:
Recognize skill, dedication, and character
Preserve traditions and excellence
Encourage personal growth and leadership
Promotion Methods:
By Appointment: Leadership positions requiring authority.
By Promotion: Based on time in rank, contributions, and public demonstration.
By Examination: Physical and written testing adhering to UTA standards.
Leadership Titles:
Master, Senior Master, Chief Master, Grand Master reflect leadership, not rank.
Appointed during Masters Ceremonies at Grand National events.
Amendments
Changes require Presidential approval and majority Masters Council vote.
Effective immediately unless specified.
Proposed amendments submitted in writing for annual or special meetings.
Officials and Duties
President: Oversees all operations, promotions, events, and appointments.
Masters Council: Provides technical guidance, curriculum oversight, and expansion support.
Vice Presidents: Regional management, support of President, may act as interim President.
Secretary General: Ambassador, public representative, supports leadership and events.
Officer Conduct: Departing officers cannot solicit UTA members for 24 months post-departure.
Membership / School Charters
Reviewed by President and Masters Council.
Requirements for individuals and schools include proof of rank, curriculum, insurance, and certifications.
Membership types: Guest, Partner, Elite Partner, Executive Partner, Special Guest, Non-Member.
Membership can be revoked for criminal conviction or failure to follow Constitution & Bylaws.
Membership Benefits
1. Authentic Dan certification, international Instructor certification
2. Seminars
3. Tournaments
4. Business exchanges, and Leadership Labs
5. Networking with global professionals
6. Charitable initiatives
7. Territorial protection
8. Recognition from Kwans
9. Rebates, discounts,
10. International travel opportunities
11. National and international awards recognition for person growth
Fee Schedule
Item Fee (Members Only)
School Charter $50
Belt Certificates 1st–2nd Dan $50
3rd Dan $70
4th Dan $200
7th+ Dan duplicate (UTA) $200
Instructor Certification $200
Assistant Instructor $150
Test Examiner / Tournament Judging $50 each
Rank System & Time Requirements
UTA Recomemnded
Gup Ranks: 3–9 months depending on level
Dan Ranks: 1–9 years minimum, advancing by skill, leadership, and contribution
Leadership Titles: Master, Senior Master, Chief Master, Grand Master
Additional Requirements
Minimum age for Dan ranks: 1st Dan -9 of age,
2nd Dan - 10 years of age
3rd Rec. 14 years of age
3rd Dan - 16 years of age
4th Dan 191/2 years of age
9th Dan – 53 yrs
7th–9th Dan testing requires committee & Presidential approval
Promotions reflect merit, service, and contribution
Citations and waivers awarded for meritorious service, injury, or financial contribution
Official High Dan Rules
UTA authorized to promote/test individuals in the Taekwondo community
Promotions via Appointment, Promotion, Examination
Eligibility requires: time in rank, instructor permission, and perfected skill set and knowledge
Minimum Rank for Positions:
International President: 9th Dan
International VP: 9th Dan
Internatioanl Secretary General: 7th Dan
National Presidents: 7th Dan
National Vice President: 5th Dan
National Sec. General: 2nd Dan
Regional VPs: 4th Dan
Regional Directors: 3rd Dan
Various committee heads: 2rd–9th Dan depending on role
Uniform Dress Code
Gup Ranks: Traditional white Dobak, UTA/school patches
Dan Ranks: White/dress blue's or Dobak, black piping for 4th Dan+,
instructor pins or civilian dress suite during events.
Masters: Satin uniforms for ceremonies; black belts recognized with gold bars/numerals
Official Dress Suite: Navy blazer/pants, tie/scarf, official badge, black shoes, rank-appropriate accessories
Independent schools may wear their own school uniforms (Traditional Dobach) or suite and tie at events.
Instructor Requirements
Minimum 2nd Dan for school charter; 4th Dan+ instructors must train with UTA senior instructors quarterly
May test up to one rank below their own
Maintain certification every 2–5 years
Report all school events to UTA Headquarters
Seminars and Tournaments
1. Seminars scheduled 3 months in advance, advertised to all schools
2. Hosts cover travel and seminar costs of special guest
3. Tournaments: UTA-sanctioned events promote sportsmanship and fairness
4. Grand Nationals include:
forms, sparring, weapons, demonstrations, special needs divisions,
Tag Team sparring, Padded sword and stick and Baird breaking.
Rules and Regulations
1. Respect fellow members;
2. Do not take students or instructors from another UTA club without consent
3. Maintain an instructor and practice proper etiquette
4. Keep certifications current
5. Support national and international UTA programs
6. All 4th Dan+ must test through national promotion programs
UTA recognizes that all instructor are independent and encourages all to adhere by the rules set foruth to help safe guard the alliance.
Dismissals
UTA may dismiss members for unprofessional conduct, unpaid dues, or harmful actions
Affiliate Organizations
Must follow same rules as members (Unless stated in partnership agreements)
Uniforms, ethics, and rules recognized after Presidential approval
Treated as partners in one common cause
Professional Code of Conduct / Ethics
Your promise is your word
A handshake is a contract
Do not take students/instructors without consultation
No gossip or false claims
Practice what you preach
Honor yourself, your instructor, and the Alliance
Pay debts promptly