Yes, Donald Trump is a black belt but there’s a catch. Former US President received an honorary 9th dan black belt in taekwondo over this past weekend. Kikkiwon is the governing body that issued this certificate and shared the moment on social media. The pictures showed the organization’s president Lee Dong-sup visiting Trump at his house in Palm Beach, Florida, and handed him the honor. The pictures of the impeached president wearing the coveted title with the traditional taekwondo uniform gave viewers mixed feelings.
Donald Trump is a Black Belt without Practicing the Sport
Taekwondo is a Korean form of martial arts based on dynamic movements. It puts great emphasis on fast kicking techniques coupled with punching, blocking, and stance shifting. It is more than 2000 years old and its name was given according to its style: Tae (foot) Kwon (hand) Do (art). The 9th dan black belt is the highest level a person can achieve in taekwondo. In some other forms, there is also a 10th dan, which is usually represented by a red belt.
It takes almost 9 years for a common martial artist to reach 9th dan. For many, it’s hard to believe that Donald Trump is a black belt in martial arts without training. Even the famed Hollywood martial artist, Chuck Noris only managed to reach 8th dan after dedicated training.
Something is Seriously Wrong with Merits around Here
For many, it was a piece of funny news to start the day off in a playful mood. However, others may have been disheartened a little. It is not easy for long-time trainers to see Donald Trump is a black belt before them.
As Trump’s title was just honorary and not earned through any competition, it has no credibility. This is why it’s unlikely that he would get to go one-on-one with actual athletes.
Presidential Arts
Donald Trump is not the only world leader to receive an honorary black belt. In 2013, Russian President Vladimir Putin also received a black belt without ever practicing Taekwondo.
Russia won 4 medals (2 gold) in taekwondo in the controversial 2020 Summer Olympic Games.
