29/09/2025
The Australian Taekwondo Academy is observing a major anniversary, having reached 50 years since its founding. Following a two-year tenure in Sydney and preceding periods in Vietnam and Korea, Grandmaster Sok Pong Kim relocated to Perth in 1975.
At its height in the early 1990s, the Academy had an impressive 50+ branch locations, hosted numerous tournaments, and the ATA brand became widespread throughout Western Australia. Grandmaster Sok Pong Kim passed away in 1999 and his funeral service was packed with ATA members past and current at the time showing the love of the ATA founder.
Many clubs have since transitioned to be independent; however, some remain committed to promoting the ATA brand, still using the logo/ badge and club name. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Academy, with some ATA clubs observing and celebrating the milestone year in their own way.
View photos below showing ATA clubs celebrating 50 years, flashback photos of Grandmaster Sok Pong Kim in action, 2 original members are still involved with the ATA brand and the commemorative key rings and medallions to mark the 50th anniversary milestone year.