Master Wendimagegnehu Kassu Dagnahun, aka Master W, was presented with an Official Citation of honor by Senator Benjamin Brooks, of Baltimore County, Legislative District 10, on May 20th, 2023 for his long-term commitment to and highly revered master of the art of Taekwondo as well as his training of hak saengs (students) in this sport.
Master W has a heap of accolades and medals for his superior talent in the art of Taekwondo of which some are highlighted above. His superior mastery of Art is a fact that people across the world have confirmed. Although Master W has been humble and has set a new goal to mastering the next level of his craft it is necessary to take a beat and help him celebrate his accomplishments thus far. To him one of his greatest accomplishments is establishing a family with his wife and two children. His passion and love for the art form have afforded him a journey to many countries where he has consistently displayed his abilities of sportsmanship, discipline, endurance, and mentorship representing his country of origin, Ethiopia.
“From what I observed my son has a great love for taekwondo and from this he has been able to draw tremendous strength.”
-Ato Kassu Dagnahun (2002)
Master W’s Father stood before his son, classmates, and instructor at the SM Taekwondo school in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia back in 2002 where he explained the source of his son’s strength was his love for the craft. “From what I observed my son has a great love for taekwondo and from this he has been able to draw tremendous strength.” – Ato Kassu Dagnahun
In his earlier years, when people just called him Wendim he took matters into his own hands at the supple age of 14 years when his parents struggled to pay his training fees. Without the knowledge of his parents, he polished shoes and did other odd jobs before he landed a job as the school janitor at the SM Taekwondo school in exchange to pay for his Taekwondo classes.
Master W said, “’ My burning desire is to be recognized as a first-class master in Taekwondo and to teach the ethics and fundamentals of martial arts to the next generation. Taekwondo is more than kicking, punching, and self-defense; it is a way of life and the teachings and principles embody the universal theme of peace on earth and goodwill to all.”
Please see Master W’s timeline of achievements which includes his early training years; the startup of his school, Amen Taekwondo Training Center in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, followed by his journey through Asia Minor, East Asia, Europe, and here to the U.S. as he continues to refine his craft. He currently serves as a judge for Taekwondo tournaments in the DMV.
Q&A with Master W:
BACKGROUND ON TAEKWONDO
Q: Give us a crash course on the style of martial arts you specialize in.
A: Taekwondo is a martial art that was developed and practiced in Korea since BC 2333. It was suppressed during the Japanese occupation from 1920-1946. Then it was imported to the U.S. after soldiers returned from the Korean War. Since then, it has changed from primarily a martial art of defense to a competitive sport which is now included as part of the Olympics. It’s one of the most participated in sports in the world.
SOME BASICS ABOUT TAEKWONDO
Q: In the world of martial arts how many make it as far as you?
A: For Every 10,000 people who start in martial arts, half drop out within the first 6 months. Of those remaining students, about 1,000 will compete for one year of training, and then quit. 500 will study for two years, and only 100 will make it to the three-year mark. On average, only 10 will earn their 1st-degree black belt, and only 1-2 will earn their 2nd-degree black belt. Only one will go on to become an instructor and teach others.
Q: What are Sensei verses, Master, or Guru?
A: In Karate and some other Martial Arts sensei is the Master Instructor, and in Taekwondo 1st through 3rd-degree black belts are instructors, 4th through 6th-degree black belts are Masters, and 7th through 9th-degree black belts are Grand Masters.
MY TAEKWONDO HISTORY
Q: Who were your trainers?
A: During my earlier years in Ethiopia, I trained under Master Musa Mohamed, and Master Nasr Shifa and later trained with Master Musa until I received my 1st degree black belt. I then trained under Senior Master Khalil Al Ahmed in Doha until I received my 4th degree black belt & internationally master my craft.
Q: What are some core principles you had to implement in your daily life on your journey as a martial artist?
A: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit.
Q: Was there ever a time that made you want to give up?
A: For serious practitioners, Taekwondo is a way of life. I love martial Arts and I have never thought of giving up.
Q: How often do you practice?
A: I practice 3 days a week and there are so many aspects to work on that one day’s practice is never the same.
Q: What is it like to be a judge and instructor?
A: In a world of taekwondo-style tournaments there are three kinds of officials. At the center of the mat is the referee who controls the match and the athletes. Only this referee speaks to the athletes. The judges sit at the edge of the ring and award points. I am a Taekwondo referee and judge at tournaments held in the U.S. & the DMV.
B. As an instructor I typically work in a martial arts studio, club, or similar setting. In addition to instruction duties, I plan each class and evaluate the students’ progress. I model each technique or pattern of techniques for students and then observe them and offer insight as they practice. Other responsibilities can also include facilitating exercises, such as sparring, and organizing competitions. I often train students to meet specific criteria so that they can progress through the Taekwondo rankings.
MY FUTURE IN TAEKWONDO
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I’m working as a Taekwondo Judge, Referee, and Instructor and other non-sports-related work.
Q: If you were a superhero what would your superhero name be?
A: Grad Master Wendim
Q: What kind of persona or character would your superhero have?
A: Respectful and helpful to others.
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