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U.T.I. PRESIDENT Biography

Grand Master Scott Luther Kopperud

B.ED., REC.ADMIN., IX-DAN

On June 4, 1999 in Cologne, Germany, Scott L. Kopperud was promoted to the rank of 8th Dan Black-Belt Grand Master by an International Panel of TaeKwon-Do Experts, Grand Masters, Masters, Chief Instructors and Instructors. Grand Master Kopperud is the youngest TaeKwon-Do practitioner to achieve this rank which was awarded to him for dedication to the development and continuing evolution of TaeKwon-Do as well as his superior physical and technical expertise in the execution of the art.

Click here for highlights from Grand Master Kopperud's
8th Dan Promotion on June 4, 1999

After training in TaeKwon-Do for only two years, Scott Kopperud gave up hockey to pursue the dream of achieving his Black-Belt, which he did two years later. Since that time, many years ago, he has gone on to become a Canadian National TaeKwon-Do Champion three times in both Forms and Free-Fighting, and twice in Board-Breaking. Kopperud is certified in both the "world" and "international" styles of TaeKwon-Do as a Master Instructor. With over five years experience as a high school teacher in the areas of physical education, English and special needs education, Kopperud has dedicated much of his time in the past eight years to developing and refining the "Kopperud" system of TaeKwon-Do instruction. Dropping all other professional activities in 1991, he has dedicated his time solely to TaeKwon-Do, the expansion of his 24 schools and the development of Unified TaeKwon-Do International. Kopperud travels often, giving seminars and providing quality instruction and support to TaeKwon-Do instructors world wide. Master Kopperud was examined and promoted to the rank of 7th Dan Black-Belt many years ago in the United States by a panel of 12 TaeKwon-Do and Martial Arts Masters. This examination was witnessed and endorsed by over one hundred TaeKwon-Do Black-Belts. Kopperud was the youngest North American to achieve this rank and is the first to do so in both the "international" and "world" styles.

(Click on image to see full size and description.)

Click here for highlights from Grand Master Kopperud's
8th Dan Promotion on June 4, 1999

(Click on image to see full size and description.)

In August 2003, Grand Master Kopperud was inducted into the International Martial Arts Hall of Fame as
Canadian Grand Master of the Year.

May 3, 2008: Grand Master Kopperud promoted to 9th Degree Black-Belt

GMK demonstrated his skill, passion and soul before being awarded his 9th Degree Black-Belt. Distinguished guests, International Representatives, Instructors, Black-Belts, Students and enthusiastic fans observed dramatic exhibitions while celebrating the completion of the Unified TaeKwon-Do Curriculum as "OMEGA", UTI's final form, was revealed. Finally, grand Master Kopperud's 9th Dan Black-Belt is presented by National, State and Provincial representatives and tightened by Instructors, Black-Belts, Students, close friends and Family.

Kopperud, his wife Carol Ann and their four children (shown above): Christine (red-belt, now 3rd Dan Black-Belt), Rachel (blue-belt, now2ndt Dan Black-Belt), David (green-belt, now 3rd Dan) and Matthew (yellow-belt, now 2nd Dan) have been in Saskatoon since August 1991 when he opened his first Saskatchewan school. His Saskatoon school has grown from 22 to over 300 members. With eight years of post-secondary education in Recreation Administration, Education and Theology, Kopperud, with a genuine love for what he does, continues to develop and refine his teaching skills in the ever evolving Martial Art of TaeKwon-Do.

Grand Master S.L.Kopperud and Family
(Punta Cana, DR, February 2009)