Master Tom Merritt

     The International TaeKwonDo Union was founded by Master Tom Merritt and Mark Hanson. Master Merritt holds the rank of 7th Dan, Mr. Hanson holds a 1st dan in the ITF style of TaeKwonDo. Master Merritt started training in 1980 under Karen Thompson, a 3rd dan Black belt.
     He has since then trained extensively with Master Mark McCarthy, (featured in the Generals Encyclopedia of TKD), GrandMaster K.S. Hwang of Katu along with other prominent Masters.
     Master Merritt owns his own school, Precision TaeKwonDo in Fulton NY, where he teaches 6 days a week to over 100 students. He has guided several students to the rank of Black Belt and various degrees.
     He has 3 Instructors that work with him during classes, Master Lucy Hanson, Justin Smith and Brian Munk. The classes are very traditional, "We are very structured and disciplined, but at the same time allow room for freedom of expression".
     He has won several 1st places in many tournaments and has been titled a Forms and Weapons Champion.
     Master Merritt also is the President of the World Wide Martial Arts Hall of Fame which is an annual event Honoring Martial Artist who truly deserve it. Such Celebrities as Don "the Dragon" Wilson, David Carradine, Vincent Lyn, GM Pan Qing Fu, Ric Meyer and close friend of Master Merritt, Cynthia Rothrock have been inducted into this World Renowned Hall of Fame.
     The WWMAHOF was the first to accomplish celebrities being inducted that actually were in attendance, not just their name mentioned and then mailed their awards!
     Master Merritt has been in TaeKwonDo Times Magazine, Inside Kung Fu for his knowledge of TaeKwonDo. He oversees 13 schools and 3 countries, over 500 members of the ITU, guiding them to their goals in their personal life as well as the Martial Arts.
     He has provided security services for such popular rock bands such as Melissa Ethridge, Smashing Pumpkins, Cheap Trick, Tori Amos and Metallica. Master Merritt also donates a lot of his time to all the local schools for demos, awareness seminars and self defense to kids of all ages.
     He has provided security services for such popular rock bands such as Melissa Ethridge, Smashing Pumpkins, Cheap Trick, Tori Amos and Metallica. Master Merritt also donates a lot of his time to all the local schools for demos, awareness seminars and self defense to kids of all ages.
     His time and knowledge are in constant demand, he is considered the "Authority" in his area on Traditional TaeKwonDo. Above all of his accomplishments, the main characteristics that stands out about him is his willingness to help others and his dedication to his art.