Taekwondo in Barbados

In this 1995 photo, Grand Master Ken Cheung (Canada) stands with (L-R) local Masters of WTF Taekwondo: Messrs. Vincent Smith, Stephen Haynes, Ogeji Dottin, Mark Phillips, Anthony Williams. Kneeling are: Messrs. Steve Clarke, Rommel Mayers and Andre Bryan.

The Taekwondo Association of Barbados was established over thirty years ago in 1986. TAB is a member of:

• The World Taekwondo Federation
• The Pan American Taekwondo Union
• The Barbados Olympic Association

Barbados became a sovereign Nation in 1966 when it declared its Independence from British rule.

It is the most easterly of the Caribbean Islands and is located at co-ordinates 13 degrees North, 59 degrees West.

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Historic Timeline and Milestones

• 2019
  • Barbados competes at the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru.
  • Mr. Askia Alleyne competed in the Men's 87+kg Kyorugi Competition at the Pan American Games with Coach Mr. Henderson Turton. Also assisting with preparations was Master Anthony Williams.
  • Though Mr. Alleyne did not win that match he subsequently established the highest World-ranking of #107 to date for a player representing Barbados with an Olympic ranking of #128 at August 2019 following his performances in the Pan Am Games, Manchester World Championships and Portland, Oregon Pan Am Championships earlier that same year.
• 2018
  • The National Federation concluded a historic National Grading Examination for all the Senior Black Belts with the assistance of legendary Grand Master Sir Jose "Chaco" Cornelio.
  • Following successful examination, Master Ogeji Dottin was promoted to 6th Dan.
  • Mr. Dottin has contributed significantly to the development of Taekwondo in Barbados having served in almost every Administrative and Technical capacity in Barbados and even at PATU level as tournaments Committee Chair, and having produced multiple students who became Dans in their won right during his thirty (30) years as a Taekwondo Practitioner.
• 2017
  • 1st time Barbados competed at World Taekwondo Senior Championships: Muju, South Korea
  • Damien Taylor becomes first athlete to establish World- and Olympic-rankings for Barbados
  • First two Barbadian PATU-certified International Referees:
    • Mr. Ogeji Dottin
    • Mr. Ken Harewood
  • First International Judge at PATU level:
    • Mr. Ken Harewood - World Taekwondo President's Cup (Pan Am Region) , Las Vegas Nevada, USA
  • Barbados earns Gold Medal at World Taekwondo President's Cup (Pan Am Region)
    • Liana Best-Smith, Girls Cadets Black Belts
• 2011
  • Barbados hosts Caribbean Taekwondo Championships
• 2010
  • 1st time competing at World Taekwondo Junior Championships: Tijuana, Mexico
• 2004
  • Athens Olympics - Taekwondo confirmed as an official Sport
• 2003
  • Bronze medalist at Pan Am Games Qualifiers
• 2000
  • Sydney Olympics - Confirmation of Taekwondo as an Official Olympic Sport
• 1999
  • Barbados hosts its first IOC/WTF Olympic Solidarity Taekwondo Coaches Seminar
• 1998
  • Barbados advances to Quarter finals of CAC Games
• 1997
  • Barbados hosts PATU Caribbean Taekwondo Championships for the first time
    • Included breaking competition
  • Barbados Chairs PATU Tournament Committee
    • Mr. Ogeji Dottin (1997-1999)
• 1992
  • Barcelona Olympics - Taekwondo as Official Demonstration Sport
• 1988
  • Seoul Olympics - Taekwondo as a Demonstration Sport
• 1986
  • Taekwondo Association of Barbados (formerly Barbados Taekwondo Association) is formed
    • Member of World Taekwondo Federation
    • Member of Pan American Taekwondo Union
    • Affiliate of Barbados Olympic Association
    • Founding President - Mr. Richard Francis
• 1980
  • Recognition of Taekwondo by the International Olympic Committee - IOC (17 July)
• 1973
  • Establishment of World Taekwondo (formerly World Taekwondo Federation)