Attendees from across the United States gather in celebration of Grandmaster Suzan Crochet’s historic promotion to 9th Dan.

Shawnee, Kansas — April 25, 2026 

Nearly 100 members of the Taekwon-Do community gathered at Wilder Bluff Park on Saturday to celebrate Grandmaster Suzan Crochet, the first woman promoted to 9th Dan in the International Taekwon-Do Federation. Attendees traveled from as far as Fairbanks, Alaska; Seattle, Washington; Reno, Nevada; Phoenix, Arizona; Denver, Colorado; Houston, Texas; and Atlanta, Georgia to be part of the occasion.

The afternoon brought together students from every stage of Grandmaster Crochet’s teaching career, along with their families and longtime friends. One by one, people shared stories, memories, and the lessons they carry with them—each one reflecting the influence she has had on their lives both inside and outside the dojang.

A commemorative video created in her honor was unveiled during the celebration and later shared online so all attendees could view it. (Click here to view the video.)

True to form, Grandmaster Crochet kept the focus on the community rather than herself. She thanked everyone who made the trip and reminded them that the gathering was as much a celebration of their shared journey as it was of her achievement.

In her remarks, she spoke about what truly matters in Taekwon-Do: not the rank on one’s belt, but the perseverance, growth, and relationships built along the way.

“Taekwon-Do is not defined by the belt you wear,” she said. “It is defined by the journey, the lessons learned through perseverance, and the friends and family you make along the way.”

The event closed with plenty of laughter, reconnecting, and heartfelt conversations—an afternoon that reflected exactly what Grandmaster Crochet has spent her life teaching: Taekwon-Do is a family, and its strength comes from the people who carry it forward.