This certificate is recognized as only the second 9th dan issued from Korea to an African American practitioner. It was signed by Senior Grand Master Seung Wan Lee, former President of the World Taekwondo Jidokwan Federation, former President of Kukkiwon, and a member of the pioneering Korean National Team during the mid-1960s. The certificate was issued to GM George Somersall for the purpose of preserving an objective historical record. GM George Somersallis recognized as a principal pioneer of Taekwondo in Montserrat a self-governing British Overseas Territory located in the Caribbean’s Leeward Islands. He received the highest honor in Taekwondo upon being inducted into the OFFICIAL TAEKWONDO HALL OF FAME® and currently serves as a U.S.A. Special Advisor to the Official Taekwondo Hall of Fame®
Jidokwan predates the establishment of Kukkiwon by several decades, as do the other major original Kwans. Moreover, the Jidokwan was established in 1949 years before the recipient of this certificate was born. This historical foundation, together with the background and standing of the signatory, contributes to the significance and enduring value of this certificate.