Terry Batch, VIII Dan
Master Terry Batch is a highly respected senior leader in the United States International Taekwon-Do Federation and a lifelong student of the art. An 8th Degree Black Belt, Internationally Certified Master Instructor, and Class A International Umpire, Master Batch has devoted more than five decades to the growth, preservation, and integrity of ITF Taekwon-Do.
Beginning his Taekwon-Do journey in 1970, when the art was still new to the United States, Master Batch quickly emerged as a pioneer instructor and ambassador. Alongside his wife, Chief Instructor Emily Batch, he helped introduce and establish Taekwon-Do throughout Michigan and beyond, teaching thousands of students through community programs, seminars, and formal instruction. Their work helped shape multiple generations of practitioners and instructors, many of whom continue to lead schools and organizations today.
Master Batch’s technical excellence and contributions to the art are internationally recognized. In 1985, he became only the 66th individual worldwide to earn a 4th Degree Black Belt in the International Taekwon-Do Federation. In 2014, he was promoted to 8th Degree Black Belt, becoming one of only a handful of practitioners in the United States—and worldwide—to achieve that rank at the time. His promotion reflected not only technical mastery, but decades of service, leadership, and mentorship within the ITF.
He has had the rare honor of training personally with General Choi Hong Hi, the Founder of Taekwon-Do, including a personal invitation to attend a historic black belt seminar where the Juche pattern was first introduced. Master Batch has also trained extensively with Grand Master Choi Jung Hwa and Grand Master Robert N. Wheatley, President of the US-ITF, traveling nationally and internationally to support seminars and organizational development.
Beyond instruction, Master Batch has played a pivotal leadership role within the US-ITF. He is a founding member and Chairman of the US-ITF Promotions Committee, where he has overseen dan promotions, mentored senior instructors, and helped uphold the technical and ethical standards of the organization. His guidance has shaped countless careers and ensured continuity between generations of ITF practitioners.
Widely admired for his precision, creativity, and innovation, Master Batch is particularly known for his groundbreaking board-breaking demonstrations, which set new standards for power and technical execution. His teaching legacy is further reflected in the hundreds of black belts he helped develop and the many students who credit Taekwon-Do with transforming their confidence, discipline, and lives.
In 2004, Master Terry Batch was inducted into the Midland County Sports Hall of Fame, becoming the first martial artist ever honored by the organization—an enduring testament to his impact both within and beyond the Taekwon-Do community.
Now residing in Indiana, Master Batch no longer teaches actively but remains deeply respected as an elder statesman of ITF Taekwon-Do. His legacy lives on through his students, his leadership within the US-ITF, and his unwavering commitment to the Tenets of Taekwon-Do: Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Indomitable Spirit.
SPECIAL HONORS
Both Terry and Emily have trained with Grand Master Choi Jung Hwa (son of General Choi, the creator of Tae Kwon Do) and with many of the world’s top Master Instructors.
Master Terry Batch received personal invitations from the late Grand Master General Choi Hong Hi himself; “The Father of Tae Kwon Do”, training with him, an honor few experience.
HALL OF FAME
In 2004, Master Terry Batch was honored by being inducted into the Midland County Sports Hall of Fame; the first martial artist ever to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. You can visit the display at the Midland Civic Ice Arena.
Beginning his Taekwon-Do journey in 1970, when the art was still new to the United States, Master Batch quickly emerged as a pioneer instructor and ambassador. Alongside his wife, Chief Instructor Emily Batch, he helped introduce and establish Taekwon-Do throughout Michigan and beyond, teaching thousands of students through community programs, seminars, and formal instruction. Their work helped shape multiple generations of practitioners and instructors, many of whom continue to lead schools and organizations today.
Master Batch’s technical excellence and contributions to the art are internationally recognized. In 1985, he became only the 66th individual worldwide to earn a 4th Degree Black Belt in the International Taekwon-Do Federation. In 2014, he was promoted to 8th Degree Black Belt, becoming one of only a handful of practitioners in the United States—and worldwide—to achieve that rank at the time. His promotion reflected not only technical mastery, but decades of service, leadership, and mentorship within the ITF.
He has had the rare honor of training personally with General Choi Hong Hi, the Founder of Taekwon-Do, including a personal invitation to attend a historic black belt seminar where the Juche pattern was first introduced. Master Batch has also trained extensively with Grand Master Choi Jung Hwa and Grand Master Robert N. Wheatley, President of the US-ITF, traveling nationally and internationally to support seminars and organizational development.
Beyond instruction, Master Batch has played a pivotal leadership role within the US-ITF. He is a founding member and Chairman of the US-ITF Promotions Committee, where he has overseen dan promotions, mentored senior instructors, and helped uphold the technical and ethical standards of the organization. His guidance has shaped countless careers and ensured continuity between generations of ITF practitioners.
Widely admired for his precision, creativity, and innovation, Master Batch is particularly known for his groundbreaking board-breaking demonstrations, which set new standards for power and technical execution. His teaching legacy is further reflected in the hundreds of black belts he helped develop and the many students who credit Taekwon-Do with transforming their confidence, discipline, and lives.
In 2004, Master Terry Batch was inducted into the Midland County Sports Hall of Fame, becoming the first martial artist ever honored by the organization—an enduring testament to his impact both within and beyond the Taekwon-Do community.
Now residing in Indiana, Master Batch no longer teaches actively but remains deeply respected as an elder statesman of ITF Taekwon-Do. His legacy lives on through his students, his leadership within the US-ITF, and his unwavering commitment to the Tenets of Taekwon-Do: Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Indomitable Spirit.
SPECIAL HONORS
Both Terry and Emily have trained with Grand Master Choi Jung Hwa (son of General Choi, the creator of Tae Kwon Do) and with many of the world’s top Master Instructors.
Master Terry Batch received personal invitations from the late Grand Master General Choi Hong Hi himself; “The Father of Tae Kwon Do”, training with him, an honor few experience.
HALL OF FAME
In 2004, Master Terry Batch was honored by being inducted into the Midland County Sports Hall of Fame; the first martial artist ever to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. You can visit the display at the Midland Civic Ice Arena.