Master Brad Whitlow
Mr. Brad Whitlow began his career in martial arts as a teenager in 1974, with Mr. Bob Hardin who is now a 9th Degree Black Belt Taekwondo Master. Mr. Whitlow began training for self-defense purposes but was inspired to continue by the dedication and determination of Mr. Hardin, who was handicapped, having polio as a child leaving him with very limited movement of his right arm. This disability drove Mr. Hardin to become one of the leading technical martial artist in the world. During difficult times Mr. Hardin constantly reminded Mr. Whitlow that he had two good arms and encouraged him to rise above his perceived limitations. Mr. Whitlow also began training with Mr. Scott McNeely, who was his senior and best friend, now an 9th Degree Black Belt and President of the United States Taekwondo Foundation. Mr. Whitlow attributes his attention to detail and discipline to these two gentlemen.
During his earlier years Mr. Whitlow was an intense competitor, traveling the United States, competing in tournaments and winning the National Champion title several times through the USTF.
In 1987, Mr. Whitlow had the honor of meeting General Choi, the Founder of Modern Taekwondo, while attending the ITF World Championships in Athens, Greece. Mr. Whitlow was captain of the USA Team and brought home the bronze medal.
In 1992 he became a member of the GTF, under Grand Master Park Jung Tae. Grand Master Park, a world renowned martial artist was the Father of modern day Taekwondo and Mr. Whitlow was greatly influenced by the talent and wisdom of this man whom he called a legend in his own time.
In 1993, Mr. Whitlow would experience his most memorable world competition when he traveled to Russia as Captain and Coach of Team USA, where he won the individual Gold Medal and the Silver Team Medal. While receiving the gold medal the Coliseum was rushed by Yeltsin's military forces and all competitors were removed from the building. They were placed on buses in the dark and driven to the hotel at the other side of the city. Leaders of the anti-Yeltsin group had blockaded themselves in the Parliament building and anti-Yeltsin crowds rioted in Moscow. The Coliseum was taken over by Yeltsin as a holding place for rioters being arrested. While at the other side of the city, Mr. Whitlow and other competitors from all over the world were having huge celebrations. He awoke the next morning to CNN news showing tanks shooting into the Parliament Building. Mr. Whitlow retired from competition following the win of this Gold Medal.
Some other highlights of Mr. Whitlow's career have been competitions and seminars in Italy, Korea, Scotland, Ireland, Europe and Canada.
Mr. Whitlow, is very goal-oriented, was honored to test for his 7th Degree before Master Scott McNeely, and the Board of Senior Instructors of the United States Taekwondo Foundation in the year 1999.
Later in 2001 in order to receive world recognition, Mr. Whitlow tested before Grand Master Park Jung Tae, receiving 7th Degree certification.
In 2006 He Tested for Sr. Master 8th Degree Black Belt under Master McNeely and the USTF Board of Senior Instructors. He received his 8th Degree Black Belt from Grand Master Nam, Tae Hi and Grand Master Kong, Young II President of the World Taekwondo Alliance, in Las Vegas in 2006.
As a young man, he set a goal to demonstrate with the Master's and later in life achieved this goal, demonstrating with Grand Master Park and Master McNeely at many World Championships.
He served in the position of Vice President of the USTF as well as being on their Board of Directors and serving as their Technical Director. His outstanding attention to detail and technique led to the creation of his VAK Training System, which leads the serious Taekwondo student through visual, auditory and kinesthetic training.
In 1984, Mr. Whitlow opened his first school in Murfreesboro, TN as a 4th Degree Black Belt and Owner and Chief Instructor of Whitlow’s Taekwondo Training Center.
His list of credentials doesn't stop there, in 1985, following in the footsteps of his Father and Grandfather, he became an inventor, inventing a product called the Black Maxx which used surgical tubing attached to different parts of the body for resistance training. In 1987 Mr. Whitlow founded Diversified Sports, Inc. and created the Isomaxx, a stretching device that is still on the market today and is positioned at this time to enter the professional dance and gymnastics industry. This popular, affordable, portable device is used by martial artists and professional athletes all over the world, to improve their flexibility. Some of the most well-known being the Miami Dolphins, the Titans, Green Bay Packers and the New York Yankee's. Also many chiropractors and physical therapists recommend the Isomaxx to their patients.
Although it may be hard to believe, flexibility did not come easy for Mr. Whitlow. As he struggled himself with flexibility the idea for the Isomaxx was born. Flexibility is a crucial part of training for any athlete. Today you will find Mr. Whitlow and athletes across the world stretching and improving their flexibility with the Isomaxx.
In 2005 the art of Taekwondo celebrated its 50th anniversary and the USTF celebrated its 25th anniversary, Mr.Whitlow was excited to present the first in an ongoing series of training manuals, and DVD’s containing information that he has been compiling throughout his years as a martial artist. His most important aspiration is to continue the legacy of the founders who have gone on before him. These great men, who right up until the time of their deaths, strived toward excellence.
This constant and never-ending improvement of the body and mind can be achieved through the attention to detail and principles found in these teaching aids.
It is Mr. Whitlow's dream that people all over the world will continue to improve their lives through the art and traditions of Taekwondo and that this will infuse the art with the strength and comradeship that will be handed down through generations.
Contact: Master Brad Whitlow MasterWhitlow@aol.com Call: 615-390-0807
