The Greats of Tae Kwon Do
JOSEPH HAYES

Bronze Medal won by Joseph Hayes and Silver Medal won by Team USA
at the First World Taekwondo Championships held in Seoul, Korea in 1973
(photo by Amos Johnson)

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"Joe Hayes shook the world!" were the remarks of  TKD Hall of Fame Advisor and leading authority on the subject Grand Master Henry Cho as he reflected on the skills of the legendary Joseph Hayes.  In addition to serving as Captain of the USA Team which placed 2nd in the 1st World Taekwondo Championships held in Korea in 1973, Joe Hayes dominated the competition throughout the North American continent during the 60's and 70's. While his trademark reverse punch was unstoppable, his multiple aerial kicks during fighting were both spectacular and devastating. During the 70's a major television program aired a slow motion clip of Joe Hayes in mid-flight spinning  alongside a  comparison clip of the legendary ballet dancer Rudolph Nureiev, also in mid-flight. Admired by the late Bruce Lee, Joe Hayes' skills resulted in his being inducted into the very prestigiuos 1972 Black Belt Hall of Fame.  Joe Hayes is a man who received admiration not only the top  players but from the legendary Bruce Lee as well.  (Below)

1973 USA Taekwondo Team
Silver Medalists
1st World Taekwondo Championships - Seoul Korea

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Photo by Master John Holloway

1973 USA Team entering the Kukkiwon at 1st World Taekwondo Championships