FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (October 21, 2025) -- In a positive and forward-looking meeting held in Charlotte, leaders from USA Taekwondo and AAU Taekwondo came together to explore areas of common ground and begin discussions on how the two organizations might work together to strengthen the sport across the United States.

The meeting brought together Stephen McNally, CEO of USA Taekwondo, and Clinton Oh, Executive Director of AAU Martial Arts, with Jo Mirza, President of AAU Sports, in attendance to witness this milestone partnership. The discussion was open and constructive, focusing on cooperation, athlete opportunity, and the long-term growth of Taekwondo.

“This partnership isn’t just symbolic, it’s practical,” said Clinton Oh, Executive Director of AAU Martial Arts. “We’re aligning calendars, streamlining opportunities, and making sure athletes have more paths to succeed without having to choose between organizations.”

Jo Mirza, President of AAU Sports, added, “When we work together, the athletes win. Today was an important first step toward a stronger, more unified Taekwondo community.”

Both organizations agreed to continue the conversation and begin exploring joint initiatives, including coordination on event scheduling and opportunities for mutual support in athlete, coach, and referee development.

“This is what progress looks like,” said Stephen McNally, CEO of USA Taekwondo. “For decades, athletes have been caught between systems. While USA Taekwondo and AAU play very different roles, we both recognize that athletes deserve better than divided pathways. By coming together and taking these first steps, we’re setting the foundation for a stronger, safer, and more connected Taekwondo community — one that simply works better for everyone.”

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to ongoing communication and collaboration in the months ahead.

ABOUT AAU TAEKWONDO

The AAU was founded in 1888 to establish standards and uniformity in amateur sports. During its early years, the AAU served as a leader in international sport representing the U.S. in the international sports federations. The AAU worked closely with the Olympic movement to prepare athletes for the Olympic Games. After the Amateur Sports Act of 1978, the AAU has focused its efforts into providing sports programs for all participants of all ages beginning at the grass roots level. The philosophy of "Sports for All, Forever," is shared by nearly 800,000 participants and over 150,000 volunteers.

ABOUT USA TAEKWONDO

USA Taekwondo is the National Governing Body for Taekwondo in the U.S., recognized by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee and World Taekwondo. The organization is responsible for the selection, training and funding of U.S. teams for the Olympic Games, Pan American Games, World Championships, and other international competition, while serving its members through leadership, resources, and opportunities in taekwondo. USATKD supports athletes and officials from grassroots to elite levels, offering programs that build champions on and off the mat.