The Breaking Through Honour Roll is a small acknowledgement of individuals who contribute positively to the martial arts community — through their practice, their teaching, their writing, or their support of others. It exists to recognise steady, genuine effort: people who show integrity, curiosity, technical care, and a willingness to share what they know.
This page is not a formal program. It is a quiet place to recognise those whose work or character has made a difference.
Each year, the Honour Roll presents the Mike E. Swope Award, created in memory of GM Mike E. Swope, whose editorial craft, love of martial arts publications, and support for thoughtful martial arts writing helped shape the work we do. The award honours individuals who embody the qualities Mike championed: thoughtful martial arts writing or editorial work, preservation and sharing of martial arts knowledge, contributions to publications or community storytelling, support for meaningful martial arts literature and educational projects, and a genuine commitment to strengthening the martial arts community.
The Mike E. Swope Award
Each year, the Honour Roll also presents the Mike E. Swope Award — a recognition created in memory of GM Mike E. Swope Founder of Kansas Chun Kuhn Taekwondo Association and General Secretary of World Chun Kuhn Taekwon Do Federation, whose editorial craft, love of martial arts publications, and contributions to Totally Taekwondo shaped the way martial arts stories are told.
This award honours individuals who embody the qualities Mike championed:
- Thoughtful martial arts writing or editorial work,
Clear, accurate, and insightful writing that helps practitioners understand technique, history, culture, or pedagogy — reflecting Mike’s editorial standards. - Preservation and sharing of martial arts knowledge,
Efforts that protect, document, or transmit martial arts information through research, archiving, interviews, teaching, or community education. - Contributions to publications, interviews, or community storytelling
Meaningful involvement in magazines, newsletters, podcasts, interviews, or other media that elevate martial arts dialogue — continuing the work Mike championed. - Support for meaningful martial arts literature and educational projects
Individuals who help share important martial arts ideas, engage with thoughtful publications, or contribute to the visibility and understanding of works that deepen the community’s knowledge, including, but not limited to, Breaking Through and The Lost Scrolls of Ryukyu. - A genuine commitment to strengthening the martial arts community
Actions that build connection, mentorship, generosity, and integrity within the community, reflecting both JDK values and Mike’s spirit of service.
The award is given annually on 1 October, the date of Mike’s passing, as a way to celebrate the martial arts he loved and the people who continue it.
⭐ Recognition
Each year, one recipient is selected for the Mike E. Swope Award. Their name will be listed on this page, and a physical certificate will be mailed to them. The certificate will carry my signature, with other elements reproduced within the design.
⭐ Nomination and Approval Process
• One recipient is chosen per year The award is intentionally selective. It recognises a single individual whose contribution reflects the values Mike championed.
• Nominations open 1 January and close 30 June This window provides time for thoughtful submissions and for the panel to review each nomination carefully.
• Nominations require a rationale of up to 300 words The nominator explains why the candidate is a worthy recipient, focusing on contribution, character, and alignment with the award criteria.
• Online submission form Nominations are submitted through a simple online form to keep the process accessible and consistent.
• Shortlisting and due diligence If needed, nominees may be shortlisted. In such cases, nominators may be contacted for additional documentation to support the nomination. This depends entirely on the clarity and completeness of the initial rationale.
• Independent panel review An independent panel will review all nominations and vote on the recipient. Panelists will be acknowledged on the recipient’s listing each year.
• Re‑nomination allowed If a nominee is not selected, they may be nominated again the following year.
• Not a rank‑request process This award recognises contribution, character, and service — not rank, promotion, or technical certification.