Eric Sadu Yerkebulan - From International Athlete to Team TR Mentor: A New Coach Joins Tae Ryong’s Olympic Sport Taekwondo Program
Tae Ryong Taekwondo schools are proud to welcome Mr Eric Sadu Yerkebulan as a head coach of our Olympic Sport Taekwondo program. Growing up in Kazakhstan, Yerkebulan has been practicing taekwondo since the age of 6, and within 3 years, became a champion and medalist at national and international tournaments. He was scouted for his taekwondo skills to attend a sports-focused boarding school and achieved the “”Master of Sports” title. In his black belt career, he has secured over 45 podium finishes in major international competitions. Not only has he made an impression as an individual athlete, Yerkebulan has worked directly with many high-level athletes and figureheads in the taekwondo universe. Many of these people quickly recognized his unique and outstanding qualities.
Two-time Olympian, Ruslan Zhaparov commends Yerkebulan for his maturity, discipline, and passion for the sport. “I see the light in his eyes...always burning…[He] is very determined,...always works on [his] mistakes…I can say he will be a good example for others.”
Yesbol Sultanov, two-time Olympic medalist, Kazakhstan National team coach and Tunisian Olympic Coach has points out the Yerkebulan “possesses a rare combination of determination, discipline, and inner strength that sets apart exceptional athletes.”
Former US Olympic Taekwondo Board of Directors member, Master Brandon Meek recognizes and applauds not only Yerkebulan ’s athletic knowledge and skill, but also his ability to connect with younger, budding athletes and his “deep faith..and..moral character that inspires…others to strive for excellence.” Meek distinguishes Yerkebulan as someone whose knowledge and skill will contribute to the future US Olympic athlete pipeline. Meek strongly states, “I cannot express how much the sport of Taekwondo in the US requires [Yerkebulan’s] skill and talent, but possibly even the community as a whole moreso.”
Coach Tim Thackery of USA Taekwondo, who has developed athletes for the past three Olympic games, points out that Yerkebulan’s “expertise, passion, and innovative coaching methods make him an invaluable asset to our community.”
Grandmaster Yong Shin, Chairman of Kukkiwon (the governing body for World Taekwondo) - California and 9th degree black belt believes that Yerkebulan’s “presence will not only elevate the standards of the sport but also inspire and mentor countless athletes who aspire to reach the highest levels of excellence.”
With his 12 years of elite competition experience and currently holding a Kukkiwon-certified 3rd degree black belt, Yerkebulan hopes to continue to improve his skills while also contributing to the development of taekwondo in the United States. Beyond his own achievements, Yerkebulan mentors and coaches hundreds of students a day through Tae Ryong Schools – nurturing future champions and leaders in taekwondo.
Yerkebulan is eager to continue what he has already started with Tae Ryong and further his career, successes and accolades throughout the Taekwondo community! Tae Ryong Taekwondo Schools are fortunate in having him and look forward to sustained competitive excellence with his contributions.
