There is timing, and then there is perfect timing.
On March 8, 2020, the martial arts community gathered in Ames, Iowa, for the annual Iowa State University (ISU) Pak Family Banquet. It was an evening filled with celebration, respect, and deep tradition—unbeknownst to anyone at the time, it would also be one of the very last major gatherings before the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the nation and brought the world to a sudden standstill.
But before the doors shut, history was made.
A Lifetime of Dedication Recognized
The highlight of the evening came when our very own Grand Master Wes Grieme was officially inducted into the prestigious Pak Family Hall of Fame.
For those embedded in the Midwest martial arts community, the “Pak Family” name carries immense weight. Founded by Grand Master Yong Chin Pak, who brought traditional Taekwondo, Judo, and Hapkido to ISU in 1973, this lineage has spent nearly five decades producing national champions, Olympic-level referees, and thousands of dedicated martial artists.
Grand Master Grieme’s journey with the Pak Family began all the way back in 1977. His induction into the Hall of Fame isn’t just a trophy on a shelf; it is a profound recognition of over 40 years of unwavering dedication, leadership, and mentorship to generations of students right here in Luverne.
A Double Celebration
The accolades didn’t stop there. The banquet was a monumental night for the Luverne Taekwondo family as Master Suzie Walgrave was also honored, celebrating the incredible milestone of testing for and achieving her 6th Degree Black Belt (Dan).
A Note on the Timing: Looking back, that weekend feels almost surreal. Within days of the banquet, the sports world paused, schools closed, and our daily routines shifted entirely. We are incredibly grateful that we were able to come together one final time to celebrate Grand Master Grieme and Master Walgrave before the world changed.
Looking Forward
While the pandemic forced us all to adapt, the core tenets of Taekwondo—Indomitable Spirit, Perseverance, and Courtesy—are exactly what kept our community strong through the shutdowns that followed.
Please join us in sending deeply well-deserved congratulations to Grand Master Grieme on this lifetime achievement!
