Croatian Grand Master Kruno Jurić inducted into Official Taekwondo Hall of Fame
NEW YORK / NEW JERSEY, 19 August 2026 – <a href="https://zagreb.today/croatia-no-longer-near-eu-bottom-for-holiday-affordability/” title=”Croatia no longer near EU bottom for holiday affordability”>Croatian Grand Master Kruno Jurić has been inducted into the Official Taekwondo Hall of Fame® 2026, receiving its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for his four decades of dedication to taekwondo and martial arts.
Jurić was the only Croatian among this year’s honourees at the international ceremony, held in New York and New Jersey on 14 and 15 August.
The Official Taekwondo Hall of Fame brings together leading masters, champions, coaches, referees and other figures who have made a lasting contribution to the development and promotion of taekwondo and martial arts.
Kruno Jurić (Photo: Nada Pritisanac Matulich)
This year’s inductees included several internationally recognised names. Supreme Grand Master Nam Suk Lee, a pioneer in the development of Chang Moo Kwan taekwondo, was inducted posthumously. American actor and martial arts expert Chuck Norris, a multiple world champion, also posthumously received the Hall of Fame’s highest honour, the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Jurić received the same distinction.
Jurić has devoted 43 years to training, competing, teaching and working in taekwondo and martial arts.
During his career, he has founded seven clubs, through which thousands of athletes and martial arts enthusiasts have passed. His students have competed at major European and world championships and tournaments, winning numerous medals and awards.
Jurić has also competed himself in taekwondo, karate and kickboxing at major international competitions.
(Photo: Nada Pritisanac Matulich)
Now aged 56, he remains an active competitor in the Masters category.
His work also extends beyond competition. He is the founder and editor-in-chief of KNOCKOUT International Magazine, has authored specialist articles and publications, and is involved with several international federations and organisations focused on traditional martial arts and modern sports taekwondo.
He is currently working on several books documenting the history and chronological development of taekwondo and its links with related martial arts, with contributions from internationally recognised experts.
Work during the Croatian War of Independence
Jurić’s career also includes work outside sport.
Between 1991 and 1995, during the Croatian War of Independence, he participated as a martial arts instructor in the training of members of Croatian special military and police units in self-defence and physical preparation.
For his contribution, he received recognitions from the President of Croatia and the Minister of Defence.
Combining martial arts and winemaking
Jurić has also continued a family tradition of winemaking spanning more than 130 years.
Together with partners, he develops premium wines and sparkling wines under the PATRIOT and LAVREATVS brands, which have received awards at international wine competitions.
Among the projects is BLACK BELT, a limited wine series inspired by martial arts, with labels including Grand Master, Grand Champion and Tae Kwon Do.
Representing Croatia internationally
Jurić is also a member of the American Croatian Congress (ACC) and participates in international projects involving the Croatian community and the promotion of Croatian identity and achievements abroad.
At the New York ceremony, Croatian representative Nada Pritisanac Matulich, president of the American Croatian Congress and Croatian civil representative to the United Nations in New York, addressed the international gathering and supported Jurić at the event.
“This recognition is not only Kruno Jurić’s personal achievement. It is recognition of Croatian sport, Croatian excellence and all Croatians who represent Croatia on the world stage through their knowledge, work and dedication,” Pritisanac Matulich said.
Jurić’s induction was recommended by Grand Master Gerard Robbins, founder and president of the Official Taekwondo Hall of Fame® and a former US taekwondo representative.
The Hall of Fame recognises individuals whose long-term work has contributed to taekwondo through sport, education, competition, organisational work and international promotion.
With his Lifetime Achievement Award, Jurić has now joined an international group of prominent figures from the world of taekwondo and martial arts, bringing another international honour to Croatia.
Source: www.croatiaweek.com
