IX Degree Grand Master
Vice-President of A.C.E. TAEKWON-DO • One of only two IX Degrees promoted by Pioneer RHEE KI HA
“Committed to maintaining the integrity of General Choi Hong Hi's art through Pioneer Rhee Ki Ha's (FGMR) guidance.”— Grand Master Ray O'Neill
Grand Master Ray O'Neill serves as the Vice-President of A.C.E. Taekwon-Do. He is one of only two individuals in the world to be promoted to IX Degree Grand Master by Pioneer Rhee Ki Ha (FGMR). His Taekwon-Do journey started on 13th September 1978 at the Stonehenge Taekwon-Do School.
Grand Master O'Neill's martial arts progression has been under the direct supervision of Pioneer Rhee Ki Ha (FGMR); every single one of his gradings, from white belt to IX Degree, was personally conducted by First Grand Master Rhee (FGMR). As a red belt, he took over the running of the Stonehenge School. He earned his I Degree Black Belt on 27th March 1983.
Under his leadership, the Stonehenge School has become the longest-running Taekwon-Do school in the UK still affiliated with Pioneer Rhee Ki Ha (FGMR). Previously the National Secretary of the UKTA, he resigned in 2011 to follow Pioneer Rhee Ki Ha (FGMR) when the latter became an independent pioneer.
He then became the Vice-President of A.C.E., founded by Grand Master Cutler in 2012. In 2016, Pioneer Rhee Ki Ha (FGMR) promoted Grand Master O'Neill to the rank of IX Dan Grand Master. Grand Master O'Neill is committed to maintaining the integrity of General Choi Hong Hi's art through Pioneer Rhee Ki Ha's (FGMR) guidance.
He supports an open policy, welcoming all individuals who wish to learn Taekwon-Do, regardless of their rank or affiliation. His dedication to authentic instruction and the preservation of traditional ITF Taekwon-Do continues to influence practitioners across the United Kingdom and beyond.
Mr Patrick Lee first met Grand Master O'Neill in 2016, marking the beginning of his journey with A.C.E. Taekwon-Do. Their introduction took place during a memorable one-to-one afternoon training session on a squash court — an unconventional setting that demonstrated Grand Master O'Neill's commitment to personal instruction.
Since that first meeting, Mr Lee has been receiving Grand Master O'Neill's instruction and guidance, benefiting from his constant vigilant eye since 2016. Through ongoing one-to-one training sessions, Mr Lee ensures he remains updated with the highest standards of authentic ITF Taekwon-Do as taught through the A.C.E. lineage.
Mr Lee is proud to pass down Grand Master O'Neill's teachings to his students at MYSTIC-EAGLE. Students will often hear Mr Lee referencing Grand Master O'Neill during class — a testament to the profound influence and respect that characterises this instructor-student relationship.
Beyond this ongoing mentorship, Grand Master O'Neill has personally visited MYSTIC-EAGLE to conduct guest training sessions, giving students the rare opportunity to receive direct instruction from a IX Degree Grand Master. These visits reinforce the authentic connection between MYSTIC-EAGLE and the highest levels of A.C.E. Taekwon-Do leadership.
First Meeting
Personal Training
Years of Guidance
Experience instruction that connects directly to Grand Master O'Neill's teachings and the highest standards of A.C.E. Taekwon-Do. Join the lineage of authentic ITF instruction.
