The Lions Tae Kwon Do Schools Independent (L.T.S.I.) were formally known as the Lions Tae Kwon Do Schools (L.T.S.), which have been in operation since April 1994. The L.T.S.I. is independent for one reason - we have found that we are unable to work with any of the main U.K. groups. The L.T.S.I. is a group who has no interest in the politics of Tae Kwon Do, and only wants to train and remain up to date with any changes that may occur. By remaining a member of the International Tae Kwon Do Federation (I.T.F.) through being an affiliated group via the I.T.A., we are able to offer our Instructors and members worldwide belt recognition, as well as B.T.C. insurance and set standards. The L.T.S.I. has its' own syllabus that is structured around the official I.T.F. syllabus, as written by General Choi Hong Hi, 9th degree (the late founder who passed away in 2002). All L.T.S.I. schools also gain entrance into any national I.T.F. championships, and can also enter championships in other continents.

The Chairman in charge of our group is Mr. Snow, a registered 5th Dan International Instructor/ Examiner. We also have a 'Board of Control' in place, which is made up of seven members. Mr. Snow works closely with Instructors, ensuring they are kept up to date with technical matters.

The only rule we do have is all L.T.S.I. members MUST be graded by a 4th Dan or above qualified International Instructor / Examiner. All black belt candidates over 2nd Dan must be examined by an appointed Master.

The L.T.S.I. held membership with five groups in the U.K. - we have taken the best parts from all these groups and rolled it into one. We are confident that our standard is very high. All Instructors are C.R.B. registered, and all members are covered with member to member insurance. We run one Instructors course per year, where 3rd Kups and above (over the age of 16) can qualify as a 'D' class school assistant Instructors. Only Black Belts aged 18 and over are allowed to sit the 'C' and 'B' grade National Instructors course. At present, this course is run by Mr Snow, who has spent 2 years developing our national syllabus and is qualified to teach our members to the national standard that the L.T.S.I. requires.

What happens if senior Instructors over 4th Dan join up? The rule we have in place is simple - all Instructors buy memberships from us, with all funds going into a central account. This account is used for activities organised by the L.T.S.I.

If 4th Dans and above join up, they run their own areas and examine their own members (but they MUST have a valid International Certificate).

A higher rank does not mean that the Instructor will become chairman of the L.T.S.I. This position will remain with the creator of the group until he steps down.