With heavy hearts and profound respect, I pay tribute to the passing of a Taekwondo master whose legacy transcends generations and resonates deeply within our martial arts schools for those who knew him. We mourn the loss of a revered mentor, visionary leader, and true guardian of the art that he loved so dearly; we also celebrate a life that he dedicated to the principles and tenets of Taekwondo that he taught us—courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit.

Master King leaves a profound imprint on the fabric of Taekwondo in Jamaica, from ITF to WTF. During his tenure as the instructor, have touched the lives of countless practitioners in Jamaica with his wisdom, passion, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Through his teachings, he instilled not only the physical techniques of Taekwondo but also the values of humility, respect, and compassion, shaping not only the skilled martial artists but also the virtuous individuals he taught.

Though he may no longer walk among us, his spirit remains eternally woven into the essence of the heart of what he has taught us in Taekwondo, which has brought us to where we are today, inspiring us to strive for greatness, to push past our limits, and to honour his legacy with every kick, punch, block, one step, and free sparring. Let us carry forward his teachings with reverence and gratitude, ensuring that the flame he ignited within us continues to burn brightly in the hearts of all who follow in his footsteps. Rest in Peace.

Master Noel Garth King made history on October 18, 2013, by being the first person from Jamaica to be inducted into the Official Taekwondo Hall of Fame®. Establishing the first Taekwon-Do school in Jamaica, he could be considered the “Father of Taekwondo in Jamaica.”

Master “Garth ‘Noel’ King,” your impact will endure for generations through what used to be known in Jamaica as the National Taekwondo Institute, which has now come to be known as the Jamaica Sidekicks Association.

Sidekicks Taekwondo Association is sorry to hear about the passing of our first Taekwondo instructor.

This beloved Taekwondo instructor has touched the lives of many Taekwondo students. Our hearts are heavy with sadness, but we also celebrate the life and legacy of a man who dedicated his life to teaching and empowering others.

Garth King was not just a teacher of Taekwondo, but a mentor and friend to all who knew him. He instilled in us the values of discipline, respect, and perseverance, and encouraged us to strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives.
His passion for martial art was infectious, and he inspired us to push ourselves beyond our limits and never give up. He was patient, kind, and always willing to go the extra mile to help students to improve.

Master King was a shining example of what it means to live a life of purpose and dedication. He made a profound impact on the lives of so many, and his memory will continue to live on through the countless Taekwondo students he has touched.
As we say goodbye to our dear instructor, we take comfort in the knowledge that his spirit will always be with us. We will honor his legacy by carrying on his teachings and spreading his message of strength, courage, and compassion.

Rest in peace, Garth “Noel” King, and thank you for all that you have done for us. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. In his time here on earth, he has demonstrated excellence in such a way that will remain in our hearts.