Grand Master Hwang, Kwang Sung
Grand Master Hwang was born in Taegu, Korea. At the age of eleven, he started his martial art
training. After graduating with a degree in Political Science from Kyung Buk National
University, he joined the Republic of Korea Army as a commissioned officer in 1964. He taught
Taekwon-Do to the Korean Tiger Division, the Korean Army, US Army, US Marines, and
Vietnamese Army. While in Vietnam, he received commendation medals from Korea and
Vietnam. He retired from the ROK Army in 1971 as a Captain and Service Company
Commander of the 26th Infantry Division which was also known as the Taekwon-Do Division.
In 1967, Grand Master Hwang graduated from Korean Military International Certified Taekwon-
Do School. In 1971, Grand Master Hwang was invited to the US and first taught a credited
course at Manchester Community Technical College. He opened his first Taekwon-Do school
the following year. In 1974, Grand Master Hwang graduated from the first International
Taekwon-Do Federation Instructors Course and Umpires Course held by General Choi Hong Hi,
Founder of Taekwon-Do, in Montreal Canada. In the 1980s he was taking private lessons from
General Choi, after being promoted to seventh degree Master in Taekwon-Do. He also assisted
General Choi in many seminars world wide. General Choi promoted him to ninth degree Black
Belt (K-9-1) in 1997.
Grand Master Hwang has served as Director of USA Junior Taekwon-Do team for every Junior
World Championships since 1990. He also served as USA Taekwon-Do Team Director in 1989
and 1992. Simultaneously, Grand Master Hwang served as Special Assistant to General Choi,
Official Spokesman of the International Taekwon-Do Federation, Chairman of the ITF
Promotion and Merger Committees and Secretary General of the ITF.
In his Taekwon-Do career, Grand Master Hwang promoted 17 Hwang’s Schools of Taekwon-
Do. Grand Master Hwang has traveled to many countries to provide Taekwon-Do seminars
including Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Ireland, Scotland, Argentina, Italy,
Australia, Greece, Jamaica, Aruba, Trinidad, Cuba, Uzbekistan, North Korea, Russia,
Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Philippines, South Korea, and Vietnam. He has also traveled
countrywide, Alaska to Florida, California to Maine. Grand Master Hwang has currently
scheduled more than 15 seminars for 2009, including many in the USA and international sites
including Argentina, Puerto Rico, England, Dominican Republic, Canada and Venezuela, the
newest member of Unified International Taekwon-Do Federation. Grand Master Hwang has
also been invited by the US Military to tour and lead ITF Taekwon-Do demonstration for the US
troops in combat areas in the Middle East including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan and
Kuwait.
GRAND MASTER CHOI CHANG KEUN (C.K. CHOI)
1956 Began training in Tae Kwon Do and Karate.
1958 Trained under Master [Major] Woo Jong Lim, Director
of Tae Kwon Do for the Korean 1st Army.
1960 Master Woo Jong Lim created Tae Kwon Do
Championships, the first ever held in Korea in Tae Kwon Do
history. Won the 1st Tae Kwon Do [Oh Do Kwan]
Championship in Pattern and Sparring in Won Ju, Kang
Won Do, Korea
1961 Taught Tae Kwon Do at the largest Korean Army
Recruiting Training Center under Lieutenant Colonel Woo
Jong Lim and General Choi Hong Hi.
Assisted General Choi in creating Gae-Baek Pattern
1963 Won First Korean Tae Soo Do (Tae Kwon Do,
Tang Soo Do and Kong Soo Do) Full Contact
Heavy-Weight Championship in the 3rd/4th/5th/ Degree
Black Belt Division in February. The Korean Tae Kwon Do
Association was called the Korean Tae Soo Do Association
from 1962 to 1965 because the heads of Tang Soo Do and Kong Soo Do [Korean Karate] did not
want to use the “Tae Kwon Do” name. This was the first Mixed Martial arts Championship ever
held in Korea.
Selected as one of the ten First Korean Army Representative Team members
Won Korean Tae Soo Do representative Heavy-weight Championship in June
Was the first Professional Tae Kwon Do Instructor recognized by the Korean government.
1964 Invited by Malaysian Tae Kwon Do Association to teach Tae Kwon Do in Penang, Malaysia.
1966 International Tae Kwon Do Federation (ITF) was formed and received No. 5 Recognition
Plaque as a founding member and instructor.
1970 Opened the first Tae Kwon Do School in Vancouver, Canada.
1973 Selected as one of four ITF Demonstration Team Members to tour 13 countries around the
world.
Was the Chairman of the Umpire Committee of ITF
1978 Selected as one of four ITF Demonstration Team members to tour Sweden, Poland,
Yugoslavia and Hungary.
1979 Selected as one of ITF Demonstration Team members to tour Argentina.
1980 Designed the ITF Uniform Logo.
Advised Gen. Choi not to take ITF Tae Kwon Do Demonstration Team to North Korea
1981 Promoted to 8th Degree Black Belt by General Choi.
Attended the 1st South Pacific Tae Kwon Do Championships in Australia with General Choi
During this trip, Master Choi advised General Choi to resign from his position as ITF President
and remain as Founder of Tae Kwon Do. This was because of General Choi's personal ties with
North Korea and his insistence on taking the ITF Demonstration Team to North Korea without the
support of the majority of the ITF Masters. At this junction, South Korea had no diplomatic ties with
North Korea.
Elected as one of two ITF Representatives to hold talks with the World Tae Kwon Do Federation
[WTF] in an attempt explore the possibility of a merger between the ITF and WTF. Met with Mr. Kim
Un Yong (President of the Korean Tae Kwon Do Association, Kuk Ki Won and World Tae Kwon Do
Federation) and his representatives but no agreement could be reached.
1980’s-1990’s
Taught Tae Kwon Do and gave assistance to Tae Kwon Do practitioners through teaching and
promotional tests
Created practical sparring patterns.
2002 After General Choi's death, Grand Masters: Nam Tae Hi, Kim Jong Chan, Kong Young II,
Park Jong Soo, Rhee Ki Ha, Yang Woo Yup, Lee Yu Sun, Choi Chang Keun and others began
discussions to unify Tae Kwon Do.
Wrote Dateline Tae Kwon Do history.
Currently gives instruction, promotional tests, seminars and other assistance to Tae Kwon Do
practitioners Teaches Tae Kwon Do based on his own experience with training, teaching,
competition and street self-defense.
GM CK Choi believes that Tae Kwon Do practitioners must train both the mind and the body to
achieve the highest levels of physical fitness and mental discipline. This will uncover the ultimate
person within.
1956 Began training in Tae Kwon Do and Karate.
1958 Trained under Master [Major] Woo Jong Lim, Director
of Tae Kwon Do for the Korean 1st Army.
1960 Master Woo Jong Lim created Tae Kwon Do
Championships, the first ever held in Korea in Tae Kwon Do
history. Won the 1st Tae Kwon Do [Oh Do Kwan]
Championship in Pattern and Sparring in Won Ju, Kang
Won Do, Korea
1961 Taught Tae Kwon Do at the largest Korean Army
Recruiting Training Center under Lieutenant Colonel Woo
Jong Lim and General Choi Hong Hi.
Assisted General Choi in creating Gae-Baek Pattern
1963 Won First Korean Tae Soo Do (Tae Kwon Do,
Tang Soo Do and Kong Soo Do) Full Contact
Heavy-Weight Championship in the 3rd/4th/5th/ Degree
Black Belt Division in February. The Korean Tae Kwon Do
Association was called the Korean Tae Soo Do Association
from 1962 to 1965 because the heads of Tang Soo Do and Kong Soo Do [Korean Karate] did not
want to use the “Tae Kwon Do” name. This was the first Mixed Martial arts Championship ever
held in Korea.
Selected as one of the ten First Korean Army Representative Team members
Won Korean Tae Soo Do representative Heavy-weight Championship in June
Was the first Professional Tae Kwon Do Instructor recognized by the Korean government.
1964 Invited by Malaysian Tae Kwon Do Association to teach Tae Kwon Do in Penang, Malaysia.
1966 International Tae Kwon Do Federation (ITF) was formed and received No. 5 Recognition
Plaque as a founding member and instructor.
1970 Opened the first Tae Kwon Do School in Vancouver, Canada.
1973 Selected as one of four ITF Demonstration Team Members to tour 13 countries around the
world.
Was the Chairman of the Umpire Committee of ITF
1978 Selected as one of four ITF Demonstration Team members to tour Sweden, Poland,
Yugoslavia and Hungary.
1979 Selected as one of ITF Demonstration Team members to tour Argentina.
1980 Designed the ITF Uniform Logo.
Advised Gen. Choi not to take ITF Tae Kwon Do Demonstration Team to North Korea
1981 Promoted to 8th Degree Black Belt by General Choi.
Attended the 1st South Pacific Tae Kwon Do Championships in Australia with General Choi
During this trip, Master Choi advised General Choi to resign from his position as ITF President
and remain as Founder of Tae Kwon Do. This was because of General Choi's personal ties with
North Korea and his insistence on taking the ITF Demonstration Team to North Korea without the
support of the majority of the ITF Masters. At this junction, South Korea had no diplomatic ties with
North Korea.
Elected as one of two ITF Representatives to hold talks with the World Tae Kwon Do Federation
[WTF] in an attempt explore the possibility of a merger between the ITF and WTF. Met with Mr. Kim
Un Yong (President of the Korean Tae Kwon Do Association, Kuk Ki Won and World Tae Kwon Do
Federation) and his representatives but no agreement could be reached.
1980’s-1990’s
Taught Tae Kwon Do and gave assistance to Tae Kwon Do practitioners through teaching and
promotional tests
Created practical sparring patterns.
2002 After General Choi's death, Grand Masters: Nam Tae Hi, Kim Jong Chan, Kong Young II,
Park Jong Soo, Rhee Ki Ha, Yang Woo Yup, Lee Yu Sun, Choi Chang Keun and others began
discussions to unify Tae Kwon Do.
Wrote Dateline Tae Kwon Do history.
Currently gives instruction, promotional tests, seminars and other assistance to Tae Kwon Do
practitioners Teaches Tae Kwon Do based on his own experience with training, teaching,
competition and street self-defense.
GM CK Choi believes that Tae Kwon Do practitioners must train both the mind and the body to
achieve the highest levels of physical fitness and mental discipline. This will uncover the ultimate
person within.
Grand Master Rhee Ki Ha
Tae Kwon-Do is truly a Martial Art, having been used in
the Korean War and is now a compulsory part of the training
schedule of every Korean Solider. It was in this environment
that Grand Master Rhee began his training and came to
be regarded as the number one pioneer instructor - being
the first instructor to leave Korea for the purpose of teaching
Tae Kwon-Do. He took the bold step of leaving his homeland
and family to come halfway across the world to the UK in
order to spread the art he loved. Then, in 1967, the teaching
of Tae Kwon-Do in Britain began in earnest, initially with a
military theme on bases across the country, eventually spreading
to many non-military schools.
Using contacts made in Singapore while founding the Singapore Tae Kwon-Do
Association, Mr. Rhee, then V Dan, started to earn his living doing what he did best -
teaching Tae Kwon-Do! The Main stay of his operation was the Royal Air Force.
Service men who had learned the Art in Singapore invited Mr. Rhee to teach the here
in the UK and the classes proved to be very popular. They grew into what we call the
United Kingdom Tae Kwon-Do Association.
Tae Kwon-Do is truly a Martial Art, having been used in
the Korean War and is now a compulsory part of the training
schedule of every Korean Solider. It was in this environment
that Grand Master Rhee began his training and came to
be regarded as the number one pioneer instructor - being
the first instructor to leave Korea for the purpose of teaching
Tae Kwon-Do. He took the bold step of leaving his homeland
and family to come halfway across the world to the UK in
order to spread the art he loved. Then, in 1967, the teaching
of Tae Kwon-Do in Britain began in earnest, initially with a
military theme on bases across the country, eventually spreading
to many non-military schools.
Using contacts made in Singapore while founding the Singapore Tae Kwon-Do
Association, Mr. Rhee, then V Dan, started to earn his living doing what he did best -
teaching Tae Kwon-Do! The Main stay of his operation was the Royal Air Force.
Service men who had learned the Art in Singapore invited Mr. Rhee to teach the here
in the UK and the classes proved to be very popular. They grew into what we call the
United Kingdom Tae Kwon-Do Association.
| Park Jong Soo Master Park was born in 1941 in Chung-Nam, Korea. He holds a 9th Dan black belt in TaeKwon-Do. At the age of 14, and since then, he has been the instructor of the Police Training Centre of Chun Bok in Korea and of the famed Tiger Division of the Korean Army. In 1964, he became Korean National Champion, and in 1965 he made a trip on request of the Korean Government, as a member of the Goodwill Mission for Tae Kwon-Do, demonstrating this art before the highest civil and military authorities of the countries they visited. In that same year, he was invited to Germany as the coach of the German Tae Kwon-Do Association. In 1966, he left Germany to go to Holland where he founded the Netherlands Tae Kwon-Do Association. In the beginning of 1968, he left for Canada and now has his own schools in the Greater Toronto Area.In November 1973, Master Park made another world trip to promote Tae Kwon-Do in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Master Park is known as one of the world's greatest Tae Kwon-Do experts. |
Grand Master Kong, Young Il
A first-generation student of General Choi, Hong Hi,
the Father of Taekwon-Do, Grand Master Kong,
Young Il's Taekwon-Do roots are in the Oh Do
Kwan in Won Joo, Korea. Today, fifty-four years
later, Grand Master Kong, Young Il teaches the
martial art of Taekwon-Do with the same
approaches and rigor he learned from the Father
of Taekwon-Do and perfected through continuous
practice of the art. Grand Master Kong, Young Il
is steadfastly focused on promoting Taekwon-Do
and General Choi's legacy.
1952 - At age nine, with a child's curiosity,
became a student of Shotakan karate;
1962 - 1967 - Attended the Kyung Hee University Physical Education College
became All Star Captain of the university's Taekwon-Do team;
1963 - 1967 - Served in the Republic of Korea Army, attaining the rank of
Sergeant; Served as a Master Instructor of the Republic of Korea Army with duties
to enhance the instruction of other Taekwon-Do instructors; With General Choi,
Grand Master Nam, Tae Hi, and others, co- developed several Taekwon-Do
patterns; Became the first Master Instructor to introduce the 8th U.S. Army in
Korea to Taekwon-Do; Named Captain of the competitive Taekwon-Do All Star
Team of the Republic of Korea Army; Became member of the original International
Taekwon-Do
Federation (ITF);
1973 - 1980 - As member of the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF)
Demonstration Team, and in the company of General Choi, visited more than 127
countries as part of ambassadorship for Taekwon-Do; Immigrated to the United
States upon invitation from an American Soldier who was his student of
Taekwon-Do; Founded and operated numerous Dojangs across the United States
and Puerto Rico; Served as Master Instructor for the Federal Bureau of
Investigation (FBI) in Pennsylvania;
1994 - 39th Inductee to the All-American Black Belt Hall of Fame.
1997 - Promoted to 9th Degree Black Belt by General Choi, Hong Hi in Poland.
2003 - Co-founded the International Ch'Ang-Hon Taekwon-Do Federation.
2006 - Assumed the role of President of the World Taekwon-Do Alliance
A first-generation student of General Choi, Hong Hi,
the Father of Taekwon-Do, Grand Master Kong,
Young Il's Taekwon-Do roots are in the Oh Do
Kwan in Won Joo, Korea. Today, fifty-four years
later, Grand Master Kong, Young Il teaches the
martial art of Taekwon-Do with the same
approaches and rigor he learned from the Father
of Taekwon-Do and perfected through continuous
practice of the art. Grand Master Kong, Young Il
is steadfastly focused on promoting Taekwon-Do
and General Choi's legacy.
1952 - At age nine, with a child's curiosity,
became a student of Shotakan karate;
1962 - 1967 - Attended the Kyung Hee University Physical Education College
became All Star Captain of the university's Taekwon-Do team;
1963 - 1967 - Served in the Republic of Korea Army, attaining the rank of
Sergeant; Served as a Master Instructor of the Republic of Korea Army with duties
to enhance the instruction of other Taekwon-Do instructors; With General Choi,
Grand Master Nam, Tae Hi, and others, co- developed several Taekwon-Do
patterns; Became the first Master Instructor to introduce the 8th U.S. Army in
Korea to Taekwon-Do; Named Captain of the competitive Taekwon-Do All Star
Team of the Republic of Korea Army; Became member of the original International
Taekwon-Do
Federation (ITF);
1973 - 1980 - As member of the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF)
Demonstration Team, and in the company of General Choi, visited more than 127
countries as part of ambassadorship for Taekwon-Do; Immigrated to the United
States upon invitation from an American Soldier who was his student of
Taekwon-Do; Founded and operated numerous Dojangs across the United States
and Puerto Rico; Served as Master Instructor for the Federal Bureau of
Investigation (FBI) in Pennsylvania;
1994 - 39th Inductee to the All-American Black Belt Hall of Fame.
1997 - Promoted to 9th Degree Black Belt by General Choi, Hong Hi in Poland.
2003 - Co-founded the International Ch'Ang-Hon Taekwon-Do Federation.
2006 - Assumed the role of President of the World Taekwon-Do Alliance
List of the original Tae Kwon Do [I.T.F.] Pioneers
Baek Joong Ki
Bong Suk Keun
Cha Ji Chul
Chang Tae Ik
Chin Duk Young
Cho Hee Il
Cho Sang Min
Cho Soo She
Choi Chang Keun
Choi Kwang Jo
Choi Weh Bong
Choo Kyo IL
Chung Byung Gil
Chung Suk Jong
General Woo Jong Lim
Han Cha Kyo
Han Min Kyo
Hong Sung In
Hyun Jong Myung
Im Soon Ho
Kang Suh Jong
Kim Bok Man
Kim Bong Sik
Kim Gil Sung
Kim Han Chang
Kim Hong Sup
Kim In Mook
Kim Jong Chan
Kim Keun Joong
Kim Kwang Il
Kim Suk Kyu
Kim Syung Bok
Kim Yong Soo
Ko Jae Chun
Kong Young Il
Koo Pan Hong
Kwak Byung Oh
Kwon Jae Hwa
Lee Byung Moo
Lee Heang Ung
Lee Jae Bok
Lee Joon Jae
Lee Sang Koo
Lee Suk Hee
Lee Ung Sam
Lee Yoo Sun
Nam Tae Hi
Park Jong Soo
Park Jung Tae
Park Sun Jae
Park Yang Kyu
Rhee Jhoon Ku
Rhee Jong Chul
Rhee Jong Hyup
Rhee Ki Ha
Sung Kwang Yong
Woo Jae Lim
Yang Yoo Yup
Yoon Young Koo
Baek Joong Ki
Bong Suk Keun
Cha Ji Chul
Chang Tae Ik
Chin Duk Young
Cho Hee Il
Cho Sang Min
Cho Soo She
Choi Chang Keun
Choi Kwang Jo
Choi Weh Bong
Choo Kyo IL
Chung Byung Gil
Chung Suk Jong
General Woo Jong Lim
Han Cha Kyo
Han Min Kyo
Hong Sung In
Hyun Jong Myung
Im Soon Ho
Kang Suh Jong
Kim Bok Man
Kim Bong Sik
Kim Gil Sung
Kim Han Chang
Kim Hong Sup
Kim In Mook
Kim Jong Chan
Kim Keun Joong
Kim Kwang Il
Kim Suk Kyu
Kim Syung Bok
Kim Yong Soo
Ko Jae Chun
Kong Young Il
Koo Pan Hong
Kwak Byung Oh
Kwon Jae Hwa
Lee Byung Moo
Lee Heang Ung
Lee Jae Bok
Lee Joon Jae
Lee Sang Koo
Lee Suk Hee
Lee Ung Sam
Lee Yoo Sun
Nam Tae Hi
Park Jong Soo
Park Jung Tae
Park Sun Jae
Park Yang Kyu
Rhee Jhoon Ku
Rhee Jong Chul
Rhee Jong Hyup
Rhee Ki Ha
Sung Kwang Yong
Woo Jae Lim
Yang Yoo Yup
Yoon Young Koo
General Choi Hong Hi was born on
November 9th, 1918, in the Hwa Dae Myong
Chun District of Korea. In 1959, General Choi
was named President of the Korean Taekwon-Do
Association. Seven years later, on March
22nd,1966, he created the International
Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF). As the Founder of
Taekwon-Do and President of the ITF, he had
the ability to share his art with students
everywhere. Today, Taekwon-Do training is
available around the world. After a life dedicated to
the development of Taekwon-Do, a modern martial art based on traditional
values, philosophy, and training, General Choi, Founder of Taekwon-Do
and President of the International Taekwon-Do Federation, died of cancer
on June 15th, 2002, in the country of his birth.
November 9th, 1918, in the Hwa Dae Myong
Chun District of Korea. In 1959, General Choi
was named President of the Korean Taekwon-Do
Association. Seven years later, on March
22nd,1966, he created the International
Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF). As the Founder of
Taekwon-Do and President of the ITF, he had
the ability to share his art with students
everywhere. Today, Taekwon-Do training is
available around the world. After a life dedicated to
the development of Taekwon-Do, a modern martial art based on traditional
values, philosophy, and training, General Choi, Founder of Taekwon-Do
and President of the International Taekwon-Do Federation, died of cancer
on June 15th, 2002, in the country of his birth.
Brigadier Gen. Woo Jong Lim
Oh Do Kwan, originally called Dae Han Taekwon-Do Oh Do Kwan Jung Ang Bon
Kwan in Seoul, which trained the Korean Military branches, the Korean Police
throughout South Korea. General Choi Hong Hi founded the Oh Do Kwan along
with Nam Tae Hi in the mid-1950s as part of the ROK Army's Physical Training
Program. The first people to instruct the ROK Army in "Tang Soo Do" (as
Taekwondo was called in the early 1950s) were Nam Tae Hi, Woo Jong Lim, Ko
Jae Chun, Kim Suk Kyu, Baek Joon Ki, Kwak Keun Sik, Kim Bong Sik, Han Cha
Kyo, Kim Bok Man (almost all of whom were originally Chung Do Kwan
members).Brigadier Gen. Woo Jong Lim; Mr. Han Cha Kyo, the Head Instructor in
Singapore and Mr. Cha Soo Young eventually went on to spread the art to the
world.
Oh Do Kwan, originally called Dae Han Taekwon-Do Oh Do Kwan Jung Ang Bon
Kwan in Seoul, which trained the Korean Military branches, the Korean Police
throughout South Korea. General Choi Hong Hi founded the Oh Do Kwan along
with Nam Tae Hi in the mid-1950s as part of the ROK Army's Physical Training
Program. The first people to instruct the ROK Army in "Tang Soo Do" (as
Taekwondo was called in the early 1950s) were Nam Tae Hi, Woo Jong Lim, Ko
Jae Chun, Kim Suk Kyu, Baek Joon Ki, Kwak Keun Sik, Kim Bong Sik, Han Cha
Kyo, Kim Bok Man (almost all of whom were originally Chung Do Kwan
members).Brigadier Gen. Woo Jong Lim; Mr. Han Cha Kyo, the Head Instructor in
Singapore and Mr. Cha Soo Young eventually went on to spread the art to the
world.
Colonel Ko Jae Chun, the 5th Chief of Taekwon-Do instructors in
Vietnam.
Vietnam.
Nam Tae Hi
Chung Do Kwan's Quiet Man
By Earl Weiss
In 1946 a young Korean named Nam Tae Hi
began his martial arts training. He would leave
school at 3:30 p.m. and go to the Dojang and
train, not returning home until midnight. This was
a 5 day a week regimen. Tang Soo Do training
continued under Won Kuk lee at the Chung Do
Kwan, and classmates included, Sun Duc Son,
and Uhm Woon Kyu (the current head of the
Chung Do Kwan in South Korea.)
In those days the only belt colors were White,
Brown, and Black. There were eight levels or
“Gups” of colored belt before reaching Black Belt.
Promotion tests were held every six months and students usually tested and were
promoted two gup levels at a time. It therefore took him about two and one half
years to reach first degree Black Belt. His junior students then included the late
Grandmaster Han Cha Kyo, and Jhoon Rhee.
In 1954 there was a military demonstration before the President of South Korea,
Syng Man Rhee. This demonstration included Artillery, other weaponry and martial
arts. Nam Tae Hi, then a second degree Black Belt Broke 13 roofing tiles with a
downward punch. President Rhee was so impressed by the demonstration that he
asked for it to continue after the planned program was over. Since nothing was
planned, Nam Tae Hi and Han Cha Kyo assembled materials and did a variety of
breaks. President Rhee even examined Nam Tae Hi’s hands to see how he was able
to perform the breaks.
After the demonstration which so impressed President Rhee, he ordered all military
personnel to receive this martial arts’ training. General Choi recruited instructors
from the different Kwans to train people. This was the impetus for creating the new
military gym, the Oh Do Kwan.
I asked Grandmaster Nam the meaning of the term Oh Do Kwan (widely translated
as “The Gym of My Way”) and why this name was chosen. His answer was very
interesting. He told me that since there were instructors from various established
Kwans, if an established name was used an instructor may have been reluctant to
train or teach at another Kwan and their could be some confusion. (For instance, a
Chung Do Kwan instructor may not want to teach his art at a Moo Do Kwan gym.) So
the name Oh Do Kwan meant our gym, or the gym for all of us. (Books on Korean
translation substantiate this meaning. ) Or perhaps, it reflects someone speaking in
the first person whereby each person could consider it the gym of their way. (My
idea.)
Although somewhat inactive from teaching Taekwon-Do for the last few years,
Grandmaster Nam accepted my invitation to teach a class, (April 6, 1998) during
which he reflected on the days of his training preceding the formation of Taekwon-
Do, and the early days of Taekwon-Do. These reflections included the introduction
of the Blue Belt by General Choi (later leading to the current 10 Gup Color Belt
system), and how he performed the physical part of the new patterns as General
Choi was mapping them out. He made an analogy saying that it was as if General
Choi wrote the script and was the director, and he was the actor. Perhaps that is
why he is referred to as “General Choi’s right hand man” in the General’s books.
I could not help but think that a certain amount of credit goes to Grandmaster Nam
for the art we practice today. Had he and the others performing the demonstration
for President Rhee been unimpressive, the president would not have ordered
instructing the troops in martial arts, Taekwon-Do would never have been formed
and the Korean government would not have been so supportive of Taekwon-Do
spreading throughout the world. All of us practicing Taekwon-Do might very will be
doing another Martial Art (or none at all) right now.
Students from the International Taekwon-Do Federation, Universal Taekwon-Do
Federation (Founded by the late Han Cha Kyo) and students with no large
organizational affiliations took advantage of an opportunity to hear some history of
Taekwon-Do from someone who lived it. It is not often that many people can listen to
someone whose martial arts’ experience spans over 50 years.
Chung Do Kwan's Quiet Man
By Earl Weiss
In 1946 a young Korean named Nam Tae Hi
began his martial arts training. He would leave
school at 3:30 p.m. and go to the Dojang and
train, not returning home until midnight. This was
a 5 day a week regimen. Tang Soo Do training
continued under Won Kuk lee at the Chung Do
Kwan, and classmates included, Sun Duc Son,
and Uhm Woon Kyu (the current head of the
Chung Do Kwan in South Korea.)
In those days the only belt colors were White,
Brown, and Black. There were eight levels or
“Gups” of colored belt before reaching Black Belt.
Promotion tests were held every six months and students usually tested and were
promoted two gup levels at a time. It therefore took him about two and one half
years to reach first degree Black Belt. His junior students then included the late
Grandmaster Han Cha Kyo, and Jhoon Rhee.
In 1954 there was a military demonstration before the President of South Korea,
Syng Man Rhee. This demonstration included Artillery, other weaponry and martial
arts. Nam Tae Hi, then a second degree Black Belt Broke 13 roofing tiles with a
downward punch. President Rhee was so impressed by the demonstration that he
asked for it to continue after the planned program was over. Since nothing was
planned, Nam Tae Hi and Han Cha Kyo assembled materials and did a variety of
breaks. President Rhee even examined Nam Tae Hi’s hands to see how he was able
to perform the breaks.
After the demonstration which so impressed President Rhee, he ordered all military
personnel to receive this martial arts’ training. General Choi recruited instructors
from the different Kwans to train people. This was the impetus for creating the new
military gym, the Oh Do Kwan.
I asked Grandmaster Nam the meaning of the term Oh Do Kwan (widely translated
as “The Gym of My Way”) and why this name was chosen. His answer was very
interesting. He told me that since there were instructors from various established
Kwans, if an established name was used an instructor may have been reluctant to
train or teach at another Kwan and their could be some confusion. (For instance, a
Chung Do Kwan instructor may not want to teach his art at a Moo Do Kwan gym.) So
the name Oh Do Kwan meant our gym, or the gym for all of us. (Books on Korean
translation substantiate this meaning. ) Or perhaps, it reflects someone speaking in
the first person whereby each person could consider it the gym of their way. (My
idea.)
Although somewhat inactive from teaching Taekwon-Do for the last few years,
Grandmaster Nam accepted my invitation to teach a class, (April 6, 1998) during
which he reflected on the days of his training preceding the formation of Taekwon-
Do, and the early days of Taekwon-Do. These reflections included the introduction
of the Blue Belt by General Choi (later leading to the current 10 Gup Color Belt
system), and how he performed the physical part of the new patterns as General
Choi was mapping them out. He made an analogy saying that it was as if General
Choi wrote the script and was the director, and he was the actor. Perhaps that is
why he is referred to as “General Choi’s right hand man” in the General’s books.
I could not help but think that a certain amount of credit goes to Grandmaster Nam
for the art we practice today. Had he and the others performing the demonstration
for President Rhee been unimpressive, the president would not have ordered
instructing the troops in martial arts, Taekwon-Do would never have been formed
and the Korean government would not have been so supportive of Taekwon-Do
spreading throughout the world. All of us practicing Taekwon-Do might very will be
doing another Martial Art (or none at all) right now.
Students from the International Taekwon-Do Federation, Universal Taekwon-Do
Federation (Founded by the late Han Cha Kyo) and students with no large
organizational affiliations took advantage of an opportunity to hear some history of
Taekwon-Do from someone who lived it. It is not often that many people can listen to
someone whose martial arts’ experience spans over 50 years.
Special Thanks to all who have donated their time, recommendations and material to help
make this site the best website source on the Chang Huhn Patterns.
make this site the best website source on the Chang Huhn Patterns.
GRAND MASTER PARK JUNG TAE
In the late 70's, Mr. Park, along with his family, left Winnipeg for Toronto
to further develop ITF internationally. Throughout the 80's his extensive
travels took him to many different places promoting the art. In 1990 he
formed Global Tae Kwon-Do Federation with the emphasis on promoting
the art itself and making the art a non-political organization.
Grandmaster Park was a pioneer in Tae Kwon Do and began his training
in 1948 before the name of Tae Kwon Do existed. In 1964, he joined the
Korean army and became a leading instructor. He spent two years in
Vietnam teaching Korean and American soldiers unarmed combat. After
his time in Vietnam, he was selected to train the instructors for the ITF
in Korea. Grandmaster Park was also a pioneer of Tae Kwon Do in
Hungary and Poland, being one of the first instructors ever
to teach in these countries. Grandmaster Park was a driving force
behind the worldwide spread of Tae Kwon Do.
Grandmaster Hee Il Cho
Hee Il Cho is a Korean-born American
martial artist who holds the rank of
9th dan in Tae Kwon Do. He has won
numerous national and international open
competitions and has appeared in several
films, including Fight to Win, Best of the Best,
Bloodsport II, and Bloodsport III. He is a
member of the Black Belt magazine Black Belt
Hall of Fame.
At nearly 70 years old, Grandmaster Cho is
one of the most respected, dedicated and
accomplished martial artist in the world. He has produced over 67 Tae
Kwon Do training videos, written 11 books, has been featured on over 50
martial arts magazine covers, and is the founder of the Action
International Martial Arts Association (AIMAA). Grandmaster Cho also
personally teaches every Tae Kwon Do class at his Tae Kwon Do center
and AIMAA world headquarters in Honolulu.
a true legend in the martial arts community, is one of the most
respected martial artist of our time. Grandmaster Cho has been
inducted to every major martial art Hall of Fame and has shared his 50
years of knowledge with thousands of people around the world.
Grandmaster Cho has students journey from all parts of the world to
train and study with him. From Ireland to India and all throughout the
United States and Canada, martial arts students travel several times
each year to enhance their skills as a martial artist. Grandmaster Cho
has also instructed some of Hollywood's biggest stars as well as
co-starred in several motion pictures himself.
Hee Il Cho is a Korean-born American
martial artist who holds the rank of
9th dan in Tae Kwon Do. He has won
numerous national and international open
competitions and has appeared in several
films, including Fight to Win, Best of the Best,
Bloodsport II, and Bloodsport III. He is a
member of the Black Belt magazine Black Belt
Hall of Fame.
At nearly 70 years old, Grandmaster Cho is
one of the most respected, dedicated and
accomplished martial artist in the world. He has produced over 67 Tae
Kwon Do training videos, written 11 books, has been featured on over 50
martial arts magazine covers, and is the founder of the Action
International Martial Arts Association (AIMAA). Grandmaster Cho also
personally teaches every Tae Kwon Do class at his Tae Kwon Do center
and AIMAA world headquarters in Honolulu.
a true legend in the martial arts community, is one of the most
respected martial artist of our time. Grandmaster Cho has been
inducted to every major martial art Hall of Fame and has shared his 50
years of knowledge with thousands of people around the world.
Grandmaster Cho has students journey from all parts of the world to
train and study with him. From Ireland to India and all throughout the
United States and Canada, martial arts students travel several times
each year to enhance their skills as a martial artist. Grandmaster Cho
has also instructed some of Hollywood's biggest stars as well as
co-starred in several motion pictures himself.
Grandmaster Kwon, Jae-Hwa
Kwon, Jae-Hwa was born in 1937 in Pusan, a
large harbour town in South Korea. He began
practicing Taekwon-Do in his youth and soon
made notice of himself through his exceptional
talents. In Hae, Dea-Yeong, 6th Dan, he found a
devoted mentor and coach who was totally
devoted to the advancement of his students.
Upon completion of college studies, in
journalism, he was employed by Pusan IIbbo,
the town’s largest daily news publication. But his life’s main
commitment was still Taekwon-Do. At the age of 24 he was Chief
Instructor (highest ranking coach) of the Yonmu-Kwan Taekwon-Do
Schools. In 1964 he was appointed to the post of Association Technical
Director for most of the Taekwon-Do departments at public schools -
as well for private Taekwon-Do schools, and universities in the region
of Pusan. Grandmaster Kwon, Jae-Hwa is also active functionary in
both of these positions until this very day.
At 29 he was a member of the six-man Korean Demonstration Team
chosen to venture out and introduce Taekwon-Do to the western
world. A year later, Kwon, Jae-Hwa’s, 6th Dan at that time, utmost goal
became making the practice of Taekwon-Do common place in Europe.
He founded the German Taekwon-Do Association, was appointed its
Head Coach as well as Chief Representative for Europe and the Middle
East. Unfortunately, Taekwon-Do was soon propagated in the western
hemisphere as a 'modern fight sport'. Grandmaster Kwon, Jae-Hwa
deemed it most necessary to distance himself from this developmental
trend: 'malicious or intentional injury of others is not the true
persuasion of the spirit of Taekwon-Do'.
Kwon, Jae-Hwa was born in 1937 in Pusan, a
large harbour town in South Korea. He began
practicing Taekwon-Do in his youth and soon
made notice of himself through his exceptional
talents. In Hae, Dea-Yeong, 6th Dan, he found a
devoted mentor and coach who was totally
devoted to the advancement of his students.
Upon completion of college studies, in
journalism, he was employed by Pusan IIbbo,
the town’s largest daily news publication. But his life’s main
commitment was still Taekwon-Do. At the age of 24 he was Chief
Instructor (highest ranking coach) of the Yonmu-Kwan Taekwon-Do
Schools. In 1964 he was appointed to the post of Association Technical
Director for most of the Taekwon-Do departments at public schools -
as well for private Taekwon-Do schools, and universities in the region
of Pusan. Grandmaster Kwon, Jae-Hwa is also active functionary in
both of these positions until this very day.
At 29 he was a member of the six-man Korean Demonstration Team
chosen to venture out and introduce Taekwon-Do to the western
world. A year later, Kwon, Jae-Hwa’s, 6th Dan at that time, utmost goal
became making the practice of Taekwon-Do common place in Europe.
He founded the German Taekwon-Do Association, was appointed its
Head Coach as well as Chief Representative for Europe and the Middle
East. Unfortunately, Taekwon-Do was soon propagated in the western
hemisphere as a 'modern fight sport'. Grandmaster Kwon, Jae-Hwa
deemed it most necessary to distance himself from this developmental
trend: 'malicious or intentional injury of others is not the true
persuasion of the spirit of Taekwon-Do'.
Grand Master Kim Bok Man
Over the course of his career he
has taught and performed for
presidents and royalty in Southeast
Asia and Europe. In 1941, at age 7,
Bok Man Kim was introduced to
the ancient Korean foot-fighting
techniques of To-San, forerunner
of Tae Kwon Do.
In 1950 Kim joined the army.
During his army years he honed
his fighting skills. Rising to the rank
of Sergeant Major he began
teaching unarmed combat
techniques to other servicemen.
In 1959 Kim visited Saigon at the invitation of the South Vietnamese
government to popularize and promote Tae Kwon Do to members of the
police, military and paramilitary establishments. In Taiwan, also upon
government invitation, he performed before the Formosan Police
Contingents and members of the National Armed Forces.
Kim retired from the army in 1962, after which he devoted his life entirely
to Tae Kwon-Do. In 1963 he arrived in Malaysia with other high-ranking
Korean instructors, performing demonstrations throughout the Malaysia
peninsula, including command performances for the King of Malaysia and
the Prime Minister. Kim organized the Malaysian TaeKwon-Do Association.
For the first time, Kim brought Korean instructors abroad under the name
of Tae Kwon Do. During that same year Kim traveled to Singapore.
Through public displays he and six other black belts organized a strong
following, which led to the birth of the Singapore Tae Kwon Do
Association.
In 1965 Kim returned to Korea and revamped the entire structure of Tae
Kwon Do. In 1970 Kim went to the Philippines at the invitation of President
Marcos. After the first demonstration of TaeKwon-Do in the Philippines,
Kim founded the Philippines TaeKwon-Do Association. In 1971 Kim
returned to Hong Kong and in 1972 the First Hong Kong Tae Kwon Do
Tournament and demonstration was held.
Taekwon-do Father of Hong Kong (GM Kim Bok Man) in 1966 Taekwon-do
Do-Jang in Hong Kong 1969 In 1973 Kim went to Sarawak at the invitation
of their government. After successful demonstrations, he organized the
Sarawak Tae Kwon Do Association. GM Kim posed with doctor of member
after of Taekwon-do conference in Hong Kong 1973. In 1979 Kim was
invited to the Fourth World TaeKwon-Do Championship in Munich. From
Munich he traveled throughout Europe giving lectures, demonstrations
and instructing. Returning to Asia, Kim continued to help the growth of
Tae Kwon Do. In 1990 Kim came to the United States and opened his first
American school in St. Louis, Missouri.In 1994 Kim then opened a school
in Denver and later in Federal Heights. Grand Master Kim has written
three books on the subject of TaeKwon-Do and is now in the process of
creating a new federation, the World Chun Kuhn Do Federation. Grand
Master Kim deserves the utmost admiration for his experience, skill and
knowledge. His students have the greatest respect for him as a person
and instructor.
Grandmaster Ko Jae Chun
In 1959, Choi Hong Hi toured the Far East with his top nineteen black
belts. The tour was a major success, astounding spectators with
Taekwondo's kicking techniques. Many of these same black belts later
went on to spread Taekwondo to the world. Colonel Ko Jae Chun later
became the 5th Chief of Taekwondo Instructors.
In 1959, Choi Hong Hi toured the Far East with his top nineteen black
belts. The tour was a major success, astounding spectators with
Taekwondo's kicking techniques. Many of these same black belts later
went on to spread Taekwondo to the world. Colonel Ko Jae Chun later
became the 5th Chief of Taekwondo Instructors.
In 1986 in Bulgaria officially arrives the first Korean instructor- Kim
Ung Chol, who becomes and senior instructor of the Bulgarian
Taekwon-Do Federation /BTF/. Today thanks to his selfless efforts, as
well to the man who has replaced him later - Sok Min Chol, in the
federation exist 32 clubs from all over the country and rightfully is
considered one of the most organized structures in the system of the
martial sports, practiced in Bulgaria.
Ung Chol, who becomes and senior instructor of the Bulgarian
Taekwon-Do Federation /BTF/. Today thanks to his selfless efforts, as
well to the man who has replaced him later - Sok Min Chol, in the
federation exist 32 clubs from all over the country and rightfully is
considered one of the most organized structures in the system of the
martial sports, practiced in Bulgaria.
Grandmaster
Kim Ung Chol
Kim Ung Chol
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Grand Master Young-Chul Ra