RHODIMOS TAEKWONDO TEXT BOOK

THE

TAE KWON DO

태

권

도

THE TAE KWON DO

태 권 도

IMO OKON

Copyright^© 2013 by RHODIMOS Private Learning Limited, Uyo, AKS. All right reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, by mimeograph or any other means, without permission from the publisher.

ISBN-

The export right of this book is vested solely with the publisher.

Printing (Modern Taekwondo Edition)   ...  April, 2014

Published by Imo Okon, RHODIMOS^® Private Learning Limited

Printed by

To

My Heavenly Father

Who granted me wisdom and taught me the merits of discipline.

Contents

Preface

The Tae Kwon Do

What is Taekwondo?

Taekwondo History

Taekwondo Description

Origins and Evolution

Philosophy of Taekwondo

Taekwondo Ethics

Taekwondo Organizations

Taekwondo Patterns

Taekwondo Vital Points

Competition and Ranks

Five Tenets

The Taeguk

The Theory of Power

Founder of Taekwondo

The Life of Choi Hong

Preface

Welcome to Taekwondo, a Korean Martial Art. This is a guide to taekwondo practitioners, health and fitness, mind and body, art and nature, training and technique, secrets and methods, taekwondo information including systems, styles, philosophy, organizations, training, descriptions, historical information, resources, origins, self-defense, sports, and technical aspects. This book is a comprehensive resource for taekwondo practitioners for the trained professional and novice.

Taekwondo is the systemized practices and traditions of training people to engage in combat. Taekwondo has been present in almost every nation and culture since before recorded history. Virtually, taekwondo shares a common original intent; developing the ability to defeat one’s enemies in a conflict, either armed or unarmed. Taekwondo is still practiced today.

Some taekwondo practitioners retain their focus on the ancient techniques of war, others have incorporated modern modifications for the practice of self defense for civilians, and still others have evolved into international competitive sports and Olympic events. Taekwondo, historically and today, place a wide variety of emphases on morality, spirituality, philosophy, or religion. Very often also, some kind of enlightenment, or at the very least personal self-improvement, is a core goal in the practice of taekwondo.

Chapter 1

The Tae Kwon Do

Taekwondo

Taekwondo /ˌtaɪˌkwɒnˈdoʊ/ (Korean 태권도 (跆拳道) [tʰɛk͈wʌndo]) is a martial art originating in Korea. It combines combat and self-defence techniques with sport and exercise. In 1989, taekwondo was the world's most popular martial art. Gyeorugi (pronounced [kjʌɾuɡi]), a type of sparring, has been an Olympic event since 2000.

Taekwon-Do was developed by major general Choi Hong Hi in Korea during the 1940s as partial combination of Taekkyeon and Japanese Karate. There are two main branches of taekwondo development, although they are not mutually exclusive. Traditional taekwondo typically refers to the martial art as it was established in the 1950s and 1960s in the South Korean military, and in various civilian organizations, including schools and universities. In particular, the names and symbolism of the traditional patterns often refer to elements of Korean history, culture and religious philosophy. Traditional Taekwon-Do may refer to ITF Taekwon-Do. Sport taekwondo has developed in the decades since the 1950s and may have a somewhat different focus, especially in terms of its emphasis on speed and competition (as in Olympic sparring). Sport taekwondo is in turn subdivided into two main styles. One style is practiced by International Taekwon-Do adherents and was created in 1955 by General Choi Hong Hi. The other style derives from Kukkiwon, the source of the sparring system sihap gyeorugi. This style is now an event at the summer Olympic Games and is governed by the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF). The Kukkiwon - or World Taekwondo Headquarters - is the traditional center for WTF taekwondo and was founded in 1973 by Dr. Kim Un Yong.

Although there are doctrinal and technical differences between sparring in the two main styles and among the various organizations, the art in general emphasizes kicks and punches thrown from a mobile stance. Taekwondo training generally includes a system of blocks, kicks, punches, and open-handed strikes and may also include various take-downs or sweeps, throws, and joint locks. Pressure points, known as jiapsul, are used as well as grabbing self-defence techniques borrowed from other martial arts, such as Japanese Judo, or Korean hapkido, or Korean wrestling or ssireum.

In Korean, tae (태, 跆) means "to strike or break with foot"; kwon (권, 拳) means "to strike or break with fist"; and do (도, 道) means "way", "method", or "path". Thus, taekwondo may be loosely translated as "the way of the foot and the hand." The name taekwondo is also written as taekwon-do, tae kwon-do or tae kwon do by various organizations.

The Taeguk

Taeguk (in World Taekwondo Federation, or WTF, Taekwondo) refers to the “forms” used to create a foundation for the teaching of Taekwondo. A form is a detailed pattern of defense-and-attack used in traditional martial arts. The word Taeguk (the Korean pronunciation of Taiji/T’ai Chi) refers to the important principle in East Asian Taoist thought of the union of yin and yang.

All students studying in WTF Kukkiwon style must learn these forms, or Taeguks, to advance to a higher belt level. There are eight Taeguks, each one similar to the previous one, but each time with more complicated techniques to display the students’ mastery of the techniques learned during lessons as well as the ability to interconnect these techniques.

Each Taeguk symbolizes a specific state thought to be indicative of the belt the student currently holds before gaining a new belt, and is represented in WTF Taekwondo by trigrams similar to those found in the four corners of the South Korean flag.

In order to receive a Black Belt, the student must perform all Taeguks consecutively. Each Dan (degree of Black Belt) also has its own associated form, required for belt testing.

The first degree form for the WTF is called Koryo. The Palgwe forms are a slightly older, somewhat similar supplemental group of WTF pumse. There are eight Palgwe forms that also represent eight trigrams from I-Ching.

Korean Flag (Taegukki): The meaning of Korean National Flag is very philosophical. The origin comes from the Oriental philosophy called Eum-Yang, in Chinese pronunciation Yin-Yang. In Korea, the symbol of ‘Yin and Yang’, and sometimes the flag itself, is called Taeguk and summarizes the thoughts of ‘I Ching’ (called ‘Yeok’ in Korean). The name means as much as the flag of ‘Great Extremes’.

The flag consists of three parts: The white background, the red and blue circle in the center and four trigrams, one in each corner of the flag. The white background of the flag means peace.

The red and blue circle in the center is called ‘Taeguk’, the origin of all things in the universe. The central thought is perfect harmony and balance: A continuous movement within the sphere of infinity, resulting in one unit. The blue part of ‘Taeguk’ is called ‘Eum’ and represents all negative aspects of the balance that is typical for the symbol. The red part is called ‘Yang’ and describes all positive aspects.

The four trigrams at the corners (called ‘Kwe’ in Korean) also represent the concept of opposites and balance. The trigrams are heaven (upper-left) and at the other corner earth, water (upper-right) and at the other corner fire. Looking at symbols of the trigrams, you can see that they are opposites as well. Three unbroken bars (heaven) vs. three broken bars (earth), etc.

For the Korean people their flag of T’aeGuk-Ki is a source of pride and inspiration. During the Japanese occupation period beginning in 1910 the Korean flag was outlawed in public places and for about thirty five years the T’aeGuk flags were kept hidden until Liberation Day in1945. The Korean flag has been a symbol of this country’s struggle for independence and freedom.

Origin:

The oldest ‘Yin/Yang’-symbol, which was described in stone, was found in Korea. At the end of the 19th century, Korea needed their own flag. It is believed that Young-Hyo Park came up with the first concept. At that time, Korea was under the influence of all sorts of colonists like the Japanese, Chinese and Russian.

The symbols:

Yin means dark and cold, while Yang means bright and hot. A very old    book    called Choo-Yuk which is written by a Chinese claims all objects and events in the world are expressed by the movement of Yin and Yang. For example, the moon is Yin while the sun is Yang. The earth is Yin and the sky is Yang. The night is Yin and the day is Yang. The winter is Yin and the summer is Yang. Yin and Yang are relative. Therefore, A can be Yin with respect to B while A can be Yang with respect to C. For example, the spring is Yin w.r.t. the summer and it is at the same time Yang w.r.t. the winter.

	Kun	Heaven
	Yi	Fire
	Kam	Water
	Kon	Earth

The International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) has its own sequence of pumse. They are named after figures from Korean history and are less formulaic than the WTF’s Taeguk and Palgwe pumse. The first nine, which are required for 1st degree black belt, are named after significant Korean historical figures or concepts: Chonji, Dangun, Dosan, Wonhyo, Yulgok, Junggon, Toegye, Hwarang, and Chungmu. Various schools sometimes insert one of a variety of other forms before Taeguk Il-jang”

Taeguks by Belt Level: Many schools require that form practice begins with a bow to the flag and/or instructor, however the motions of the forms themselves do not require the bow, nor is it necessary in personal practice.

What is Taekwondo

Taekwondo Definition

  

To put it simply Taekwon-Do is a version of unarmed combat designed for the purpose of self-defense. It is more than just that, however. It is the scientific use of the body in the method of self-defense; a body that has gained the ultimate use of its facilities through intensive physical and mental training.

It is a martial art that has no equal in either power or technique. Though it is a martial art, its discipline, technique and mental training are the mortar for building a strong sense of justice, fortitude, humility and resolve. It is this mental conditioning that separates the true practitioner from the sensationalist, content with mastering only the fighting aspects of the art.

This is one of the reasons that Taekwon-Do is called an art of self-defense. It also implies a way of thinking and life, particularly in instilling a concept and spirit of strict self-imposed discipline and an ideal of noble moral rearmament. The nearest description of it is almost a cult.

Translated literally “Tae” stands for jumping or flying, to kick or smash with the foot. “Kwon” denotes the fist-chiefly to punch or destroy with the hand or fist. “Do” means an art or way – the right way built and paved by the saints and sages in the past.

 

Thus taken collectively “Taekwon-Do” indicates the mental training and the techniques of unarmed combat for self-defense as well as health, involving the skilled application of punches, kicks, blocks and dodges with bare hands and feet to the rapid destruction of the moving opponent or opponents.

Taekwon-Do definitely enables the weak to possess a fine weapon together with confidence to defend him or herself and defeat the opponent as well. Of course, wrongly applied, Taekwon-Do can be a lethal weapon. Therefore mental training must always be stressed to prevent the student from misusing it.

As for women folk, they will undoubtedly find Taekwon-Do an invaluable asset in tackling and driving away “wolves”, so to speak. When one is informed of the many instances where frail women effectively protected themselves, they may sound unbelievable. But really, they have been able to do so because they are well versed in the art of self-defense.

The feats of Taekwon-Do are great in number. To mention a few is probably pertinent: for instance, flying over a mounted motorcycle or eleven persons in line to attack a target with the foot; breaking an inch thick pine board placed at a height of ten or eleven feet with the foot; breaking two pieces of red brick with an open hand or knife-hand; smashing seven or eight pieces of two inch thick pine board at a single blow with the fist; attacking two targets with the same foot in succession while flying and so on. To the layman in the street, such feats may sound impossible, but to the serious students of Taekwon-Do and the exponents of this art, it is quite ordinary. Of course, by mastering this art it does not mean that you will be asked to do acts of impossibility. Particularly, if someone should challenge you to kill a wild bull with your bare hands, therefore it is clear that equivalent demonstrations of such effective use of pure somatic force are not to be seen in other forms of physical combat technique.

Incessant training is essential to keep oneself in top form and physical condition. In training, all the muscles of the human body will be used. From the use of one’s muscles, it will be possible to harness all available power generated by every muscular contraction. It will then be necessary to deliver such power to the human target especially to where the most vulnerable points or vital spots of one’s opponent are located, in particular when the opponent is in motion. At this point it is necessary to remind the students of Taekwon-Do that this art of self-defense is specially designed for swift retaliation against the moving aggressor.

Most of the devastating maneuvers in Taekwon-Do are based specially on the initial impact of a blow plus the consequential additional force provided by the rebound of the opponent’s moving part of the body. Similarly by using the attacker’s force of momentum, the slightest push is all that is needed to upset his or her equilibrium and to topple him or her.

In the case of the students of Taekwon-Do who have been in constant practice or the experts themselves, they spend no time thinking; as such an action comes automatically to them. Their actions, in short, have become conditioned reflexes. Therefore, throughout this Encyclopedia, the readers will notice that repeated emphasis is placed on regular training, in order to master the techniques of attack and defense.

Hours spent on training will not be wasted; for surely you will reap a rich reward in the form of speedy reactions and deadly blows to rain down upon your enemy or in any case to save life if and when a need arises. Even if Taekwon-Do is practiced for the sake of exercise alone, the enjoyment derived will justify the time invested and spent. As an exercise, it is equally suitable for the old and young, male and female.

Taekwondo (also, Tae Kwon Do, Taekwon-Do, or Tae Kwon-Do) is a martial art and combat sport originating in Korea. Taekwondo is the national sport of South Korea and sparring, kyeorugi, is an Olympic sporting event.

In Korean, derived from Hanja, tae (태, 跆) means to destroy with the feet; kwon (권, 拳) means to strike or smash with the hand; and do (도, 道) means “path”, “way” or “method”. Hence, taekwondo is loosely translated as “the way of the feet and fist”.

Taekwondo’s popularity has resulted in the divergent evolution of the martial art. As with many other martial arts, taekwondo is a combination of combat technique, self-defense, sport, exercise, entertainment, and philosophy.

Taekwondo is a modern martial art, characterized by its fast, high and spinning kicks. There are multiple interpretations of the name taekwondo. Taekwondo is often translated as ‘the way of hand and foot’. My definition of the name Taekwondo is

Although there are great doctrinal and technical differences among public and private taekwondo organizations. The art in general emphasizes kicks thrown from a mobile stance, using the leg’s greater reach and power to disable the opponent from a distance.

In sparring, turning, front, reverse turning and sidekicks are often used, as well as the back fist and reverse punch; advanced kicks include jump, spin, sliding, and skip kicks, often in combination.

Taekwondo training often includes a system of blocks, punches, open-handed strikes and may include various take-downs or sweeps, throws, and joint locks, though it generally does not emphasize grappling.

Taekwondo is one of the most systematic and scientific Korean traditional martial arts, that teaches more than physical fighting skills. It is a discipline that shows ways of enhancing our spirit and life through training our body and mind. Today, it has become a global sport that has gained an international reputation, and stands among the official games in the Olympics.

  

Let’s take a closer look at the meaning of the word “Tae” “Kwon” “Do.” It is composed of three parts as shown in the English spelling, though it is one word in Korean. “Tae” means “foot,” “leg,” or “to step on”; “Kwon” means “fist,” or “fight”; and “Do” means the “way” or “discipline.” If we put these three parts together, we can see two important concepts behind “Tae Kwon Do”.

First, Taekwondo is the right way of using Tae and Kwon ‘fists and feet,’ or all the parts of the body that are represented by fists and feet. Second, it is a way to control or calm down fights and keep the peace. This concept comes from the meaning of Tae Kwon ‘to put fists under control’ [or 'to step on fists']. Thus Taekwondo means “the right way of using all parts of the body to stop fights and help to build a better and more peaceful world.”

Taekwondo has been developing with the 5000-year long history of Korea, being called by several different names in the course. In Korea, Taekwondo began as a defense martial art called “Subak” or “Taekkyon,” and developed as a way of training body and mind in the ancient kingdom of Koguryo, under the name of “Sunbae.” In the Shilla period, it had become the backbone of Hwarangdo that aimed at producing leaders of the country.

Taekwondo today is similar to the martial arts in other Oriental countries and shares some features with them, because in the course of its evolution it has gained many different styles that existed in the martial arts of the countries surrounding Korea, like Japan and China.

But Taekwondo is very different from many such oriental martial arts. First, physically it is very dynamic with active movements that include a mirage of foot skills. Second, the principle physical movements are in simpatico with that of the mind and life as a whole. Third, it possesses dynamic poses from another perspective.

Taekwondo can be characterized by unity: the unity of body, mind, and life, and the unity of the pose ["poomsae"] and confrontation, and cracking down. When you do Taekwondo, you should make your mind peaceful and synchronize your mind with your movements, and extend this harmony to your life and society. This is how in Taekwondo the principle of physical movements, the principle of mind training, and the principle of life become one and the same. On the other hand, the right poomsae lead to the right confrontation, which will eventually produce great destructive power.

How come we reach such a unity in Taekwondo? Taekwondo is a way of life, much like having a job, raising a family, fighting for a cause, or any one of numerous raison d’être. What makes Taekwondo different from these is that it is an activity for survival in extremely antagonistic situations. One must always overcome the enemy that is trying to cause harm.

 

But simply winning a fight is not enough to guarantee one’s safety, because the enemy may recuperate and attack again. Moreover, there may be many other enemies than the one that was just defeated. One cannot ever feel safe unless one gains permanent peace. To attain this permanent or lasting peace, one needs unity. This is what Taekwondo aim for. Otherwise Taekwondo would be no different from any other street-fighting skills.

Taekwondo pursues harmonious growth and improvements of life through its unique activities. This is why one could say Taekwondo is a way of life. To ultimately enable ourselves to lead more valuable lives, we would do well by finding the guiding principles deeply hidden in Taekwondo.

Chapter 2

Taekwondo History

History

The oldest Korean martial art was an amalgamation of unarmed combat styles developed by the three rival Korean Kingdoms of Goguryeo, Silla, and Baekje, where young men were trained in unarmed combat techniques to develop strength, speed, and survival skills. The most popular of these techniques was ssireum and Subak with taekkyeon being the most popular of the segments of Subak. The Northern Goguryeo kingdom was a dominant force in Northern Korea and North Eastern China prior to Common Era and again from the 3rd century to the 6th century CE. Before the fall of Goguryeo Dynasty 6th century CE, the Shilla Kingdom asked for help in training its people for defence against pirate invasions. During this time a few select Silla warriors were given training in taekkyeon by the early masters from Koguryo. These Shilla warriors then became known as the Hwarang. The Hwarang set up a military academy for the sons of royalty in Silla called Hwarang-do, which means "the way of flowering manhood." The Hwarang studied taekkyeon, history, Confucian philosophy, ethics, Buddhist morality, social skills and military tactics. The guiding principles of the Hwarang warriors were based on Won Gwang's five codes of human conduct and included loyalty, filial duty, trustworthiness, valour and justice. Taekkyeon was spread throughout Korea because the Hwarang travelled all around the peninsula to learn about the other regions and people.

In spite of Korea's rich history of ancient and martial arts, Korean martial arts faded into obscurity during the late Joseon Dynasty. Korean society became highly centralized under Korean Confucianism and martial arts were poorly regarded in a society whose ideals were epitomized by its scholar-kings. Formal practices of traditional martial arts such as Subak and taekkyeon were reserved for sanctioned military uses. However, taekkyeon persisted into the 19th century as a folk game during the May-Dano festival and was still taught as the formal military martial art throughout the Joseon Dynasty.

During the Japanese occupation of Korea (1910–1945), all facets of ethnic Korean identity were banned and suppressed with traditional Korean martial arts such as taekkyeon or Subak banned during this time. Early progenitors of Taekwondo who were able to study in Japan were exposed to the Japanese martial arts, of karate, Judo and Kendo, while others were exposed to the martial arts of China and Manchuria as well as to the indigenous Korean martial art of Taekkyon.

When the occupation ended in 1945, Korean martial arts schools (Kwans) began to open in Korea. There are differing views on the origins of the arts taught in these schools. Some believe that they taught martial arts that were based primarily upon the traditional Korean martial arts taekkyon and Subak, or that taekwondo was derived from native Korean martial arts with influences from neighbouring countries. Still others believe that these schools taught arts that were almost entirely based upon karate.

In 1952, at the height of the Korean War, there was a martial arts exhibition in which the Kwans displayed their skills. In one demonstration, Nam Tae Hi smashed 13 roof tiles with a punch. Following this demonstration, South Korean President Syngman Rhee instructed Choi Hong Hi to introduce the martial arts to the Korean army. By the mid-1950s, nine Kwans had emerged. Syngman Rhee ordered that the various schools unify under a single system. The name "taekwondo" was submitted by either Choi Hong Hi (of the Oh Do Kwan) or Song Duk Son (of the Chung Do Kwan), and was accepted on April 11, 1955. As it stands today, the nine Kwans are the founders of taekwondo, though not all the Kwans used the name. The Korea Taekwondo Association (KTA) was formed in 1959/1961 to facilitate the unification.

In the early 1960s, taekwondo made its début worldwide with assignment of the original masters of taekwondo to various countries. Standardization efforts in South Korea stalled, as the Kwans continued to teach differing styles. Another request from the Korean government for unification resulted in the formation of the Korea Tae Soo Do Association, which changed its name back to the Korea Taekwondo Association in 1965 following a change of leadership. The International Taekwon-Do Federation was founded in 1966, followed by World Taekwondo Federation in 1973.

Since 2000, taekwondo has been one of only two Asian martial arts (the other being judo) that are included in the Olympic Games; it became a demonstration event starting with the 1988 games in Seoul, and became an official medal event starting with the 2000 games in Sydney. In 2010, taekwondo was accepted as a Commonwealth Games sport.

One source has estimated that as of 2009, taekwondo was practiced in 123 countries, with over 30 million practitioners and 3 million individuals with black belts throughout the world. The South Korean government in the same year published an estimate of 70 million practitioners in 190 countries.

Taekwondo Description

Features

  

A jumping reverse hook kick.           On Training                    Kids Sparring

Taekwondo is known for its emphasis on high kicking and fast hand techniques, which distinguishes it from martial arts such as karate or southern styles of kung fu. However, the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) believe that the leg is the longest and strongest limb a martial artist has, and kicks thus have the greatest potential to execute powerful strikes without successful retaliation.

Taekwondo as a martial art is popular with people of both genders and of many ages. Physically, taekwondo develops strength, speed, balance, flexibility, and stamina. An example of the union of mental and physical discipline is the breaking of wooden boards, bricks or tiles, which requires both physical mastery of the technique and the concentration to focus one's power.

A taekwondo student typically wears a uniform (dobok 도복, 道服), often white but sometimes black (or other colours), with a belt (dti 띠) tied around the waist. There are at least three major styles of do-bok, with the most obvious differences being in the style of jacket: (1) the cross-over front jacket that resembles traditional Asian clothing, (2) the V-neck jacket (no cross-over) typically worn by WTF practitioners, and (3) the vertical-closing front jacket (no cross-over) typically worn by ITF practitioners. The belt colour and any insignia thereon indicate the student's rank. In general, the darker the colour, the higher the rank. The school or place where instruction is given is called the do-jang (도장). The grandmaster of the do-jang is called a gwan-jang-nim (관장님); Master (senior instructor or head of do-jang) is called sa-beom-nim (사범님); Instructor is called gyo-san-nim (교사님); Assistant Instructor is called jo-gyo-nim (조교님)

Taekwondo, along with many other martial arts, is traditionally performed in bare feet, though there are specialist training shoes that can sometimes be worn.

Although each taekwondo club or school will be different, a student typically takes part in most or all of the following:

• Learning the techniques and curriculum of taekwondo
• Both anaerobic and aerobic workout, including stretching
• Self-defence techniques (hosinsool 호신술)
• Patterns (also called forms, poomsae 품새, 品勢, teul 틀, hyeong 형, 型)
• Sparring (called gyeorugi 겨루기, or matseogi 맞서기 in the ITF), which may include 7-, 3-, 2- and 1-step sparring, free-style sparring, arranged sparring, point sparring, and other types
• Relaxation and meditation exercises; breathing control
• Throwing and/or falling techniques (deonjigi 던지기 and ddeoreojigi 떨어지기)
• A focus on mental and ethical discipline, etiquette, justice, respect, and self-confidence
• Breaking (gyeokpa 격파 or weerok), using techniques to break boards for testing, training and martial arts demonstrations. Demonstrations often also incorporate bricks, tiles, and blocks of ice or other materials. Can be separated into three types:
• Power breaking – using straightforward techniques to break as many boards as possible
• Speed breaking – boards are held loosely by one edge, putting special focus on the speed required to perform the break
• Special techniques – breaking fewer boards but using jumping or flying techniques to attain greater heights, distances, or to clear obstacles
• Exams to progress to the next rank

Some schools teach the "sine wave" technique when performing patterns. This involves raising one's center of gravity between techniques, then lowering it as the technique is performed, producing the up-and-down movement from which the term "sine wave" is derived. Other schools teach that one's center of gravity should remain generally constant throughout the performance of a pattern except where the pattern's description states otherwise.

Tae Kwon Do Origins and Evolution

Origins and Evolution

Tae Kwon Do is a martial art developed over 20 centuries ago in Korea. The earliest records of its practice date back to 50BC where tomb paintings show men in fighting stances practicing forms known as Taek Kyon.

It is believed that the origins of Taek Kyon date even further back and originated as self-defense against wild animals whose defensive and offensive movements were also the subject of much analysis. Taek Kyon, at the time was only one style of fighting. Others had names such as Subak, Tak Kyon and so on.

By 57 BC Korea had three kingdoms (Koguryo, Paekje and Silla) and, with a certain degree of inevitability, a strong rivalry amongst them led to the focus on the development of very effective fighting techniques.

History, repeatedly, has shown that it is the victor who writes the script and this case was no exception. Silla won its wars against its two rivals and in 668 AD it unified the three kingdoms. Instrumental in its victory were the Hwa Rang Do, an elite group of young men who were devoted to cultivating their bodies and minds and serving the kingdom.

Hwa Rang Do, quite literally, means flowering youth (Hwa=flower, Rang=young man) and the young noblemen of the Hwa Rang Do practised various forms of martial arts. The Hwa Rang Do also developed an honor code and it is this which today forms the philosophical background of Tae Kwon Do.

In 936AD the Silla dynasty came to an end and with it the kingdom. In its place, Wang Kon founded the Koryo dynasty. Koryo is an abbreviation of Koguryo which Wang Kon sought to revive. The modern name Korea is derived directly from the word Koryo.

 

It was during the Koryo that a new sport was given form. It was called Soo Bakh Do and it was used, principally, as a military training method. Drawing from the many different forms of martial arts which had preceded it Soo Bakh Do used bare hands and feet as a weapon and its intensity was such that it was seen as a very good way of maintaining one’s strength and overall fitness. As a result its popularity spread throughout the kingdom of Koryo.

This was the precursor to modern day Tae Kwon Do. Despite its effectiveness as a means of training for warfare however and its popularity with the peasants in the fields by 1492 it had almost disappeared. What happened was that King Taejo, founder of the Yi dynasty, replaced Buddhism with Confucianism as the state religion. The teachings of Confucius, imported from the refined, rarefied culture of China, dictated that the higher class of man should read poetry and music and the practice of martial arts should be something left to the less refined, even inferior, man.

The Yi dynasty lasted from 1392 to 1910 and during that time the practice of martial arts and the code of honor of the Hwa Rang remained alive in isolated, stubbornly traditional cultural backwaters of Korea. In 1910 however Korea was invaded by Japan who dominated it until the end of World War II. The Japanese tried to erase all of the Korean culture including its martial arts. As is usual with such situations this brought a stubborn resurgence in the practice of martial arts which now, once more, had a very practical role to play against an invader who strictly controlled the supply of weapons.

Along with occupation, the Japanese also brought karate with them and indeed the quick, straight-line movements which characterize many Tae Kwon Do moves today are a direct result of the legacy left behind by the Japanese army of occupation. After the end of World War II, when Korea became independent, several Kwans, or fighting styles, arose. These were: Chung Do Kwan, Moo Duk Kwan, Yun Moo Kwan, Chang Moo Kwan, Oh Do Kwan, Ji Do Kwan, Chi Do Kwan and Song Moo Kwan. All these Kwans were united in 1955 under the name of Tae Soo Do.

 

Korea’s struggle to re-discover its identity and many traditions was, with some degree of inevitability, reflected in the subsequent development of its martial arts movement and by the beginning of 1957 several Korean martial arts masters had adopted the name Tae Kwon Do for their form of martial arts, because of its similarity to Tae Kyon.

The very first Tae Kwon Do students were soldiers because General Choi Hong-Hi, who is credited as the father of modern Tae Kwon Do, required his soldiers to train in it. The police and air force had to train in Tae Kwon Do as well. At the time Tae Kwon Do was still very heavily under the influence of Japanese karate and, indeed, many of its moves and style bore a very close resemblance to Shotokan Karate.

In 1961, however, the Korean Tae Kwon Do Union arose from the Soo Bakh Do Association and the Tae Soo Do Association. In 1962 the Korean Amateur Sports Association acknowledged the Korean Tae Kwon Do Union and in 1965 the name was set to Korean Tae Kwon Do Association (KTA).

General Choi Hong-Hi was president of the KTA at the time and he was asked to start the International Tae Kwon Do Federation (ITF) as the international branch of the KTA. What follows next is best described as the rise of the acronyms. In 1961, following the overthrow of the southern government of Korea general Choi left for the United States where he established the ITF as a separate entity, in 1963.

Tae Kwon Do was introduced in the UK in 1967, just four years after the foundation of ITF. Six years later the World Tae Kwon Do Federation (WTF) was founded and in 1980 it was recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) which made it a demonstration sport in the Olympic Games.

The Korea Tae Kwon Do Association (KTA) is the National Governing Body (NGB) for Tae Kwon Do in the Republic of Korea, just like the United States Tae Kwon Do Union (USTU) is the NGB for Tae Kwon Do in the United States. The World Tae Kwon Do Federation (WTF) is made up of Tae Kwon Do NGBs. These NGBs are member organizations of the WTF. Individuals can be affiliated to the WTF through their NGBs but cannot join the WTF directly!

As the popularity of Tae Kwon Do increased in the west several attempts were made to unite the two Tae Kwon Do organizations but these were unsuccessful. It was largely because of all this that in August 1983 it was decided to form, in the UK, an organization that would be run on principals far more democratic than were permitted by the two governing bodies of the time (the ITF and WTF). This became the basis of the Tae Kwon Do Association of Great Britain (TAGB).

Five years later, in April 1988, the TAGB became a founding member of the British Tae Kwon Do Council (BTC). The BTC is the only body recognized by the United Kingdom Sports Council and it incorporates 11 different organizations. The birth of the TAGB and the formation of the BTC represent a happy chapter in the tumultuous history of Tae Kwon Do.

With the power of hindsight it is easy to make light of the differences of organizations which have more in common than not. It would, however, be also proper to reflect that the birth of Tae Kwon Do, its development and its propagation are as much a mirror of its troubled origin and the practical needs which made it possible as they are a telling remark on the apparent inability of its many governing bodies to cast aside their differences and find some common ground.

The TAGB, with over 18,000 members represents the next stage in the development of Tae Kwon Do. With its grounding in the ethos and tenets which were first espoused by the Hwa Rang over 2,000 years ago and its open acceptance and constant development of forms, training techniques and ideas, it stands poised to take an ancient fighting form into the 21st century, successfully linking the distant past with an equally distant, and certainly no less wondrous, future.

In view of this, in 1993, a new world body was formed called Tae Kwon Do International. The new body encompasses both ITF and WTF stylists, it is entirely non-political in orientation and its sole aim is to promote the benefits of Tae Kwon Do as a sport and as a martial art, worldwide. The TAGB is a founding member of this new body.

Chapter 3

Philosophy of Taekwondo

Philosophy

Since taekwondo is developed in several different Kwans, there are several different expressions of taekwondo philosophy. For example, the tenets of the ITF are said to be summed up by the last two phrases in the ITF Student Oath: "I shall be a champion of freedom and justice" and "I shall build a more peaceful world." Many forms of Tae Kwon Do, however, are based on what are called the "Five Tenets of Tae Kwon Do". These tenets are: Courtesy (Ye Ui), Integrity (Yom Chi), Perseverance (In Nae), Self Control (Guk Gi), and Indomitable Spirit (Baekjul Boolgool).

The philosophy of Taekwondo is very special, but what makes it so special? If we learn philosophy from books, we tend to forget it as soon as we leave them, because it is not related to our actual lives. But since Taekwondo is connected with our lives like every movement of ours we can never forget its philosophy.

That is, the philosophy is one of actions that can be learned from other actions, and our everyday activities. Taekwondo philosophy represents the principles of the changes and movements in human beings. It also represents the principles of our lives, since life consists of our movements.

can understand the philosophy of Taekwondo by doing Taekwondo, and this understanding should lead to better understanding and enhancement of our life.

The principles of Taekwondo can be explained in several ways but here we will explain it simply with the principle of “Sam Jae” [Three Elements] and that of “Eum” [the Negative or Darkness] and “Yang” [the Positive or the Brightness]. “Sam Jae” refers to “Cheon” [the Heaven], “Ji” [the Earth], and “In” [the Man] and the principles concerning them.

In oriental countries, it has been recognized as the central principle that explains the changes of everything in the world. “Sam Jae” and the changes of “Eum” and “Yang” constitute the “Eight Trigrams for Divination” in the “Book of Changes.” The principle of Sam Jae has been emphasized in oriental countries, especially in Korea.

If you understand Taekwondo’s principle, you could understand all the skills and spiritual depth of Taekwondo. The principle of Eum and Yang has also been emphasized in oriental countries as the central principle of life. It maintains that everything has an opposite side.

This principle explains various forms of changes, but it comes from “Taegeuk” [the Great Absolute], which represents the ultimate claim that Eum and Yang was the one and the same thing. If we understand Taekwondo according to this principle, we will find a solution, and by continuously changing skills, we will never get stuck, in any situation. After we understand these philosophical principles of Taekwondo, we can find proper ways to understand and develop our lives.

What is the philosophy of Taekwondo?

Taekwondo contains thoughts that Han [Korean] people had developed through history. Its philosophy is easily explained with Hongik-Ingan, Jaese-Ihwa, or Hwarangdo spirit. Hongik-Ingan and Jaese-Ihwa were not only ideologies of Tangun Chosun’s foundation, but also a fundamental thought of Han people. With time, these ideas developed into the Hwarangdo spirit and the Taekwondo philosophy today. Now, let’s look at the principles contents of the philosophy.

“Hongik-Ingan” means universal welfare of mankind. It was the idea of the national foundation by Tangun, and the Taekwondo spirit too has inherited the idea of Hongik-Ingan. It is easily confirmed from the fact that the word of Taekwondo, itself means to suppress fighting and induce peace.

On one hand, Jaese-Ihwa means that the world is educated in accordance with the reason of heaven. Taekwondo is a principle, not a simple connection with movements. It is the Korean traditional martial art characterized by the trinity of body, mind and life. Thus, the principle is the reason of all creation, and so it refers to the reason of heaven in Jaese-Ihwa.

Therefore, human beings can be educated in accordance with the reason of heaven through correct training of Taekwondo. That’s the very meaning of Jaese-Ihwa. Hongik-Ingan and Jaese-Ihwa appear clearly in the myth of the Korean foundation. According to it, “In the early age, Hwan-Wung, the son of Heaven established a nation called Baedal [earliest name of Korea]. He then announced the purpose of the national foundation as Jaese-Ihwa [educate with the reason of heaven] and Hongik-Ingan [universal welfare of mankind].

Taekwondo Ethics

Ethics

As in all Martial Arts, ethics are of great importance. One can look at individual ethics, treat a fellow-man right, or one can look at social ethics, as part of a whole. Ethics basically all comes down to one point, the difference between ‘good’ and ‘evil’. We practice taekwondo, often seen as an aggressive sport, but does this mean that we can be aggressive? Do we want to be aggressive? The answer is NO!

We wear protection, because we don’t want someone else to be injured, nor do we want to get hurt ourselves. Taekwondo is not a destructive and aggressive sport, but a sportive one. As I see it, taking part in a competition is not to hurt your opponent, but to test your strength, in both physical and mental ways.

Taekwondo students can improve themselves physically and mentally by training. The final goal is to achieve harmony with nature and oneself. Balance is gained by controlling both evil and good forces (Yin vs. Yang): A true Taekwondo student knows how to behave in all situations.

In my opinion, Taekwondo (and I guess this goes for every Martial Art) is not only a way to improve skills of self defense, but it’s a way of life. Practicing Taekwondo gives the student more self-confidence, but this should not result in a false sense of superiority.

HwaRang Do code of honor:

Because of the military background, there is a general code. These codes are reflected in the so-called ‘Commandments of modern Taekwondo’ and are strongly influenced by the Buddhism. These commandments are influenced by the HwaRang Do code of honor:

1. Serve your lord with loyalty
2. Serve your parents with filial piety
3. Trust your friends
4. Never retreat from a battle
5. When taking life, be selective

The commandments of Taekwondo are used as a guide for the moral development of students and art. No student who does not fully understand these tenets can ever hope to master the true essence of the art.

Commandments of modern Taekwondo:

1. Loyalty to your country
2. Respect your parents
3. Faithfulness to your spouse
4. Respect your brothers and sisters
5. Loyalty to your friends
6. Respect your elders
7. Respect your teacher
8. Never take life unjustly
9. Indomitable spirit
10. Loyalty to your school
11. Finish what you begin

The Tenets of Taekwondo:

Courtesy (Ye Ui): To be thoughtful and considerate of others. Taekwondo practitioners (both students and instructors) should be polite, and show consideration for others.

Integrity (Yom Chi): Integrity describes how you should interact with others, to be honest and good, earn respect and trust.

Perseverance (In Nae): This basically stands for your internal drive. Challenges allow us to improve ourselves and should therefore not be avoided.

Self control (Guk Ki): To have control of your body and mind. A Taekwondo student should practice controlling his actions and reactions.

Indomitable spirit (Baekjool Boolgool): To have courage in the face of adversity. A Taekwondo student should never be dominated by, or have his spirit broken by another.

How to behave in the dojang:

There are a few general rules.

• Always wear a clean Dobok.
• Clean hands, feet, short nails.
• Don’t wear sharp things (if you do not have a Dobok, do not wear pants with zippers etc.)
• No jewelry allowed
• Don’t drink, smoke or eat in the dojang (no chewing gum!)
• Be on time.
• When entering and leaving the dojang, make a proper bow
• Don’t talk, unless it is necessary

Chapter 4

Taekwondo Organizations

Organizations

   

The largest taekwondo organizations are the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) and International Taekwondo Federation (ITF). The WTF is headquartered in South Korea and was founded in 1973 by a group of various national taekwondo teams. Its purpose is to coordinate international competition events under the rules of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Although the terms “WTF” and “Kukkiwon” are often mistakenly used interchangeably to refer to this organization, the Kukkiwon is a completely different organization which trains and certifies instructors and issues official dan and Poom certificates worldwide.

The Kukkiwon has its own unique physical building that contains the administrative offices of Kukkiwon (World Taekwondo Headquarters) in Seoul, South Korea. The Kukkiwon was founded in 1972.

The unofficial training headquarters of the International Taekwondo Federation is located at the Taekwondo Palace located in Pyongyang, North Korea and was founded in the mid-1990s. Today, the International Taekwondo Federation is splintered into three different groups, all claiming to be the original. The three are located in Austria, Canada and North Korea.

Outside of the World Taekwondo Federation and the International Taekwondo Federation, a large number of organizations exist, such as American Taekwondo Federation(ATF), ATA, UITF, USTF, MTA (Midwest Taekwondo Association),(IPTF) International Progressive Taekwondo Federation, TAGB, WTA and so on.

These private organizations require that students belong to a member club or school. Events and competitions held by private organizations are mostly closed to other Taekwondo students. However, the WTF-sanctioned events allow any person, regardless of school affiliation or martial arts style, to compete in World Taekwondo Federation events as long as he or she is a member of the WTF Member National Association in his or her nation, which is open to anyone to join.

The major technical differences among these many organizations revolve around the patterns, called hyeong (형), poomsae (품새), or teul (틀), sets of prescribed formal sequences of movements that demonstrate mastery of posture, positioning, and technique, sparring rules for competition (e.g. ITF light-contact versus WTF full-contact), and philosophy.

In addition to these private organizations, the original schools (Kwans) that formed the organization that would eventually become the Kukkiwon continue to exist as independent fraternal membership organizations that support the WTF and the Kukkiwon. The official curriculum of the Kwans is that of the Kukkiwon. The Kwans also function as a channel for the issuing of Kukkiwon dan and poom certification (black belt ranks) for their members.

Each Kwan has its own individual pledge of tenets and manners that describes the organization’s goals for personal improvement. For example, the tenets of Oh Do Kwan and the ITF are: courtesy (ye-ui), integrity (yom-chi), perseverance (in-nae), self-control (geuk-gi), and indomitable spirit (baek-jeol-bul-gul). The Jidokwan manners are: view, feel, think, speak, order, contribute, have ability, and conduct rightly.

Some organizations also recognize one or two additional tenets beyond the five original Oh Do Kwan tenets; these are community service (sa-hui-bong-sa) and love (sa-rang).

Four concrete paving bricks broken with a knife-hand strike.

Breaking techniques are often practiced in taekwondo.

Two of the most popular systems of taekwondo are named solely after their respective organizations: the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) and the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF).

The WTF was founded in 1973, with roots in the KTA. The KTA Central Dojang had been opened in South Korea in 1972, and a few months later, the name was changed to the Kukkiwon. The following year, the WTF was formed. The International Olympic Committee recognized the WTF and taekwondo sparring in 1980.

Although the terms "WTF" and "Kukkiwon" are often mistakenly used interchangeably, the Kukkiwon is a completely different organization which trains and certifies instructors and issues official dan and poom certificates worldwide. The Kukkiwon has its own unique physical building that contains the administrative offices of Kukkiwon (World Taekwondo Headquarters) in Seoul, South Korea and is the system of taekwondo. The WTF is a tournament committee and is not technically a style or a system.

The ITF was founded in 1966 by Choi Hong Hi as a splinter group from the KTA. After Choi's death in 2002, a number of succession disputes splintered the ITF into three different groups, all claiming to be the original. These three bodies are all private organizations. Two are located in Austria and one in Canada. The unofficial training headquarters of the ITF is located at the Taekwondo Palace in Pyongyang, North Korea, and was founded in the mid-1990s. There are many other private organizations, such as the World Traditional Taekwondo Union and American Taekwondo Association promoting the Songahm style of taekwondo and Rhee Taekwon-Do teaching the military style of taekwondo. Events and competitions held by private organizations are mostly closed to other taekwondo students. However, the WTF-sanctioned events allow any person, regardless of school affiliation or martial arts style, to compete in WTF events as long as he or she is a member of the WTF Member National Association in his or her nation, which is open to anyone to join. The major technical differences among these many organizations revolve around the patterns, called hyeong 형, poomsae 품새, or teul 틀, sets of prescribed formal sequences of movements that demonstrate mastery of posture, positioning, and technique, sparring rules for competition, and philosophy.

In addition to these private organizations, the original schools (Kwans) that formed the organization that would eventually become the Kukkiwon continue to exist as independent fraternal membership organizations that support the WTF and the Kukkiwon. The official curriculum of the Kwans is that of the Kukkiwon. The Kwans also function as a channel for the issuing of Kukkiwon dan and poom certification (black belt ranks) for their members.

Taekwondo Patterns

Patterns or Poomses

Forms, or Poomses in Korean language, are a series of defending and attacking movements performed against imaginary opponents in a set pattern. Through the practice of forms, students come to learn the applications of various techniques of Taekwondo.

Forms serve a multi-dimensional role, aiding in development and refinement of coordination, balance, timing, breath control and rhythm, all of which are essential skills to the Taekwondo student.

Poomse’s: W.T.F. uses Poomses for patterns. Poomses originate from the book ‘I Ching’, a Chinese oracle. The I Ching has 64 hexagrams, a combination of two sets of three lines, closed or broken. The sets of three lines are called trigrams.

The closed lines represent Yang, the open lines Yin. In the Chinese language, the unity of Yin and Yang is called ‘taich’i’. In the Korean language, the unity is called T’ae-guk. This explains the term Poomsae Taeguk. The eight trigrams together are called Pal-gwe as in Poomsae Palgwe.

Poomsae Taeguk/Palgwe Il Jang — Heaven

(South, Father) The first Taeguk/Palgwe is the beginning of all Poomses. The associated trigram represents Yang (heaven, light), therefore, this Poomsae should be performed with the greatness of Heaven.

Poomsae Taeguk/Palgwe Ee Jang — Lake

(South East, Youngest daughter) In the depths of the lake are treasures and mysteries. The movements of this Taeguk/Palgwe should be performed knowing that man has limitations, but that we can overcome these limitations. This should lead to a feeling of joy, knowing that we can control our future.

Poomsae Taeguk/Palgwe Sam Jang — Fire

(East, Second daughter) Fire contains a lot of energy. Fire helped man to survive, but on the other hand had some catastrophically results. This form should be performed rhythmically, with some outbursts of energy.

Poomsae Taeguk/Palgwe Sa Jang — Thunder

(North East, Eldest son) Thunder comes from the sky and is absorbed by the earth. Thunder is one of the most powerful natural forces, circling, gyrating. This Taeguk/Palgwe should be performed with this in mind.

Poomsae Taeguk/Palgwe Oh Jang — Wind

(South West, Eldest daughter) Wind is a gentle force, but can sometimes be furious, destroying everything in it`s path. Poomsae Taeguk/Palgwe Oh Jang should be performed like the wind: gently, but knowing the ability of mass destruction with a single movement.

Poomsae Taeguk/Palgwe Yook Jang — Water

(West, Second son) Water can move a mountain. The movements of this Poomsae should be performed like water. Sometimes standing still like water in a lake, sometimes thriving as a river.

Poomsae Taeguk/Palgwe Chil Jang — Mountain

(North West, Youngest son) Mountains will always look majestic, no matter the size. This Poomsae should be performed with the feeling that all movements are this majestic and deserved to be praised.

Poomsae Taeguk/Palgwe Pal Jang — Earth

(North, Mother) The associated trigram of this Poomsae is Yin: the end of the beginning, the evil part of all that is good. Even in this darkness, there is still some light. Performing this Taeguk/Palgwe, one should be aware that this is the last Taeguk/Palgwe to be learned, it also is the end of a circle, and therefore it is also the first, the second etc…

Both Palgwe’s and Taeguk’s are numbered from one to eight. After this point, there is no longer a difference between the patterns. The patterns below follow the Poomsae Taeguks as well as the Poomsae Palgwes.

Poomsae Koryo

Koryo (Korea) is the name of an old Korean Dynasty. The people from the Koryo-period defeated the Mongolian aggressors. Their spirit is reflected in the movements of the Poomsae Koryo. Each movement of this Poomsae represents the strength and energy needed to control the Mongols.

Poomsae Keumgang

The definition of Keumgang is “Too h3 to be broken”, or “diamond”. The movements of the Poomsae Keumgang are as beautiful as the Keumgang-san (a Korean mountain) and as h3 as Keumgang-seok (diamond).

Poomsae TaeBaek

The legendary ‘Dangoon’ founded a nation in Taebaek, near Korea’s biggest mountain Baekdoo. Baekdoo is a symbol for Korea. The definition of Taebaek is “lightness”. Every movement in this Poomsae must not only be exact en fast, but with determination and hardness.

Poomsae Pyongwon

The definition of Pyongwon is “stretch, vast plain”: big, majestic.

Poomsae Sipjin

Sipjin stands for decimal. This Poomsae represents the orderliness of the decimal system. It also means the endless development and growth in a systematic order: stability.

Poomsae Jitae

Jitae is derived from the meaning of the earth. All things evolve from and return to the earth, the earth is the beginning and the end of life.

Poomsae Cheonkwon

Cheonkwon means ‘sky’. The sky should be seen as ruler of the universe. It is mysterious, infinite and profound. The motions of Cheonkwon are full of piety and vitality.

Poomsae Hansoo

This poomsae is derived from the fluidity of water which easily adapts within nature.

Poomsae Ilyo

The state of spiritual cultivation in Buddhism is called ‘Ilyo’ which means more or less ‘oneness’. In Ilyo, body and mind, spirit and substance, I and you are unified. The ultimate ideal of taekwondo can be found in this state. It is a discipline in which we concentrate on every movement leaving all materialistic thoughts, obsessions and external influences behind.

Tul’s

I.T.F. has 24 patterns (or Tul) representing the 24 hours of the day or the whole of a man’s life. There are 10 patterns for the first black belt, at which point the member moves from being a ‘beginner’ to a ‘novice’.

The primary difference between I.T.F. and W.T.F. (from looking to the two) is that I.T.F. uses a ‘stepping’ movement for all hand techniques.

This ‘stepping motion’ that the I.T.F. utilizes is referred to by I.T.F. practitioners as “Sine wave”, “Knee Spring” or “up/down Motion”. It causes the body to move in a “sine wave” resulting in the whole body being involved at the moment of impact, blocking or attacking.

This technique is not just used for hand-techniques. It is used in I.T.F. kicking techniques as well.

Chon-Ji Tul (19 movements)

Literally means heaven and earth. It is in the orient interpreted as the creation of the world or the beginning of human history, therefore it is the initial pattern played by the beginner. This pattern consists of two similar parts; one to represent the Heaven and the other the Earth.

Dan-Gun Tul (21 movements)

Dan Gun is named after the Holy Dan Gun, the legendary founder of Korea in the year 2333 B.C.

Do-San Tul (24 movements)

Do-San is a pseudonym of the patriot Ahn Chang-Ho (1876 – 1938). The 24 movements represent his entire life which he devoted to furthering education in Korea and the Korean independence movement.

Won-Hyo Tul (28 movements)

Won-Hyo was the noted monk who introduced Buddhism to the Silla Dynasty in the year 686 AD.

Yul-Gok Tul (38 movements)

Yul-Gok is a pseudonym of a great philosopher and scholar Yi I (1536 – 1584) nicknamed the “Confucius of Korea”. The 38 movements of this pattern refer to his birthplace on 38 degree latitude and the diagram of the pattern represents scholar.

Joon-Gun Tul (32 movements)

Joong-Gun is named after the patriot Ahn Joong-Gun who assassinated Hiro Bumi Ito, the first Japanese governor-general of Korea, known as the man who played the leading part in the Korea-Japan merger. There are 32 movements in this patter to represent Mr. Ahn’s age when he was executed at Lui-Shung in 1910.

Toi-Gye Tul (37 movements)

Toi-Gye is the pen name of the noted scholar Yi Hwang (16th century) an authority on neo-Confucianism. The 37 movements of the pattern refer to his birthplace on 37 degree latitude, the diagram represent “scholar”.

Hwa-Rang Tul (29 movements)

Hwa Rang is named after the Haw Rang youth group which originated in the Silla Dynasty in the early 7th century. The 29 movements refer to the 29th infantry Division, where Taekwondo developed into maturity.

Choong-Moo Tul (30 movements)

Choong-Moo was the name given to the great Admiral Yi Soon-Sin of the Yi Dynasty. He was reputed to have invented the first armored battleship (Kobukson) in 1592, which is said to be the precursor of the present day submarine. This pattern ends with a left hand attack, to symbolize his regrettable death. He was noted for his unrestrained loyalty to the King.

Kwang-Gae Tul (39 movements)

Kwang-Gae is named after the famous Kwang-Gae-Toh-Wang, the 19th king of the Koguryo Dynasty, who regained all the lost territories including the greater part of Manchuria. The diagram represents the expansion and recovery of lost territory. The 39 movements refer to the first two figures of 391 AD, the year he came to the throne.

Po-Eun Tul (36 movements)

Po-Eun is the pseudonym of a loyal subject Chong-Mong-Chu (1400) who was a famous poet and whose poem “I would not serve a second master though I might be crucified a hundred times” is known to every Korean. He was also a pioneer in the field of physics. The diagram represents his unerring loyalty to the king and country towards the end of the Koryo Dynasty.

Ge-Baek Tul (44 Movements)

Ge-Baek is named after Ge-Baek, a great general in the Baek-Je Dynasty (660AD). The diagram represents his severe and strict military discipline.

Eui-Am Tul (45 Movements)

Eui-Am is the pseudonym of Son Byong Hi, leader of the Korean independence movement on March 1, 1919. The 45 movements refer to his age when he changed his name of Dong Hak (oriental Culture) to Chondo Kyo (Heavenly Way Religion) in 1905. The diagram represents his indomitable spirit, displayed while dedicating himself to the prosperity of his nation.

Choong-Jang Tul (52 Movements)

Choong-Jang is the pseudonym given to General Kim Duk Ryang who lived during the Yi Dynasty, 14th century. This pattern ends with a left hand attack to symbolize the tragedy of his death at 27 in prison before he was able to reach full maturity.

Juche Tul (45 Movements)

Juche is a philosophical idea that man is the master of everything and decides everything, in other words, the idea that man is that master of the world and his own destiny. It is said that this idea was rooted in Baekdu Mount which symbolize the spirit of the Korean people. The diagram represents Baekdu Mountain.

Sam II Tul (33 Movements)

Sam Il denotes the historical date of the independence movement of Korea which began throughout the country on March 1, 1919. The 33 movements in the pattern stand for the 33 patriots who planned the movement.

Yoo-Sin Tul (68 Movements)

Yoo Sin is named after General Kin Yoo Sin, a commanding general during the Silla Dynasty. The 68 movements refer to the last two figures of 668 AD the year Korea was unified. The ready posture signifies a sword drawn to the right rather than the left side, symbolizing Yoo sin’s mistake of following his king’s orders to fight with foreign force against his own nation.

Choi Yong Tul (46 Movements)

Choi Yong is named after General Choi Yong, Premier and Commander-in Chief of the armed forces during the 14th century Koryo Dynasty. Choi Yong was greatly respected for his loyalty, patriotism, and humility. He was executed by subordinate commanders headed by General Yi Sung Gae, who later became the first king of the Yi Dynasty.

Yon Gae Tul (49 Movements)

Yon Gae is named after a famous general during the Koguryo Dynasty. Yon Gae Somoon. The 49 movements refer to the last two figures of 649 AD the year he forced the Tang Dynasty to quit Korea after destroying nearly 300,000 of their troops at Ansi Sung.

UL-JI Tul (42 Movements)

UL-JI is named after general UL-JI Moon Dok who successfully defended Korea against a Tang’s invasion force of nearly one million soldiers led by Yang Je in 612 AD, Ul-JI employing hit and run guerilla tactics was able to decimate a large percentage of the force. The diagram represents his surname. The 42 movements represent the author’s age when he designed the pattern.

Moon-Moo Tul (61 Movements)

Moon Moo honors the 30th king of the Silla Dynasty. His body was buried near Dae Wang Am (Great King’s Rock). According to his will, the body was placed in the sea “Where my soul shall forever defend my land against the Japanese”. It is said that the Sok Gul Am (Stone Cave) was built to guard his tomb. The Sok Gul Am is a fine example of the culture of the Silla Dynasty. The 61 movements in this pattern symbolize the last two figures of 6612 AS when Moon Moo came to the throne.

So-San Tul (72 Movements)

So San is the pseudonym of the great monk Choi Hyong Ung (1520 – 1604) during the Lae Dynasty. The 72 movements refer to his age when he organized a corps of monk soldiers with the assistance of his pupil Sa Myung Dang. The monk soldiers helped repulse the Japanese pirates who overran most of the Korean peninsula in 1592.

Se Jong Tul (24 Movements)

Se-Jong is named after the greatest Korean King, Se-Jong, who invented the Korean alphabets in 1443, and was also a noted meteorologist. The diagram represents the king, while the 24 movements refer to the 24 letters of the Korean alphabet.

Tong Il Tul

Tong Il denotes the resolution of the unification of Korea which has been divided since 1945. The diagram symbolizes the homogenous race

Chapter 5

Taekwondo Vital Points

Vital Points

The vital points of the body are listed below. A vital point is a part of the body that, when attacked in the right way (force, angle, accuracy), can cause paralysis, unconsciousness or even death. Attacks to nerves can lead to nausea, headaches or worse.

This information should only be used to increase your knowledge of the body and of Taekwondo, it is not meant to be used without the supervision of a qualified instructor.

The impact on vital points is indicated by numbers as followed:

1. Moderate pain
2. Sharp pain
3. Severe pain
4. Unconsciousness or temporary paralysis
5. Fatal

The body has about 280 vital points so this list is far from complete.

The front of the head

S/No.	Description	Result of light impact	Result of full-power attack
1	Top of head	2	4
2	Forehead	2	4
3	Temple	3	5
4	Cheekbone	2	4
5	Neck artery	3	5
6	Cervical trachea	3	5
7	Glabella	2	4
8	Intraocular pressure	2	4
9	Eyeball	2/3	4/5
10	Philtrum	½	3/4
11	Jaw	2	4
12	Chin	2	4
13	Adam’s apple	3	5

The front of the body:

S/No.	Description	Result of light impact	Result of full-power attack
1	Center of the thorax	2	4
2	Lower end of sternum	3	5
3	Solar plexus	3	5
4	Center of abdomen	2	4
5	Inner thigh	2	4
6	Center of instep	2	4
7	Brest	1	3
8	Thorax flank	2	4
9	Flank pit of waist	2	4
10	Groin	3	5
11	Upper knee-edge	2	4
12	Shin	1	3

The back of the body:

S/No.	Description	Result of light impact	Result of full-power attack
1	Back of the neck	3	5
2	(several parts of) backbone	3	5
3	Outside of upper arm	1	4
4	Outer wrist	1	3
5	Hip nerve	2	4
6	Achilles heel	2	4
7	Kidneys	2	4
8	Elbow (just below)	1	3
9	Coccyx	2	4/5
10	Pit of thumb and first-finger	2	4
11	Knee pit	1	3

Tae Kwon Do Competition and Ranks

Competition and Ranks

Taekwondo Belts

Taekwondo ranks are separated into “junior” and “senior” or “student” and “instructor” sections. The junior section typically consists of ten ranks indicated by the Korean word geup (also Romanized as gup or kup). The junior ranks are usually identified by belts of various colors, depending on the school, so these ranks are sometimes called “color belts”. Students begin at tenth geup (usually indicated by a white belt) and advance toward first geup.

The senior section typically includes nine or ten ranks indicated by the Korean word dan also referred to as “black belts” and “degrees” (as in “third dan” or “third-degree black belt”). Black belts begin at first degree and advance to second, third, and so on.

The degree is often indicated on the belt itself with stripes, Roman numerals, or other methods; but sometimes black belts are plain and unadorned regardless of rank.

To advance from one rank to the next, students typically go through promotion tests in which they demonstrate their proficiency in the various aspects of the art before a panel of judges.

Promotion tests will vary from school to school, but may include such elements as the execution of patterns, which combine various techniques in specific sequences; the breaking of boards, to demonstrate the ability to use techniques with both power and control; sparring and self-defense, to demonstrate the practical application and control of techniques; and answering questions on terminology, concepts, history, and the like, to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the art.

   

  Olympic sparring match                             

Students are sometimes required to take a written test or to submit a research paper in addition to taking the practical test (especially for higher ranks). Promotion from one geup to the next can proceed fairly rapidly, since schools often allow geup promotions every two, three, or four months. Students of geup rank learn the most basic techniques first, then move on to more advanced techniques as they approach first dan.

In contrast, promotion from one dan to the next can take years. The general rule is that a black belt may advance from one rank to the next only after the number of years equivalent to the rank. For example, a newly-promoted third-degree black belt may not be allowed to promote to fourth-degree until three years have passed. Some organizations also have age requirements related to dan promotions. Dan ranks usually have titles associated with them, such as “master” and “instructor”. However, these titles and their associations with specific ranks vary among schools and organizations.

The two main Taekwondo organizations have their own rules and standards when it comes to ranks and the titles that go with them; for details, see Kukkiwon and International Taekwondo Federation.

  

Tae-Kwon-Do Woman in air          Tae-kwon-do Kid in air         Tae- kwon- do Kids

Competition: Taekwondo competition typically involves sparring, breaking, patterns, and/or self-defense (hosinsul). However, in Olympic taekwondo competition, only sparring is contested; and in Olympic sparring the WTF competition rules are used.

Under WTF and Olympic rules, sparring takes place between two competitors in an area measuring 10 meters square. Each match or bout consists of three non-stop rounds of contact with rest between rounds. Colored belts fight in 1-minute rounds with a 30-second break, while black belts fight in 2-minute rounds with 1-minute breaks. Points are awarded for permitted, accurate, and powerful techniques to the legal scoring areas.

A kick or punch that makes full force contact with the opponent’s hogu (a trunk cover that functions as a scoring target) scores one point; a hard kick to the head scores two points. Punches to the head are not allowed. If a competitor is knocked down by a scoring technique and the referee counts, then an additional point is awarded to the opponent. Soft contact to the body and head does not score any points.

  

At the end of three rounds, the competitor with the most points wins the match. If, during the match, one competitor gains a 7-point lead over the other or if one competitor reaches a total of 12 points, then that competitor is immediately declared the winner and the match ends. In the event of a tie at the end of three rounds, a fourth “sudden death” overtime round will be held to determine the winner, after a 1-minute rest period.

The ITF sparring rules are similar, but differ from the WTF rules in several respects. For example, hand attacks to the head are allowed; flying techniques score higher than grounded techniques; the competition area is slightly smaller (9 meters square instead of 10 meters); and competitors do not wear the hogu used in Olympic-style sparring (although they are required to wear approved foot and hand protection equipment).

Taekwondo competition also involves sparring, breaking, patterns, and self-defence (hosinsul). In Olympic taekwondo competition, however, only sparring (using WTF competition rules) is contested.

There may be two kinds of competition sparring: point, which all strikes are light contact, and the clock is stopped when a point is scored; and Olympic, where all strikes are full contact and the clock continues when points are scored.

World Taekwondo Federation

Official WTF trunk protector (hogu), forearm guards and shin guards

Under World Taekwondo Federation and Olympic rules, sparring is a full-contact event and takes place between two competitors in an area measuring 8 meters square. A win can occur by points, or if one competitor is unable to continue (knockout) the other competitor wins. Each match consists of three semi-continuous rounds of contact, with one minute's rest between rounds. There are two age categories: 14–17 years and 18 years and older.

Points are awarded for permitted, accurate, and powerful techniques to the legal scoring areas; light contact does not score any points. The only techniques allowed are kicks (delivering a strike using an area of the foot below the ankle) and punches (delivering a strike using the closed fist). In most competitions, points are awarded by three corner judges using electronic scoring tallies. Several A-Class tournaments, however, are now trailing electronic scoring equipment contained within competitors' body protectors. This limits corner judges to scoring only attacks to the head. Some believe that the new electronic scoring system will help to reduce controversy concerning judging decisions, but this technology is still not universally accepted. Beginning in 2009, a kick or punch that makes contact with the opponent's hogu (the body guard that functions as a scoring target) scores one point; if a kick to the hogu involved a technique that includes fully turning the attacking competitor's body, so that the back is fully exposed to the targeted competitor during execution of the technique (spinning kick), an additional point is awarded; a kick to the head scores three points; as of October 2010 an additional point is awarded if a turning kick was used to execute this attack. Punches to the head are not allowed. As of March 2010, no additional points are awarded for knocking down an opponent (beyond the normal points awarded for legal strikes).

The referee can give penalties at any time for rule-breaking, such as hitting an area not recognized as a target, usually the legs or neck. Penalties are divided into “Kyong-go (warning penalty)” and “Gam-jeom (deduction penalty)”. Two “Kyong-go” shall be counted as an addition of one (1) point for the opposing contestant. However, the final odd-numbered “Kyong-go” shall not be counted in the grand total.

At the end of three rounds, the competitor with more points wins the match. In the event of a tie at the end of three rounds, a fourth "sudden death" overtime round, sometimes called "Golden Point”, will be held to determine the winner after a one minute rest period. In this round the first competitor to score a point wins the match. If there is no score in the additional round the winner shall be decided by superiority as determined by the refereeing officials.

Until 2008, if one competitor gained a 7-point lead over the other, or if one competitor reached a total of 12 points, then that competitor was immediately declared the winner and the match ended. These rules were abolished by the WTF at the start of 2009. In October 2010 the WTF reintroduced a point gap rule. Under the new rule if a competitor has a 12 point lead at the end of the second round or achieves a 12 point lead at any point in the 3rd round then the match is over and the athlete in the lead is declared the winner.

Depending on the type of tournament and club, competitors may also use fist protectors, foot protectors, instep guards, helmets and mouth guards.

International Taekwon-Do Federation

Common styles of ITF point sparring equipment

The International Taekwon-Do Federation's sparring rules are similar to the WTF's rules, but differ in several aspects.

• Hand and foot attacks to the head are allowed.^[41]
• The scoring system is:
• 1 Point for: Punch or kick to the body.
• 2 Points for: Any kicks to the head.
• 3 Points for: Any turning kick to the head.
• The competition area may vary between 10x10 meters or 10x10 meters in international championships.

Competitors do not wear the hogu (although they are required to wear approved foot and hand protection equipment, as well as optional head guards). This scoring system varies between individual organisations within the ITF- for example, in the TAGB, punches to the head or body score 1, kicks to the body score 2 and kicks to the head score 3

A continuous point system is utilized in ITF competition, where the fighters are allowed to continue after scoring a technique. Full-force blows are allowed, and knockouts result in a victory; although these rules vary between ITF organizations. At the end of two minutes (or some other specified time) the competitor with more scoring techniques wins.

Fouls in ITF sparring include heavy contact, attacking a fallen opponent, leg sweeping, holding/grabbing, intentional attack to a target other than the opponent.

ITF competitions also feature performances of patterns, breaking, and 'special techniques' (where competitors perform prescribed board breaks at great heights).

Other organizations

American Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) competitions are very similar, except that different styles of pads and gear are allowed.

Apart from WTF and ITF tournaments, major taekwondo competitions (all featuring WTF taekwondo only) include:

• Olympic Games
• Universiade
• Asian Games
• South East Asian Games
• South Asian Games

WTF taekwondo features in every multi-sport games except the Small Island Games. It was accepted as a Commonwealth Games sport in June 2010.

Safety

Although taekwondo competitors have an apparently substantial risk of injury, most injuries are minor. A 2009 meta-analysis reported that an average of about 8% of competitors is injured per exposure to competition. Age, gender, and level of play did not significantly affect the injury rate. The legs are the most common location for injuries, and bruising is the most common injury type.

Injuries may occur if students are taught to block punches in a formal manner (chamber position, perfect angles, etc.) even when sparring. When comparing the speed of a punch and the reaction time and time taken to block effectively, it is difficult to block a punch. Many taekwondo schools teach students blocking for grading and class work and dodging or parrying for sparring.

Korean commands

In taekwondo, Korean language commands are often used. Korean numerals may be used as prompts or commands. Often, students count in Korean during their class, and during tests they are usually asked what certain Korean words used in class mean. These words are fairly common amongst taekwondo schools, but accuracy of pronunciation can vary greatly.

Romanization	Hangeul	Hanja	English
Cha ryeot	차렷		Attention
Gyeong rae	경례	敬禮	Bow
Ba ro	바로		Return
Shi eo	쉬어		At ease (relax)
Hyu shik	휴식	休息	Rest period (break)
Ki hap	기합	氣合	Yell (shout)
Jun bi	준비	準備	Ready
Shi Jak	시작	始作	Begin (start)
Gal lyeo	갈려		Break (separate)
Gye sok	계속	繼續	Continue
Geu man	그만		Finish (stop)
Dwiro do-ra	뒤로 돌아		About face (180 degrees)
Hae san	해산	解散	Dismiss

Chapter 6

Tae Kwon Do Five Tenets

The Five Tenets

The tenets of Tae Kwon-Do should serve as a guide for all students of the art.

Courtesy:

Tae Kwon-Do students should attempt to practice the following elements of etiquette:

1. To promote the spirit of mutual concessions.
2. To be ashamed of one’s vice contempting that of other’s
3. To be polite to one another
4. To encourage the sense of justice
5. To distinguish the Instructor from student and senior from junior

Integrity:

In Tae Kwon-Do, the word integrity assumes a looser definition than the one usually presented in Weber’s dictionary. One must be able to define right from wrong, and have the conscience, if wrong, to feel guilt. Listed are some examples where integrity is lacking.

1. The Instructor who misrepresents him/herself and his art by presenting improper techniques to his students because of lack of knowledge or apathy.
2. The student who misrepresents him/herself by “fixing” breaking materials before demonstrations.
3. The instructor who camouflages bad techniques with luxurious training halls and false flattery to his students.
4. The student who requests rank from an Instructor, or attempts to purchase it.
5. The student who gains rank for ego purposes or the feeling of power.
6. The Instructor that teaches and promotes his art solely for materialistic gains.

Perseverance:

There is an old Oriental saying “Patience leads to virtue or merit. One can make a peaceful home by being patient for 100 times”. Certainly happiness and prosperity are most likely brought to the patient person. To achieve something, whether it is a higher degree or the perfection of a technique, one must set his goal then constantly persevere. Robert Bruce learned his lesson of perseverance and tenacity that finally enabled him to free Scotland in the fourteenth century. One of the most important secrets in becoming a leader of Tae Kwon-Do is to overcome every difficulty by perseverance.

Self Control:

This tenet is extremely important inside the Do-Jang, whether conducting oneself in free sparring or in one’s personal affairs. A loss of self control in free sparring can prove disastrous to both student and opponent. An inability to live and work within one’s capability or sphere is also a lack of self control.

Indomitable Spirit:

“Here lie 300 who did their duty”, a simple epitaph for one of the greatest acts of courage known to mankind. Although facing the superior forces of Xerxes, Leonidas and his 300 Spartans at Thermopia showed the world the meaning of Indomitable Spirit. It is shown when a courageous person and his principles are pitted against overwhelming odds. A serious student of Tae Kwon-Do will at all times deal with the belingerent without any fear or hesitation at all, and with Indomitable Spirit, regardless of whosoever and however many the number be.

The Theory of Power

Theory of Power

Mathematical application of Taekwondo

The beginning student may ask; where does one obtain the power to create the devastating results attributed to Taekwon-Do? This power is attributed to the utilization of a person`s full potential through the mathematical application of Taekwon-Do techniques. The average person uses only 10 to 20 percent of his potential. Anyone, regardless of size, age, or sex who can condition himself to use 100 percent of his potential can also perform the same destructive techniques.

Though training will certainly result in a superb level of physical fitness, it will not necessarily result in the acquisition of extraordinary stamina or superhuman strength. More important, Taekwon-Do training will result in obtaining a high level of reaction force, concentration, equilibrium, breath control and speed; these are the factors that will result in a high degree of physical power.

Reaction Force (Bandong Ryok): According to Newton`s Third Law of motion or Newton`s Law of Action and Reaction, stated in every object there is an equal and opposite force. When an automobile crashes into a loaded vehicle on opposite direction with the force of 1,000 pounds, the loaded vehicle will return a force of 1,000 pounds.

Or forcing the end of the seesaw down with a ton of weight will provide an upward force of the same weight; if your opponent is rushing towards you at a high speed.

By the slightest blow at his head, the force with which you strike his head would be that of his own onslaught plus that of your blow.

The two forces combined; his, which is large, and yours, which is small is quite impressive. Another reaction force is your own. A punch with the right fist is aided by pulling back the left fist to the hip.

Concentration (Jip Joong): By applying the impact force onto the smallest target area, it will concentrate the force and therefore, increase its effect. For example, the force of water coming out of a water hose is greater if the orifice is smaller. Conversely, the weight of a man spread out on snow shoes makes hardly any impression on the snow.

The blows in Taekwon-Do are often concentrated onto the edge of the open palm or to the crook of the fingers. It is very important that you should not unleash all your strength at the beginning but gradually, and particularly at the point of contact with your opponent`s body, the force must be so concentrated as to give a knock-out blow. That is to say, the shorter the time for the concentration, the greater will be the power of the blow. The utmost concentration is required in order to mobilize every muscle of the body onto the smallest target area simultaneously.

In conclusion, concentration is done in two ways: one is to concentrate every muscle of the body, particularly the bigger muscles around the hip and abdomen (which theoretically are slower than the smaller muscles of other parts of the body) towards the appropriate tool to be used at the proper time; the second way is to concentrate such mobilized muscles onto the opponent`s vital spot. This is the reason why the hip and abdomen are jerked slightly before the hands and feet in any action, whether it is attack or defense. Remember, jerking can be executed in two ways: laterally and vertically.

Equilibrium (Kyun Hyung): Balance is of utmost importance in any type of athletics. In Taekwon-Do, it deserves special consideration. By keeping the body always in equilibrium, that is, well balanced, a blow is more effective and deadly. Conversely, the unbalanced one is easily toppled.

The stance should always be stable yet flexible, for both offensive and defensive movements. Equilibrium is classified into both dynamic and static stability. They are so closely inter-related that the maximum force can only be produced when the static stability is maintained through dynamic stability.

To maintain good equilibrium, the center of gravity of the stance must fall on a straight line midway between both legs when the body weight is distributed equally on both legs or in the center of the foot if it is necessary to concentrate the bulk of body weight on one foot.

The center of gravity can be adjusted according to body weight. Flexibility and knee spring are also important in maintaining balance for both a quick attack and instant recovery. One additional point; the heel of the rear foot should never be off the ground at the point of impact. This is not only necessary for good balance but also to produce maximum power at the point of impact.

Breath Control (Hohup Jojul): Controlled breathing not only affects one`s stamina and speed but can also condition a body to receive a blow and augment the power of a blow directed against an opponent. Through practice, breath stopped in the state of exhaling at the critical moment when a blow is landed against a pressure point on the body can prevent a loss of consciousness and stifle pain. A sharp exhaling of breath at the moment of impact and stopping the breath during the execution of a movement tense the abdomen to concentrate maximum effort on the delivery of the motion, while a slow inhaling helps the preparation of the next movement.

An important rule to remember is never to inhale while focusing a block or blow against an opponent. Not only will this impede movement but it will also result in a loss of power. Students should also practice disguised breathing to conceal any outward signs of fatigue. An experienced fighter will certainly press an attack when he realizes his opponent is on the point of exhaustion. One breath is required for one movement with the exception of a continuous motion.

Mass (Zilyang): The maximum kinetic energy or force is obtained from maximum body weight and speed and it is all important that the body weight be increased during the execution of a blow. No doubt the maximum body weight is applied with the motion of turning the hip. The large abdominal muscles are twisted to provide additional body momentum. Thus the hip rotates in the same direction as that of the attacking or blocking tool.

Another way of increasing body weight is the utilization of a springing action of the knee joint. This is achieved by slightly raising the hip at the beginning of the motion and lowering the hip at the moment of impact to drop the body weight into the motion. In summarizing, it is necessary to point out that the principles of force outlined here hold just as true today in our modern scientific and nuclear age as they did centuries ago. I am sure that when you go through this art, both in theory and in practice, you will find that the scientific basis of the motions and the real power which comes out a small human body cannot fail to impress you.

Speed (Sokdo): Speed is the most essential factor of force or power. Scientifically, force equals mass multiplied by acceleration (F = MA) or (P = MV²). According to the theory of kinetic energy, every object increases its weight as well as speed in a downward movement.

This very principle is applied to this particular art of self-defense. For this reason, at the moment of impact, the position of the hand normally becomes lower than the shoulder and the foot lower than the hip while the body is in the air. Reaction force, breath, control, equilibrium, concentration, and relaxation of the muscles cannot be ignored. However, these are the factors that contribute to the speed and all these factors, together with flexible and rhythmic movements, must be well coordinated to produce the maximum power in Taekwon-Do.

Chapter 7

Korean Terminology for TaeKwonDo

Korean Counting

There are two different numbering systems that are used by Koreans. The first numbering system is used when counting, or when only speaking of the numbers themselves. The first ten numbers in this system are as follows:

1	:	Hanah
2	:	Dool
3	:	Set
4	:	Net
5	:	Dasot
6	:	Yasot
7	:	Ilgop
8	:	Yadol
9	:	Ahop
10	:	Yool

The stress in "hanah", "dasot", and "yasot" is on the first syllable, in "ilgop", "yadol", and "ahop" on the second. In counting cadence in TaeKwonDo, this is so emphasized that the other syllable frequently almost disappears (e.g., "han", "das", "yos", "lgop", "hop", etc.).
The other numbering system (which is of Chinese origin) is used in most other cases and is often used where Americans would use ordinal numbers (such as "first", "second", etc ...). For example, this second numbering system is used when describing a person's rank: a first degree black belt would be an "il dan". The first ten numbers in this numbering system are as follows:

1	:	Il
2	:	Ee
3	:	Sahm
4	:	Sah
5	:	Oh
6	:	Ryook
7	:	Chil
8	:	Pal
9	:	Koo
10	:	Ship

The final `l' in "chil" and "pal" isn't rounded, like an American `l’.... It's a much shorter sound, sort of like the initial `l' in "let", but even shorter. It's not like the `l' in "ball".
When pronouncing the word "ship", you must not emphasize the "sh" sound. It's almost more like "sip" with a sort of a lisp. If you pronounce it like "sh" in "shell", then you are referring to sexual intercourse.
Even though this second numbering system may correspond to ordinal numbers in English in some cases, these are not ordinal numbers. Koreans use a separate set of words for ordinal numbers.

Basic Body Parts

Mom	:	Body
kwanjeol	:	Joint
ulgool	:	face & head
muh ree	:	Head
Noon	:	Eye
Gui	:	Ear
Ko	:	Nose
in joong	:	Philtrum
Eep	:	Mouth
Tuhk	:	Chin
mokoomeong	:	Throat
Mok	:	Neck
Ouka	:	Shoulder
myung chi	:	solar plexus
Pahl	:	Arm
pahlkup	:	Elbow
pahlmahk	:	Forearm
ahn pahlmahk	:	inner side of forearm
bahkat pahlmahk	:	outer side of forearm
meet pahlmahk	:	palm side of forearm
wi pahlmahk	:	back side of forearm
deung pahlmahk	:	back of forearm
sahnmahk	:	Wrist
Sahn	:	Hand
sahnkal	:	outside edge of hand (knifehand)
sahnkal deung	:	inside edge of hand (ridgehand)
sahn deung	:	back hand
joomok	:	Fist
sahnkahrak	:	Finger
sahnkeut	:	Fingertip
momtong	:	trunk (middle section)
Huri	:	Waist
ahrae	:	lower body (low section)
noolro	:	Groin
dahree	:	Leg
mooreup	:	Knee
ahp jung kang yi	:	Shin
bahl mahk	:	Ankle
Bahl	:	foot (or feet)
bahldung	:	Instep
bahlbong oh ri	:	arch of foot
bahl nahl	:	outside edge of foot
an bahl nahl	:	inside edge of foot
bahl badak	:	sole of foot
ahp chook	:	ball of foot
dwi koomchi	:	heel
dwi chook	:	bottom of heel
bahlkeut	:	toes

Tenets of TaeKwonDo

ye ui	:	Courtesy
yom chi	:	Integrity
in nae	:	Perseverance
kuk gi	:	self-control (also "jah jeh")
baekjool	:	indomitable spirit (also "boolgool eui jung shin")

Body Movements

mom omgigi	:	movement of the body
mahki	:	Block
chagi	:	Kick
chirugi	:	thrust (or punch)
chigi	:	strike (with the hand)
jeek gi	:	strike (with the foot)
bahk gi	:	strike (with the head)
sahn ki sool	:	hand technique
bahl ki sool	:	foot technique
kyorugi	:	Sparring
bituro	:	Twisting
gamya	:	stepping (also "omkyuh didigi")
kuht neun	:	Walking
Uro	:	moving in a particular direction (e.g. "ahp uro gamya" - stepping forward)
bang hyang bakoogi	:	changing direction
bitkyuh surgi	:	Escaping
tdwim yu	:	Jumping
dora	:	to turn
dolmyo	:	Spinning
mee keul myu	:	sliding (also "mee kul gi")
jupgi	:	holding/grabbing
donzigi	:	Throwing
goorugi	:	rolling/tumbling
pyihagi	:	Dodging
hecho	:	Spreading
moyo	:	Gathering
bojoo	:	Covering

Directions

oo	:	right (also "oh-ruen")
joa	:	left (also "wen")
ahp	:	Front
ahn	:	Inner
bahkat	:	Outer
bahndae	:	Reverse
dwi	:	Back
ahnuro	:	Inward
bahkuro	:	Outward
whee	:	high (up)
whee uro	:	Upward
guande	:	Middle
ulgool	:	high section (also "sahngdahn")
momtong	:	middle section (also "chungdahn")
ahrae	:	low section (also "hahdahn")

Rank

kagup	:	Rank
gup	:	Grade
dan	:	Degree
simsa	:	grading (or promotional) test
simsa kwan	:	Examiner
dan gup jedo	:	system of rank

Hand Positions

sahnkal	:	knifehand
sahnkal jecho	:	knifehand with palm up
sahnkal deung	:	ridgehand (also "oppun sahnkal")
sahn bahtong	:	palm heel (also "bahtong sahn")
sahn deung	:	back hand (also "deung sahn")
ah keum sahn	:	arc hand
galkwi sahn	:	ripping (or raking) hand
jipke sahn	:	pincers hand
joomok	:	Fist
deung joomuk	:	back fist
yup joomuk	:	side fist
me joomuk	:	hammer-fist
inju joomuk	:	forefinger one-knuckle fist
bamchu joomuk	:	middle-finger one-knuckle fist
doo bam joomuk	:	two-knuckle fist
pyun joomuk	:	flat (or open) fist
omji joomuk	:	thumb-knuckle fist
kwan soo	:	spearhand (also "pyun sahnkeut")
sahnkeut	:	spearfinger
gawi sahnkeut	:	scissors-shaped spearfingers

Hand Attacks

bahro chirugi	:	straight (return) punch
bahndae chirugi	:	reverse punch
gullgi chirugi	:	hook punch
yung seuk chirugi	:	combination (consecutive) punch
doo bun chirugi	:	double punch
sae bun chirugi	:	triple punch
sahnkeut chirugi	:	spearfinger thrust
sewo chirugi	:	vertical punch
gotjang chirugi	:	vertical fist punch
dolrya chirugi	:	round punch
dwijubo chirugi	:	upset punch
soteum chirugi	:	spring punch
nehryuh chirugi	:	downward punch
chi chirugi	:	uppercut punch
jae chuh chirugi	:	upper punch (also "jae chin chirugi")
doo joomuk chirugi	:	doublefist punch
dikootja chirugi	:	`U' (or `C') shaped punch (hi-lo)
sosum chirugi	:	double uppercut punch
keumgang chirugi	:	diamond-shaped punch
nalgeh chirugi	:	wing-shaped punch

Blocks

bahkat palmahk mahki	:	outer forearm block
ahn palmahk mahki	:	inner forearm block
sahng palmahk mahki	:	twin forearm block
ahnuro mahki	:	inward block
bahkuro mahki	:	outward block
ahrae mahki	:	low block
cho kyo mahki	:	rising block
daebi mahki	:	guarding block
bituro mahki	:	twisting block
gahwi mahki	:	scissors block
keumgang mahki	:	diamond-shaped (Hercules) block
gutjha mahki	:	`9'-shaped block (cross block)
yeot pero mahki	:	`X'-shaped block (also "kyo cha mahki")
santeul mahki	:	mountain-shaped block (also "osanteul mahki")
weh santeul mahki	:	part mountain-shaped block
utgallruyuh mahki	:	Cr oss block (also "utgiruh mahki")
hechuh mahki	:	scattered block (or wedge block)
hwang so mahki	:	ox (or "bull") block
bahtangsahn nooluh mahki	:	pressing down block
deuluh oll ryu mahki	:	upward scooping fist block

Kicks

cha olligi	:	stretching kick
jillo chagi	:	thrusting kick
ahp chagi	:	front kick
yup chagi	:	side kick
dolrya chagi	:	round (roundhouse) kick
dwi chagi	:	back kick
bahndae dolrya chagi	:	reverse round kick ("hook kick" for some styles)
dwi dolrya chagi	:	back round kick ("hook kick" for some styles)
gullgi chagi	:	hook kick (also "golcho chagi" or "golro chagi")
bahndall chagi	:	crescent kick (literally "half moon kick")
hoohrio chagi	:	wheel kick
beet chagi	:	slant (or instep) kick
bahn dolrya chagi	:	half round kick (also "instep kick")
beakya chagi	:	slap kick
nehryuh jeek gi	:	ax kick; literally "downward foot strike"
hwe jun chagi	:	swing kick
mil a chagi	:	pushing kick (also "mil gi chagi")
gokwang i chagi	:	pickax kick
pyojuk chagi	:	target kick
dolmyo chagi	:	spinning kick
tdwim yah chagi	:	jumping kick
yung seuk chagi	:	combination (consecutive) kick
meekulmyu chagi	:	sliding kick (also "mikulgi chagi")
goollruh chagi	:	rolling kick
natgeh tdwim yu chagi	:	hopping kick
nalla chagi	:	flying kick (also "goong jung chagi")
gahwi chagi	:	scissors kick
illja chagi	:	linear kick
japgo chagi	:	holding (grasp) kick
ohpo chagi	:	falling kick (leg sweep)
nachu oh chagi	:	stooping kick

Stances

sohgi	:	Stance
jah seh	:	posture (or stance) [used instead of "sohgi" in some styles]
ahnjun sohgi	:	sitting stance
ahp sohgi	:	front stance
ahp koo bi sohgi	:	front bent knee stance (also just "ahp koo bi")
dwi sohgi	:	back stance
dwi koo bi sohgi	:	back bent knee stance (also just "dwi koo bi")
beom sohgi	:	cat (or tiger) stance (also "goyang-i sohgi")
kuht neun sohgi	:	walking stance
juchoom sohgi	:	horseback riding stance ("kima sohgi" in some styles)
mot sohgi	:	fighting stance
kyorugi sohgi	:	sparring stance
choon bi sohgi	:	ready stance (also "pyeonhi sohgi")
gibon sohgi	:	basic stance
guande sohgi	:	middle stance
naranhee sohgi	:	parallel stance
niun ja sohgi	:	`L'-stance
gojang sohgi	:	fixed (lower-back) stance
sa sun sohgi	:	diagonal stance
gyuttari sohgi	:	fixed balance (or bent knee) stance
koh ah sohgi	:	crossed foot stance
kyo cha sohgi	:	`X'-stance
mo ah sohgi	:	close stance
joong-rib sohgi	:	neutral stance
dong yuk sohgi	:	dynamic stance
cha yun sohgi	:	natural stance
chagi sohgi	:	kicking stance
hahktari sohgi	:	crane stance (also "ue bal sohgi")

Sparring

kyorugi	:	(free) sparring
han bun kyorugi	:	one step sparring
doo bun kyorugi	:	two step sparring
sae bun kyorugi	:	three step sparring
bahn ja yu kyorugi	:	semi free sparring
machu oh kyorugi	:	arranged free sparring
jeon	:	round (competition segment)
shihap	:	bout or match
jeum	:	point
shi gan	:	time out
keum bahk	:	out of bounds
kyong go	:	warning
gam jeum	:	deduction of point
shil kyuk	:	disqualification
boo sang	:	injury
seung	:	Win
bi kim	:	Tie
chung	:	Blue
hong	:	Red
hin	:	white
jajun bahl	:	use of footwork to dodge a technique
nachugi	:	body evasion by "ducking"

Forms

poomse	:	form (pronounced "poom-say"), also "hyung"
tul	:	Patterns
jang	:	similar to a page or a chapter
yung seuk	:	combination
sa bang hyang	:	four direction

Uniform

dhee	:	belt
dobok	:	uniform
ha'i	:	training pants

Equipment

hogoo	:	chest protector (also "bohogoo")
sahn boho jang kap	:	protective gloves
pahlmahk bohodae	:	forearm guard
jung kang yi bohodae	:	shin guard
nang shim bohodae	:	groin cup
muh ree bohodae	:	protective head gear
eep bohodae	:	mouth guard

Commands

cha ryuht	:	attention
choon bi	:	ready
bah ro	:	return to starting position
dwi uro dorah	:	about face
dorah	:	turn
elosoh	:	stand
gomahn	:	stop (also "mum cho")
geuk gi hyang ha yoh	:	face the flag
jwa woo hyang woo	:	face each other
sah bum nim keh	:	face instructor/master
sun bae nim keh	:	face senior student
simsa kwan nim keh	:	face examiner/tester
dobok dahnjung	:	fix your uniform
dhee dahnjung	:	fix your belt
hai sahn	:	class dismissed (also "hae cho")
jonglee	:	line up (also "ji hap" and "jung yul")
kyung nae	:	bow
ahnjoe	:	sit
kool o angi	:	kneel (kneeling)
bah ro angi	:	sit in lotus position (yoga posture)
bahl bah kwah	:	switch your stance (switch your feet)
koo ryung op see	:	in your own time
seijak	:	begin
shiuh	:	relax
kalyeo	:	break (or stop)
kae sok	:	continue

Common Phrases

ye	:	yes (also "ne")
anio	:	No
kahm sa hamnida	:	thank you
komap sumnida	:	less formal form of "thank you"
cheon maeneyo	:	you're welcome (literally "Don't mention it!")
cheuk ka hamnida	:	congratulations!
ahnyong hasimnika	:	How are you? (literally "Are you well?" or "Are you at peace?")
ahnyong hasayo	:	less formal form of "How are you?"
yoboseyo	:	hello (used on the phone or to get someone's attention; literally "Please look here!")
ahnyonghee gasipsiyo	:	good-bye (to the person who is leaving); literally "Go in peace!"
ahnyonghee gyesipsiyo	:	good-bye (to the person who is staying); literally "Stay in peace!"
ahnyonghee gasayo	:	less formal form of "good-bye" (to the person who is leaving)
ahnyonghee gyesayo	:	less formal form of "good-bye" (to the person who is staying)
pangap seumnida	:	Pleased to meet you!
toh poepkeseoyo	:	See you later!
eoseo osayo	:	Welcome!
choesong hamnida	:	I'm sorry
mian hamnida	:	less formal form of "I'm sorry!"
shillye hamnida	:	Excuse me! (asking forgiveness for an impolite act)
kwaen chanayo	:	That's all right
ahlge seoyo	:	I understand
moreuge seoyo	:	I don't understand
chaemi isseoyo	:	It is fun (or interesting)!

Titles

do joo nim	:	founder (of the art)
kwan jang nim	:	grandmaster
chung sah nim	:	chief instructor (or "chief master")
sah bum nim	:	instructor (or "master")
sah boo nim	:	more intimate and respectful form of "sah bum nim"; literally "teaching father"
kyo sah nim	:	teacher (also "seon saeng nim")
sun bae nim	:	senior student
hu bae nim	:	junior student
hak saeng	:	Student
suryun saeng	:	Trainee
jeja	:	Pupil
joo sim	:	Referee
bu sim	:	Judge
bae sim	:	Juror
kae sim	:	time keeper
ki rohk	:	Recorder

Miscellaneous

dojang	:	place where one trains (house of discipline)
gong-kyok	:	offense
hosinsool	:	self-defense
mukyum	:	meditation
kihap	:	Yell
jung shin yuk	:	mental strength, or martial art spirit (also "moodo jung shin")
jung shin dong il	:	concentration of the mind
jung shin soo yang	:	development (training) of the mind
jung do	:	the "right" way (correctness of action)
sim shin dahn ryun	:	mind and body discipline
chung myung kwon	:	development (training) of the body, mind, and spirit
chi shik	:	knowledge of mind and thoughts
heng dong	:	execution (action) of the body and its techniques
pil seung	:	certain victory
il sok pil sai	:	one strike must kill
ho hyoop	:	breathing
shim ho hyoop	:	breathing control (deep breathing)
himm	:	force or power
ki	:	life-energy
dahnjun	:	the center of your "ki"
bokboo	:	the stomach area where "ki" is generated.
choong sim	:	center of gravity
chojum	:	focus (focal point) of your energy
jeung ga	:	increase (to strengthen or augment)
kyuk pa	:	breaking (the art of breaking boards, bricks, and tiles)
shibum	:	demonstration (or exhibition)
pyugi	:	Stretching
ye jol	:	Etiquette
jon gyung	:	Respect
choong sung	:	loyalty (also "eui ri")
jung jhik	:	Honesty
kahjok	:	Family

Chapter 8

The Founder of Taekwondo General Choi Hong Hi

The Founder

Choi Hong Hi (9 November, 1918 – 15 June 2002), widely known as General Choi, was a South Korean army general and martial artist who is a controversial figure in the history of the Korean martial art of taekwondo. Choi was widely credited with starting the spread of taekwondo internationally by stationing South Korean taekwondo instructors around the world, but was also widely claimed (through omission or explicitly) to be either an unimportant, or even dishonorable, figure in taekwondo history. Choi held the rank of 9th dan in the International Taekwon-Do Federation (his own organization), and 2nd dan in Shotokan-ryu karate.

Choi combined elements of taekyon and karate to develop a modern martial art that he called “Taekwon-Do”, which means “the way of the feet and the hands.” This name was given on 11 April 1955. Choi founded the Oh Do Kwan, and apparently held an honorary 4th dan ranking in the Chung Do Kwan. In 1959, Choi was named President of the Korea Taekwon-Do Association. Seven years later, following political troubles, he founded the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) on 22 March 1966. After retirement from military service, Choi was South Korea’s first ambassador to Malaysia. Through the last three decades of the 20th century, Choi promoted the art of taekwondo through his work in the ITF.

Taekwondo has been affected by political troubles since its beginning as a distinct martial art. Since the founding of the ITF, Choi and his supporters have strongly maintained the view that ITF taekwondo is the only authentic taekwondo style, and that all others are merely imitators. In comparison, the WTF and many others have omitted any mention of Choi or the ITF from their historical documents.

Gen. Choi Hong Hi with his son Grandmaster Choi Jung Hwa

Choi was a controversial figure in the history of taekwondo. The three ITF groups and affiliated organisations recognize him as the “Father of Taekwondo,” while the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) and affiliated organisations do not mention him in their historical records.

Some parties have openly denounced him. Controversies aside, Choi did dedicate much of his life to promoting the art of taekwondo around the world, as evidenced by his work within the ITF from 1966 until his death on 15 June 2002.

General Choi Hong Hi was born on November 9 November, 1918 in the rugged and harsh area of Hwa Dae, Myong Chun District in what is now D.P.R of Korea. In his youth, he was frail and quite sickly, a constant source of worry for his parents.

Even at an early age, however, the future general showed a strong and independent spirit. At the age of twelve he was expelled from school for agitating against the Japanese authorities who were in control of Korea. This was the beginning of what would be a long association with the Kwang Ju Students Independence Movement.

After his expulsion, young Choi`s father sent him to study calligraphy under one of the most famous teachers in Korea, Mr. Han II Dong. Han, in addition to his skills as a calligrapher, was also a master of Taek Kyon, the ancient Korean art of foot fighting. The teacher, concerned over the frail condition of his new student, began teaching him the rigorous exercises of Taek Kyon to help build up his body.

In 1937, Choi was sent to Japan to further his education. Shortly before leaving, however, the youth had the misfortune to engage in a rather heated argument with a massive professional wrestler who promised to literally tear the youth limb from limb at their next encounter. This threat seemed to give a new impetus to young Choi`s training in the martial arts.

In Kyoto, Choi met a fellow Korean, Mr. Him, who was engaged in teaching the Japanese martial art, Karate. With two years of concentrated training, Choi attained the rank of first degree black belt. These techniques, together with Taek Kyon (foot techniques), were the forerunners of modern Taekwon-Do.

There followed a period of both mental and physical training, preparatory school, high school, and finally the University in Tokyo. During this time, training and experimentation in his new fighting techniques were intensified until, with attainment of his second degree black belt, he began teaching at a YMCA in Tokyo, Japan.

Choi recounts a particular experience from this period of time. There was no lamp-post in the city that he didn’t strike or kick to see if the copper wires ahead were vibrating in protest.

“I would imagine that these were the techniques I would use to defend myself against the wrestler, Mr. Hu if he did attempt to carry out his promise to tear me limb from limb when I eventually returned to Korea.”

With the outbreak of World War II, the author was forced to enlist in the Japanese army through no volition of his own. While at his post in Pyongyang, North Korea, the author was implicated as the planner of the Korean Independence Movement and interned at a Japanese prison during his eight month pretrial examination.

While in prison, to alleviate the boredom and keep physically fit, Choi began practicing this art in the solitude of his cell. In a short time, his cellmate and jailer became students of his. Eventually, the whole prison courtyard became one gigantic gymnasium.

The liberation in August 1945 spared Choi from an imposed seven year prison sentence. Following his release, the ex-prisoner journeyed to Seoul where he organized a student soldier`s party. In January of the following year, Choi was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the new South Korean army, the “Launching Pad” for putting Taekwon-Do into a new orbit.

Soon after, he made company commander in Kwang-Ju where the young second lieutenant lighted the torch of this art by teaching his entire company and was then promoted to first lieutenant and transferred to Tae Jon in charge of the Second Infantry Regiment. While at his new post, Choi began spreading the art not only to Korean soldiers but also to the Americans stationed there. This was the first introduction to Americans of what would eventually become known as Taekwon-Do. 1947 was a year of fast promotion. Choi was promoted to captain and then major.

In 1948, he was posted to Seoul as the head of logistics and became Taekwon-Do instructor for the American Military Police School there. In late 1948, Choi became a lieutenant colonel.

In 1949, Choi was promoted to full colonel and visited the United States for the first time, attending the Fort Riley Ground General School. While there, this art was introduced to the American public in 1951, by brigadier general. During this time, he organized the Ground General School in Pusan as Assistant Commandant and Chief of the Academic Department. Choi was appointed as Chief of Staff of the First Corps in 1952 and was responsible for briefing General MacArthur during the visits to Kang Nung. At the time of armistice, Choi was in command of the 5th Infantry Division.

The year 1953 was an eventful one for the General, in both his military career and in the progress of the new martial art. He became the author of the first authoritative book on military intelligence in Korea. He organized and activated the crack 29th Infantry Division at Cheju Island, which eventually became the spearhead of Taekwon-Do in the military and established the Oh Do Kwan (Gym of My Way) where he succeeded not only in training the cadre instructors for the entire military but also developing the Taek Kyon and Karate techniques into a modern system of Taekwon-Do, with the help of Mr. Nam Tae Hi, his right hand man in 1954.

In the latter part of that year, he commanded Chong Do Kwan (Gym of the Blue Wave), the largest civilian gym in Korea; Choi was also promoted to major general.

Technically, 1955 signaled the beginning of Taekwon-Do as a formally recognized art in Korea. During that year, a special board was formed which included leading master instructors, historians, and prominent leaders of society. A number of names for the new martial art were submitted. On the 11th of April, the board summoned by Gen. Choi, decided on the name of Taekwon-Do which had been submitted by him. This single unified name of Taekwon-Do replaced the different and confusing terms; Dang Soo, Gong Soo, Taek Kyon, Kwon Bup, etc.

In 1959, Taekwon-Do spread beyond its national boundaries. The father of Taekwon-Do and nineteen of his top black belt holders toured the Far East. The tour was a major success, astounding all spectators with the excellence of the Taekwon-Do techniques.

Many of these black belt holders such as Nam Tae Hi, President of the Asia Taekwon-Do Federation; Colonel Ko Jae Chun, the 5th Chief of Taekwon-Do instructors in Vietnam; Colonel Baek Joon Gi, the 2nd Chief instructor in Vietnam; Brigadier Gen. Woo Jong Lim; Mr. Han Cha Kyo, the Head Instructor in Singapore and Mr. Cha Soo Young, presently an international instructor in Washington D.C. eventually went on to spread the art to the world.

In this year, Choi was elevated to two illustrious posts; President of his newly formed Korea Taekwon-Do Association and deputy commander of the 2nd Army in Tae Gu.

The Korean Ambassador to Vietnam, General Choi Duk Shin was instrumental in helping to promote Taekwon-Do in this nation locked in a death struggle with the communists. That same year General Choi Hong Hi published his first Korean text on Taekwon-Do which became the model for the 1965 edition.

In the year of 1960, the General attended the Modern Weapons Familiarization Course in Texas followed by a visit to Jhoon Rhees Karate Club in San Antonio, where the author convinced the students to use the name Taekwon-Do instead of Karate. Thus Jhoon Rhee is known as the first Taekwon-Do instructor in America. This marked the beginning of Taekwon-Do in the United States of America.

Choi returned to Korea as the Director of Intelligence of the Korean Army. Later that same year, he assumed command of the Combat Armed Command with direction of the infantry, artillery, armored, signal and aviation schools.

The Year 1961, incidentally, was the year of maturation for both Choi`s military career and Taekwon-Do, with the command of the largest training centers in Korea and the newly assigned command of the 6th Army Corps.

Taekwon-Do spread like wildfire, not only to the Korean civilian and military population but to the U.S. soldiers of the 7th Infantry Division which was under his operational control. Through his students, Taekwon-Do was even introduced to the greatest military academy in the world. West Point, in the same year, he also made Taekwon-Do a compulsory subject for the entire armed and police forces in South Korea.

1962, Choi was appointed as Ambassador to Malaysia, where, as a dedicated missionary of Taekwon-Do, the art was spread. In 1963, the Taekwon-Do Association of Malaysia was formed and reached national acceptance when the art was demonstrated at the Merdeka Stadium at the request of the Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rhaman.

The same year, two important milestones took place; the famous demonstration at the United Nations building in New York, and the introduction of Taekwon-Do to the Armed Forces of Vietnam under Major Nam Tae Hi, In February of the following year, a Taekwon-Do Association was formed in Singapore, and the groundwork was laid for forming associations in the outer reaches of Brunei.

The same year, Ambassador Choi made a trip to Vietnam with the sole purpose of teaching the advanced Taekwon-Do patterns that he perfected after years of research to the instructors group headed by Lt. Col. Park Joon Gi, in person. This was indeed a new era for Taekwon-Do in that he was able to draw a clear line between Taekwon-Do and Karate by completely eliminating the remaining vestige of Karate.

Late this year, he was re-elected to be the President of the Korea Taekwon-Do Association upon returning home, which gave him a chance to purify the Taekwon-Do society by cleaning up the political circles within its organization.

In 1965 Ambassador Choi, retired two star general, was appointed by the Government of the Republic of Korea to lead a goodwill mission to West Germany, Italy, Turkey, United-Arab Republic, Malaysia, and Singapore. This trip is significant in that the Ambassador, for the first time in Korean history, declared Taekwon-Do as the national martial art of Korea.

This was the basis not only for establishing Taekwon-Do Associations in these countries but also the formation of the International Taekwon-Do Federation as it is known today. In 1966, the dream of the sickly young student of calligraphy, who rose to Ambassador and the Association President of the most respected martial art in the world came true. On the 22nd of March, the International Taekwon-Do Federation was formed with associations in Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, West Germany, the United States, Turkey, Italy, Arab Republic of Egypt and Korea.

In 1967, the father of Taekwon-Do received the first Class Distinguished Service Medal from the Government of Vietnam and he helped to form the Korea-Vietnam Taekwon-Do Foundation, presided by Gen. Tran van Dong. That same year the Hong Kong Taekwon-Do Association was formed. In August, Choi visited the All American Taekwon-Do tournament held in Chicago, Illinois, where he discussed expansion, unification, and the policy of the United States Taekwon-Do Association with leading instructors. This visit led to the formal establishment of the U.S. Taekwon-Do Association in Washington, D.C. on November 26th, 1967.

During his visit, Choi also met with Robert Walson, fourth degree black belt and one of the foremost American authorities on Taekwon-Do, to lay the ground work for a new edition of a book on Taekwon-Do.

In late 1967, the author invited Master Oyama to the I.T.F. Headquarters in Seoul to continue the discussion they had earlier at Hakone, Japan, whereby Master Oyama would eventually change his techniques to that of Taekwon-Do.

In that same year, the President of the I.T.F. selected five instructors from the Armed Forces for Taiwan, at the request of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-Shek. This request was channeled through General Chung II Kwon, then the Prime Minister of South Korea.

In 1968, the author visited France, as the chief delegate of the Korean Government, to attend the Consul International Sports Military Symposium held in Paris. Taekwon-Do was a major topic on the agenda. Delegates from 32 countries witnessed demonstrations of Taekwon-Do by a team of experts. That same year, the United Kingdom Taekwon-Do Association was formed and the author visited Spain, the Netherlands, Canada, Belgium and India with the hope of spreading Taekwon-Do.

When Choi returned to Korea he was presented with the first Sports Research Award from South Korea for his dedicated work on behalf of the Korean martial art.

In 1969, Choi toured Southeast Asia to personally investigate the preparations of each country for the First Asian Taekwon-Do Tournament that was held in September in Hong Kong. Immediately after the tournament, the author undertook a worldwide tour of twenty-nine countries to visit instructors and gather photographs for the first edition of his previous book Taekwon-Do - (Copyright 1972)

August 1970, the author left for a tour of twenty countries throughout Southeast Asia, Canada, Europe and the Middle East. Choi, of course, held seminars for international instructors every place he went and helped spread and weld the International Taekwon-Do Federation into a cohesive force.

In March 1971, Choi attended the Second Asian Taekwon-Do Tournament, held at Stadium Negara in Malaysia, which was opened with the declaration of Tun Abdul Rhajak, the Prime Minister, and closed with the presence of their Majesties.

Also in this year, the author was asked by Gen. Kim Jong Hyun, head of the Army Martial Art department, to select qualified instructors for the Republic of Iran Armed Forces.

The world tour of 1972 was quite retrospective in that Choi had an opportunity to introduce Taekwon-Do to those heads of state of Bolivia, Dominica, Haiti and Guatemala respectively.

In this year, Choi moved the headquarters of International Taekwon-Do Federation, with the unanimous consent of member countries, to Toronto, Canada, envisaging to spread this art eventually to the countries of Eastern Europe, according to the milestone he set up years before.

During these travels, the author has been especially interested in promoting Taekwon-Do among the youth of the world. The President of the International Taekwon-Do Federation has been instrumental in introducing the art to numerous universities in Europe, America, the Middle East and the Far East.

During the months of November and December 1973, General Choi and a specially selected I.T.F. Demonstration Team, consisting of Kong Young II, Park Jong Soo, Rhee Ki Ha, Pak Sun Jae and Choi Chang Keun, all 7th degree black belts, toured Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Far East. A total of 13 countries were visited and new I.T.F. branches established in 5 of these countries. The tour was an overwhelming success with a total of more than 100,000 people watching the demonstrations in Egypt alone. At each stop, general Choi and the Demonstration Team were hosted by ranking representatives of the local governments.

1974 was indeed an exuberant and long remembered year for Choi, because the founder of Taekwon-Do was not only able to proudly present the superiority of techniques as well as the competition rules of this art, but also to bring his dream into reality by holding the first World Taekwon-Do Championships in Montreal.

In November and December of this year, he led the 4th International Taekwon-Do Demonstration Team consisting of 10 of the world`s top instructors to Jamaica, Curacao, Costa Rica, Colombia, Venezuela and Surinam.

In 1975, Taekwon-Do alone had the privilege to demonstrate at the Sydney opera house for the first time since its opening. General Choi visited Greece and Sweden to conduct seminars later in this year. In the middle of 1976 he toured Iran, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Europe to inspect Taekwon-Do activities, giving seminars at the same time. In November of the same year, Choi went to Holland to declare the opening of the First European Taekwon-Do Championships held in Amsterdam.

September 1977, the founder of Taekwon-Do visited Malaysia, New Zealand and Australia following the Tokyo meeting in which he publicly denounced the South Korean President Park Jung Hee who had been using Taekwon-Do for his political ends. Later that year he visited Sweden and Denmark to aid in the formation of their National Associations of Taekwon-Do.

In May of 1978, General Choi toured Malaysia, Pakistan, Kenya and South Africa accompanied by Rhee Ki Ha. In this year he led the 5th International Taekwon-Do Demonstration Team consisting of Choi Chang Keun, Rhee Ki Ha, Park Jung Tae and Liong Wai Meng to Sweden, Poland, Hungary and Yugoslavia. In September of the same year the Second World Taekwon-Do Championships was held in Oklahoma City, U.S.A.

In June 1979, the All Europe Taekwon-Do Federation was formed in Oslo, Norway. After this historic event General Choi toured Sweden, Denmark, West Germany, France and Greenland accompanied by Khang Su Jong and Rhee Ki Ha. In November of that year he led the 6th International Taekwon-Do demonstration team consisting of Kim Jong Chan, Choi Chang Keun, Rhee Ki Ha, Park Jung Tae, Lee Jong Moon, Chung Kwang Duk, Kim Suk Jun and Michael Cormack to Argentina.

The year 1980 was indeed an unforgettable one for the father of Taekwon-Do, both for himself and the future of his art. He and 15 of his students, including his son Choi Joong Hwa, made a monumental trip to the Democratic People`s Republic of Korea. This was the first time Taekwon-Do was introduced to the people of North Korea, Choi`s birth place. In November of this same year, the first All Europe Taekwon-Do Championships was held in London with 18 countries participating.

In January of 1981, Gen. Choi made a visit to Queensland, Australia, accompanied by Choi Chang Keun, to declare, open the first Pacific Area Taekwon-Do Championships. At this time he helped to form the South Pacific Taekwon-Do Federation as well as the Australian Taekwon-Do Federation.

In June of the same year, the author led the 8th International Taekwon-Do Demonstration Team to Tokyo, Japan. In October, he conducted a seminar for the founding members of Taekwon-Do in the Democratic People`s Republic of Korea, and in November he proudly presented the unified Taekwon-Do demonstration team consisting of North and South Korean instructors to the historic meeting called North and Overseas Korean Christian Leaders, held in Vienna, Austria. In August, President Choi visited Argentina to declare the opening of the Third World Taekwon-Do Championships held in Resistencia, Chaco.

In January 1982 the President of the International Taekwon-Do Federation formed the North America Taekwon-Do Federation in Toronto, Canada. In this year, the author was finally able to realize his long anticipated dream (since 1967) when a Taekwon-Do gym opened for the first time in Japan under the auspices of patriot Chon Jin Shik. It was indeed a very busy year for the President in that he visited Puerto Rico in July accompanied by Master Park Jung Tae, to conduct seminars.

During the months of October and November he toured Greenland, the United Kingdom, West Germany, Austria, Denmark, Poland, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia and Finland, accompanied by Master Han Sam Soo, Park Jung Taek and Choi Joong Hwa to promote Taekwon-Do. He also attended the First Intercontinental Taekwon-Do Championships held in December in Naples, Italy.

In October of the same year Gen. Choi met with Mr. Csandi, the Chairman of programming committee of I.O.C. in Budapest, Hungary to discuss the recognition of I.T.F. by the I.O.C. In January 1983, General Choi made a visit to Colorado, U.S.A accompanied by Master Lee Suk Hi, the President of North America Taekwon-Do Federation, to grade Charles E. Sereff, the President of the U.S. Taekwon-Do Federation, for 7th degree.

In February 1983, the author toured Latin America including Argentina, Columbia, Panama and Honduras to conduct a full scale seminar. During his stay in Honduras he helped to activate the Central American Taekwon-Do Federation. During the months of March, April and May he toured Santa Barbara, California, Europe and the Democratic People`s Republic of Korea to conduct last minute preparation of the encyclopedia, the last product of his life-long research.

In October and November of the same year, he made a visit to Yugoslavia and Italy accompanied by Park Jung Taek and Choi Joong Hwa to prepare photographs to be used for the Encyclopedia. In April 1984, President Choi declared the opening of the Fourth World Taekwon-Do Championships held in Glasgow, Scotland. In the same month, he visited Mr. Juan Antonio Samaranch, President of the International Olympic Committee, in Lausanne accompanied by Master Rhee Ki Ha, Charles Sereff and Kim Yong Kyu to prove that only the International Taekwon-Do Federation is the world governing body of true Taekwon-Do.

In September the author invited key instructors such as Lee Suk Hi, Rhee Ki Ha, Park Jung Tae and Choi Joong Hwa to Pyongyang to finalize the publication of the Encyclopedia. In fact, this was the time when the relocation of the I.T.F. to Vienna, Austria was seriously discussed.

In October of the same year, the President made an official visit to Budapest, Hungary to declare the opening of the 3rd All Europe Taekwon-Do Championships. This indeed was of particular importance as it was the first large scale international event held in a socialist country as far as the Taekwon-Do tournament is concerned.

In the following month, General Choi visited New York City along with masters Lee Suk Hi and Park Jung Tae to declare open the 3rd annual General Choi`s Cup in North America. In December the 5th I.T.F Congress meeting was held in Vienna, where it was unanimously decided to relocate the I.T.F. here by March of the next year. Also at the meeting, President Choi Hong Hi was re-elected for another term. Mr. Jun Chin Shik, the President of Japan International Taekwon-Do Federation, Masters Lee Suk Hi and Rhee Ki Ha were elected as Vice Presidents with master Park Jung Tae as Secretary-General.

Without doubt, 1985 was one of the most significant years for the founder of Taekwon-Do as he was able to document all of the techniques he had researched for years by publishing the Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do. He was also able to establish a strong foundation for the spreading of his art to the entire world, especially the socialist as well as the Third World countries by moving the International Taekwon-Do Federation to Vienna, the capital city of Austria.

In April of this year, President Choi visited Puerto Rico accompanied by Tran Trien Quan, the President of the Canadian Taekwon-Do Federation, James Limand Kim Suk Jun to attend the 1st Latin American General Choi`s Cup. In June, he visited East Berlin to attend the opening ceremony of the 24th I.O.C. Congress.

In November of the same year, Gen. Choi, accompanied by Secretary-General Master Park Jung Tae and Tran Trien Quan, visited Norway to honor the opening of the 1985 Scandinavian Taekwon-Do Championships.

In December, various festivals celebrating the 30th anniversary of Taekwon-Do was held in Quebec, Canada sponsored by the Taekwon-Do Federation of Canada were highlighted with the presence of the Father of Taekwon-Do, Gen. Choi Hong Hi.

In June 1986 the founder took DPRK Taekwon-Do demonstration team to the People`s Republic of China. This visit eventually became the motivation for the Chinese people to adopt the Korean martial art, Taekwon-Do.

1987 was a significant year for General Choi because he showed once again the indomitable spirit as well as perseverance to the Taekwon-Do world by declaring the 5th World Championship in May in Athens, Greece, despite persistent interference of the South Korean dictatorial regime.

In December of the same year, president Choi began to formulate the Promotion and Popularization Foundation of ITF boosted by the pledge given by Mr. Chon Yon Shik, the elder brother of senior vice-president Mr. Chon Jin Shik, in the amount of 100,000,000 Japanese Yen.

The year 1988 was culminated by two important events. In May, the Hungarian government hosted the 6th World Championships in Budapest which was by far, the largest in scale, finest in technique and also for the first time, televised via satellite throughout Europe.

In August, the Father of Taekwon-Do was at last able to realize his ultimate dream of introducing and teaching his art without regard to religion, race, national or ideological boundaries, by leading the I.T.F. demonstration team to Moscow, U.S.S.R.

Chapter 9

THE ESTABLISHMENT AND SPREADING OF TAEKWONDO

ESTABLISHMENT AND SPREADING

On the 11th of April 1955, the board summoned by Gen. Choi, decided on the name of Taekwon-Do which had been submitted by him. This single unified name of Taekwon-Do replaced the different and confusing terms; Dang Soo, Gong Soo, Taek Kyon, Kwon Bup, etc.

In 1959, Taekwon-Do spread beyond its national boundaries. The father of Taekwon-Do and nineteen of his top black belt holders toured the Far East. The tour was a major success, astounding all spectators with the excellence of the Taekwon-Do techniques. In this year, Choi was elevated to two illustrious posts; President of his newly formed Korea Taekwon-Do Association and deputy commander of the 2nd Army in Tae Gu.

1960 Took military course in Texas. While there, he visited Jhoon Rhee’s Karate Club where he convinced the instructor and students to use the term Taekwon-Do. Marked beginning of TKD in the U.S. Assigned to command largest ROC Training Ctr. in Korea and newly assigned 6th Army Corps

1961 TKD introduced into the curriculum at West Point. Promoted TKD as a compulsory subject for all S. K. armed and police forces

1962 Appointed Ambassador to Malaysia, TKD Demonstration at the United Nations in New York City. TKD grows in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.

1963 TKD introduced to Vietnam when Gen. Choi demonstrates perfected forms to instructors. The new forms eliminated the remaining vestiges of Karate in the Art. Re-elected President of Korea Taekwon-Do Association

1965 Ambassador Choi, retired two-star general, appointed by Korean Government to lead a goodwill mission to West Germany, Italy, Turkey, United Arab Republic, Malaysia, and Singapore and to introduce TKD as the national martial art of Korea.

On the 22nd of March 1966, the International Taekwon-Do Federation was formed with associations in Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, West Germany, the United States, Turkey, Italy, Arab Republic of Egypt and South Korea.

1967 Received First Class Distinguished Service Medal from Vietnam and helped form Korea-Vietnam TKD Foundation. Visited Hong Kong and the U. S.

1968 Attended Sports Military Symposium in Paris as Korean delegate. Also visited Spain, the Netherlands, Canada, Belgium, and India.

1969 Toured Southeast Asia for preparation of First Asian TKD Tournaments. Toured 29 countries to spread TKD and collect material for his book

1970 Toured 20 countries throughout SE Asia, Canada, Europe, and the Middle East.

1971 Visited Malaysia and selected TKD instructors to be sent to train Rep. of Iran Armed Forces

1972 World tour to introduce TKD to heads of states of Bolivia, Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Guatemala. This year Gen. Choi moved to Canada, and ITF headquarters also moved to Toronto to facilitate the spread of TKD to Eastern Europe. He overcame many difficulties to develop Taekwon-Do.

1973 Led ITF Demonstration Team to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Far East (more than 100,000 attended in Egypt alone).

1974 First World TKD Championships in Montreal. Led top instructor demo team to Jamaica, Curacao, Costa Rica, Columbia, Venezuela, and Surinam.

1975 TKD demonstrated at the Sydney Opera House in Australia, Visits Greece and Sweden to conduct seminars

1976 Visits Iran, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Europe to conduct seminars. Visits Holland to open the First European TKD Championships

1977 Visits Malaysia, New Zealand, Australia, and Sweden, and Denmark to help form national organizations

1978 Visits Malaysia, Pakistan, Kenya, and South Africa, Sweden, Poland, Hungary, Yugoslavia, and the U. S.

1979 Visits Sweden, Denmark, West Germany, France, Greenland, and Argentina

1980 First visit to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to introduce Taekwon-Do to North Korea

1981 Visits Australia and Japan. Presents a united North and South Korean Taekwon-Do team in Vienna, Austria

1982 Taekwon-Do dojang opens in Japan, a monumental point in the General’s life. Visits Greenland, the United Kingdom, West Germany, Austria, Denmark, Poland, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, Finland, and Italy

1983 Visits Argentina, Columbia, Panama, Honduras, the United States, Yugoslavia, and Italy

1984 Visits Scotland, North Korea and Hungary where the first large-scale TKD competition was held in a socialist country

1985 Publication of Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do by General Choi. Visits Puerto Rico and Norway. 30th Anniversary of the beginning of TKD

1986 Visits China with the ITF Taekwon-Do delegation. The delegation made great success to show original Taekwon-Do in the city of Beijing, Xian and Jinan. The brilliant performance of Taekwon-Do moved Chinese people and created a sensation of Taekwon-Do.

1987 Visits Greece with 5th Worlds.

1988 World Championships televised via satellite throughout Europe. TKD introduced to Russia

1989 Published condensed version of TKD Encyclopedia. Visits China to help organize national TKD association

1990 Visits Uzbekistan, Russia, Vietnam, and China

1991 Lectures at Lenin Central University in Russia. TKD adopted as a four-year credit course at the University

1992 Received honorary Doctorate from Lenin Central Univ. Encyclopedia Britannica references General Choi as the “principal founder of Taekwon-Do

1993 Visits Moscow and Uzbekistan

1994 Visits the Ukraine

1995 Visits Tajikistan and meets with instructors from Tajikistan, Kirghizstan, Moldova, and Russia

1996 First Conference of TKD in Toronto

1997 Visits Russia for Tenth Worlds

1998 Visits Cambodia to teach TKD courses in Phnom Pen.

1999 Visits China formally set up China I.T.F.

Choi Hong Hi continued to promote TKD throughout the world through seminars, instructor courses and promotions.

Choi Hong Hi passed away on 15 June 2002

It is hoped that all instructors will follow his example by devoting part of their time towards introducing the art into the school systems in their respective areas.

Merely introducing the art, however, is not enough. The instructor must also concern himself with imbuing and maintaining a positive influence that will eventually serve as a guiding light to all students. If and only if, Instructor will consider himself an apostle of Taekwon-Do.