Many people misunderstood that learning an art of self defence will surely allow them to think that they are invincible, actually they are wrong in the first place. Why many people who is actually a Black belt that can be easily defeated outside the Doh Jang? That is because they thought that the sparring session in Tae Kwon Do is actually the real fight in the outside world.
To explain it literally, sparring session in Tae Kwon Do can be considered as a fight that is bounded by rules, but in the real fight, there is no such thing as rules. So,Tae Kwon Do is not the art of violence, it is an art of self-defence, it's purpose is to protect not destruction. When facing someone who is trying to taunt you, you can just ignore him, because a true warrior will not respond to such lowly challenges, but in certain times when he attack you, you must remain calm and have a cool mind to dodge his every attack and then find opportunity to counter attack. Do not fear, for you are well-trained and mentally prepared. But of course, this only apply as a final measures, avoid any fighting if you can, run away from it if you can.
Friday 11 October 2013
Tae Kwon Do Pattern Interpretion
Tae Kwon Do Pattern is a set of movements and techniques that will effectively hone your skills. Each pattern's movement has it's own meaning and interpretion as well as story.
SAJU-JIRUGI
SAJU-MAKGI
two fundamental exercises which are practiced by the beginner. Because they are not actually considered patterns, they have no historical significance.
CHON-JI
means literally the "Heaven and Earth". In the Orient, it is interpreted as the creation of the world or the beginning of human history. Therefore it is the initial pattern that is learned and played by the begginer. This pattern consists of two similar parts; one to represent the Heaven and the other the Earth. [19 moves]
DAN-GUN
is named after the holy Dan-Gun, legendary founder of Korea in2333 B.C. [21 moves]
DO-SAN
is the pseudonym of the patriot Ahn Ch'ang-Ho (1876-1938A.D.), who devoted his entire life to furthering the education of Korea and its independence movement. [24 moves]
WON-HYO
was the noted monk who introduced Buddhism to the Silla dynasty in 686A.D. [28 moves]
YUL-GOK
is the pseudonym of the great philosopher and scholar Yi I(1536-1584A.D.), nicknamed the "Confucius of Korea". The 38 movements of this pattern refer to his birthplace on the 38th degree latitude and the diagram represents "scholar". [38 moves]
JOONG-GUN
is named after the patriot An Joong-Gun who assassinated Hiro-Bumi Ito, the first Japanese governor-general of Korea, known as the man who played the leading part in Korea-Japan merger. There are 32 movements in this pattern to represent Mr. An's age when he was executed in Lui-Shung prison in 1910. [32 moves]
TOI-GYE
is the penname of the noted scholar Yi Hwang(16th century A.D.), an authority on Neo-Confucianism. The 37 movements of this pattern refer to his birthplace on the 37th degree latitude, and the diagram represents "scholar". [37 moves]
HWA-RANG
is named after the Hwa-Rang youth group which originated in the Silla Dynasty about 1350 years ago. This group eventually became the actual driving force for the unification of the three Kingdoms of Korea. The 29 movements refer to the 29th Infantry Division where Taekwon-Do developed into maturity. [29 moves]
CHOONG-MOO
was the name given to the great Admiral Yi Sun-Sin of the Yi Dynasty. He was reputed to have invented the first armoured battleship(kobukson) which was the precursor of the present day submarine in 1592A.D. The reason why this pattern ends in the left hand attack is to symbolize his regrettable death having had no chance to show his unrestrained potential checked by the forced reservation of his loyalty to the king. [30 moves]
Reference: http://www.willtaekwondo.blogspot.com/search/label/%28K%29%20LESSON
SAJU-JIRUGI
SAJU-MAKGI
two fundamental exercises which are practiced by the beginner. Because they are not actually considered patterns, they have no historical significance.
CHON-JI
means literally the "Heaven and Earth". In the Orient, it is interpreted as the creation of the world or the beginning of human history. Therefore it is the initial pattern that is learned and played by the begginer. This pattern consists of two similar parts; one to represent the Heaven and the other the Earth. [19 moves]
is named after the holy Dan-Gun, legendary founder of Korea in2333 B.C. [21 moves]
is the pseudonym of the patriot Ahn Ch'ang-Ho (1876-1938A.D.), who devoted his entire life to furthering the education of Korea and its independence movement. [24 moves]
was the noted monk who introduced Buddhism to the Silla dynasty in 686A.D. [28 moves]
YUL-GOK
is the pseudonym of the great philosopher and scholar Yi I(1536-1584A.D.), nicknamed the "Confucius of Korea". The 38 movements of this pattern refer to his birthplace on the 38th degree latitude and the diagram represents "scholar". [38 moves]
JOONG-GUN
is named after the patriot An Joong-Gun who assassinated Hiro-Bumi Ito, the first Japanese governor-general of Korea, known as the man who played the leading part in Korea-Japan merger. There are 32 movements in this pattern to represent Mr. An's age when he was executed in Lui-Shung prison in 1910. [32 moves]
is the penname of the noted scholar Yi Hwang(16th century A.D.), an authority on Neo-Confucianism. The 37 movements of this pattern refer to his birthplace on the 37th degree latitude, and the diagram represents "scholar". [37 moves]
is named after the Hwa-Rang youth group which originated in the Silla Dynasty about 1350 years ago. This group eventually became the actual driving force for the unification of the three Kingdoms of Korea. The 29 movements refer to the 29th Infantry Division where Taekwon-Do developed into maturity. [29 moves]
CHOONG-MOO
was the name given to the great Admiral Yi Sun-Sin of the Yi Dynasty. He was reputed to have invented the first armoured battleship(kobukson) which was the precursor of the present day submarine in 1592A.D. The reason why this pattern ends in the left hand attack is to symbolize his regrettable death having had no chance to show his unrestrained potential checked by the forced reservation of his loyalty to the king. [30 moves]
Reference: http://www.willtaekwondo.blogspot.com/search/label/%28K%29%20LESSON
The Theory of Power and the Principles in Tae Kwon Do
Power is obtained by using a person's full potential through mathematical use of Taekwon-Do. The average person only uses 10 to 20 percent of their potential power. Training will not necessarily give a person superhuman strength or stamina but rather enable a person to increase to a high level of power. There are seven components to the theory of power: reaction force, concentration, equilibrium, breath control, mass, speed, and sine wave motion. ;The formula for power is as follow:
P = ½mv² + mhg
P= power, m= mass, v= velocity, g= gravity(constant), h= height influenced by gravity(i.e. if no sine wave, mhg= 0)
½mv² = kinetic energy and mhg = potential energy
i.e. Loss in PE (mgh) = Gain in KE.
Reaction Force:
Newton's law states that for every force there is an equal and oppsite force. Applying this to Taekwon-Do, if your opponent is rushing towards you at a high speed, by the slightest blow to his head, the force with which you strike his headwill be equal to his own force or momentum plus that of your blow. When the two forces are combined, it creates a greater reaction force.
Concentration:
The concentration of force into a smaller target area increases the effect of the force. An example to prove this point is to observe water coming out of a hose. The smaller the opening in the hose, the greater the force. Therefore in Taekwon-Do, all the force is concentrated onto the edge of an open palm or the ball of the foot. All of your strength should be released gradually and concentrated at the point of contact with your opponent's body. The shorter the time taken to concentrate the force, the greater the force is behind the blow. All of your mental concentration is needed so that the muscles of your body can focus into the smallest target area.
Equilibrium:
In order for a blow to be most effective, balance is required and without it one can be toppled quite easily. every stance should be stable and flexible in order to maintain balance in both offensive and defensive movement. To obtain balance, the centre of gravity must fall on a straight line between both legs, and this will vary with each stance. The centre of the foot may also be used if the bulk of the body weight is on that foot. Flexibility and knee spring are essential for both quick attack and instant recovery. It is also important to remember to keep the heel of the rear foot on the ground at the moment of impact to ensure balance and produce more power at the point of impact.
Breath Control:
Controlled breathing is necessary for endurance and speed, helps condition the body to receive a blow, prevents loss of conciousness, and helps to stifle pain. An important rule to remember is to never inhale while focusing a block or a blow against your opponent as this will hinder movement and result in loss of power. Disguised breathing is encouraged to help conceal any sign of fatigue so that your opponent does not get the upper hand. Only one breath is needed for each movement. Therefore inhale on the preparation for the movement and exhale on its execution.
Mass:
Force is obtained by speed and the corect utilisation of the body weight during the release of a blow. Using the knee joints to obtain a springing action and dropping the body weight into the motion can increase force. This action is obtained by raising the hips at the beginning of a motion and lowering them at the moment of impact.
Speed:
When an object is dropped it increases its speed while falling because of gravity. Reaction force, breath control, equilibrium, concentration and relaxation of muscles all contribute to develop speed. These together with the flexibility and rhythmic movement, produce maximum power in Taekwon-Do. Because of the high speed involvedin Taekwon-Do techniques, it is important to remember to look at the opponent's eyes and not their arms and legs. we must train our eye to detect on-coming movements executed by our opponent, thereby allowing for the time it takes our reflexes to respond. Because the velocity (speed) is squared in the formula of power, it is easy to see why speed is considered the most important factor in developing power.
Sine Wave Motion:
Movement in Taekwon-Do is characterized by an up and down motion of the body. This up and down movement is referred to as "sine wave motion". The force delivered through blocks and strikes is increased by dropping the body into the block or strike immediately prior to and at the moment of impact. This effective use of body weight provides an increase in velocity resulting in increased power delivered to the target through the blocking or striking tool. Sine wave motion also enhances the flow and beauty of movement so characteristic of Taekwon-Do.
Reference: http://www.willtaekwondo.blogspot.com/search/label/%28K%29%20LESSON
P = ½mv² + mhg
P= power, m= mass, v= velocity, g= gravity(constant), h= height influenced by gravity(i.e. if no sine wave, mhg= 0)
½mv² = kinetic energy and mhg = potential energy
i.e. Loss in PE (mgh) = Gain in KE.
Reaction Force:
Newton's law states that for every force there is an equal and oppsite force. Applying this to Taekwon-Do, if your opponent is rushing towards you at a high speed, by the slightest blow to his head, the force with which you strike his headwill be equal to his own force or momentum plus that of your blow. When the two forces are combined, it creates a greater reaction force.
Concentration:
The concentration of force into a smaller target area increases the effect of the force. An example to prove this point is to observe water coming out of a hose. The smaller the opening in the hose, the greater the force. Therefore in Taekwon-Do, all the force is concentrated onto the edge of an open palm or the ball of the foot. All of your strength should be released gradually and concentrated at the point of contact with your opponent's body. The shorter the time taken to concentrate the force, the greater the force is behind the blow. All of your mental concentration is needed so that the muscles of your body can focus into the smallest target area.
Equilibrium:
In order for a blow to be most effective, balance is required and without it one can be toppled quite easily. every stance should be stable and flexible in order to maintain balance in both offensive and defensive movement. To obtain balance, the centre of gravity must fall on a straight line between both legs, and this will vary with each stance. The centre of the foot may also be used if the bulk of the body weight is on that foot. Flexibility and knee spring are essential for both quick attack and instant recovery. It is also important to remember to keep the heel of the rear foot on the ground at the moment of impact to ensure balance and produce more power at the point of impact.
Breath Control:
Controlled breathing is necessary for endurance and speed, helps condition the body to receive a blow, prevents loss of conciousness, and helps to stifle pain. An important rule to remember is to never inhale while focusing a block or a blow against your opponent as this will hinder movement and result in loss of power. Disguised breathing is encouraged to help conceal any sign of fatigue so that your opponent does not get the upper hand. Only one breath is needed for each movement. Therefore inhale on the preparation for the movement and exhale on its execution.
Mass:
Force is obtained by speed and the corect utilisation of the body weight during the release of a blow. Using the knee joints to obtain a springing action and dropping the body weight into the motion can increase force. This action is obtained by raising the hips at the beginning of a motion and lowering them at the moment of impact.
Speed:
When an object is dropped it increases its speed while falling because of gravity. Reaction force, breath control, equilibrium, concentration and relaxation of muscles all contribute to develop speed. These together with the flexibility and rhythmic movement, produce maximum power in Taekwon-Do. Because of the high speed involvedin Taekwon-Do techniques, it is important to remember to look at the opponent's eyes and not their arms and legs. we must train our eye to detect on-coming movements executed by our opponent, thereby allowing for the time it takes our reflexes to respond. Because the velocity (speed) is squared in the formula of power, it is easy to see why speed is considered the most important factor in developing power.
Sine Wave Motion:
Movement in Taekwon-Do is characterized by an up and down motion of the body. This up and down movement is referred to as "sine wave motion". The force delivered through blocks and strikes is increased by dropping the body into the block or strike immediately prior to and at the moment of impact. This effective use of body weight provides an increase in velocity resulting in increased power delivered to the target through the blocking or striking tool. Sine wave motion also enhances the flow and beauty of movement so characteristic of Taekwon-Do.
Reference: http://www.willtaekwondo.blogspot.com/search/label/%28K%29%20LESSON
Etiquette in the Doh Jang
Doh Jang holds the similar meaning to DoJo in Japanese Karate, which means training hall in Korean. In the Doh Jang, one must show respect to the Master and those who hold higher ranks than you are or seniors as we call.
Before starting the training, the students will be stand in their position regarding their ranks. The highest rank will be stand at the most left side followed by those whose ranks are lower than theirs until the lowest. Afterwards, the senior who holds the highest rank will shout: "Jun Bi" (which means be ready in Korean.) Everyone must be at a state of readiness for their body cannot move an inch. Later that he/she will shout: "Charyiot" (meaning attention in Korean.) follow by "JyongGye" (meaning bow in Korean.)
Whether you are in training with your juniors or seniors or even sparring with them. In Tae Kwon Do, you must bow with them first before you start, it is a symbol that you respect them as well as letting them know that you are ready.
Before starting the training, the students will be stand in their position regarding their ranks. The highest rank will be stand at the most left side followed by those whose ranks are lower than theirs until the lowest. Afterwards, the senior who holds the highest rank will shout: "Jun Bi" (which means be ready in Korean.) Everyone must be at a state of readiness for their body cannot move an inch. Later that he/she will shout: "Charyiot" (meaning attention in Korean.) follow by "JyongGye" (meaning bow in Korean.)
Whether you are in training with your juniors or seniors or even sparring with them. In Tae Kwon Do, you must bow with them first before you start, it is a symbol that you respect them as well as letting them know that you are ready.
Ranking System in Tae Kwon Do
Like all uniform units in the world, Tae Kwon Do emphasizes on discipline and moral ethnics as well as skills of combat. Thus the Ranking system in Tae Kwon Do is quite unique for it is determined by the colors of the belt that the practioner wear and each color of the belts represents a meaning as well as stages of life.
In the degree scale, the number 9 was chosen because it was the highest single digit number. It is also the number 3 multiplied by 3. In the orient, the number 3 carries high esteem. In China the number 3 is written as three horizontal lines, one above the other. The upper line symbolizes heaven, the middle line symbolizes mortals, and the bottom line symbolizes the earth.Also, in regards to the number 3, the degrees are devided into three distinct groups. The first through third degree are novice stages of the black belt, the fourth through sixth represent puberty while the seventh through ninth degree represent mastery of the art.
White Belt
White belt symbolizes innocence, it is wear by the beginners, symbolizing them white as a paper and are ready to accept new knowledge.
Yellow Belt
Yellow belt symbolizes Earth, where all life begins. Here it is a symbol where the beginners' foundation of Tae Kwon Do has been laid.
Green Belt
Green belt symbolizes the growth of a plant, meaning the skills of the one is slowly developing.
Blue Belt
Blue belt symbolizes the vast blue sky, it also signifies the heaven, towards which the plant matures into a towering tree as training in Tae Kwon Do progresses.
Red Belt
Red belt symbolizes danger, it gives the warning to others to stay away as well as cautioning the students to exercise their power with caution.
Black Belt
Black belt's color meaning is the opposite of white, therefore, signiflying the maturity and proficiency in Tae Kwon Do. It also indicates the wearer's imperviousness to darkness and fear.
Even though you have reach the ranks of Black Belt, it does not mean that it is the end of your journey in Tae Kwon Do. There is also another ranking system in the Black belts as well. The black belt scale starts with the first degree and end with the ninth degree.
Friday 4 October 2013
The Oath
As a member and a practitioner of Tae Kwon Do. We must sworn an oath, not just pledge our loyalty and allegiance to the organization but also making a promise not to misuse the martial art as well. Below is the the oath that will be taken by the members of ITF, GTF.
ITF Tae Kwon Do Oath
1. I shall observe the tenets of Taekwon-Do
2. I shall respect the instructor and seniors
3. I shall never misuse Taekwon-Do
4. I shall be a champion of freedom and justice
5. I shall build a more peaceful world
GTF Tae Kwon Do Oath
As a member of the Global Taekwon-Do Federation, I shall:
1. Respect rank and seniors
2. Be courteous to others
3. Be loyal and trustworthy
4. Strive for world peace and harmony
1. Respect rank and seniors
2. Be courteous to others
3. Be loyal and trustworthy
4. Strive for world peace and harmony
5. Act in the true spirit of Taekwon-Do
Grandmaster Park Jung Tae
Grandmaster Park Jung Tae
(1943-2002)
Grandmaster Park Jung Tae is the founder of Global Tae Kwon Do Federation (GTF). He was a South Korean master of taekwondo and a pioneer of that martial art in Canada. He was one of the twelve original masters of taekwondo of the Korea Taekwon-Do Association. Following a career in the South Korean military, Park emigrated to Canada in 1970. He was a key leader in the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) under Choi Hong Hi, but founded the Global Taekwon-Do Federation in 1990 after leaving the ITF. After teaching taekwondo for many years, Park died in 2002.
Early Life
Park was born in 1943 or 1944 in Korea, during the period of Japanese occupation. He began training in the martial arts as a child, starting with boxing before moving on to judo and then taekwondo. Park was one of the twelve original masters of taekwondo of theKorea Taekwon-Do Association. In 1964, he was the second President of the Korean Tae Soo Do Association. From 1965 to 1967, he was ranked 4th dan and directed instruction of soldiers in Vietnam.
His Tae Kwon Do Career in Canada
Park moved to Canada where he met his future wife, Linda, in Toronto in 1970. During the 1970s, Park established the Manitoba Tae Kwon-Do Association. In 1975, he was ranked 6thdan. In 1978 and 1979, he accompanied Choi on taekwondo demonstration tours in Europe. In 1984, he conducted a seminar in Brisbane, Australia. At the time, he was ranked 8th dan in the ITF. In November 1984, Park was elected Secretary-General of the ITF. He also held the position of Technical Chairman of the ITF.
Park founded the Global Taekwon-Do Federation (GTF) on 14 June 1990, the year after his departure from the ITF due to North–South Korean political issues. He created six additionalhyung to be practised along with the earlier ITF patterns. Amongst those who affiliated with the GTF was Sabree Salleh in 1998. Shortly before he died, Park promoted Salleh to 9th dan(GTF).
Later Life
Park died on 11 April 2002 due to poor health, and is survived by his wife and their children: Juliann, Heather, and Christopher. Linda Park succeeded her husband as President of the GTF, and holds honorary 9th dan ranking.
Park is listed as a pioneer in Canada (1970s) in Chang Keun Choi's list of taekwondo pioneers.
References
Global Tae Kwon Do Federation (GTF)
As explained in the previous post that there are many organizations in Tae Kwon Do. But there are three in major in the world, which are ITF (International Tae Kwon Do Federation), founded by General Choi himself, GTF (Global Tae Kwon Do Federation) founded by Grandmaster Park Jung Tae and lastly is WTF (World Tae Kwon Do Federation).
As you all know, each different organization practices different rules and techniques, for example the scoring system in the free sparring event in a Tae Kwon Do tournament varies from different organization. Take GTF for example, a hit on the head of the opponents will score 2 points while in other organizations score 3 points and a hit on the torso will score 1 point in GTF while others 2 points.
The WTF practices Taeguek and Palgwe Poomsae and promotes almost exclusively the sport aspect of Taekwon-Do known as the Olympic style. The GTF and the ITF are more closely related. They promote and maintain the integrity of Taekwon-Do as a traditional martial art while at the same time incorporate the sport aspect through competition. So, the question really becomes, what is the difference between the GTF and the ITF.
It is important to understand that prior to the existence of the GTF, the Founder of the GTF, Grand Master Park Jung Tae, was for several decades the Technical Chairman and Secretary-General of ITF. Also, he was the person responsible teaching all the international instructor throughout the world and standardizing techniques and teaching methods.
The contributions of Grand Master Park to the development and promotion of Taekwon-Do worldwide are unparalled.
The Global Taekwon-Do Federation is unique from a purely technical stand point. Although GTF techniques include all the traditional patterns and fundamental movements of the Chang Hun system practiced by the ITF, the founder of the GTF, Grand Master Park Jung Tae, continued to improve and develop an even more scientific approach to the execution and delivery of the fundamental movements of Taekwon-Do. The improvements were designed to promote superior health and fitness by focusing on more circular fluid motions in conjunction with proper knee spring and breath control.
The ITF method taught today by ITF Instructors is more rigid and focuses on each individual movement as an entity in itself while the GTF method taught today by GTF Instructors is more fluid and circular with an emphasis on the end of one movement becoming the beginning of the next movement to create a rhythmic flow of techniques.
Furthermore, the founder of the GTF, Grand Master Park Jung Tae, developed six additional Hyungs to be practiced by GTF members in addition to the traditional twenty-four. Also, he created nine Shabang, Makgo, Jirugi exercises and other unique training methods that support the development of fundamental skills.
The Global Taekwon-Do Federation, a non-profit, non-political organization is committed to promoting the unique style of Taekwon-Do developed by this legendary Grand Master and to maintain his vision and legacy.
As you all know, each different organization practices different rules and techniques, for example the scoring system in the free sparring event in a Tae Kwon Do tournament varies from different organization. Take GTF for example, a hit on the head of the opponents will score 2 points while in other organizations score 3 points and a hit on the torso will score 1 point in GTF while others 2 points.
The WTF practices Taeguek and Palgwe Poomsae and promotes almost exclusively the sport aspect of Taekwon-Do known as the Olympic style. The GTF and the ITF are more closely related. They promote and maintain the integrity of Taekwon-Do as a traditional martial art while at the same time incorporate the sport aspect through competition. So, the question really becomes, what is the difference between the GTF and the ITF.
It is important to understand that prior to the existence of the GTF, the Founder of the GTF, Grand Master Park Jung Tae, was for several decades the Technical Chairman and Secretary-General of ITF. Also, he was the person responsible teaching all the international instructor throughout the world and standardizing techniques and teaching methods.
The contributions of Grand Master Park to the development and promotion of Taekwon-Do worldwide are unparalled.
The Global Taekwon-Do Federation is unique from a purely technical stand point. Although GTF techniques include all the traditional patterns and fundamental movements of the Chang Hun system practiced by the ITF, the founder of the GTF, Grand Master Park Jung Tae, continued to improve and develop an even more scientific approach to the execution and delivery of the fundamental movements of Taekwon-Do. The improvements were designed to promote superior health and fitness by focusing on more circular fluid motions in conjunction with proper knee spring and breath control.
The ITF method taught today by ITF Instructors is more rigid and focuses on each individual movement as an entity in itself while the GTF method taught today by GTF Instructors is more fluid and circular with an emphasis on the end of one movement becoming the beginning of the next movement to create a rhythmic flow of techniques.
Furthermore, the founder of the GTF, Grand Master Park Jung Tae, developed six additional Hyungs to be practiced by GTF members in addition to the traditional twenty-four. Also, he created nine Shabang, Makgo, Jirugi exercises and other unique training methods that support the development of fundamental skills.
The Global Taekwon-Do Federation, a non-profit, non-political organization is committed to promoting the unique style of Taekwon-Do developed by this legendary Grand Master and to maintain his vision and legacy.
Although not readily apparent to the untrained eye, the techniques and methods of execution promoted by Grand Master Park Jung Tae are substantially different enough from the ITF method to ratify that the GTF constitutes a distinct style of Taekwon-Do.
References
http://www.willtaekwondo.blogspot.com/2008/07/global-taekwon-do-federation-gtf.html
References
http://www.willtaekwondo.blogspot.com/2008/07/global-taekwon-do-federation-gtf.html
The Father of Tae Kwon Do, General Choi Hong Hi
General Choi Hong Hi
(1918-2002)
Choi Hong Hi (9 November 1918 – 15 June 2002), also 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 is regarded by many as the 'Founder of Taekwondo'—most often byInternational Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) organizations. Others, such as World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) organizations, portray Choi as either an unimportant or a dishonorable figure in taekwondo history, whether by omitting him from their versions of taekwondo history or through explicit statements.
Early Life
Choi was born on 9 November 1918 in Hwa Dae, Myŏngch'ŏn county, in what is now North Korea, which was then under Japanese rule. At the time, the place was named Meigawa-gun (Myongchon-kun), Kankyo-hokudo (Hamgyong-Pukto), Chosen, as part of the Empire of Japan. Choi's father sent him to study calligraphy under Han Il Dong, who was also "a master of Taek Kyon, the ancient Korean art of foot fighting" (Park, 1993, p. 241). Choi travelled to Japan, where he studied English, mathematics, and karate. In Kyoto, he met a fellow Korean with the surname Kim, who was a karate instructor and taught Choi this martial art. Choi also learned Shotokan karate under Funakoshi Gichin. Just before he had left Korea, Choi apparently had a disagreement with a wrestler named Hu, and the possibility of a future confrontation inspired him to train; in his own words, "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" (Park, 1993, p. 242). Choi attained the rank of 1st dan in karate in 1939, and then 2nd dan soon after.
Military Career
General Choi was forced to served under Japanese Military during World War II but was implicated in a rebellion and imprisoned, during which time he continued practicing martial arts. Following the war, in January 1946, Choi was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Korean army. From 1946 to 1951, Choi received promotions to first lieutenant, captain, major, lieutenant colonel, colonel, and then brigadier general. Choi was promoted to major general in 1954.
The Creation of Tae Kwon Do
Choi combined elements of Taekkyeon and Shotokan Karate to develop a martial art that he called "Taekwon-Do" (태권도; 跆拳道), which means "foot, hand, the way" or "the way of hand and foot" and it was so named on 11 April 1955. Choi founded the Oh Do Kwan, and held an honorary 4th dan ranking in the Chung Do Kwan. Due to accusations of dishonesty, Choi was stripped of his rank and position in the Chung Do Kwan. During the 1960s, Choi and Nam Tae Hi led the original masters of taekwondo in promoting their martial art around the world, though these would be only the first of many such endeavors.
ITF taekwondo organizations credit Choi with starting the spread of taekwondo internationally by stationing Korean taekwondo instructors around the world, and have consistently claimed that ITF-style taekwondo is the only authentic style of taekwondo, most notably in early sections of its textbooks. He was also the author of the first English taekwondo syllabus book, Taekwon-Do, published by Daeha Publication Company in 1965. In 1972, Choi went into exile in Canada and the South Korean government formed the WTF in 1973. He lived in Toronto until his death in North Korea in 2002.
Death of the Great Father of Tae Kwon Do
Choi died of cancer on 15 June 2002 in Pyongyang, North Korea. Choi is listed in the Taekwondo Hall of Fame with various titles: "Father of Taekwon-Do," "Founder and First President of the International Taekwon-Do Federation," and "Founder of Oh Do Kwan." Choi is survived by his wife, Choi Joon Hee; his son, Choi Jung Hwa; two daughters, Sunny and Meeyun; and several grandchildren. A memorial service to mark the 10th anniversary of death of Choi Hong Hi took place at the Patriotic Martyrs Cemetery in Pyongyang in 2012.
References
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Choi_Hong_Hi
References
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Choi_Hong_Hi
The History of Tae Kwon Do
The history of taekwondo has been a
matter of contention. Taekwondo organizations officially state that taekwondo
was derived from earlier Korean martial arts. Others state that taekwondo is
derived from native Korean martial arts with influences from neighbouring
countries or that it was partially affected by karate during the Japanese
Occupation.
But still, many Tae Kwon Do practioners believe that it is created by General Choi Hong Hi. (For further historical details about General Choi Hong Hi will be posted later.)
General Choi Hong Hi
(1918-2002)
Introduction to Tae Kwon Do
Tae Kwon Do, magnificent yet beautiful piece
of martial arts, a martial art of justice and valor. Formed during the 19th
centuries in the North Korea and created by a Korean general named General Choi Hong Hi. Tae Kwon Do was been translated into
English according to its original names in Korean language: as “Tae” means
strike or break with foot; “Kwon” means as strike or break with fist and “Do”
means as ways, methods or arts. Thus Tae Kwon Do was loosely translated into
“The Ways of Kicking and Punching” or “The Ways of Foot and Fists”. Tae Kwon Do was
the most popular martial arts in the world. It is combine by many other arts
such as: combat tecniques, meditation, self defense, sports, exercise and
philosophy. The South Korean
Military also used Tae Kwon Do as its training. Gyuerugi was a type of sparing
that has list into the Olympic event since 2000.
Formally, there
were two main styles of Tae Kwon Do. Ones comes from the Kukkiwon, the source of the sparring system such as the Sihap Gyuerugi which was
now an event in the summer Olympic Games and which has governed by World
Tae Kwon Do Federation(known as the WTF.) The others comes from the International Tae Kwon Do Federation
(better known as ITF.) The is also a more recent form called Songham Tae Kwon
Do or the American Tae Kwon Do Association(ATA) and other viriations of it such
as STF (Songham Tae Kwon Do Federation) and WTTU (World Traditional Tae Kwon Do
Union).
Separated from
the various Tae Kwon Do organization, there have been two main branches of the
Tae Kwon Do development: that are
Traditional and Sport. The terms tradition Tae Kwon Do refers to the martial
arts that have been established in the 1950s and 1960s; in particular, the names and
symbolism of the traditional patterns often refer to elements of Korean
history. Sport taekwondo has evolved in the decades since then and has a
somewhat different focus, especially in terms of its emphasis on speed and
competition (as in Olympic sparring), whereas traditional taekwondo tends to
emphasize power and self-defense. The two are not mutually exclusive, and the
distinctions between them are often blurred.
Although there are
doctrinal and technical differences between the two main styles and among the various organizations,
the art in general emphasizes kicks thrown from a mobile stance, employing the
leg's greater reach and power (compared to the arm). The greatest difference
between various styles, or at least the most obvious, is generally accepted to
be the differing styles and rules of sport and competition. 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.
Some taekwondo instructors also incorporate the use of pressure points, known
as jiapsul, as well as grabbing self-defense techniques borrowed from
other martial arts, such as Hapkido and Judo.
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