Taekwondo History

The basis of Taekwondo was developed in the Korean Army between 1944 and 1955 by retired Major General Choi Hon Hi.
Korea has been subject to invasions from other countries for most of its existance. The Japanese occupied Korea up until the end of World War 2 when it was liberated by the allies. Russia took control of the North whilst the British and Americans took control of the South, the dividing line between the two parts of Korea was drawn on the 38th lattitude.

As a child Choi Hon Hi was taught Tae Kyon, a fighting system adopted by the Hwarang Youth group in the 4th Century. A style which incorparated techniques performed with the hands and feet, whilst up holding the Hwarang Ogye (five Secular commandments).
In 1936 Choi was sent to Tokyo University to complete his education where he also learnt Shotokan Karate, in 1938 he gained his 1st Dan and later his second before becoming an instructor at the YMCA in Tokyo.
Imprisoned by the Japanese in 1944, Choi begin teaching his fellow inmates Karate, including General Sun Hu Park.
Released in 1945 Choi joined the Korean Army as a Lieutenant where he started developing a fighting system based on Tae Kyon and Shotokan Karate.

Rising quickly through the ranks, Choi used his position to introduce his fighting system to the Korean soldiers. The fighting art continued to develop under the direction of Major General Choi and his aide Major Nam Te Hi.

The fighting art reached its maturity on Jeju Island at the training camp of the 29th Infantry.

Major General Choi called a meeting of the Korean martial arts associations on 11th April 1955 to decide on a unifying name for the Art as it was being practised under a number of different names. From research into Chinese Calligraphy Choi had found a character for “Tae” that meant to jump on, Kick or tread on. Combined with “Kwon” for fist and “Do” meaning the way of, it was agreed that Taekwondo be the name for the new art.
In 1966 Major General Choi established the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF).
The Korean government allowed a fighting sport to assume the name Taekwondo, this is the Olympic sport we know as World Taekwondo Federation (WTF).

Important Dates in Taekwondo History:

9th November 1918:
Choi born in N. Korea at Pyong Yang in Hwa Dae Province

11th April 1955:
Taekwondo name agreed

1959
TKD spreads outside Korea

1960
Choi visits USA and persuades Jhoong Rhee to teach.

1966
ITF is formed

1967
TKD comes to UK with Mr Rhee Ka Hi

15th June 2002
Retired Major General Choi Hon Hi dies of stomach cancer in Pyong Yang, N. Korea