What Is Taekwondo
Translated literally, Taekwon-Do means 'art of foot and hand fighting'. It is more than just that, however. It is the scientific use of the body in methods of self-defence, 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, techniques, 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." By General Choi, Hong-Hi - the founder of Taekwon-Do.
The Founder of Taekwon-do
EDITED FROM THE ITF ENCYCLOPEDIA
General Choi, Hong Hi was born on 9 November 1918 in Hwa Dae, North Korea. He died at the age of 83, on 15 June 2002, in Pyong Yang, North Korea. The 5 historic titles of Gen. Choi:
- He was the Founder of Taekwon-Do
- He was a General (a rank he achieved in the South Korean Army)
- He was the Author of the 15 volume “Encyclopaedia of Taekwon-Do”
- He was a Grand Master (9th Degree Black Belt)
- He was the President of the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF)