Generaal Choi Hong Hi, Grondlegger van het Taekwon-Do
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General Choi Hong Hi was born on November 9th, 1918, in the Hwa Dae Myong Chun District of Korea.
At the age of twelve he started to study Taek Kyon, an ancient Korean method of fighting with the feet. Later, when he was studying in Japan, he met a Karate teacher who helped him earn his first degree Black Belt in less than two years.
He then intensified his training, striving to earn his second degree. Around the same time, he started teaching.
Conscripted into the Japanese army during World War II, he was posted to Pyongyang where he was imprisoned. Wanting to maintain his good physical and mental health during his imprisonment, he practiced karate, alone at first, then by teaching it to the staff of the prison and the other prisoners.
Becoming an officer in the new Korean Army after the end of the war, he continued to teach his martial art to his soldiers as well as to American soldiers serving in Korea.
His beliefs and his vision of a different approach to teaching martial arts led General Choi to combine elements of Taek Kyon and Karate techniques to develop a modern martial art. He called it Tae Kwon Do, which means “the way of the feet and the hands”, and this name was officially adopted on April 11th, 1955.
In 1959, General Choi was named President of the Korean Taekwon-Do Association. Seven years later, on March 22nd,1966, he created the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF). As the Founder of Taekwon-Do and President of the ITF, he had the ability to share his art with students everywhere. Today, Taekwon-Do training is available around the world.
After a life dedicated to the development of Taekwon-Do, a modern martial art based on traditional values, philosophy, and training, General Choi, Founder of Taekwon-Do and President of the International Taekwon-Do Federation, died of cancer on June 15th, 2002, in the country of his birth.
History of Taekwondo
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that originated from a combination of traditional Korean martial arts and Chinese and Japanese influences. It emerged in the 1940s and 1950s, following Korea’s liberation from Japanese occupation. The name “taekwondo” was officially chosen in 1955 by General Choi Hong Hi. The name literally means “the way of the foot and the hand.”
Basic Principles of Taekwondo
Taekwondo is based on five key principles:
- Courtesy (Ye Ui): Showing respect for others.
- Integrity (Yom Chi): Acting honestly and justly.
- Perseverance (In Nae): Continuing despite setbacks.
- Self-Control (Guk Gi): Keeping emotions under control.
- Indomitable Spirit (Baekjul Boolgool): Showing determination in difficult situations.
Techniques in Taekwondo
Taekwondo is known for its extensive and powerful leg and foot techniques. Here are some basic techniques:
- Punches (Jireugi): Hand strikes, such as the forward punch (Ap Jireugi) and the upward punch (Ollyo Jireugi).
- Kicks (Chagi): Various types of kicks, such as the front kick (Ap Chagi), side kick (Yeop Chagi), and roundhouse kick (Dollyo Chagi).
- Blocks (Makgi): Techniques to fend off attacks, such as the low block (Arae Makgi) and the middle block (Momtong Makgi).
- Stances (Sogi): Different postures, such as the forward stance (Ap Sogi) and the horse-riding stance (Juchum Sogi).
Training and Competition
Taekwondo training includes various aspects:
- Poomsae: Forms or patterns, which are a series of techniques performed in a set sequence.
- Kyorugi: Sparring, where two practitioners compete against each other according to set rules.
- Hosinsul: Self-defense techniques against various attacks.
- Gyeokpa: Breaking tests, where materials such as wood or bricks are broken to demonstrate strength and technique.
Training and Reward Structure
Like many other martial arts, taekwondo has a ranking system indicated by colored belts. Beginners typically start with a white belt and can progress through exams and training to higher belts, culminating in the black belt. Each belt represents a higher level of skill, knowledge, and dedication.
International Organization
International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITFHQ KOREA): Focuses more on traditional aspects and self-defense.
Conclusion
Taekwondo is not just a martial art but also a way of life that promotes discipline, respect, and self-improvement. It offers an excellent way to stay physically fit, build self-confidence, and develop mental strength.
