October - December, 2023 VOL.

COVER STORY SPECIAL REPORT YEARLY PROJECT PEOPLE

A New Wave - In Search of ‘Practical Taekwondo’ Kukkiwon, 50 Years of Grand Master
Women’s Taekwondo! Lee, Yuri, an actress in love with History and the Next 50 Cho, Young ki
Taekwondo Years to Come III
2 1
 COVER STORY
A New Wave, Women’s Taekwondo

8 Women’s Taekwondo as a Pathway to Recovery and Expansion,

Lighting the Way Forward With Inclusion and Integration
2023 VOL. 3
Reopening Issue 10 Women’s Taekwondo,
(Volume 22, Number 3) A Guiding Light for the Development of World Taekwondo
October - December, 2023

Table of 12 Women’s Taekwondo Training Becomes More Important in the Realm of

Self-defense, Self-protection

Contents 14 ‘Passionate Woman’ Lim, Mi hwa: Love Affair with Taekwondo

Over 40 Years

16 Women’s Taekwondo Diary ❶

“Practicing Taekwondo not only eases physical tension
but also lightens the heart.”

17 Women’s Taekwondo Diary ❷

“Taekwondo is the nourishment for self-growth,
Training together for mental and physical maturity.”

18 Meeting Taekwondo Soop:

A Specialized Taekwondo Dojang for Girls

ISSUE
20 Taekwondo Training for the Silver Generation:
Fight Aging and Boost Self-Esteem

PEOPLE
34 Grand Master Cho, Young ki
Beyond Korea, Into the World of Taekwondo

SPECIAL INTERVIEW
38 Lee, Sung woo, President of the Gyeongsangbuk-do Taekwondo Association
“Transforming the World Taekwondo Hanmadang with Practical Taekwondo”

HISTORY
58 Historical Figures <3> The Master of Taekwondo Administration, the
late Uhm, Woon kyu, former President of Kukkiwon
The Main Contributor to the Globalization of Taekwondo as the
10 Right-hand Man of Kim, Un yong

62 50th Anniversary of Kukkiwon <3>

The Globalization of ‘Kukki’ Taekwondo
First Among Eastern Martial Arts to Become an Official Olympic Sport

2 3
 TAEKWONDO
TAEKWONDO
SPECIAL REPORT
Search For “Practical Taekwondo”Ⅱ-End

22 Integrating Taekwondo with a Military Spirit

TAEKWONDO
Combat Taekwondo - A Path Back to Practicality
2023 VOL. 3
Reopening Issue 24 Breathing Life into ‘Combat Taekwondo’ and ‘Practical Taekwondo’ with
(Volume 22, Number 3) Proven Utility Value
October - December, 2023

Table of 28 Combat Taekwondo Training ❶

TAEKWONDO
“Highly Popular Combat Taekwondo: A Significant Contribution

Contents
to the Promotion of Korean Traditional Culture”

29 Combat Taekwondo Training ❷

“Combat Taekwondo Proves Its Value in Real-Life Situations

TAEKWONDO
As Training Progresses.”

30 Actress Lee, Yuri Falls in Love with Taekwondo

32 Practical Taekwondo Private Organization: Forging a Path of Innovation

and Prosperity in the Field

TOPIC TAEKWONDO
TAEKWONDO
40 Taekwondo, The Original K-Culture Platform

42 College Students' Refreshing and Creative Research Presentations

24 44 Taekwondo Craze Sweeps Across Mongolia

66
PILGRIMAGE
Pilgrimage of Taekwondo Dojangs <3>
TAEKWONDO
TAEKWONDO
Adults Specilized Dojang, Dodam Taekwondo
Until the Day Every Adult Enjoys Health and Happiness

TAEKWONDO
EDUCATION
70 A Proposal for the Objective, Logical, and Systematic Establishment
of the Philosophy of Taekwondo

TAEKWONDO
72 Dojang Must Survive for Taekwondo To Survive <3>
Competitiveness in Taekwondo Dojangs!
A Systematic Strategy Meeting System for Specialization

76 Learning Taekwondo Techniques Through Pictures <3>

Back Kick, Back Spin Hook Kick
68
TAEKWONDO
4
TAEKWONDO
111
5
 YEARLY PROJECT
Kukkiwon, 50 Years of History
and the Next 50 Years to Come III

2023 VOL. 3 46 When Reflecting on Yesterday and Today,

Tomorrow Will Rise With A Bright Sun
Reopening Issue
(Volume 22, Number 3)
October - December, 2023 48 Vision and Blueprint,

Table of
Commitment to Execution Trumps Presentation

52 COLUMN ①

Contents Preserving the True Value and Charm of Taekwondo

for a Brighter Future <1>

53 COLUMN ②
Family & Credit The Future of Taekwondo Lies in AI and Innovative Integration
Publisher Kukkiwon Chairman of the Board
54 PICTORIALNESS Tracing the 50-Year Journey of Kukkiwon <3>
Jeon, Kab kil
2010s: Expanding Taekwondo Dojangs in Korea and Abroad
Editor Kukkiwon Chairman
-in-chief Lee, Dong sup

Editorial Chairperson Choe, Kyoo-Sup (Secretary General of the

Committee Korean Sports Journalists Association) GLOBAL
Members Kim, Jung heon (Professor, Yongin University)
80 Hijab, Women’s Sports, and Taekwondo
Song, Ji hoon (Deputy Chief of the Sports
Department, JoongAng Ilbo) 84 Miracle of South Sudan: Taekwondo as an Instrument of Peace
Seo, Sung won (Taekwondo Box Media
86 TAEKWONDO WORLD News From KOREA
Reporter)

Jung, Kook hyun (Professor at the Korea 88 TAEKWONDO WORLD News From Around The World
National Sport University)

Public Kye, Eun young (Director)

Relations
Han, Sun ok (Assistant Manager), Park, Young jun (Assistant)
PHOTO NEWS
Overseas Asia Lee, Joo sang (Bangladesh)
corre-
Choi, Yong seok (Cambodia)
92 The 17th 3rd Degree Taekwondo Self-defense
spondents Instructor Qualification Training
(dispatched Africa Kim, Do jin (Ethiopia) “This Heat Is Nothing Compared to Our Taekwondo Passion!”
instroctors)
Jang, Ho sung (Tunisia)

America Kim, Ho seok (Honduras)

Im, Yeon chul (Brazil) GRAPHIC NEWS

Europe Kang, Cheol in (Poland)
94 Benefits of Practicing Taekwondo <2> Boosting Confidence
Jung, Woo min (France) Taekwondo Training for Improved Self-Esteem and Physical Confidence
ISSN 2982-9615

Published Kukkiwon
by
Address 32, Teheran-ro 7-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, CALENDAR
Republic of Korea
96 Major Events (October-December)
TEL 02-567-1058~9

Date Ooctober 1, 2023

Design DN (d-n@daum.net)

※ Kukkiwon adheres to the ethical guidelines and principles of practice set forth by
the Korea Press Ethics Commission.
※ Unauthorized copying and reproduction of all contents, including articles, photo-
graphs, graphics, and other materials featured in Kukkiwon, is strictly prohibited.

6 7
COVER STORY A New Wave, Women’s Taekwondo
Women’s Taekwondo
as a Pathway to Recovery
and Expansion,
Lighting the Way
Forward With
Inclusion and
Integration
Text by Choe, Kyoo sup (Head of Editorial Board)
Photo by Kukkiwon
Taekwondo, a martial arts sport, is deeply rooted in our na-
tion’s rich heritage. It embodies the intangible traditions that
humans have practiced over centuries. At its core, Taekwondo
is a specific discipline born from the broader concept of mar-
tial arts. It represents a set of combat techniques, with “com-
bat” suggesting confrontations that convey strength and in-
tensity. This robust image often led many to see it as a domain
primarily for men. Indeed, there was an era when Taekwondo
was predominantly a male territory. A few decades ago, it was
rare to find women entering this sphere.
However, time brings change. As the world evolved, so did
Taekwondo. Embracing change, it began to resonate with
women’s voices determined to shatter traditional norms and
venture into martial arts. This evolution became an antidote
to a society once riddled with gender biases. Over the past
fifty years, the winds of positive change have been palpable,
with Taekwondo becoming increasingly inclusive. Women in
Taekwondo now represent not a step back but a leap forward.
Training in Taekwondo is primarily about self-defense and
personal growth. What begins as a journey for self-protection
evolves into a quest for self-fulfillment. This evolution touch-
es both the body and the spirit. This transformative journey,
8 9
deeply rooted in Taoism, parallels Buddhist practices and Con-
fucian teachings.
There are rising concerns about Taekwondo's future, par-
ticularly in its birthplace, South Korea. Challenges posed by
declining birth rates and slower growth cast shadows of un-
certainty. But is there a way to navigate these challenges? The
notions of rejuvenation and expansion have surfaced as po-
tential solutions. Taekwondo can embrace a brighter future by
reconnecting with the essence of martial arts and broadening
its reach. In this narrative, the role of women in Taekwondo
emerges as a pivotal factor.
The foundation of martial arts lies in the principles of slowness
and gentleness. This ethos, encapsulated in the belief “Lead
with slowness to achieve speed, and employ softness to con-
quer strength,” challenges conventional wisdom. Taekwondo,
naturally, is no exception. Women, often symbolizing grace
and softness, play a vital role in shaping Taekwondo's tra-
jectory. Their innate empathy and exceptional inclusiveness,
birthed from maternal instincts, are assets in our global mul-
ticultural era. Thus, women’s contributions to Taekwondo are
desirable and essential for its harmonious growth and unity.
COVER STORY A New Wave, Women’s Taekwondo

Women’s Taekwondo, pic sport, the pursuit shifted from “softness” to “strength.” This
is an inherent limitation faced by all Olympic sports, including

A Guiding Light for Taekwondo. Due to the environment that advocates for stronger
Taekwondo, there have been ongoing concerns that the martial

the Development of World Taekwondo spirit of Taekwondo is fading. Among various avenues to secure
the martial spirit of Taekwondo, women’s Taekwondo can pro-
vide a shortcut. As women inherently embody softness and flex-
Text by Ryu, Jeong ae (Professor of Physical Education, Chung-Ang University)
ibility, women’s Taekwondo can act as a catalyst to remind us of
Photo by Kukkiwon
the essence of Taekwondo and its most beautiful martial spirit
that we might have momentarily forgotten.

Making Inclusivity the Bedrock of Global Taekwondo Unity

The four major Taekwondo organizations in Korea, Kukkiwon, Korea Taekwondo Association, World Taekwondo, In our aging society, Taekwondo dojangs have become places
and Taekwondo Promotion Foundation, are preparing in various ways to grow Taekwondo into a discipline loved where people of all ages and generations practice together. As
and practiced by many. However, there needs to be specialized preparation for women’s Taekwondo, who comprise boundaries between nations and regions continue to blur, we
half the population. Despite the aftermath of a declining birthrate and slow growth hitting the sport, there is only a find ourselves in a global multicultural training era where indi-
tenuous focus on women's Taekwondo. viduals of diverse races and ethnicities practice Taekwondo side
Now, Kukkiwon must take the lead. Women's Taekwondo is the beacon that will lead the development of global by side. These characteristics have led to diverse and complex
Taekwondo beyond South Korea. Since its establishment in 1972, Kukkiwon has done much for the tradition and patterns of conflict and differentiation, which hinder our soci-
future of Taekwondo over the past 50 years. Looking ahead to the next 50 or 100 years, they must actively nurture ety’s growth potential.
sustainable areas of Taekwondo development. We are at a juncture where we need to deeply recognize that the This dynamic is also reflected in the Taekwondo world. Most
centennial plan of “national sport” Taekwondo lies in women’s Taekwondo. At the core of this mission is Kukkiwon. women experience pregnancy and childbirth and take on a sig-
nificant amount of childcare. Despite increasing male involve-
ment in household and co-parenting duties, these tasks are of-
ten perceived as primarily women’s responsibilities. As a result
of both biological and social factors, women tend to be more
inclusive, open to other cultures, and empathetic. Therefore,
women and female Taekwondo practitioners can embrace the
Reject Binary Views on Gender that will propel the future growth of Taekwondo. Developed
diversity and complexity in Taekwondo schools, organizations,
As we know, with its long history, Taekwondo was initiated countries and global companies have long utilized women’s
and associations and contribute to building a Taekwondo com-
by men, and men have consistently held prominent positions characteristics in developing national societies and companies.
munity akin to ‘Sweet Home.’ Women’s Taekwondo is a vital
in the sport. Women have been on the periphery of the sport. Therefore, Kukkiwon should actively leverage women’s attri-
agenda that deserves attention within the Taekwondo world,
In the case of women’s Taekwondo in South Korea, the Korean butes in shaping the future of the sport.
including at Kukkiwon.
Women’s Taekwondo Federation was founded in 1979 and has
In conclusion, we look forward to the establishment of a wom-
been around ever since. However, given the sport's 40+ year Harnessing Delicacy to Expand Taekwondo Participation
en’s Taekwondo demonstration team in the short term, the es-
history, it has yet to be active. Academically, women have been proven influential deci-
tablishment of a dedicated organization in charge of women's
The meaning of women’s Taekwondo shouldn’t be viewed sion-makers in determining whether family members partici-
Taekwondo education projects in Korea and abroad, and the
through a biological or binary lens of men’s Taekwondo versus pate in sports. More recently, they have been reported to play
development and implementation of a long-term plan to pro-
women’s Taekwondo. The gender ratio of Taekwondo practi- a pivotal role as leading agents in shaping public opinion and
mote women’s Taekwondo.
tioners is indeed much higher for men than women. This is usu- cultural reinvention in societies and cultures. Women’s del-
ally why people uncomfortable with women’s Taekwondo say icacy can silently move hearts and minds in their homes and
there is no need to create a separate category for women. They communities. A culture that respects diverse individuality and
argue that if we continue to develop Taekwondo as it is now uniqueness is becoming mainstream in Korea and worldwide.
Delicacy
without separating women, women’s Taekwondo will grow au- Consequently, Kukkiwon’s interest and investment in women’s
tomatically. While they are not 100% wrong, this outdated view- Taekwondo is a great way to reach the hearts and minds of half
point is not helpful to the organization as it seeks new growth the population. Moreover, if they are successful in their role as
Utilizing Women’s
engines for the future. It is a clichéd and narrow-minded opin- Taekwondo agents in their homes and communities, they may Women's Taekwondo is key
ion that does not align with the organization’s status amid the even win the admiration of men. Taekwondo to shaping Kukkiwon’s
centennial vision.
Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Restoring the Martiality of Taekwondo Through Softness Female Taekwondo practitioners are actively engaged in learning
Poomsae. Across the nation, adult Taekwondo women’s dojangs are Inclusiveness Softness
Paving the Way for Taekwondo’s Future American basketball legend John Wooden said, “Nothing is springing up everywhere.
Women are not an afterthought; they constitute a vital sector stronger than gentleness.” With Taekwondo becoming an Olym-

10 11
COVER STORY A New Wave, Women’s Taekwondo

Women’s Taekwondo Training

Becomes More Important in the Realm of
Self-defense, Self-protection
Text by Lee, Suk gyeong (Professor of the Department of Sports Coaching, Jeonju University)
Photo by Kukkiwon

Recently, there has been a disturbing surge in violent crimes targeting women. Compounding societal con-
cerns, recent data from the National Statistical Office revealed that South Korea’s total fertility rate in the
second quarter of 2023 dipped to a concerning 0.6%, leading to dire predictions of a potential 'national
extinction.’ These pressing social issues have positive and negative implications for the Taekwondo in-
dustry. Incidents of violent crimes occurring in broad daylight have eroded trust in the social safety net,
underscoring the importance of self-defense as a “survival strategy.” Additionally, the declining birth rate,
which evokes the feeling that the country is on the brink of disappearing, is closely linked to the closure of
Taekwondo centers. This underscores that South Korea remains a challenging place for women to live. Ulti-
mately, creating a safe environment for women and fostering a conducive atmosphere for their well-being
is intrinsically tied to the revitalization of Taekwondo education.
Revitalizing Adult Taekwondo? Table 1. Percentage of Women Certified as International Taekwondo
Master Instructors
Securing Female Practitioners is the Shortcut!
Among Taekwondo practitioners, the proportion of women
Instructor
Domestic Female
Female
stands at about 20%. Increasing the number of female practi- certification Rate(%)
tioners to revitalize adult Taekwondo could be a driving force 1 degree 646 22 3.4%
for the future development of the sport. In South Korea, the
2 degree 2,564 147 5.7%
male-female population ratio is 49.84% male and 50.16% fe-
3 degree 54,641 6,512 12%
male, meaning about half the population is female. Looking
at the current status of black belt examinations in Korea from
January to July 2023, the percentage of female practitioners Promoting the Advancement of Women Professionals
in Taekwondo schools is about 20%. However, a significant and Attracting Female Researchers
decrease in female advanced masters from 6th Dan onwards Fights between women and men are violent. It is not just about
is interpreted as a break in training due to pregnancy and winning or losing; specialized Taekwondo training is necessary
childcare. This may be due to the lack of training environment, for survival. In other words, self-defense training is essential. It
space, and programs during pregnancy and childcare. aims to understand the environment, quickly recognize dan-
The discontinuation of Taekwondo training among women ap- gerous situations, and train for scenarios such as sense, de-
pears in statistics similar to the proportion of females with 1st fense, response, running, and falling. The goal of training and
to 3rd-degree instructor certifications from Kukkiwon (Table 1). education should be the ‘wise self-defense’ considering vari-
Looking in detail, 3rd-degree instructors (4th Dan or high- ous potential threats.
er, aged 22 or older) account for 12%. However, 2nd-degree In cases of sexual assault, the Sunflower Center protects wom-
instructors (6th Dan or higher, aged 30 or older) make up a en, ensuring they adapt well to society post-crime, from the
mere 5.7%. These numbers showcase women’s societal and point of report to judgment and treatment. This protection
economic challenges in continuing Taekwondo training, espe- spans female police officers, lawyers, and nurses to doctors.
cially amid marriage, pregnancy, and childcare. Research must Similarly, in Taekwondo, continuous research, education, and
be undertaken to explore environmental, policy-driven, and leadership training efforts should be poured into by psycholo-
systemic solutions that will enable women who've halted their gists, educational experts, and self-defense experts to expand
training to continue practicing Taekwondo throughout their the base for female Taekwondo practitioners. Increasing the
lives. participation and activities of female Taekwondo practitioners
The case for the Kukkiwon to take the lead in advancing women’s Taekwondo empowerment is gaining traction. At the opening ceremony of the 2023 Kukkiwon
Taekwondo Hanmaeum Grand Festival, a female Kukkiwon Taekwondo demonstration team member demonstrated an impressive three-step spinning kick.
Table 2. Percentage of Female Managers in South Korean Taekwondo Dojangs way to those aspiring to be part of these teams.
However, looking at the gender ratio in most demonstration
Total(Domestic) Female Female Percentage(%)
teams, women barely constitute 10%. Undoubtedly, under the
9,693 448 4.6%
premise that there are gender differences, both sparring and
poomsae select and allow the participation of men and women
equally. On the other hand, Taekwondo demonstration teams,
will naturally establish a foundation for adult Taekwondo ac-
aiming to showcase the flashy techniques and performances of
tivation.
Taekwondo, predominantly select men over women.
Looking at the domestic Taekwondo dojang managers, only
Most sports aim to acknowledge gender differences and strive
about 4.6% are women (Table 2). Compared to the popula-
to expand women’s participation in sports. The Kukkiwon is
tion ratio in Korea, female Taekwondo managers still need to
the heart of Taekwondo, a sport with a global presence. Efforts
improve. Of course, most Taekwondo dojangs employ female
to empower women in Taekwondo should be proactive, start-
instructors. However, the educational objectives, philosophies,
ing with the Kukkiwon.
and training systems of Taekwondo gyms vary depending on
the manager’s inclinations. Thus, fostering female Taekwondo
leaders and managers is a crucial factor that should be consid-
ered, as it naturally leads to securing more female Taekwondo
students and continuous Taekwondo training.
The Need for a Strong Foundation of
Female Taekwondo Athletes
As the home of Taekwondo and a global sport, Korea’s Tae-
kwondo stands out in various fields, such as etiquette, humil-
ity, and spiritual cultivation. Over the years, it has expanded
into culture, arts, and performance. Beginning with the global-
ization of sparring in 1973, the poomsae have grown relative-
ly equally between men and women. Furthermore, breaking,
which directly connects to culture, art, and performance, is
more influential in team events than individual ones. Accord-
ingly, most Taekwondo departments operate demonstra-
tion teams, promoting Taekwondo and generating revenue
through Taekwondo demonstration performances. Notably, Taekwondo is gaining popularity as a smart self-defense martial art for
women. At the Taekwondo Hanmaeum Grand Festival in March, a female
the demonstration teams operated by Kukkiwon, World Tae- Taekwondo practitioner smashed 11 marbles with her fists, reminding us
kwondo, and the Korea Taekwondo Association are like a gate- of the power of the sport.

12 13
COVER STORY A New Wave, Women’s Taekwondo
‘Passionate Woman’
Lim, Mi hwa:
Love Affair with
Taekwondo Over 40 Years
Text and Photo by Lim, Mi hwa (Master of Naracha Dojang)
“I wanted to become a woman in a dobok (Taekwondo uniform).
My desire grew so strong that, despite my mother’s discourage-
ment, I finally wore the dobok in the third grade of elementary
school. Wearing it, I dreamt of a stronger me. Only later did I re-
alize that the strength I dreamt of wasn't just physical, but inner
strength.”
Starting from the third grade of elementary school, I followed
my older brother to the Waryong Dojang (Jongno-gu, Seoul)
and donned the dobok. From a beginner female practitioner to
a demonstration team member of the Kukkiwon, and then from
a master instructor to a director of the Kukkiwon, my journey
deeply engraved Taekwondo in my heart, and I've proudly pro-
claimed myself not just a female Taekwondo practitioner, but a
born ‘Taekwondoist.’ People around me often ask, “Do you love
Taekwondo that much?” They suggest I try other sports. Some-
times, I wondered if my life was becoming too one-dimensional,
answering ‘Taekwondo’ when questioned about my hobbies and
‘Taekwondo’ when asked about my expertise. I have been practic-
ing Taekwondo since the age of 10. Taekwondo is genuinely me.
Performing as a Demonstration Team:
Authentic Power and Practical Training
Upon entering college, I sought out the Taekwondo demonstra-
tion team through club activities. At that time, only a few female
members were on the demonstration team. I admired the se-
nior female members as they showcased powerful breaks and
subdued male seniors with self-defense techniques. The image
I aspired to was far from the somewhat delicate image defined
as “femininity.” This aspiration evolved into practical self-defense
techniques. As a member of the National Demonstration Team
(now known as the Kukkiwon Demonstration Team), I traveled
around the world, presenting not a performance but authentic,
palpable self-defense techniques. I remember frequently apolo-
14
Master Lim, Mi hwa coaches a female practitioner.
gizing to the seniors and peers who played the opponents in the
self-defense scenes, making it look real as I used powerful tech-
niques on them. Wearing the Taekwondo uniform and demon-
strating self-defense as a woman, I wanted to showcase its power
and practicality. Expressing my inner cry in this manner made the
apologies only appropriate.
Pride in Taekwondo, Regret in Opening a Dojang
Becoming a ‘master instructor’ in Taekwondo as a woman, wear-
ing the dobok for life, was another challenge. I wanted to meet
and nurture female Taekwondo students with a strong inner spir-
it. I pondered whether, as a female master, I could effectively as-
sist and connect with female students. After much thought, I de-
cided to run a Taekwondo dojang. The journey was not smooth.
When I put up the sign for my dojang, the neighboring masters
seemed very friendly. However, their greetings felt tinged with a
‘young woman, really?’ sentiment. After the opening ceremony,
some came in a crowd, questioning, “Why did you install a bas-
ketball hoop in a Taekwondo dojang? Why are you giving away
doboks as gifts?” Reflecting on it now, I wonder if they ques-
tioned me because I was a woman. An even sadder memory was
when a senior instructor accused me of intruding into his territo-
ry and teamed up with others to confront me.
I cried at that time. Tears that signified ‘regret.’ It was the first time
I regretted wearing a dobok. Taekwondo had always been my
pride, but I regretted opening the dojang. Nevertheless, those
tears became a catalyst. They propelled me to become a pas-
sionate female master, dedicating myself to training students
regardless of gender. Ultimately, I served as motivation to wear
the dobok for life.
❶ ❷
① Master Lim garnered admiration for her powerful breaking techniques
during her time as a member of the Kukkiwon Taekwondo demonstration
team.
② On the wooden boards of the training hall, one can see how much sweat
was shed during practice.
Appointment as Director of Kukkiwon...
“To Change the System, We Must Enter Its Domain”
In the education service industry of Taekwondo dojangs, the pri-
mary decision-makers are predominantly mothers. To mothers
or women with children, a female master wearing a Taekwondo
uniform might have seemed appealing. As a female master in
South Korea running my own business, there was no inequality.
However, it was different within the institutional realm. In the re-
gional association, I was part of, the highest position a woman
could attain was that of an ‘auditor’. Even this position wasn't held
for long. Looking at the institutions, aside from positions in the
Women's League or Women’s Committee, I am trying to remem-
ber instances where a woman was a chairperson with male mem-
bers. I had suppressed the underlying unfairness and buried my
resentment.
Finally, an opportunity arose to voice the concerns of women. On
March 7, 2019, at a public hearing to amend Kukkiwon’s regula-
tions, I spoke up for the ‘quota system for female directors’. The
amendment was underway to prepare Kukkiwon for the next 50
years. Given that many female students and Taekwondo majors
were emerging, I believed women in Taekwondo should also be
given leadership opportunities within the system. In October
2019, I became a director of Kukkiwon through a public recruit-
ment process.
Reflecting on it, I wonder if there’s any discipline that practices
gender equality and Taekwondo. The representative training
subject of Taekwondo, poomsae, can be practiced equally by
both men and women. And the process of promotion is equal-
ly given to both. The various qualifications from the Kukkiwon
Training Center are also provided based on rank with equal op-
portunities. In the end, wearing the dobok, we're not defined as
male or female; we’re ‘Taekwondo practitioners.’
5 Essential Tips for Welcoming and
Guiding Female Trainees
1. Welcoming at the Entrance
When we think of Taekwondo, we think of the strong smell
of sweat. It's a sign of pride and symbolism, but it's a big no-
no for women. To appeal to female or prospective students,
freshen up the entrance: with planters and scented dojang.
Young and old alike will be excited to enter.
2. Consider a Color Change for Dobok
It's worth considering having a different color for the pants
of the female uniform, especially for those sensitive days
women experience. Dark-colored pants might make them
feel more comfortable and confident even when doing high
kicks on such days.
3. Be sensitive to Small Changes
Every movement in Taekwondo is a defensive or offensive
technique. For many, attacking someone or defending
against an attack can be startling. Encourage them when
they attempt initial shouts, kicks, and blocks, even if not ex-
ecuted perfectly. Respond sensitively to their gradual prog-
ress, cheering them on and reminding them, “Strong women
are beautiful.”
4. Gently Draw Out Their Potential
When kicking a mitt and hearing that crisp sound, one can’t
help but feel exhilarated, and breaking a board successfully
calls for celebration. Ensure that mitts produce that satisfying
sound when kicked and assist in making challenging breaks
possible. Through defensive and offensive technique train-
ing, help them harness the power they didn't know they had.
5. Facilitate Inclusivity and Bonding
Not being able to socialize easily or being alone in a group
can dampen interest in Taekwondo. It's important to make
it easy for female students to socialize with each other and
create the perception of a fun place to be.
15
COVER STORY A New Wave, Women in Taekwondo
Women's Taekwondo Diary ➊
“Practicing Taekwondo
not only eases physical
tension but also lightens
the heart.”
Text by Shin, Hyo jung (Housewife) Photo by Kukkiwon
When I share that I'm learning Taekwondo as a middle-aged
woman, I'm often met with surprised faces asking, "How did
you start practicing? I’ve prioritized joy, entertainment, and
meaningful endeavors throughout my life. Before embark-
ing on my Taekwondo journey, I spent a lot of time pondering
which exercise would suit me. It’s fun to learn new things. And
I thought using my body instead of my mind would be more
fun. I wanted to do an exercise that would take care of my phys-
ical and mental health together. Thus, Taekwondo, which pre-
dominantly required bodily movements and seemed to calm
the mind with focused actions, resonated deeply with me.
Taekwondo, indeed, has allowed me to enjoy learning new
things. The adult class meets every evening at 8 p.m., which
makes the 60-minute workout feel like six minutes. It was just
as exciting and enjoyable. After warming up with basic stretch-
es and being taught and practicing a mix of grappling, fighting,
kicking, and striking, the 60 minutes flew by. I realized how much
I love kicking. I didn’t know there were so many types of kicks:
front, back, side, spinning, back, spinning, and spinning kicks,
and I especially love the dynamic 540-degree kick.
At first, I started Taekwondo because I wanted to use my
body, but as I learned, I realized that Taekwondo is also
about using your head. It's not just about being smart.
You have to memorize the forms, and the kicks and fights are
very demanding, requiring both physical and cognitive coor-
dination. This is why I have the utmost respect for my teachers.
Above all, the most meaningful part of the training is that it is a
16
Women's Taekwondo Diary ➋ monthly regular grading exams are a time to review what’s been
learned and to challenge the next goal. Students take exams for
“Taekwondo is the nourish- their growth, not to compete with others. So, if someone makes a
mistake during an exam, everyone encourages them to try again
ment for self-growth, and succeed. Such moments always touch my heart.
It might sound a bit cheesy to write down, but it makes me think,
training together for mental “This is how we should live together; we have warm hearts.” I’m
grateful for the master and fellow students who share this journey
and physical maturity.” with me.
“Training for one's growth and supporting each other for mutual
growth.” This is the spirit of Taekwondo. Ultimately, Taekwondo
Text by Moon, Mi so (Office Worker) Photo by Kukkiwon might be more than just a sport; it might be a path to becoming
a better adult. I hope many more people experience Taekwondo
and its benefits of correct thinking, a bright heart, and a healthy
body. Today, once again, I head to the dojang with an excited
heart.
“Taekwondo? The one kids do?” This is what most people say
when I tell them I practice Taekwondo. Taekwondo is still per-
ceived as a sport for children. Adult dojangs are indeed rare. But
after a year and a half of training, I’ve realized that Taekwondo is
a sport anyone can enjoy and a way to cultivate the “right mind, a
bright heart, and a healthy body.”
Taekwondo is, above all, fun. Between stretching, fitness
training, fundamental skills, poosae, and kicks, a 50-min-
ute class feels incredibly short. My favorite part is hitting the
mitt. When you yell and kick the mitt with a “bang, bang!”
the day’s stress disappears.
Fundamental moves and Poomsae have their unique charm. If
kicking the mitt feels like a refreshing soda, then the basics and
time to focus entirely on the body’s movement. The art empha-
Poomsae taste different. Focusing on refining each move, my cha-
sizes relaxation, contraction, balance, and strategic distancing
otic mind settles. Mastering a challenging activity brings a sense
from opponents, leading to natural self-control. In doing so, my
of achievement.
mind is free of distractions, and my body and mind are calm.
Taekwondo also develops many different physical abilities.
Controlling your body helps you manage your mind. We've all
Through various kicks like front, downward, spinning, side kicks,
experienced the tension that builds up in our minds at work
and stances like ready, forward, and backward, the hip joint be-
or home, and when it’s transferred to our bodies, our primal
comes flexible, strengthening the thighs, buttocks, and core mus-
emotions and behaviors take over. With its genuine kicks and
cles. I used to be quite stiff, but after a year and a half of Taekwon-
punches, Taekwondo provides an outlet for bodily tension and
do, I can now do an almost 180-degree split. My body has toned
induces mental tranquility. Intriguingly, as the physical stress dis-
up overall. I used to get winded easily, but consistent running in
sipates, one's mind broadens, often revealing uncharted paths.
the dojang has improved my cardiovascular stamina. Recognizing
Learning Taekwondo helps me to have a balanced “right mind,” a
this healthier version of myself brings more joy to training.
“big heart,” and a “healthy body,” just like the chi at our “Naracha”
Another advantage of Taekwondo is its well-structured promo-
dojoang, which we chant at the end of every class. Every night, I
tion system. Belts in various colors, such as white, yellow, blue,
am equipped with a new body and mind for tomorrow. Here’s to
and red, act as motivations to work toward the next goal. The
flying high with every kick!
17
COVER STORY A New Wave, Women’s Taekwondo

Meeting Taekwon Soop:

A Specialized Taekwondo Dojang
for Girls
Text & Photos by Jo, Jun woo (Martial Arts Newspaper Reporter)

I met Lee, Eun ji, the master of Taekwon Soop, a specialist in teaching the first “Girl’s Taekwondo” in
Korea. When I visited the dojang for the interview at 3:30 PM, the energetic cries of kihap filled the
room. As expected, Master Lee had a determined presence. Throughout the interview, she came
across as a leader who felt that only teaching girls Taekwondo was too limiting. The dojang oper-
ated on a well-organized and disciplined system. Master Lee, who chose the unusual path of “Girls’
Taekwondo,” had aspirations to expand her student base to include adult women. Let’s explore the
world of girls’ Taekwondo. Master Lee, Eun ji (far right in the back row) poses with the young female trainees—the warmth of the Taekwondo Soop family.

2. Emotional Stability
Being a girl doesn’t inherently cause more anxiety or sensitivity.
Fears arise from a lack of experience. By practicing Taekwondo,
they gain stability and build confidence through diverse back-
grounds, enabling them to respond to school or daily situations
without relying on others.
high school, juggling academics and Taekwondo. Though not
an athlete and without aspirations to major in Taekwondo, she
stated that Taekwondo at the Taekwon Soop helped relieve her
academic stress. This year, she was admitted to a prestigious uni-
versity, E University, and aims to achieve her 4th Dan.

3. Community Plans To Expand Her Student Base to Adults and

In the Taekwon Soop, smiles always blossom on the faces of the young girls training. This scenery originates from the generous yet meticulous guidance of Master
Lee, Eun ji (center).
Reasons for Her Interest in Girls’ Taekwondo
In 2012, at a dojang where she was an instructor, she wondered
why a 4th-grade girl would watch for a year without learning
Taekwondo. After consulting with mother, she decided to teach
Taekwondo exclusively to girls. Later, she realized that many par-
ents wanted their daughters to learn Taekwondo but hesitated
due to the environment, system, or management of typical do-
jangs. In 2014, she opened Taekwon Soop, exclusively for girls.
Benefits of Girls Practicing Taekwondo
1. Physical Development
Girls experience different physical development than boys. Even
when puberty begins, boys don’t show noticeable physical
changes, whereas girls develop breasts and start menstruating.
Therefore, girls who practice Taekwondo before puberty have
superior physical functionality compared to those who don’t.
They become aware of the lengths of their limbs and develop
better crisis-response abilities.
Girls love to work together more than they love to compete. As
girls learn Taekwondo, they fill in each other’s gaps and share dif-
ferent experiences more often. This is resilience in sports. When
individual strength becomes a code of conduct for a group, a
bond is formed. It creates a culture of waiting for others and
feeling good about being together. It becomes a shared destiny,
another social family that supports each other.
Focuses on Her Teachings
She has faced many trials and errors. To effectively guide girls,
meticulous attention is needed in the environment, system, and
management. The Taekwondo program for girls differs from
that of boys in physical, emotional, and cultural aspects. She
aims to draw in girls interested in dance, ballet, or dance, with
the motto: “Make the hard easy, the boring interesting, and the
scary not scary.”
Rewarding Experiences
How many students start Taekwondo in the upper grades of
elementary school nowadays? One student began in the 5th
grade of elementary school. She continued into middle and
Future Goals
There are currently many female teenage students. Initially, she
aimed to teach only those aged 6-13. However, as the dojang
reaches its 10th year, she encounters students who continue
practicing Taekwondo as a hobby upon reaching ages 14, 17, or
even college. She plans to start teaching adult women, estab-
lishing a self-defense system suited for female bodies. Recent-
ly, there's been a significant rise in inquiries from adult women.
Plans to guide adult female students had been postponed while
focusing on young girls but are now set to launch this year.
Another plan is to establishing a training study room and oper-
ation program for female Taekwondo instructors. The goal is to
resolve challenges faced by female instructors in dojang oper-
ation and guidance. The plan includes providing education tai-
lored to consumer needs, encompassing marketing, consulting,
and promotion to adapt to the changing times. The intent is to
share the expertise she has accumulated with female instructors
who are contemplating how to start or enhance their teaching
methods. There will be concurrent Zoom training for instructors
unable to travel due to distance. The announcement was made
in September, and seminars are set to start in October.

18 19
ISSUE

physical and mental training.”

In Dongducheon, Gyeonggi Province, some elders maintain
their health through Taekwondo. Founded in 2007, the Dong-
ducheon Silver Taekwondo team, which has won various compe-
titions and built a reputation, consists of members aged 60 to 80.

Taekwondo Training for the Silver Generation: Master Park, Je cheol, who teaches Taekwondo to these nearly
30 members twice a week, said, “Through various Taekwondo

Fight Aging and

movements, one’s body can become healthier. Especially, the
Taekwondo patterns require memorizing sequences, which is
effective in enhancing the memory of the elderly and preventing

Boost Self-Esteem
dementia.”
In September 2016, in Muju, North Jeolla Province, the Silver Tae-
kwondo Cultural and Performance Demonstration Team was es-
tablished as a non-profit private organization with the approval
of the Jeonbuk Provincial Office. With an average age of 76, this
demonstration team, comprising about 20 dan-holders, aims to
promote health through Taekwondo.
In Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, about 80 members of a com-
munity sports Silver Taekwondo class comprised individuals
Text by Seo, Sung won (Editorial Board Member) aged 65 and above. The Taekwondo class is held three times a
week. Considering the age of the seniors, half of the exercise time
is dedicated to stretching, after which they proceed with basic
With the increasing elderly population, South Korea has already entered an ‘aged society.’ As the Baby Boomer gen-
Taekwondo movements and patterns.
eration (born between 1955 and 1963) ages, it is predicted that by 2025, the proportion of people aged 65 and older
The Silver Taekwondo Club operated by the Bukgu Senior Wel-
will reach 20%. In response to this societal trend, there’s a growing interest in “Silver Taekwondo.” “Silver” in English
fare Center in Ulsan Metropolitan City is also noteworthy. Found-
refers to the color silver (銀), and as people age, their hair turns silver-white, leading to the use of ‘silver’ in terms related
ed in 2012 to enhance the health of local seniors, this club started
to older people. Therefore, Silver Taekwondo means Taekwondo practiced by those 65 years and older. It’s actively
with 30 members and has now grown to over 120.
recommended for elderly health promotion and leisure activities, primarily by local self-governing bodies, senior wel-
The Eumseong County Health Center in North Chungcheong
fare centers, sports organizations, and health centers. Various studies have shown that when older people consistently
Province has been operating a Silver Taekwondo health class for
practice Taekwondo, they can experience positive physiological changes in their bodies, prevent aging, enhance their
older people in collaboration with Gangdong University since
self-esteem, and increase leisure satisfaction. This recognition of its benefits is leading to the widespread adoption of
January 2015. Recently, they held an opening ceremony for the
Silver Taekwondo.
Vascular Robust Health Centennial Silver Taekwondo program,
aiming to manage and prevent cerebrovascular diseases.
Furthermore, the Senior Welfare Center in Gwangsan-gu,
Gwangju Metropolitan City, operates a ’Proud Silver Taekwondo
Class’ twice a week. In addition, various facilities like the Jorye
Welfare Center in Suncheon, South Jeolla Province; Hope Senior
The Current State of Silver Taekwondo Welfare Center in Yangju, Gyeonggi Province; Comprehensive Se-
Where is Silver Taekwondo primarily practiced? Let’s take a clos- nior Welfare Center in Dalseo-gu, Daegu; Comprehensive Senior
er look. In 2014, the Mansu 2-dong in Namdong-gu, Incheon, Welfare Center in Seongsan-gu, Changwon, South Gyeongsang
opened a Silver Taekwondo Classroom targeting older people. Province; Munsu Silver Welfare Center in Ulsan; Senior Welfare
Conducted once a week, this class was designed to promote Center in Michuhol, Incheon; Gansuk 3-dong Community Center
healthy and happy leisure activities for the growing elderly pop- in Incheon; and the Health Center in Ilsan Seo-gu, Gongyang City,
ulation, teaching them basic physical exercises, joint movements, Gyeonggi Province are also operating Silver Taekwondo classes
self-defense techniques, and health-oriented Taekwondo. This to enhance seniors’ physical activity and balance senses.
was rooted in the belief that Taekwondo training can effectively
prevent osteoporosis and dementia. Strategies for Promoting Silver Taekwondo
In April of the same year, the Manwol Welfare Center in Nam- In line with the nationwide expansion of Silver Taekwondo, the
dong-gu, Incheon, began its Silver Taekwondo program. Master Korean Silver Taekwondo Federation (President Kim, Yong hwi)
Kim, Young soo said, “Through the regular program, we focus was officially established in 2016. President Kim said, “We aim to
Members of the Namdong-gu, Incheon Silver Taekwondo Association are
on physical training and emphasize etiquette, engaging in both training in Taekwondo. Ⓒ Korea Sports & Olympic Committee promote Silver Taekwondo by expanding our affiliated organi-
In March 2016, founding members of the Korea Silver Taekwondo
Federation gathered after a meeting. Ⓒ TaekwonBox Media
zations. Silver Taekwondo is being practiced in over 30 locations
nationwide. We plan to hold one seminar and two tournaments
in the future.”
After the first tournament in 2018, the 2nd KTA President’s Cup
National Silver Taekwondo Competition was held at the Kuk-
kiwon in May 2019. Hosted by the Korean Taekwondo Associa-
tion (President Yang, Jin bang) and managed by the KTA Silver
Committee, the event saw participation from over 500 Silver Tae-
kwondo enthusiasts aged 60 and above.
However, there are many challenges to address if we wish to
lay a sustainable foundation for the continued growth of Silver
Taekwondo. Firstly, Silver Taekwondo tournaments, suspended
due to the COVID-19 pandemic, must be resumed. When strate-
gies for promoting Silver Taekwondo were raised during the KTA
regular general meeting in January 2021, President Yang said,
“First, we will grasp the overall facts and statistics related to Sil-
ver Taekwondo and then devise a plan for its promotion.” But so
far, significant progress has yet to be made. Fortunately, there’s a
glimmer of hope as the Incheon Metropolitan City Taekwondo
Association plans to resume the temporarily halted Silver Tae-
kwondo tournaments before winter.
For the revitalization of Silver Taekwondo, academic research
must also be supported. The study titled ’An Implementation
Study for the Development of a Silver Taekwondo Program,’ pub-
lished by Im, Jin seon, Kim, Young hoon, and Choi, Dong hoon in
the 43rd Volume, Issue 4 of the Korean Leisure Recreation Journal
in 2019, carries significant implications for the Taekwondo aca-
demic community. To develop a Taekwondo training program
for seniors, it’s imperative to comprehend the physical and phys-
iological traits of the elderly. Furthermore, scientific research is
necessary to determine how movements like kicking, striking,
and punching can be beneficial and contribute to their overall
health.

20 21
SPECIAL REPORT Search For “Practical Taekwondo”Ⅱ-End
Integrating Taekwondo with a Military Spirit
Combat Taekwondo –
A Path Back to Practicality
Text by Choe, Kyoo sup (Head of Editorial Board) Photo by Kukkiwon
“At its core, Taekwondo is a martial art.” Is this statement true?
Indeed, it is. Even if its essence might have diminished due to
the shift towards sports, it remains an integral concept. The
intrinsic value of practical Taekwondo, somewhat overshad-
owed by the prevailing wave of sports Taekwondo, demands
rejuvenation. The structured adaptation of sports Taekwondo
adversely affects the quest for practicality in martial arts Tae-
kwondo. We need to recognize this overextension of change
and seek remedies.
How is Taekwondo perceived today? On the exterior, it's so-
lidified its role as a pivotal entity within the global martial arts
realm. The expansion of WT (World Taekwondo), boasting the
most member nations (213+1) worldwide, attests to this growth.
Indeed, its outreach is commendable. Yet, there are undeniable
challenges on the inside, making the current state hard to over-
look. The tribulations experienced by practical Taekwondo,
caught in the whirlwind of Taekwondo's dazzling evolution,
evoke a sense of melancholy.
Within the Olympics, Taekwondo has continually reinforced its
central stature. From its inauguration as a demonstration sport
in Seoul 1988, its elevation to an official event in Sydney 2000,
to its acknowledgment as a core sport in 2013, its progression
has been seamless. Yet, paradoxically, it found itself ensnared
in the derision of being labeled “foot fencing.” The dependence
on electronic scoring gear, which prioritizes fair judgment of
victory, inadvertently led to a discernible decline in practicality.
“The genuine practical nature of Taekwondo must be restored.”
This plea is increasingly resonating. We’re at a juncture where
the drive for ceaseless change and growth is being reevaluated.
The calls to introspect and refocus on our foundational values
22
Combat Taekwondo,
Another Name for Practical Taekwondo
and identity are gaining traction. Reviving this practical facet
is an imperative every Taekwondo enthusiast should earnestly
reflect upon. This backdrop is why ‘Combat Taekwondo’ stands
in the spotlight.
Remarkably, Combat Taekwondo boasts a 60-year lineage.
Since its inception by the U.S. 7th Division in Korea in 1963, it
has firmly anchored its principles and evolved steadily. Its im-
portance is escalating as a method for overpowering adver-
saries and safeguarding oneself in battle scenarios. Combat
Taekwondo symbolizes a 'behavioral mode' that amalgamates
Taekwondo's essence and techniques. It epitomizes spiritual re-
finement and offense/defense strategies, manifesting as a pro-
active 'combat blueprint' for survival during exigent conflicts.
In today's warfare, state-of-the-art armaments are at the fore-
front. Yet, their effectiveness is inherently contingent upon the
individual soldier wielding them. For humans, mental resilience
plays a pivotal role. It becomes even more vital for those sol-
diers whose training encompasses life-threatening scenarios.
Robust mental stability is paramount for them. This significance
is why Combat Taekwondo, a fusion of Taekwondo's spirit and
the military ethos, holds such allure. The practicality of Combat
Taekwondo is universally acknowledged, solidifying its indis-
pensable nature.
23
SPECIAL REPORT Search For “Practical Taekwondo”Ⅱ-End
Breathing Life Into What Exactly Is Combat Taekwondo?
It refers to the Taekwondo techniques soldiers use when not
‘Combat Taekwondo’ and using firearms or knives in hand-to-hand combat. Interesting-
ly, this version of Taekwondo isn’t a skill Korean soldiers learn.
‘Practical Taekwondo’ Instead, the first practitioners of Combat Taekwondo in Korea
were the U.S. military personnel stationed there.
with Proven Utility Value The pioneer of Combat Taekwondo is Kim, Moon ok, the head
of the U.S. Army Taekwondo Support Group in South Korea. In
the early 2000s, Kim received a request from the commander
of the U.S. forces in South Korea to provide martial arts train-
Text by Choi, Jin woo (TaekwonBox Media Reporter)
Photo by Foreigner’s Taekwondo Cultural Association
ing that U.S. troops could use in actual combat situations.
While the U.S. Army had its close combat system called “Com-
batives,” the commander of the U.S. forces in Korea proposed
an Eastern martial art that could be more passionate and en-
gaging for the troops. With this in mind, Kim, a Taekwondo
instructor, decided to develop and teach practical techniques
based on Taekwondo.
The U.S. forces stationed in Korea began learning Taekwon-
do in 1963. However, their training could have been more
Combat Taekwondo, which started targeting the U.S. military in Korea, is trending towards expansion, backed by high participation and enthusiastic
response. Ⓒ Kukkiwon
24
extensive, primarily geared towards rank promotion tests in
Taekwondo schools and not real combat techniques. As time
passed, Taekwondo failed to capture the interest and enthu-
siasm of the adult military personnel. Taking the suggestion
of the U.S. Army commander, Kim spent about three months
integrating lethal techniques from various striking martial arts
into Taekwondo, thus formulating the methodology for Com-
bat Taekwondo. At that time, Taekwondo was recognized as a
martial art that only employed kicking techniques. Identifying
the characteristics of the U.S. military, Kim developed tech-
niques that utilized hand strikes from Taekwondo to target
vital points, control an opponent's attack, counter swiftly, and
deliver lethal blows.
The techniques developed by Kim were introduced to the U.S.
forces in Korea as “Combat Taekwondo” starting in June 2000.
Initially, there was skepticism from Taekwondo organizations
and the surrounding community, with some perceiving it as
teaching odd techniques. However, as he began instructing
the U.S. military in Combat Taekwondo, it was evident that
the soldiers were deeply engaged and passionate about their
training.
“I realized that Combat Taekwondo could become its own
category, moving beyond the traditional children-centric Tae-
kwondo curriculum to cater to young adults and adults. With
this confidence, I continued developing and spreading the
techniques.”
Initially voluntary, education in Combat Taekwondo for the
U.S. forces stationed in Korea became mandatory for all units
starting in 2004. Around this time, Master Kim began recruit-
ing instructors to disseminate Combat Taekwondo across all
U.S. Army units in Korea. This was the inception of the current
U.S. Army Taekwondo Support Group in Korea.
Spread of Combat Taekwondo
Currently, an instructor is dispatched to each U.S. military
battalion in Korea to teach Combat Taekwondo. Command-
er Kim has dispatched these instructors to each battalion and
simultaneously provides them with job-specific training. He
conducts biannual professional training sessions, focusing on
Combat Taekwondo techniques, educating and communicat-
ing with foreigners, and enhancing their expertise, ensuring
they can efficiently teach U.S. soldiers in their respective units.
In 2005, the U.S. military in Korea established the 2nd Division
Taekwondo Demonstration Team. Comprising U.S. soldiers
trained in Combat Taekwondo, they also received a special as-
signment as the “Division Commander's Special Guard Unit.”
Moreover, they created a Combat Taekwondo tournament
where participants compete wearing 16-ounce boxing gloves
and MMA-style headgear.
Commander Kim said, “There aren't huge benefits, but a system
is in place to award promotion points to those who perform well
in the tournament. Just as young adults are passionate about
MMA fights like the UFC, the enthusiasm and response from the
U.S. military are sincere.”
The spread of Combat Taekwondo is gradually expanding over-
seas. The deployment period for the U.S. military in Korea is one
year, and after learning Combat Taekwondo during this time,
they return to their home country. Thus, a one-year black belt
program is being offered to these U.S. military personnel.
"In the past, there was only one training session per week, so
achieving a belt rank was challenging. Many would complete
the program with a red belt. However, we're running a black belt
program now that we've transitioned to twice-weekly sessions.
Those who work in Korea and learn Taekwondo can earn their
black belt before they depart. Though the number is still small,
the number of U.S. soldiers who learned Combat Taekwondo in
Korea and then became instructors in the U.S. is increasing." From
Commander Kim's tone, while discussing the status of Combat
Taekwondo among the U.S. military in Korea, one could sense a
mix of strong determination and overflowing pride.
25
Kukkiwon Embarks on Spreading Combat Taekwondo
Under the Name of Practical Taekwondo
Combat Taekwondo was developed and disseminated to the
U.S. military stationed in Korea in the 2000s by Master Kim.
However, the Korean army only conducted training for acquir-
ing Taekwondo certifications and did not propagate it as a
real-life combat technique. Since 2017, Kukkiwon has partic-
ipated in the Taekwondo camp for the U.S. military in Korea,
run by the Ministry of National Defense. Consequently, Master
Kim's Combat Taekwondo is now being conducted as a part of
Kukkiwon’s Taekwondo dissemination project for foreigners
in Korea.
In particular, since Lee, Dong sup took office as the head of
Kukkiwon in 2021, Kukkiwon began to view and systemize
Combat Taekwondo as a segment of practical Taekwondo that
should be spread and supported alongside self-defense tech-
niques. While practical Taekwondo self-defense techniques
are seen as essential for roles such as agents of the National
Intelligence Service, the Presidential Security Service, and the
police, Kukkiwon believes that the military should be exposed
to Combat Taekwondo. Currently, they are preparing educa-
tional materials based on Master Kim’s Combat Taekwondo
techniques.
Kukkiwon is also concurrently conducting instructor training
to propagate this. Although Combat Taekwondo isn't an in-
dependent domain, active instructor training is underway as
a part of the Taekwondo dissemination support project for
foreigners in Korea, funded by the Ministry of Culture, Sports,
and Tourism. This training targets the U.S. military in Korea,
Kim, Moon ok, the head of the U.S. military in Korea's Taekwondo support team, has proven the utility value of Combat Taekwondo. Ⓒ Kukkiwon
26
international students, and foreign workers. Fifty-six active in-
structors cater to the U.S. military, international students, and
foreign workers.
What is the Role of Combat Taekwondo
in Practical Taekwondo?
“Currently, Taekwondo is a program for children and teenagers
to obtain their rank and degree certifications. While develop-
ing Combat Taekwondo, I contemplated why the young adult
generation is so passionate about the practical martial arts of
UFC. I realized they desire to learn practical techniques they
can watch, absorb, and use. Therefore, based on Taekwondo,
we’ve transformed underutilized hand techniques into offen-
sive techniques following defense and taught them. Although
it’s called ‘Combat Taekwondo’ because it’s distributed in the
military, we designed it as a technique that adults can learn
with fun and interest. Fortunately, Kukkiwon has embraced it
as practical Taekwondo, and they are jointly researching and
developing it, soon to produce teaching materials. It’s not just
Taekwondo taught in the military, but also a program that or-
dinary adults can learn as practical techniques.”
President Lee, Dong sup shares
Master Kim’s perspective. In the Combat Taekwondo sparring competition for the U.S. military in Korea, female soldiers are competing using Combat Taekwondo techniques. Ⓒ Kukkiwon
With a background in the
police force and experi-
ence as a prosecutor in-
vestigator, President Lee used Taekwondo techniques in the field to apprehend crimi- of Taekwondo began to emerge. Kukkiwon, in collaboration
has expressed, post-ap- nals. We learned self-defense and practical techniques in the with the then Korean Taekwondo Association, undertook
pointment, that “I have past, but there aren’t dojangs teaching this way. It’s not just various projects to revive the old patterns and self-defense
about mastering forms for rank and degree certification. It’s techniques from the nine traditional schools (including Kang
necessary to learn and master techniques that can be used in Duk Won, Moo Duk Kwan, Song Moo Kwan, Oh Do Kwan and
real situations.” others) but did not achieve satisfactory results.
Aligned with President Lee’s intentions, Kukkiwon has inte- Subsequently, with the new director’s inauguration, Kukki-
grated practical Taekwondo self-defense training into their won began to establish Taekwondo techniques beyond sim-
existing self-defense instructor training, embarking on a com- ple movements, delving into practical and combative forms of
prehensive dissemination of practical Taekwondo. The next martial arts. Under ‘Practical Taekwondo,’ genres like self-de-
step is to spread Combat Taekwondo practical Taekwondo, fense techniques and Combat Taekwondo are being added.
currently centered on the U.S. military in Korea, to the Korean For Practical Taekwondo to rapidly establish its position, it is
army. Last March, Kukkiwon visited the Special Warfare Com- essential to promote training programs for young adults do-
mand to award an honorary Dan to the commander, empha- mestically and internationally. Beyond just a self-defense pro-
sizing their firm intention to promote practical Taekwondo’s gram, there’s a need to disseminate practical techniques.
military distribution actively. For this to happen, instructor training should be prioritized.
Instead of solely relying on face-to-face training, there should
How Should Practical Taekwondo Secure Its Position? be a parallel approach with online education to facilitate a
Kukkiwon is actively working towards promoting Practical Tae- faster distribution of Practical Taekwondo. Especially over-
kwondo, which has its roots in martial Taekwondo. Since its seas, there is a high demand for Kukkiwon training. However,
adoption as an official sport at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Tae- they need more personnel to meet the request due to bud-
kwondo has grown significantly as a global sport. The promotion get constraints and lack of personnel. Kukkiwon operates the
of sparring competitions is a prime example. Poomsae has also TCON service, integrated with the Kukkiwon Membership
followed a high growth trajectory, being adopted as an official System (KMS), which connects Taekwondo instructors world-
sport in events such as the Asian Games and the Universiade. wide. There’s an urgent need for online education on Practical
Starting from 2010, the issue of restoring the martial aspect Taekwondo using the TCON service.
27
SPECIAL REPORT Search For “Practical Taekwondo”Ⅱ-End

Combat Taekwondo Training ➊ Although teaching Taekwondo in English presents challenges,

past experiences of instructing in the U.S. prove invaluable. By
Combat Taekwondo Training ➋
“Highly Popular fostering confidence through consistent praise and encour-
agement, they aspire to facilitate more active participation

Combat Taekwondo: from the U.S. troops in Combat Taekwondo. This endeavor
resonates with Kukkiwon’s global mission of propagating Ko-
“Combat Taekwondo Proves
A Significant Contribution rean traditional culture via Taekwondo. Approaching this role
with humility and pride, they strive to amplify Taekwondo's in-
Its Value in Real-Life Situations
to the Promotion of ternational presence through meaningful cultural exchanges.
As Training Progresses.”
Korean Traditional Culture”
Irregular training schedules and short rotations of specific
units, often only around six months, combined with the U.S.
Forces’ brief dispatch periods in Korea, can be challenging Text & Photo by Avery Nolan
(Lieutenant, 55TH Military Police Unit, Camp Casey)
for consistent training. However, the instructors believe that
Text & Photo by Jo, Young through sincere communication and highlighting the virtues
(Instructor of Combat Taekwondo for the U.S. Forces in Korea) of Taekwondo, they can amplify Korean traditional culture's
reach. Furthermore, this teaching experience is an opportu-
nity to enhance their English proficiency, furthering their ca-
pabilities as global citizens. With this mindset, they remain
committed to daily instruction and training sessions.

Built on the strong spirit of the military, Combat Taekwondo,

emphasizing self-defense without weapons, has garnered sig-
nificant admiration from the U.S. Forces in Korea. The Combat
Taekwondo instructor team, understanding their pivotal role
in bridging Korean culture to international military personnel,
approaches each class with profound dedication and a sense
of responsibility. They provide guidance based on a structured
curriculum explicitly tailored for ranking tests. Additionally,
the annual Taekwondo competition among the U.S. Forces in
Korea strengthens bonds and camaraderie. Their continuous
efforts to introduce Korean culture, food, and tourist spots Greetings! I'm honored and grateful to share my experiences cially when learning self-defense methods and fall techniques.
have enabled them to maintain consistent Taekwondo classes training in Combat Taekwondo. Since I arrived in Korea and Combat Taekwondo equips one with practical skills for de-
with over ten different units for nearly two years. after the initial two classes with Master Jo, Young, my per- fense, allowing swift and precise counter-attacks that can ef-
spective and attitude towards Taekwondo have undergone a fectively immobilize an opponent. The diverse range of hand
Highlighting that Taekwondo has been a part of the U.S. Forc- complete transformation. Before setting foot in Korea, I had techniques and kicks has continually fueled my dedication.
es in Korea for over 40 years, they fervently introduce its spirit minimal interest in Taekwondo in the USA. However, those
and awaken participants’ latent instincts with collective, res- initial sessions ignited a passion for learning every move and As a leader, witnessing the positive transformation of our sol-
onating kihap (yells). Observing the troops train with such technique. I’ve grown to deeply value Taekwondo as an in- diers through Taekwondo has heightened my appreciation for
zeal and imparting the discipline required of a martial artist, tegral facet of Korean culture and fitness, particularly for its its positive impact. While in Korea, I’m setting my sights on
their transformation in attitude and approach to Taekwondo real-world applicability as Combat Taekwondo. The energy the Kukkiwon black belt examination. I am resolute in enhanc-
becomes evident. The authenticity is visible in every move and zeal in each class have only intensified my enthusiasm, ing my flexibility, pushing myself harder each training session.
during training, showcasing both the excellence of Taekwon- and through our shared training, I've forged a strong bond Naturally, my journey with Taekwondo will persist once I re-
do and its influential reach worldwide. The instructor team with Master Jo. turn to the USA. I’m immensely thankful to Master Jo for kin-
believes this training enhances self-esteem, relationships, dling my passion for Taekwondo and steering me through its
and leadership skills. The appreciation shown by the troops, At first, the unfamiliar movements were strenuous, making it transformative powers. My commitment to persevering in my
through medals and commendation letters, serves as a con- challenging to master the intricacies of kicks and other tech- Taekwondo training remains unwavering.
tinuous source of motivation for the instructors. niques. But as the saying goes, “practice makes perfect.” My
comfort and confidence grew with time and repetition, espe- Thank you!

28 29
SPECIAL REPORT Search For “Practical Taekwondo”Ⅱ-End
Actress Lee, Yuri
Falls in Love
with Taekwondo
Text by Song, Ji hoon (Editorial Board Member)
Photo by Kukkiwon
Lee, Yuri (right) with Lee, Ji seok, a Taekwondo instructor from the Kukki-
won World Taekwondo Training Center, specializing in practical self-de-
fense.
Lee, Yuri, an actress who has garnered attention for her au-
dacious role transformations, has recently become deeply
enchanted by the allure of Taekwondo. On her days off from
filming, she consistently visits the dojang, fervently training for
nearly five hours at a time. Among the various genres of Tae-
kwondo, what captivated her heart was the rapidly growing
“practical self-defense” technique. Breaking the binary distinc-
tion of Taekwondo as “martial arts” and “sports,” it is an area
that is newly recognized for its cultural and industrial value.
“While preparing to take on action roles, I encountered prac-
tical self-defense Taekwondo,” she said. “I began learning it as
a physical exercise, but now it feels like I'm learning about life.
30
Through training, I repeatedly experience
the exhilaration of overcoming limitations.”
Acting Transformations
and Taekwondo
Her acting spectrum is the epitome of di-
versity. Since her debut in 2001 with the
drama ‘School 4' as a rebellious high school
girl, she has played a variety of roles, from
a queen in ‘Queen Myeongsung,’ to the
youngest daughter of a large family with
no luck in ‘Parents' Shrine,’ to a polio patient
in ‘Love and Ambition,’ a career woman in
‘Feisty Woman,’ and an avatar of vengeance
in ‘Yellow Revenge Flower.’ In 2014, she por-
trayed the villain Yeon, Min jung in ‘Here
Comes Jang, Bori,’ securing her place among
the nation's top actresses by winning the MBC
Acting Grand Prize. In 2017, she delivered a
stellar performance as lawyer Byun, Hye young
in ‘My Father is Strange,’ earning the KBS Acting
Grand Prize for Best Actress.
“I truly believe that being an actress is the best job.
I'm so grateful for the immense love from the fans,
even when I feel I haven't given back enough. Trying
diverse roles and not sticking to a set character is my way
Lee, Yuri advocated for
practical self-defense
Taekwondo.
of reciprocating the love I receive from
my fans.” Throughout her acting career,
she has continuously transformed, and her
next challenge is action. “I wanted to break the acting mold
again, so I focused on action roles. While looking for ways
to showcase genuine action moves without a stand-in, I dis-
covered practical self-defense Taekwondo. Taekwondo is a
familiar martial art for Koreans, but perhaps its familiarity has
caused many to overlook its importance. I had also forgotten
about Taekwondo since attending a dojang in my youth. Only
after learning about Taekwondo techniques that can be used
for self-defense did my interest and passion reignite.”
Defending Oneself with the National Martial Arts
After being introduced to practical self-defense Taekwondo,
she has become its advocate. “The moves used in practical
self-defense are restructured applications of Taekwondo’s
foundational Poomsae. It's astonishing and fascinating to de-
vise creative movements using South Korea’s ‘National Martial
Arts’ to defend oneself and even for action acting. Practical
self-defense Taekwondo comprises simple movements that
anyone can easily follow. One of its strengths is that it can be
learned without restriction to gender or age.”
She remarked, “I don’t wish to instill the illusion that one can
perfectly defend against any attack by mastering practical
self-defense Taekwondo. However, if one has pre-learned
the movements to protect oneself, one can calmly respond
to sudden physical threats, reducing the risk. The thrill of sub-
duing someone physically bigger or stronger using a suppres-
sion technique is beyond imagination,” she said with a broad
smile.
Taekwondo, Part of My Life
Lee Yuri’s master in practical self-defense Taekwondo is Mas-
ter Lee, Ji seok, who teaches self-defense at the World Tae-
kwondo Training Center under Kukkiwon. He is also an action
actor active in Hollywood and the head coach of the World
Taekwondo demonstration team.
“I learned from my master about the Kukkiwon Self-defense
(defensive sparring) Textbook, which details over 120 self-de-
fense techniques. Practical self-defense Taekwondo consists
of the best movements for those wanting to protect them-
selves. Given the increasing societal unease due to severe
crimes nowadays, I recommend practical self-defense Tae-
kwondo to women and other vulnerable groups.”
Lee, Yuri, who became a certified 1st Dan black belt in Feb-
ruary, has been actively practicing her love of Taekwondo,
including serving as an ambassador at the World Taekwondo
Hanmadang in Seongnam City in July. “If given the chance, I'd
like to directly introduce to my fans practical self-defense Tae-
kwondo techniques applicable in real-life situations, including
methods to defend against attackers with knives using every-
day items like bags. I initially began training in Taekwondo for
my roles, but now it has become a part of my life. I feel phys-
ically and mentally healthier, which makes me happier,” she
emphasized.
Lee, Yuri (right) attempting a kick while practicing practical self-defense
Taekwondo.
31
SPECIAL REPORT Search For “Practical Taekwondo”Ⅱ-End

Practical Taekwondo platforms. This video, highlighting the practical

application of Taekwondo techniques, became a
by participating in the editorial committee for the “Practical Tae-
kwondo Self-Defense Textbook” published by the Kukkiwon.

Private Organization:
significant topic of discussion. Consequently, Mas-
ter Lee established the World Kangjin Taekwondo
Federation to research and propagate these practi-
Forging a Path of cal Taekwondo techniques.
Kim, Eun sup, a Taekwondo instructor, gained pop-
Innovation and ularity by teaching action skills to aspiring actors us-
ing self-defense techniques based on Taekwondo.
As Taekwondo instructors, these three private promoters of prac-
tical Taekwondo have been developing their unique practical
techniques based on Taekwondo for over seven years. They have
disseminated these techniques in dojangs, schools, the military,
and the police.
Kukkiwon Expands Research and

Prosperity in the Field As his teachings in self-defense became immensely

popular in 2018, Master Kim started disseminating
Development in Practical Taekwondo from 2021
Why is their approach to practical Taekwondo drawing so much
these techniques to foreign military and police attention? Taekwondo is widely recognized as Korea’s national
Text by Choi, Jin woo (TaekwonBox Media Reporter) forces through the World Defense Taekwondo Fed- martial art. However, since the 1980s, the perception in Korea
Photo by Lee, Dong hee
eration. Last year, he contributed to the promotion began to see it as a sport primarily intended for children, espe-
cially elementary students. As Taekwondo dojangs increasingly
Lee, Dong hee (center), president of the World Kangjin Taekwondo
Federation, leads a seminar on practical Taekwondo leadership in the catered to younger students, training programs started to re-
private sector. semble playful physical education sessions rather than tradition-
al martial arts training. Over time, programs for adult trainees in
The Kukkiwon has been expanding the promotion of Practical Taekwondo, first and more rapidly dissemi- dojangs became less prevalent.
nated in the private sector, targeting the young adult demographic. In the private sector, it was known by Starting in the mid-2000s, some instructors identified a need for
various names such as Practical Taekwondo, Hand Technique Taekwondo, and Defense Taekwondo, all based new training programs to cater to adults. This realization led to
on Taekwondo techniques. With the systematization of these, several private organizations have been estab- private study groups and practical seminars centered on adult
lished around the principles of practical Taekwondo techniques. The World Taekwondo Hand Technique As- education. In practical Taekwondo, from the mid-2010s onwards,
sociation (President Uhm, Jee young Master), the World Kangjin Taekwondo Federation (President Lee, Dong instructors like Uhm, Jee young, Lee, Dong hee, and Kim, Eun sup
hee Master), and the World Defense Taekwondo Federation (President Kim, Eun sup Master) can be cited as established their research groups and introduced new training
representative private organizations promoting methodologies.
These technical seminars attracted many frontline instructors.
practical Taekwondo.
Since many of Taekwondo’s sparring and self-defense techniques
were not systematically specialized, instructors felt a pressing
need to enhance Taekwondo’s technical value independent-
ly. However, prominent organizations like Kukkiwon and KTA
viewed these private initiatives skeptically. A prevailing conser-
Leading with Hand Techniques, vative mindset believed that the research, systematization, and
Self-Defense Techniques and Practical Skills promotion of new techniques should be spearheaded only by
Uhm, Jee young, a former gold medalist in the World Poomsae established entities like Kukkiwon, often relegating these private
Taekwondo Championship, is currently a director and educa- efforts to a marginalized “subculture.”
tor for the Korea Taekwondo Association (KTA). In 2017, he de- Yet, when the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, curtailing
veloped practical hand techniques using Taekwondo’s hand in-person activities, these private efforts began to thrive online,
techniques and established a technical research and training drawing national and international interest.
group. This training group expanded and transitioned into the Recently, Kukkiwon has incorporated individuals from the pri-
World Taekwondo Hand Technique Association in 2018. This vate sector actively involved in practical Taekwondo into their
year, they are conducting private qualification training based textbook editorial committee. However, this representation is
on the techniques they’ve developed. minimal, and engagement with instructors from diverse personal
Lee, Dong hee a former Taekwondo sparring athlete, began backgrounds still needs to be improved.
systematizing various practical moves derived from Taekwon- For Kukkiwon’s focus on expanding adult training through practi-
do techniques during his time as a mixed martial arts fighter. cal Taekwondo to truly flourish, a concerted effort from both Kuk-
In April 2019, he showcased practical Taekwondo demon- kiwon and the private sector is essential, ensuring a quicker and
strations and education linked with poomsae using video more comprehensive propagation of the discipline.

Practical Taekwondo is a system of

techniques based on realistic fighting techniques.

32 33
PEOPLE
On August 25th, at The K Hotel in Seoul, a book launch event was held
to commemorate the autobiography of a Taekwondo master. The pro-
tagonist of this event was Cho, Young ki, the former Vice Chairman of
the Korea Taekwondo Association (KTA). Born in 1938, he is currently
85 years old and holds the highest rank among active Taekwondo el-
ders. His influence in the Taekwondo community is unparalleled, and
it is safe to say that there are very few, if any, within the Taekwondo
community who do not know him. The presence of prominent figures
in the Taekwondo community at the book launch is a testament to his
status as a Taekwondo luminary.
The guest list included over 200 attendees, among whom the most
Grand Master Cho, Young ki,
notable group was his disciples. Many of his disciples are involved in
Beyond Korea, major Taekwondo organizations, making them well-known in the
community. Originating from the Yeonggwang dojang, an ambitious
Into the World of project he dedicated his life to, it is one of the dojangs that has pro-
duced the highest number of black belts and athletes nationwide.
Taekwondo Moreover, it is renowned for creating numerous alums who are active
as association presidents, executives, university professors, and more.
Notable among them are university professors such as Jin, Joong
Text by Park, Sung jin (Reporter, Inside Taekwondo)
Photo by Cho, Young ki ui (Yongin University), Kim, Jong gil (Yongin University), Lee, Chung
young (Nazarene University), Lee, Young woo (Sehan University), and
Kim, Cheol min (Dongsin University). Additionally, prominent figures
like Jang, Chang young, the Standing Advisor of the Korean University
Taekwondo Federation, Park, Eun seok, the former Director-General of
the Korean University Taekwondo Federation, and Im, Chae soo, the
Representative Director and Head Coach of the Jeollanam Taekwondo
Association, are actively contributing to the Taekwondo community.
Some of his disciples, such as Park, Haeng sool, the President of the Fun
Taekwondo Association, and Kim, Kwang joo, a Taekwondo instructor
dispatched to Tajikistan, are also engaged in overseas activities.
34
Yeonggwang Dojang: Where the Spirit Never Wavers
When you visit the Yeonggwang dojang in South Jeolla Province,
you'll find a motto hanging on the wall: “Even if the electricity and
water supply are cut off, the spirit never wavers.” This saying en-
capsulates the unwavering determination of the martial artists
who have trained at this gym since its establishment in 1968, as
expressed by Taekwondo elder Cho, Young ki.
“When we first opened the inaugural Taekwondo dojang in Yeong-
gwang, the dream of creating the best Taekwondo dojang not only
in South Jeolla Province but also in South Korea was still alive.”
The Yeonggwang dojang has been a powerhouse for producing
national team athletes, coaches, and leaders in the Taekwondo
community. Among the many disciples, one stands out promi-
nently in Cho, Young ki’s memory – Choi, Kyung ryeong. Choi was
a dedicated student and a beloved. However, in September 1997,
tragedy struck when Choi, Kyung ryeong lost her life in a severe
traffic accident while traveling with Cho, Young ki to attend the
wedding of Uhm, Woon kyu, the former president of Kukkiwon Former Kukkiwon President Kim, Un yong, Grandmaster Cho, Young ki
(right), and current Kukkiwon President and Member of Parliament, Lee,
and his son. Although she survived the accident with severe in- Dong sup (left).
juries and regained consciousness in the hospital, he ultimately
died. Cho, Young ki, who had to endure three months of hospital-
ization, suffered profound physical and emotional wounds. The
grief was overwhelming as he was one of his most cherished disci-
ples. However, many other disciples’ active and thriving activities
have been a source of consolation for him. 66 Years of a Taekwondo Life: A Witness to Taekwondo in
South Jeolla Province
Cho, Young ki was born as the fourth son of a family with five sons
and two daughters under the guidance of his father, a scholar.
Despite the scholarly atmosphere at home, he
had a stronger affinity for sports than academ-
ics, often leading to disagreements with his fa-
ther. However, his father was open-minded and
supportive. Seeing his son’s passion for sports,
particularly Taekwondo, he even converted a
space in their home garden into a training cen-
ter and encouraged him to pursue his athletic
interests.
The official establishment of Yeonggwang do-
jang was in 1968, but its roots can be traced
back to 1957 when they created a space for
training called Moo Duck Kwan Yeonggwang
dojang. Cho, who always had a passion for
sports, first ventured into boxing during high
school. After encountering Taekwondo, known
as “Dangsoo” at that time, he found his true call-
ing in a sport that he believed could train him in
every aspect. From then on, he dedicated him-
self to Taekwondo, emphasizing the harmony
of its three core elements: sparring, patterns,
On August 25th, at The K Hotel in Seoul, a book launch event celebrated Grandmaster Cho,
and breaking.
Young ki’s autobiography. Many Taekwondo figures, relatives, and disciples gathered to com-
memorate the publication of his book. In his early twenties, he actively promoted Tae-
35
kwondo and performed demonstrations nationwide. He recalled
participating in the 1963 National Sports Festival as an athlete and
performing demonstrations at Seoul Citizen Hall and Jangchung
Gymnasium around 1964. These memories remain vivid in his
mind, even after more than 60 years.
Cho, Young ki Taekwondo’s journey wasn’t without challenges.
1961, after the military coup, there was a crackdown on gangsters
nationwide, and people associated with Taekwondo were some-
times unfairly perceived as troublemakers. He faced such misun-
derstandings in his twenties and was eventually taken to the po-
lice station. Fortunately, residents rallied behind him, advocating
that he was not a gangster but a martial artist. He was released
from custody after just 15 days, thanks to their petitions. Although
it might not have been an extended period, it was a distressing
experience for him.
Shortly after, the police sought him out again, this time for in-
structing police officers in martial arts. Initially, he hesitated and
Grandmaster Cho, Young ki.
declined the offer but was convinced after they showed him of-
ficial documents. He became an instructor for the police, which ❶ ❷
improved the social perception of Taekwondo instructors.
① At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics Taekwondo venue, Grandmaster Cho, Young ki (second from the left in the front row) is rallying Korea's athletes, alongside
Jeon, Man gil, Kukkiwon Chairman (left) and, Chung won Choue President of the World Taekwondo Federation (right).

In his youth, his image radiates the strength of determination.
The Position of a Taekwondo Master
Gradually, in the small local community of Yeonggwang, no one
didn't know the name “Taekwondo Master Cho, Young ki.” With
such recognition came increased responsibility, and he became
cautious in his conduct. Although he naturally had a low tolerance
for alcohol, he distanced himself from alcohol and cigarettes. His
face quickly turned red when he drank, and he wanted to avoid
misunderstandings where people might think a Taekwondo mas-
ter indulged in alcohol. Consequently, he gradually distanced
himself from alcohol and its surroundings, making no mistakes
and naturally gaining respect as a Taekwondo master.
“Most importantly, self-management is crucial. While keeping
promises and maintaining professionalism as a societal figure is
important, what’s even more critical is never neglecting self-disci-
pline for both your body and mind.”
At sixty-six, he remains incredibly healthy for his age, thanks to his
consistent dedication to exercise.
“It’s said that I eat four meals a day. Three are actual meals, and one
is exercise. That’s crucial exercise; it's like the ‘air’ for me.”
About ten years ago, on a reporting trip to Europe for a Taekwon-
do competition, the reporter once went for a walk outside the
hotel around 5 a.m., unable to sleep due to jet lag. In the distance,
they saw someone who appeared to be of Asian descent jogging
slowly. Upon approaching, they realized it was Master Cho. Seeing
him running in the early dawn left a deep impression, as it was a
glimpse into his everyday life.
“A Taekwondo master is a profession that many people watch
closely. Therefore, you must start by taking care of your own body.
How can you lead others if you can’t maintain a healthy and sound
② In the midst of the Taekwondo matches at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Grandmaster Cho, Young ki (right), engages in conversation with Ri, Yong son,
President of the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF).
body? A healthy body leads to a sound mind and spirit. ‘The spirit
of Taekwondo’ begins from here.”
In the world of Taekwondo, there are a few elders who are excep-
tionally good at self-management. Among them, he is one who
never misses a beat. Nowadays, “Silver Taekwondo” is empha-
sized. If “Silver Taekwondo” refers to Taekwondo for the elderly,
then he can undoubtedly be considered the living embodiment
of that concept.
Taekwondo with Words, Taekwondo with Body
“Sometimes, when we look at our Taekwondo community, we
see many people with many words. They talk about every-
thing. But the crucial point is action. Isn’t Taekwondo a physi-
cal practice? As Taekwondo practitioners, we should demon-
strate our commitment through actions rather than words.
I’ve realized something as I’ve grown older and received rec-
ognition as a Taekwondo elder. I should speak as little as pos-
sible. If someone seeks advice from me as a Taekwondo elder,
I must offer my knowledge to the best of my ability. However,
it isn’t good to talk excessively, especially when young people
might not want to hear it. I’m putting this into practice, but I
must figure out how well it works.
His words, delivered with a smile, revealed his understanding
of the basic requirements for earning respect as a Taekwondo
elder.
Although he speaks humbly, few Taekwondo elders have com-
parable expertise, experience, and wisdom in the Taekwon-
do community today. He is often called the “leader of South
Jeolla Province’s Taekwondo community.” Still, the name
“Cho, Young ki” has always been at the forefront of the South
Korean Taekwondo community, transcending South Jeolla
Province and Honam regions. As evident from his age, he has
experienced South Korea’s modern history firsthand and has
simultaneously contributed to the history of Taekwondo. He
is one of the few individuals who can witness South Korean
Taekwondo’s history through his own experiences.
However, his journey in the world of Taekwondo is far from
over. He continues to actively serve in various capacities
within the Taekwondo community, making himself available
where his expertise is needed. The final chapter of Taekwondo
practitioner Cho, Young ki’s autobiography may not be writ-
ten for another 15 years.

36 37
SPECIAL INTERVIEW
Lee, Sung woo,
President of the Gyeongsangbuk-do Taekwondo Association
“Transforming
the World Taekwondo Hanmadang
with Practical Taekwondo”
Text by Song, Ji hoon (Editorial Board Member)
Photo by Gyeongsangbuk-do Taekwondo Association
Mungyeong City in Gyeongsangbuk-do will host the upcom-
ing World Taekwondo Hanmadang, a grand celebration for
practitioners worldwide. Over 5,000 Taekwondo family mem-
bers from around 60 countries will gather to share diverse
and spectacular performances, including Poomsae, breaking,
self-defense techniques, and Taekwondo gymnastics, exclud-
ing sparring. This is the first time Mungyeong City is hosting
the event. Lee, Sung woo, the 63-year-old president of the
Gyeongsangbuk-do Taekwondo Association, who played a
pivotal role in securing the hosting rights, said, “I wanted to
elevate the World Taekwondo Hanmadang into a more presti-
gious and open event and transform Mungyeong into a more
vibrant city, so I combined the two aspirations. Look forward
to a dramatically different World Taekwondo Hanmadang in
Mungyeong in 2024.”
A Distinguished Master
President Lee holds the prestigious 9th dan rank certified by
the Kukkiwon. In 2006, he showcased the “dignity of a master”
by winning a gold medal in the individual event of the Mas-
ter’s division (for those aged 40 and above) at the 1st World
Taekwondo Poomsae Championships. Two years later, he was
honored with the Sports Merit Order, Gireumjang, in recogni-
tion of his contributions to the development of Taekwondo.
Since 2021, he has served as the 2nd President of the Unified
Gyeongsangbuk-do Taekwondo Association. While excelling
as a Taekwondo administrator, he pays attention to his duty
of teaching and mentoring students. He operates the Pohang
National Representative Taekwondo Center in Pohang, North
Gyeongsang Province, and is dedicated to nurturing the next
generation of Taekwondo practitioners.
“I’ve lived my whole life as a martial artist without being at-
tached to titles. Although the role of the Gyeongsangbuk-do
38
Lee, Sung woo, president of the Gyeongsangbuk-do Taekwondo As-
sociation, which hosted the 2024 World Taekwondo Hanmadang in
Mungyeong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, expressed confidence that “we will
create a stage with a new face, including practical Taekwondo.”
Taekwondo Association President is important and demand-
ing in many ways, I still find the most joy in wearing my dobok
and sweating alongside my students.”
The success of the upcoming World Taekwondo Hanmadang
in Mungyeong next year is attributed to the collaboration be-
tween President Lee, who has rich experience in organizing in-
ternational competitions, and the determination of President
Lee, Dong sup of Kukkiwon to elevate the status of the event.
President Lee stated, “I have joined forces with President Lee,
Dong sup to make the World Taekwondo Hanmadang a great
success. While exploring the possibility of hosting the event in
local government areas of North Gyeongsang Province, I had
the fortune of meeting Mayor Shin, Hyun guk of Mungyeo-
ng, who loves Taekwondo exceptionally. I have taken on the
slogan ‘Leap! Gyeongsang Taekwondo Jumps Again’ as my
mission in leading the Gyeongsangbuk-do Taekwondo Asso-
ciation. We will prepare for the World Taekwondo Hanmadang
with the same determination. The tournament will serve as a
stepping stone for a new leap forward.”
Full Focus on Establishing a Competent
Organizing Committee
President Lee is meticulously preparing for the upcoming Tae-
kwondo Hanmadang event in Mungyeong next year, and one
of the areas he is giving the utmost attention to is securing the
budget. He stated, “Although this year's event in Seongnam
concluded successfully, I heard that the budget acquisition
process was not without challenges, causing difficulties for
the organizing committee during the preparation stage.” He
added, “Mungyeong is making thorough preparations with
full cooperation between the city and the council. We have
allocated a budget of KRW 1 billion, an increase of KRW 200
million compared to this year, to plan an even more com-
prehensive and high-quality event. Mungyeong has actively
attracted various domestic and international sports events,
including successfully hosting the 2015 World Military Sports
Games. It is steadily growing as a sports-centric city. Through
the upcoming World Taekwondo Hanmadang, another interna-
tional stage, we hope to showcase the charm of Mungyeong as a
leading tourism and sports city in South Korea to the world.”
He emphasized, “The first key to a successful event is estab-
lishing a competent organizing committee.” President Lee
pledged, “We will collaborate with experts at every stage,
from budget allocation to comprehensive planning and event
management. Additionally, we will set up a system that en-
Foreign Taekwondo practitioners who participated in the 2023
Seongnam World Taekwondo Hanmadang are visiting the Kukkiwon
to experience Korean traditional culture.
ables efficient communication between Kukkiwon, Mungyeo-
ng City, and the organizing committee.”
Key to Success: “Expanding and Attracting”
The most noticeable change at the upcoming World Taekwon-
do Hanmadang in Mungyeong next year is the “Open.” At this
year’s event in Seongnam, the demonstration discipline of
practical Taekwondo made its debut as an official discipline,
expanding the criteria for selecting disciplines.
“There has long been a debate about whether Taekwondo is
a martial art with practical applicability. We can end related
controversies with practical Taekwondo officially joining the
World Taekwondo Hanmadang, which brings together the
global Taekwondo community. The day is not far off when
the practical Taekwondo techniques showcased at the Han-
madang will spread to countries worldwide.”
Another significant change is the consideration given to over-
seas Taekwondo families by announcing schedules in advance
and opening early registration. Only now, the event schedule
was typically announced a maximum of 6 months in advance,
and even later announcements, just three months before the
event, were a burden for international participants, leading to
increased expenses from hurriedly arranging flights and ac-
commodations.
President Lee has made all schedules for the Mungyeong
event available one year in advance, allowing participants to
plan their visits to Korea as reasonably as possible. “Deciding
the event schedule with ample time is not only a consider-
ation for participants but also an opportunity to enhance the
completeness of the preparation process from the perspec-
tive of the organizing committee,” President Lee explained.
He emphasized, “I am confident in making changes, both big
and small, step by step. I am determined to create a ‘Trans-
formed World Taekwondo Hanmadang’ in every aspect.”
39
TOPIC MBN 29th Anniversary Report Conference

annually on its foundation day, outlining a future vision for a porting Conference, quantum comput-
healthy and hopeful South Korea. The event has established ing has emerged as a significant chal-
Taekwondo, itself as a lighthouse for opinion leaders and power people
to guide the direction of our society. Last year’s 28th-anniver-
lenge for South Korea‘s future.
The 2021 Reporting Conference, themed

The Original sary report conference focused on “Opening the ‘Infinite Era’
of Quantum Computers.” It was attended by key figures like
“Mobility Revolution,” was attended by
President Yoon, Suk yeol himself as a

K-Culture Platform
Text and photo by Kim, Seong cheol (MBN Industrial Division)
A plaza is an open space in a city where many people can gather.
It is a space that anyone can use freely, regardless of age, gen-
der, or social status. On March 25, 2023, Gwanghwamun Square
in Seoul, South Korea, showcased an extraordinary scene. More
than 12,200 Taekwondo practitioners dressed in white dobok
gathered in Gwanghwamun Square. Seeing many people in the
same outfit was remarkable, demonstrating Taekwondo Poom-
sae in a single move. The spectacle made it into the Guinness
Book of World Records and symbolized something more signif-
icant.
According to the Guinness Record, 12,263 people successfully
demonstrated the largest group performance of a Taekwondo
Poomsae, “Taegeuk 1 Jang.” It is the first Poomsae that one
learns when beginning Taekwondo. MBN took note of this
miracle created by Taegeuk 1 Jang, seeing a new future in the
spirit of soaring again toward the world.
MBN selected ‘Taekwondo’ as the theme for its 29th anni-
versary report conference this year. MBN holds the meeting
Comedian and actor Yoon, Taek (right) and MBN anchor Kim, Ju ha converse during the 2020 MBN Anniversary Report Conference titled ‘The Advent of Superhuman
AI.’ Both are AI-generated humans.
Prime Minister Han, Duck soo, Ministry of Science and ICT Lee,
Jong ho, parliamentary representatives from the ruling and
MBN 29th Anniversary Celebration
• Theme: Taekwondo as the Origin of K-Culture Platform
• Date: November 23, 2023
• Venue: Lotte Hotel, Seoul
• Organized by: Kukkiwon, MBN
opposition parties, university presidents, and business execu-
tives. Prime Minister Han emphasized the critical role of quan-
tum computing. He is firmly committed to ensuring Korea re-
mains competitive in the ongoing technology race between
the United States and China.
Just three months after the MBN Reporting Conference, Pres-
ident Yoon, Suk yeol, during his visit to Switzerland, made an
exceptional visit to ETH Zurich. He pledged to invest in quan-
tum technology, declaring, “We will strive to contribute to the
desirable future development of humanity through quantum
technology.” In June of this year, the Ministry of Science and
ICT presented a blueprint to invest 3 trillion won in quantum
technology by 2035. Less than a year after the last MBN Re-
presidential candidate. He listened to the
presentations and promised to incorpo-
rate them into his campaign. Of course,
Democratic Party Chairman Lee, Jae
myung and Representative Ahn, Cheol
soo, who were also presidential candi-
dates at the time, attended the event and
agreed to actively introduce new mobil-
ity concepts such as UAM for the future
of Korea.
In addition, the 2017 conference was
The annual MBN Anniversary Report Conference, aimed at presenting a roadmap for a healthier and
themed ‘The Fourth Industrial Revolu- hopeful South Korea, is seen here during its 2018 event, themed ‘China’s Intelligence Revolution.
tion and Jobs,’ shedding light on future
employment issues for the youth. The
2018 conference, ‘China’s Intelligence Revolution,’ forecasted
U.S.-China conflicts. And the 2020 report explored the trans-
formative potential of AI with ‘The Arrival of Superhuman AI.’
Looking at our society today, many of the future issues pro-
jected during these annual MBN conferences have material-
ized.
Using Taekwondo to Foster a K-Culture Platform
This year, the MBN anniversary report conference is focused
on strategizing how South Korean Taekwondo can evolve into
a significant platform for K-culture. As you may know, Kore-
an artists like BTS and Blackpink have topped the Billboard
charts, and our movies and dramas such as “Parasite” and
“Squid Game” have captivated audiences globally. In addition,
K-food products such as soju, kimchi, ramyeon, and, more re-
cently, kimbap are gaining popularity in the United States and
other countries. The global interest in Korean culture has nev-
er increased, with positive reviews and even talk of a “K-Re-
naissance.”
But is there a risk that our culture will end up as a fad, and how
can we reduce that risk? Psy‘s “Gangnam Style” was a world-
wide hit enjoyed by hundreds of millions of people through
broadcasting and YouTube. However, content is just some-
thing to be consumed, and it doesn‘t create more added value
and grow into an ecosystem. On the other hand, a platform
that weaves content is different. BTS, for example, united their
fan club ARMY into a single network, allowing them to enjoy
their songs, performances, and merchandise under the um-
brella of ‘BTS’ as an individual platform. This is precisely the
difference between content and platform. To prevent K-cul-
ture from ending as a momentary fad, it needs to be nurtured
into a platform.
Indeed, the strategy to develop Taekwondo into a robust
K-Culture platform is intriguing. With a presence in 212 coun-
tries—as members of World Taekwondo—Taekwondo sur-
passes the number of countries with formal diplomatic ties
with South Korea. Through synchronized movements, Kore-
an-language commands, and mentor-mentee relationships
grounded in traditional etiquette, Taekwondo has built an
impressive global network. The sport’s potential as a gateway
for younger generations into K-Culture is beyond what we
could easily imagine. The success of a platform depends on
how many people come to it and how long they stay. For Tae-
kwondo to succeed as a cultural platform, it needs to attract
more people and encourage them to stay longer within the
Taekwondo ecosystem.
Of course, improvement is necessary on multiple fronts. From
internal culture to external infrastructure, Taekwondo needs
a combination of self-improvement and external support. To
address this, MBN plans to co-host the 29th-anniversary re-
port conference with Kukkiwon on November 23 at the Lotte
Hotel to announce strategies for making a “quantum jump”
in promoting Taekwondo as a precursor to the K-Culture plat-
form. Extensive research is already underway, and video pro-
duction and presentation materials are also being prepared.
The resonating “Ki-hap” that gathers energy for that kick will
sound far and wide on the morning of November 23, signifying a
leap forward in Taekwondo’s journey as a cultural platform.

40 41
TOPIC 2023 National University Student Taekwondo Academic Competition
College Students’
Refreshing and
Creative Research
Presentations
Text and Photo by Seo, Sung won (Editorial Board Member)
To commemorate the official ‘Taekwondo Day’ on September
4th, university students in their 20s displayed their academic
and research prowess in Taekwondo. On September 3rd, the
2023 National University Student Taekwondo Academic Com-
petition was held at Muju Taekwondowon, organized by the
Taekwondo Promotion Foundation. In the finals, six shortlist-
ed teams competed intensely.
Purpose and Overview
The academic competition was conceived last spring. Although
it's been 30 years since the establishment of the Taekwondo de-
partment, the educational and research for Taekwondo is still
sparse, a sentiment that has been rapidly gaining traction. The
Taekwondo Promotion Foundation has taken the initiative to
create change and progress in the academic field by offering
college students who will lead the future of Taekwondo oppor-
tunities to present their research results.
This competition was open to any undergraduate student ma-
joring in Taekwondo or related sports disciplines and under-
graduate students in Taekwondo clubs. From May 12th to July
21st, submissions were accepted for research papers on three
themes: a) Utilizing Taekwondo knowledge resources in collab-
oration with Taekwondo Rakibium, b) Strategies for invigorat-
ing the Taekwondo cultural industry, and c) a free topic related
to Taekwondo.
18 teams applied, five more than last year’s first competition.
The organizing committee formed a panel of seven judges ex-
perts in various fields of Taekwondo, and selected six teams for
the finals through a preliminary written evaluation. Especially
since the prize money (academic encouragement award) from
the government budget was a total of KRW 10 million, to en-
sure the objectivity and fairness of the evaluation, the highest
and lowest scores for each evaluation item were excluded, and
teams were selected for the finals based on average scores from
the aggregated points.
Finalist Teams and Their Topics: ▲Hanyang University EREKA
42
The team from
Hanyang University EREKA (Ansan Campus)
Department of Sports Science
(Park, Min sung, Hong, Doo young, Baek, Seung young)
who received the Grand Prize, is responding
to the judges’ questions.
(Ansan Campus) Sports Science Department (Park, Min seong,
Hong, Doo young, Baek, Seung young) researched the optimi-
zation of Rakibium’s digital video interface through a study of
Taekwondo perception based on domestic and foreign You-
Tube big data, focusing on the time before and after COVID-19.
▲Shinhan University’s Taekwondo department (Kim, Min soo)
presented on accumulating and utilizing knowledge resources
through Taekwondo Rakibium. ▲Shinhan University’s Tae-
kwondo department (Kim, Ha kyung, Kim, Bo na, Park, Soo
young) discussed awareness and activation strategy for Tae-
kwondo among the middle-aged and elderly. ▲Seoul National
University Taekwondo club (Kim, Min seo, Joeun sesang, Yoo,
Ye jin) proposed a strategy for revitalizing the Taekwondo cul-
tural industry by introducing a professional league, focusing on
spectator and participatory Taekwondo events. ▲Jeonju Uni-
versity’s Department of Sports Coaching (Kang, Su chan, Seon,
Hyun seok, Jeong, Mi joo) analyzed the content characteristics
of Taekwondo creators recognized by Generation Z. ▲Shin-
han University’s Taekwondo department (Jo, Yeon jae, Shin,
Jae kyung) provided a manual guideline for injury prevention
and response for young Taekwondo sparring athletes. ▲These
topics showcased the unique innovation and creativity of uni-
versity students. In the first competition held last year, Chosun
University (Jang, Hye lim, Choi, Su young) received the top
award. At the same time, Seoul National University (Jo, Eunse
sang, Kim, Min seo, Kim, Young yeon) and Shinhan University
(Yoon, Seok joo, Byun, Dae han, Park, Se won) received excel-
lence awards. ▲Gachon University (Park, Hyun gyu, Kim, Sa
rang), Yongin University (Kim, Min seo), and another team from
Yongin University (Lee, Seung je, Lim, Dae beom, Shin, Seung
hee) each received encouragement awards.
Characteristics of the Presenting Teams and Content
of the Finals Presentation
Last year’s excellence award recipient, the team from Seoul Na-
tional University, once again made it to the finals. Shinhan Uni-
versity stood out with four teams applying, out of which three
progressed to the finals. This performance sparked skepticism
in some quarters, questioning the fairness of the evaluation.
However, following the evaluation guidelines, the seven judges
assessed the teams without knowing the teams’ affiliations or
institutions. They evaluated research papers based on creativity,
relevance, specificity, reliability, and contribution. Scores from
the highest and lowest evaluations were excluded, with the aver-
age scores of five evaluators used to determine the result.
On September 3rd at 3 p.m., the finalists presented their find-
ings at the Taekwondowon’s Narae Hall. During the opening
remarks, the Acting Director of the Taekwondo Promotion
Foundation, Lee, Jong gap, who organized the competition,
commented, “The purpose of this academic competition is
to provide students majoring in Taekwondo and sports an
opportunity to present various ideas for the development of
Taekwondo, merging both sports and culture and to promote
humanistic studies of Taekwondo. I hope the established gen-
eration of Taekwondo enthusiasts will lend their ears to the in-
novative presentations of university students and find opportu-
nities to support their ambitions.”
The evaluation method for the finals was the same as the pre-
liminary written evaluation. However, the final panel of judges
was expanded to eight members by adding the curator of the
After the ceremony, the teams that received the Grand Prize, Excellence Award, and Encouragement Award
took a commemorative photo with the event organizers.
Taekwondo Museum, a practical department of the Taekwon-
do Promotion Foundation. The final rankings were based on
70 points from the written evaluation and 30 points from the
final presentation. Bonus points (up to 3) were given based on
their relevance to the designated topic. The final review was
conducted with the names of the teams and their respective
institutions disclosed. The presentations’ clarity, completeness,
and delivery were assessed. Additionally, after each team’s pre-
sentation, the panelists were allowed to ask questions, which
the groups addressed in their responses.
Results and Future Improvements
Hanyang University’s Department of Sports Science clinched
the grand prize. Despite refining their presentation from last
year, Seoul National University settled for an excellence award
again. One of Shinhan University’s teams continued its previ-
ous year’s success, clinching an excellence award. Of the three
teams from Shinhan University that made it to the finals, one
group (consisting of Kim, Ha gyeong, Kim, Bo na, and Park, Su
young) clinched an excellence award, continuing their success
from the previous year. The grand prize winner was awarded
KRW 3 million, two excellence award-winning teams each re-
ceived KRW 2 million, and three commendation award-win-
ning teams received KRW 1 million as academic incentives.
The fact that all three members of the grand prize-winning
team from Hanyang University were freshmen became a
talking point. Lee, Jong gab, the acting director, remarked,
“The content of the second competition was better than
the first. Next year, we will strive to establish this as a larg-
er and more specialized Taekwondo academic event.”
Consequently, changes are expected in the third competition
next year, including its scale, theme, eligibility, evaluation
method, and venue. Specifically, the standards and practices
of the preliminary written eval-
uation and the final on-site pre-
sentation evaluation will be re-
viewed. There are plans to expand
participation eligibility from un-
dergraduate students to include
graduate students. The attention
is on how this competition, en-
tering its third year, will uphold
its original purpose and promote
Taekwondo academics, fostering
a healthy research environment.
43
TOPIC
Taekwondo Craze Sweeps Across Mongolia
Text and Photo by Lee, Kyung sook (Kukkiwon Domestic Affairs Division Manager)
Mongolia! A land of vast expanses, clear blue skies, and the
echoes of Genghis Khan. Despite its territory being 7.4 times
the size of the Korean Peninsula, Mongolia is home to only
around 3.38 million people, similar to Busan’s. In 2023, Mongo-
lia showed great enthusiasm for K-content, including sports,
culture, and the arts. From August 23 to 30, a delegation from
Kukkiwon, led by President Lee Dong-seop, visited Mongolia
upon the invitation of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea
in Mongolia and Ulaanbaatar City, which jointly organized the
At the 2023 Korea Week event opening ceremony in Ulaanbaatar’s Sukhbaatar Square, more than 3,000 attendees expressed a keen interest in Hallyu
culture led by Taekwondo. After the Kukkiwon Taekwondo Demonstration Team’s performance, participants gathered to shout, “Fighting!.”
In August 2023, Sukhbaatar Square in Ulaanbaatar
Was Filled With Cheers From Over 3,000 People
During the Korea Week event opening ceremony at Sukhbaatar
Square, more than 3,000 citizens gathered to witness the perfor-
mance by the Kukkiwon Taekwondo Demonstration Team. The au-
dience cheered when various high-level techniques were displayed,
and when breaking boards occurred, the spectators responded with
cheers, applause, and excitement. The impressive and powerful
demonstration showcased the fervor for Taekwondo in Mongolia.
Kim, Jong gu, the South Korean Ambassador to Mongolia, stated,
“Taekwondo serves as a prominent bridge for South Korea to show-
case its culture worldwide, and it is popular in Mongolia.”
Lee, Dong sup, President of Kukkiwon, remarked, “Taekwondo is
the pioneer of the Hallyu wave. The fantastic Taekwondo demon-
stration by the Kukkiwon Demonstration Team, acting as civilian
diplomatic envoys, has injected vitality into this event and pro-
44
2023 Mongolia-Korea Week event.
Mongolia is currently experiencing a “Taekwondo craze” that
is nothing short of remarkable. There are over 70 Taekwondo
gyms in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city, and its 21 aimags (admin-
istrative regions), equivalent to South Korean provinces. What
began in 1991 with four coaches and 30 athletes now includes
100 coaches and 1,000 practitioners. Let’s delve into Mongo-
lia’s Taekwondo phenomenon.
vided an opportunity to develop friendly cooperation between
Mongolia and South Korea. Considering that Kukkiwon’s over-
seas instructors are also active in Mongolia, we hope to continue
promoting ongoing exchanges in Taekwondo.”
President Lee, Dong sup, Conferred with Diplomatic
Medal in Mongolia
During his visit to Mongolia, President Lee, Dong sup visit-
ed the Mongolian National Olympic Committee and held
talks with President Battushig Batbold. President Batbold
expressed his gratitude during their meeting, “We appreci-
ate Kukkiwon’s great interest and support for the Mongolian
Taekwondo Association. We hope for your assistance to help
Mongolian Taekwondo win medals and progress in the Olym-
pics.” President Lee said, “We will actively support Mongolia in
achieving good results in the Olympics.”
Kukkiwon has recently made efforts and shown interest in
promoting practical Taekwondo self-defense techniques in
Mongolia. During his visit, President Lee conferred an honor-
ary 6th-degree black belt to Altangerel, Director of the Special
Security Department, as a gesture of gratitude for his keen in-
terest in and support for Taekwondo.
Furthermore, President Lee was honored with a diplomatic
medal from the Mongolian government in recognition of his
contributions to promoting practical Taekwondo self-defense
techniques and the development of Taekwondo in Mongolia.
Kukkiwon President Lee, Dong sup was awarded a diplomatic decoration
by the Mongolian government in recognition of his contributions to the
development of Taekwondo in Mongolia.
The Surge in Popularity After the 2014 Incheon Asian
Games Bronze Medal
Mongolian Taekwondo experienced a surge in popularity and
enthusiasm after winning a bronze medal at the 2014 Incheon
Asian Games (Men’s -54kg category, by Munkhbat Tumenba-
yar). This achievement can also be seen through the number
of practitioners and black belt holders. In the 1990s, there
were 147 practitioners, and 141 in the 2000s, never surpass-
ing the 100s mark. However, after winning the bronze medal
at the Incheon Asian Games, the number of practitioners and
black belt holders grew rapidly, reaching 851 in the 2010s. Ad-
ditionally, when Temuujin Purevjav broke through the Asian
qualifiers and participated in the 2016 Rio Olympics in the
Men's -68kg category, the enthusiasm grew even further. This
marked a significant moment, as it had been 25 years since the
establishment of the Mongolian Taekwondo Association in
1991 to achieve the dream of Olympic participation. The Asian
Games bronze medal, followed by this historic Olympic entry,
opened a new chapter in Mongolia's sports history.
From this point on, Taekwondo boomed in Mongolia like
wildfire. Several teams emerged with regional cities as their
bases. In 2013, the number of people practicing Taekwondo
in Mongolia increased dramatically, starting with the Mongo-
lian National Championships hosted by the Korean Embassy
in Mongolia and organized by the Mongolian Taekwondo As-
sociation.
The Leading Figure Behind the Taekwondo Craze in
Mongolia: Instructor Heo, In young
The current Taekwondo enthusiasm in Mongolia can be at-
tributed to Instructor Heo, In young, who took on the Mongo-
lian national team coach role in 2013 and later, in 2018, worked
as an instructor dispatched by Kukkiwon in Mongolia. Instruc-
tor Heo, who had a background in being a Taekwondo athlete
from Pungsan High School, played a pivotal role in making
this enthusiasm possible.
In 2012, Instructor Heo met with representatives from the
Mongolian Taekwondo Association and the Mongolian Sports
Council's Taekwondo division, thanks to the introduction of
Erica International Referees. During this meeting, Heo empha-
sized establishing a national team system. Just one year later,
in 2013, the Mongolian Sports Council and the Mongolian Tae-
kwondo Association recruited Instructor Heo as the coach of
the Mongolian national team. This strategic move led to the
thrilling moment when Mongolia won a bronze medal at the
Incheon Asian Games.
This achievement was truly remarkable as it marked a signifi-
cant milestone, considering that it had been over two decades
since the promotion of Taekwondo in Mongolia. Instructor
Heo successfully promoted and developed Taekwondo in
Mongolia and played a key role in instilling a major sports cul-
ture.
President Lee, Dong sup (left) presented a 6th Dan honorary black belt
to Altangerel, the director of Mongolia's Special Security Agency, as a
token of appreciation for his strong interest in and active support for
Taekwondo.
45
YEARLY PROJECT Kukkiwon, 50 Years of History and the Next 50 Years to Come Ⅲ

When Reflecting on
Yesterday and Today,
Tomorrow Will Rise
With A Bright Sun
Text by Choe, Kyoo sup (Head of Editorial Board)
Photo by Kukkiwon

"Through long years,

you have walked a single path.
Neither yielding to nor avoiding
the hardships that came your way.
Amidst difficulties and challenges,
you found the roots of perseverance.
Believing that someday,
you would unleash the cheers of glory.
You did not succumb to the sadness of
wanting to be embraced like a friend.
Boldly shedding the veil of complacency,
you embrace the first steps of fortune.
(Excerpt)
Determined to become a single grain of
wheat, you continue walking."
(「Endless External Paths」 Chun-Chu-Phil)
On November 30, 1972, the cry was heard. It was when a life force-
fully exhaled its first breath with joy. The shout of hope resonated
throughout the four seas. “I will inherit the spirit of Taekwondo, a
traditional cultural heritage of Korea, and contribute to the devel-
opment of national culture by disseminating correct techniques.”
It was a birth full of vitality, long-awaited as the bright light of this
world. “Let it spread vigorously across the world.” That was the as-
piration nurtured and reinforced.
It was a path of boundless destiny as ordained by the heavens.
“You will walk the path of glory and perseverance with Taekwon-
do.” Fifty-one years ago, this passion was held when making the
first toast [濫觴(Namsang)]. It was a path walked, constantly recall-
ing the unforgettable mission as the world headquarters of Tae-
kwondo. Once again, we refine our hearts and engrave deeply in
our chests. We ignite the spirit of challenge, making a companion
out of the unyielding spirit that refuses to fall—Kukkiwon, which
marches vigorously towards the day of triumphant cheers of glory.
What kind of world will unfold in the future? The future, drawn
without a script, generates curiosity with its unique charm. Per-
haps only God knows this realm. Trying to peek into that world
veiled in mystery might be nothing more than the excessive greed
of a mere mortal. However, we cannot simply watch the flow of
time passively, as we are bound by the inevitable destiny that will
come our way. We resolve to explore our destiny actively. Perhaps
the future that will arrive then is the destiny that God intended.
Suddenly, it’s the end of another year. Another year is added to
the stack of years piled up. Standing at the end of a year, we re-
flect. Yesterday, we made a promise while witnessing the dawn of
a new year. We pledged to lead the embodiment of the Taekwon-
do spirit, consisting of two values, “극기(克己)” and “홍익(弘益).”
Today, we look back, wondering if that aspiration has not faded
into emptiness. Tomorrow, we imagine the image that will serve
as the foundation to realize ourselves and benefit the world—
Kukkiwon, which tastes yesterday and today to seek wisdom for
tomorrow.
The end and the beginning are interconnected. The end is an-
other form of a start. In the face of the wisdom of the ancients
who called November (lunar October) at the beginning of winter
“상(上)달,” the head bows involuntarily. The insight of the sages
awakens the later generations. “Grow tomorrow’s flowers from
the sprouts of yesterday.” That’s right. To welcome a bright future,
shouldn’t we carry ambitions, draw blueprints, and step forward
on the path of progress? The Kukkiwon must continue to walk tire-
lessly until the day when ‘Taekwondo World’ arrives. Tomorrow,
the sun will rise vigorously once again until tomorrow.

46 47
 VISION
YEARLY PROJECT Kukkiwon, 50 Years of History and the Next 50 Years to Come Ⅲ

Vision and Blueprint,

Commitment to Execution Trumps Presentation

Text by Seo, Sung won (Editorial Board Member)

On November 30, 1972, just a year after its foundation, the Kukkiwon was officially completed. At its inaugura-
tion ceremony, Prime Minister Kim, Jong pil proclaimed, “Korea’s Taekwondo has now fully established itself
The ceremony for the proclamation of the inaugural year for the construction of the second Kukkiwon and the flag-raising event in May 2021. Ⓒ Kukkiwon
as a national emblem, boasting a central dojo that serves as the cradle for Taekwondo’s future development.
The 1.3 million Taekwondo practitioners must unite and utilize this dojo to its fullest potential, propelling
Taekwondo’s exponential growth, uplifting our national prestige, and enhancing the physical stature of our textbooks and magazines. This helped craft Taekwondo’s Finally, on August 7, 1978, there was a consensus to shut
citizens. Let us strive to engrain the true essence of ‘Taekwondo Korea’ more deeply globally.” history and tradition. We also introduced unique compe- down ten schools. This was a historic moment that paved
Fast forward five decades and the Kukkiwon stands tall after 51 years since its establishment. What vision and tition rules, distinguishing us from Karate and Kung Fu, the way for Taekwondo’s development. On that day, the
blueprint should the Kukkiwon pursue for its continued growth? But before we delve into the future, it’s essen- thereby defining the modern face of Taekwondo.” (KimUn- heads of the ten schools agreed that the integration would
tial to reflect on the past visions and key policies set forth by previous administrations. Yong.com, August 29, 2011. Kim, Un yong Column: ‘How far help break free from Taekwondo’s deep-rooted factional
has Taekwondo come?’) mindset and become the driving force behind solidifying
President Kim, who held leadership roles in the Kukkiwon, and globalizing Taekwondo.
The 1970s Vision and Policy of Kim, Un Yong the Korea Taekwondo Association, and the World Tae-
Kukkiwon’s vision and main policies have constantly kwondo, sought to define the roles and functions of these Promotion Test Policy from 1980 to 1990
evolved under the influence of the incumbent director’s three organizations clearly. Reflecting on this later, Presi- In 1980, Dan’s promotion test and issuance responsibilities
will and the era’s zeitgeist. Additionally, they have been dent Kim stated, “The Korea Taekwondo Association serves were transferred from the Korea Taekwondo Association to
shaped in response to the changing demands from both as the pillar for the home country, the World Taekwondo Kukkiwon. As a result, Kukkiwon started overseeing these
the domestic and international Taekwondo communities. focuses on promoting Taekwondo globally and manag- test duties on March 1 of that year. However, the respon-
Immediately after the establishment of the Kukkiwon, its ing member countries, and the Kukkiwon preserves the sibility for overseas examinations was handed over to the
first director, Kim, Un Yong, expressed a determination martial spirit and traditions. I ensured these three entities World Taekwondo in July 1984 for issuance. This dual re-
to “standardize the promotion tests and retrain frontline moved in harmony. No one dictated the decision to sepa- sponsibility for examination tasks continued with Kukki-
instructors to showcase the pinnacle of Taekwondo tech- rate them into three; it was a historical imperative, deeply won and the World Taekwondo overseeing domestic and
niques to the world.” He further declared an ambition to In the early 1970s, Kim, Un yong, the first President of Kukkiwon, imbued with the spirit of the times.” international duties. But after a practical meeting on the
who also served as the President of the Korea Taekwondo Asso-
“host the World Taekwondo Championships in Seoul in In the late 1970s, a pivotal moment arrived that strength- matter, in January 1988, Kukkiwon took charge of overseas
ciation, is revealing his contemplations on “What to do for Tae-
May 1973, inviting teams from 40 countries where Korean kwondo”. Ⓒ Korea Taekwondo Association ened the role and stature of the Kukkiwon. A departure was examination duties.
instructors are stationed, to flaunt the true essence of Tae- made from the Taekwondo evaluation practices previously On April 20, 1983, the examination regulations were re-
kwondo, Korea’s national martial art, to the world.” izing and globalizing Taekwondo, elevating national pres- conducted by individual schools, consolidating administra- vised. The fundamental changes included designating up
Kukkiwon laid down its foundation stones for a centu- tige. He tirelessly worked towards cementing the modern tive evaluation processes centered around the Kukkiwon. to 3rd Poom and 9th Dan as the highest rank. Practical ex-
ry-long Taekwondo journey. Their goals encompassed: a) stature of Taekwondo. In February 1977, the Integration Promotion Committee aminations were limited up to 7th Dan. A technical review
Standardizing Taekwondo evaluations b) Enhancing the Kim reflected on his thoughts, “In 1972, we fulfilled the was formed, comprising 15 members, including veteran committee decided upon those of 8th Dan or higher. The
quality of instructors both domestically and internation- long-standing aspiration of Taekwondo practitioners by Taekwondo practitioners and central dojo masters. This examination subjects were divided into practical skills,
ally c) Hosting international-scale tournaments and do- completing the central dojang of the Korea Taekwondo committee agreed to give a grace period of one year, theory, and written answers. Practical skills comprised
mestic competitions d) Unifying Taekwondo techniques Association (Kukkiwon). This laid the foundation for Tae- during which the central main master would relinquish Poomsae, sparring, breaking (optional), and special skills
e) Cultivating pride amongst Taekwondo practitioners, kwondo’s journey towards becoming a national sport. all affiliations to his school. That August, to eliminate the (optional), while theory included written responses and
contributing to national prestige and public sports. After registering Kukkiwon as a foundation, we integrat- long-standing factionalism within the Taekwondo com- dissertations.
Kim, also the president of the Korea Taekwondo Associ- ed over 30 disparate Taekwondo schools, established munity and correct administrative and technical system In May 1986, some parts of the test regulations were revised.
ation, constantly contemplated the path forward for the training centers, unified promotion tests, integrated tech- issues, an organization responsible for integrating Tae- The main contents of the revision were a) If a Pum holder
development of Taekwondo. His vision and blueprint niques, dispatched and supported overseas instructors, kwondo schools, General Headquarters, was launched, surpasses the age of 15, they can apply for a corresponding
during the early to mid-1970s revolved around national- established a historical narrative, and issued Taekwondo with President Kim appointed its head. Dan replacement, b) The time frame for transitioning from

48 49
YEARLY PROJECT Kukkiwon, 50 Years of History and the Next 50 Years to Come Ⅲ
Poom to Dan was alteredm c) Safety provisions for candi-
dates were added to the text application form.
In 1998, the hierarchy for Poom was revised to a 4 Poom
system, which was implemented in January 1999. If a Poom
holder reached or surpassed the age of 15, they could con-
vert to Dan upon application. However, a 4th Poom holder
must be 18 or older to transition to 4th Dan.
Vision and Blueprint for the 2000s
With the turn of the millennium, Kukkiwon adjusted to
the changing times by implementing various policies and
projects. There was a substantial increase in the project
budget. In February 2006, the board passed a project bud-
get of KRW 8.3 billion. On this day, the board established a
Taekwondo Research Institute to expand diverse research
activities and introduce a Taekwondo Ambassador System.
This system was aimed at protecting the rights of overseas
Taekwondo instructors and serving as a bridge for pro-
motions. Furthermore, developing new Taekwondo tech-
niques and cultural content was promoted to keep up with
the times. They also aimed to create measures to support
and revitalize Taekwondo schools.
In December 2009, Kukkiwon proclaimed a vision for new
leaps. The five primary focus areas and main projects in-
cluded strengthening Taekwondo’s international compet-
itiveness, enhancing promotional capabilities, revitalizing
training projects, refining business models, and restructur-
ing and enhancing human resources.
Amidst this momentum, in December 2009, Kukkiwon de-
liberated on establishing an international office and over-
seas branches to reinforce its international foundation and
competitiveness. The international team was expanded
into an international department after perceiving a weak-
ening of Kukkiwon’s global foundation and external func-
tions due to limited interaction with overseas instructors.
This department overseeing all international affairs was
mandated to establish branches across five continents and
handle overseas school registrations, education, and train-
ing projects.
Kukkiwon tried to set up overseas branches in early 2010.
They formed an evaluation committee for selecting these
branches and scrutinizing applicant organizations. On Feb-
ruary 9, they held a meeting to explain the purpose of es-
tablishing overseas branches and gather opinions.
In 2010, Kukkiwon underwent significant changes, transi-
tioning from a foundation corporation to a special corpo-
ration. In June of that year, Kukkiwon formed the Devel-
opment Strategy Committee Task Force Team, bringing
specialized committees for budget and settlement, struc-
tural reform, and policy development under its wing. They
recruited experts in various fields to be a part of these com-
mittees. This demonstrated their determination to intro-
50
duce new policies and visions aligning with their transition
to a special corporation.
Simultaneously, Kukkiwon actively pursued the Kukkiwon
Overseas Dojang Registration (KOMS) project to invigorate
overseas dojangs. The KOMS project aimed to establish
a dojang network based on an overseas organizational
foundation, solidify Kukkiwon’s global corporate base, and
strengthen the Kukkiwon brand in international markets
through overseas promotion and enhanced training edu-
cation.
From September 2010, new Poom, Dan certificates were
issued incorporating a new CI. However, in response to
the public opinion that the design of the rank certificates
should be refined and aligned with an international sense,
a renewed storage and carry-on version was introduced
in June 2011. The black graphic motif was enhanced with
holographic processing, reducing the number of graphics
and increasing their size for clearer visibility.
In May 2011, celebrating the first anniversary of its transition
to a special corporation, Kukkiwon unveiled the TKK Win-
Win-Win 2020 mid-to-long-term vision and strategy. TKK
stands for “Taekwondo, Kukkiwon, Korea”. This vision aimed
to address the perception of these three brands as distinct
entities, emphasizing a brand synergy where “Taekwondo”
evokes “Kukkiwon” and “Kukkiwon” evokes “Korea.”
In 2015, Kukkiwon announced key policies that included
improvements in the testing system, promoting the over-
seas Kukkiwon Cup competition, revitalizing martial arts
Taekwondo, and establishing an overseas organizational
foundation. In 2016, Kukkiwon highlighted a global man-
agement system and the elevation and diversification of
the Taekwondo brand. Moreover, in 2021, they presented
objectives such as strengthening Kukkiwon’s prestige, en-
hancing its expertise, and establishing its identity.
Kukkiwon unveiled its metaverse utilizing future technologies in
the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in March 2022. Poster
for “KUKKI-Learn”. Ⓒ Kukkiwon
Taekwondo was adopted as an official sport at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and rode
the wave of globalization. We've compiled a collection of exciting Taekwondo competi-
tions from the Sydney 2000 Games to the Tokyo 2020 Games. Ⓒ World Taekwondo
Beyond Mere Vision and Blueprint,
Continuous Implementation is Essential
The Kukkiwon executive board has announced visions
and blueprints for 20 years. However, many have merely
remained slogans without the need for implementation.
Especially after it transitioned to a special corporation
in 2010, there was an added urgency from the executive
board to showcase tangible results.
In 2011, marking the first anniversary of the transition to a
special corporation, Kukkiwon announced a mid-to-long-
term vision and strategy for 2020, introducing three ma-
jor plans and 12 actionable tasks. Still, most of them only
achieved a little. The three strategies were a) T-Valuable
Taekwondo: Enhancing the luxury status and value of Tae-
kwondo b) K-Vital Taekwondo: Strengthening competitive-
ness through innovative changes c) K-Global Korea: En-
hancing international contributions as the premier country
for Taekwondo.
From 2015 onwards, the main policies and projects pro-
moted by Kukkiwon included exam system improvement,
establishment of a global management system, overseas
organizational foundation, enhancement of the prestige
and pilgrimage of Kukkiwon, activating overseas martial
arts Taekwondo, developing certified Taekwondo uni-
forms, Strengthening Kukkiwon's professionalism and
identity, Establishing overseas support branches.
While there has been some progress in improving the text
system, with the management system for Taekwondo pro-
motion exams being rebuilt in 2015 after its initial launch
in 2006, other policies and projects still need momentum.
BLUEPRINT
Establishing overseas branches, a key initiative since 2010,
remains problematic. Although Kukkiwon pledged in Au-
gust 2015 to develop these branches in collaboration with
local associations and instructors and to en-
sure transparency in the process, the issue
persists.
The blueprint for establishing a manage-
ment system for Kukkiwon, aligned with the
changing global environment and to en-
hance its brand, still needs to be improved.
The existing conflicts between the president
and the board of directors and the board’s
inability to meet expectations have only ex-
acerbated the situation.
What is the Vision and Blueprint of
Chairman Lee, Dong sup?
In May 2021, Chairman Lee, Dong sup of Kuk-
kiwon presented a vision report titled “A Leap
Forward for Kukkiwon, the World Taekwon-
do Headquarters, through the Second Establishment.” He
proposed strengthening Kukkiwon’s stature, expertise, and
identity. The three major strategies and six core tasks are a)
Kukkiwon in the World: Establishing the Kukkiwon Global
Committee and the Kukkiwon Support/Branches, b) Chang-
ing Kukkiwon: Turning Kukkiwon into a renowned spot and
internally innovating towards a global organization, c) United
Kukkiwon: Establishing a training system centered around
Taekwondo dojangs and system improvements for World
Taekwondo dojangs.
Chairman Lee stated, “While aiming to be the world Tae-
kwondo headquarters, Kukkiwon did not have a single
base organization in countries around the world. There
was also a lack of appropriate internal innovation and a
lack of establishment of a training system centered around
Taekwondo dojangs and system improvements.” He em-
phasized the establishment of Kukkiwon’s expertise and
identity with solid momentum.
In October 2022, he was re-elected for a three-year term
and announced plans to establish overseas support and
branches in 200 countries and to promote the construction
of the second Kukkiwon. In a New Year interview in January
2023, Chairman Lee said, “Kukkiwon issues certifications in
203 countries and is the heart of Taekwondo. However, we
don’t have any branches. Hence, by November 30 of this
year (the 51st anniversary of Kukkiwon’s establishment),
we aim to set up branches in over 200 countries. Current-
ly, we’ve completed the formation in 80 countries. If over
200 branches are established globally this year, a general
assembly will be held in Seoul. Since Kukkiwon is a glob-
al entity, just like the World Taekwondo, we will also have
a ‘Vice Chairman System’ across the five continents. If the
chairman cannot visit a place, a non-standing vice chair-
man will be in charge of that region by continent.”
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YEARLY PROJECT Kukkiwon, 50 Years of History and the Next 50 Years to Come Ⅲ

COLUMN ① COLUMN ②

Preserving the True Value The Future of

and Charm of Taekwondo Taekwondo Lies in AI and
for a Brighter Future <1> Innovative Integration
Text and Photo by Ahn, Chang sup (Professor, University of California, Berkeley) Text and Photo by Choi, Jung gu (Special IT Committee Chairman, Kukkiwon)

It’s been over 30 years since I left South Korea, the “home of
Taekwondo,” for the US. Over these three decades, I’ve wit-
nessed various changes and evolutions in Taekwondo. Es-
pecially since 2003, working at the prestigious University of
California, Berkeley, I’ve interacted with numerous students
through Taekwondo lessons and club training. By the end of
each semester, even beginners come to appreciate Taekwon-
do as a sport and martial art infused with Eastern philosophy,
strengthening both body and mind.
Despite their sweat-soaked white uniforms, the students al-
ways wear their smiles. At the start of every semester, I invite
them to introduce themselves and share their motivations for
learning Taekwondo. While many enroll out of curiosity, for
self-defense, or physical training, watching these free-spirited
American students shouting in unison and training passion-
ately – as if attending a significant course – fills me with im-
mense pride and gratitude.
Their dedication and seriousness only grow during af-
ter-school Taekwondo club and athlete training sessions.
They rigorously train for two hours 3-4 times a week and, later,
convene to study or finish assignments collectively. In my over
20 years as a coach at Berkeley, I’ve administered mid-term ex-
ams for my athletes in hotel rooms and even on flights to com-
petitions. At Berkeley, athletes are given no special privileges.
Over the past eight years, as the All-American College Tae-
kwondo Federation president, I’ve noticed that top compet-
itors often come from prestigious universities such as Berke-
ley, Stanford, Brown, MIT, Harvard, Columbia, and Princeton.
Balancing their academic responsibilities, these students pour
their hearts into training. They view Taekwondo as a form of
exercise and a personal challenge, giving it their all.
The future of Taekwondo should honor these values. While
winning a gold medal is commendable, if training can inspire
a deeper appreciation of Taekwondo's essence and purpose,
its future is promising. In this light, I have several recommen-
dations for its advancement.
First, Taekwondo programs should cater to everyone, irre-
spective of age or gender, ensuring shared enjoyment and
camaraderie. Beyond physical and mental training, Taekwon-
do can offer psychological stability and stress relief. The
COVID-19 pandemic underscored our collective need for gen-
uine human relationships. If Taekwondo can support physical
and mental growth while fostering meaningful human bonds,
its impact will be profound.
Second, relative to other sports, Taekwondo is uniquely posi-
tioned to instill educational and philosophical values. So many
things can be introduced to students, such as the significance
and philosophy of practicing Taekwondo, understanding Ko-
rean philosophy as a Korean martial art, spreading traditional
Korean culture, and learning good manners. It’s a great educa-
tional opportunity to broaden your horizons while practicing
Taekwondo.
Taekwondo teaches its practitioners mental discipline virtues
such as patience, righteousness, courtesy, wisdom, stead-
fastness, discipline, and self-control. In addition, teaching
Taekwondo to practice goodness, gratitude, compassion, em-
pathy, and a sense of wonder is an excellent opportunity to
develop the body and mind, mental stability, and happiness
in life.
To be continued in the next issue…
Analog Computerization
[ Change is not an option but a necessity ]
In 1950, spurred by the research of the British mathematician
Alan Turing, Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerged. Machine learning,
facilitated by the Turing Machine, cemented its role as a standard
in computer architecture. Yet, when grappling with vast amounts
of data, AI algorithm development encountered hurdles, hinder-
ing its swift progress.
As the 2000s dawned, advancements in semiconductor memory
technology marked notable strides in computer performance.
Consequently, the practical application of the Deep Neural Net-
work (often called deep learning) gained traction. With these
technological leaps, by 2023, giants like Google and Facebook
are poised to achieve unparalleled accuracy in facial recognition
through deep learning. Simultaneously, IBM’s Watson show-
cased over 90% accuracy in diagnosing colorectal cancers. Not
to be outdone, Tesla’s Autopilot has evolved to a stage where au-
tonomous driving with minimal human input is feasible.
AI, quintessential to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, finds appli-
cations spanning diverse domains, from society and culture to
sports and the economy. Today, aligning with AI is less a choice
and more a mandate. Once rooted in tradition, the sports sector
is segueing into the digital realm, manifesting as e-sports forti-
fied by AI, big data, and sophisticated data analytics.
Taekwondo stands at this digital precipice, awaiting a seamless
transition. Harnessing the prowess of Fourth Industrial Revolu-
Big Data
Digitalization
Transformation
tion technologies, there's a clarion call to rejuvenate Taekwondo.
Spearheading this transformation is Kukkiwon. As the custodian
of Taekwondo’s foundational techniques, Kukkiwon bears the
responsibility of standardizing these techniques, transitioning
them to the digital sphere, and orchestrating the Taekwondo
D·N·A (Data·Network·Artificial Intelligence).
In the contemporary New Normal era, digital technology has
transcended innovation to become a staple. Economic vigor
is increasingly anchored not in tangible assets but intangibles,
with ‘Work-Life Balance’ evolving from an aspiration to an actu-
al reality. This paradigm shift also sheds light on the noticeable
scarcity of Taekwondo masters in dojangs.
To address this, automating routine chores, crafting a Taekwon-
do Dojang Service Platform, implementing AI for Taekwondo
Motion Recognition, and devising an Integrated Taekwondo In-
struction Method synergized with devices are imperative. These
initiatives promise to alleviate work burdens while elevating ser-
vice standards.
In this landscape, AI isn’t an entity to dread or sidestep. The onus
lies in judiciously cherry-picking and harnessing the AI tools that
align with our needs. By orchestrating a symphony between Tae-
kwondo and AI, we are poised to carve out a robust Taekwondo
market and stand at the cusp of heralding Taekwondo’s second
renaissance.

52 53
YEARLY PROJECT Kukkiwon, 50 Years of History and the Next 50 Years to Come Ⅲ

PICTORIALNESS Tracing the 50-Year Journey of Kukkiwon <3>

2010s: Expanding Taekwondo Dojangs

in Korea and Abroad
Text by Park, Young jun (Assistant of Public Relations) Photo by Kukkiwon

The 2010s marked a pivotal decade for Taekwondo, highlighted by its official legal recognition as South Korea’s national martial art and
the historic visit of the North Korean Taekwondo demonstration team to the South. During this transformative period, when Kukkiwon
transitioned from a foundation corporation to a special corporation, they embarked on a project to expand their international network. On
October 4, 2010, Kukkiwon held a business presentation for the Kukkiwon Membership System (KMS). This meeting showcased Kukkiwon’s
strong commitment to overseas Taekwondo ventures, earning widespread acclaim from Taekwondo leaders worldwide. On November
17, 2012, the Kukkiwon held the 2012 Knowledge Seminar on the Hope of Revitalizing Taekwondo Dojangs in Korea. On June 28, 2017, a
demonstration team from the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) led by North Korea visited the Kukkiwon, the world headquarters
of Taekwondo, for the first time. It was a heartwarming moment that united the two Koreas through Taekwondo.
Also, on March 30, 2018, led by Congressman Lee, Dong sup (the current Kukkiwon President), the 358th provisional National Assembly’s
first general meeting approved the ‘Law Amendment for the Promotion of Taekwondo and the Establishment of a Taekwondo Park,’ thus
legally solidifying Taekwondo’s status as the esteemed national martial art.
President Almazbek Atambayev of Kyrgyzstan (center), accompanied by the First Lady (right), vis- On November 15, 2013, Kukkiwon was designated as
ited Kukkiwon on November 20, 2013. He was awarded an honorary 9th dan certificate in recogni- a Future Heritage of Seoul, referring to tangible and

2010 tion of his contributions to the expansion and development of Taekwondo. intangible assets not yet recognized as cultural prop-
erties but deemed valuable for future generations.
Currently, 502 heritages are managed by Seoul City.

Dreaming of a world united through Taekwondo, Kukkiwon held Kukkiwon hosted a welcome event for member countries of the Interna-
a seminar on November 17, 2012, to invigorate local Taekwondo tional Sports Press Association (AIPS) held in Korea on May 10, 2017,
For the first time in history, the North Korean ITF Taekwondo demonstration team visited Kukkiwon on June 28, 2017. dojangs. to promote their brand and Taekwondo.

54 55
 In collaboration with Seoul City, Kukkiwon showcased a regular Taekwondo demonstration at the Namsangol Hanok Village
Cheonwoogak on May 3, 2014, actively promoting Taekwondo’s identity and excellence domestically and internationally.

On March 30, 2018, the National Assembly passed the ‘Law Amendment for the Promotion of Tae-
kwondo and the Establishment of a Taekwondo Park,’ legally solidifying Taekwondo’s status as a
national sport.

On March 27, 2019, King Philippe Leopold Louis Marie

of Belgium (right) visited Kukkiwon and demonstrated
a board-breaking technique. In recognition of his ef-
forts towards developing Taekwondo in Belgium, he
was awarded an honorary 8th dan certificate.

On October 4, 2010, the Coun-

On October 20, 2018, as a part of its community service cil of Elders, established as an
efforts, Kukkiwon launched an anti-school bullying advisory body to the President
campaign featuring a musical scene portraying the of the Kukkiwon, held its first
campaign’s message. meeting.

56 57
HISTORY Historical Figures <3>

Text by Suh, Wann suck

(Former specialist reporter for The Master of Taekwondo Administration, hard? Take it easy.”
Kookmin Daily) Thanks to his relentless Taekwondo training during his military
Photo by Kukkiwon the late Uhm, Woon kyu, former President of Kukkiwon service, he co-published a martial arts book titled “Kwonbop Kyo-
bon” at the suggestion of Principal Choi, Seok nam of the Army

The Main Contributor to Communications School. Principal Choi hailed him as a ‘genius
of the martial arts world.’ Even then, Taekwondo was known by

the Globalization of Taekwondo names like Dangsudo, Subakdo, and Kwonbop. He participated
in the production of the textbook, demonstrating various tech-

as the Right-hand Man of Kim, Un yong niques.

After his military discharge, he lived as an instructor under Son,
Deok sung, the second grandmaster of Cheong Do Kwan. At
Cheong Do Kwan, located in Gyeonji-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul,
In 1946, a 17-year-old Uhm, Woon kyu (second from left in the second students from prestigious nearby high schools came for training.
row), who had just joined Taekwondo, competed in a special kukkiwon Figures like Lee, Kyu seok, the current Asian Federation president,
competition to commemorate the founding of the Song Moo Kgwan.
and Lee, Kwan young, a French instructor, were also trained as dis-
ciples at Cheong Do Kwan. From 1956, he taught Taekwondo to
Martial Artist Uhm, Woon kyu
students from Seoul National University's College of Commerce
Born in Yongsan, Seoul, the former Kukkiwon President entered
and College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. In 1957, he passed on
Cheong Do Kwan, a Dangsudo dojang, at 17 in 1946, the year after
Taekwondo to the cadets of the Army Officer School. His empha-
Korea's liberation. His older brother, feeling sorry for his younger
sis on practicality, Taekwondo skills, and teaching ability were
sibling, who often got picked on due to his smaller stature, urged
highly regarded.
him to learn self-defense. At that time, Cheong Do Kwan rented
a church hall in Gyeonji-dong, Jongno-gu, for training. Holding
the registration number 120, he devoted himself to exercise with
a martial arts spirit of “one strike, certain kill.” When the Korean
War broke out in 1950, he enlisted in the army and was assigned
to the Army Communications School. Thanks to the consideration
of Choi, Seok nam, the school’s principal who had a deep interest
in martial arts, Eom could continue instructing and training in Tae-
kwondo for five years in the military.
He was a disciple of Lee, Won kuk, the founder of Cheong Do
Kwan. Whenever his master was absent, he took on the role of
instructing the dojo members. His master emphasized, “The foot
is more than three times stronger than the fist,” highlighting the
importance of honing kicking techniques. However, since kicking
At a tournament in the mid-1950s, Uhm performs a jumping spinning kick.
Former Kukkiwon President Uhm, Woon kyu. techniques were less agile than fist, he committed himself to train-
ing to use his legs as freely as his fists. Administrator: Uhm, Woon kyu
While he learned side kicks and spinning kicks from his master, he In 1959, when the second-generation leader Son, Duk seong had
In the mid-1990s, when Taekwondo was on the rise towards globalization and was adopted as an official Olympic sport, Uhm, Woon kyu’s also devised new techniques tailored to his physique. This led to conflicts with the founding leader Lee, Won kuk, and stepped
office, then the Vice-President of Kukkiwon, was always bustling with people. This was because Kim, Un yong, who was both the President the development of techniques like the double side kick, spinning down, Uhm, Woon kyu took over as the third-generation leader.
of Kukkiwon and the President of the World Taekwondo, as well as the chairman of the Korea Sports Association, often left Kukkiwon va- back kick, and spinning side kick. The spinning back kick involved At about 30 years old, he began to wield significant influence in
cant due to his role as the Vice-President of the IOC (International Olympic Committee). Vice-President Eom practically took charge of the spinning around using the left foot as a pivot, akin to a compass, the domestic martial arts community as the representative lead-
Kukkiwon, the headquarters of World Taekwondo, managing both domestic and international Taekwondo administrations. and striking the opponent’s face. Due to these unprecedented er of Cheong Do Kwan. Cheong Do Kwan is one of the five orig-
Coming from the lineage of the third grandmaster of Cheong Do Kwan, he, alongside masters like Lee, Chong woo, was a key figure in techniques, some seniors were hesitant to spar with him. inal dojangs that gave birth to modern Taekwondo, laying the
laying the foundation for modern Taekwondo. In 1961, he played a leading role in the establishment of the Korea Taesoodo Association, He was a leading practitioner representing Cheong Do Kwan. groundwork for the integration and globalization of Taekwondo.
the precursor to the Korea Taekwondo Association, and in 1971, he was instrumental, along with Lee, Chong woo, in recruiting Kim, Un Whenever there were martial arts demonstrations, he was the Uhm was at the center of this evolution.
yong, who was then serving in the Blue House security office, as the chairman of the Korea Taekwondo Association. But that’s not all. In representative player of Cheong Do Kwan. During his military ser- The May 16, 1961, military coup inadvertently became a catalyst
line with Kim, Un yong’s so-called ‘four visions for Taekwondo,’ he took the lead in promoting the globalization of Taekwondo. In 1972, he vice in Sokcho, Gangwon-do, he even took a leave to participate in for the integration and advancement of Taekwondo. The revolu-
established Kukkiwon and, the following year, the World Taekwondo. He also traveled the world to encourage his disciples to realize the a martial arts competition in Seoul in honor of President Syngman tionary government led by Park, Chung hee strongly demanded
1st World Championship. Rhee’s birthday. During the event, he sparred with instructor Lee, the consolidation of Taekwondo organizations with similar tech-
In the golden tripartite division of Taekwondo - diplomacy by Kim, Un yong, administration by Uhm, Woon kyu, and technique by Lee, Chong woo, and struck the tall Lee’s chest with his flying sidekick. niques, movements, training, and grading systems. In July of that
Chong woo - this structure left a significant mark in the history of Taekwondo’s development. In the changing room, Lee, Chong woo said, “Why did you kick so year, the Ministry of Education convened a coordination meeting

58 59

During his time as the third director of Cheong Do Kwan, Uhm, Woon
kyu (left) encouraged his students.
by summoning representatives from various martial arts associ-
ations, including the Korea Hapki Association, Korea Taekwondo
Association, Kongsudo Chang Moo Kwan, Kongsudo Song Moo
Kwan, Kangdukwon Martial Arts Association, and Han Moo Kwan
Central Kongsu dojang.
When integration proved challenging, the second-in-command
of the revolutionary government, Vice Chairman of the National
Reconstruction Council General Lee, Ju il, called upon Uhm and
Lee, Chong woo, ordering them to consolidate Taekwondo under
the auspices of the Korea Sports Council chairman Lee, Hyo. The
revolutionary government recognized these “young blood” as
the key players in the unification and advancement of Taekwon-
do. They also promised to include the consolidated Taekwondo
organization in the National Sports Festival if unification was
achieved.
In September of that year, the long-anticipated unification of the
Taekwondo community finally took place under the name Korea
Taesudo Association. At that time, among the five original do-
jangs, Ji Do Kwan used the name “Kongsudo,” Chang Moo Kwan
“Kwonbeop,” Moo deok Kwan “Hwasudo,” Cheong Do Kwan
“Dangsudo,” and O Do Kwan “Taekwondo.” The name “Taesudo”
was born by combining “Tae” from Taekwondo and “Su” from
Kongsudo.
The Korea Taesudo Association’s vice-presidents, Uhm, Woon kyu,
Lee, Chong woo, and Lee, Nam seok, nominated General Chae,
Myung shin, who was a respected soldier and the head of the In-
spection Board of the revolutionary government, as their inaugu-
ral president.
On December 20, 1961, the Korea Taesudo Association joined
the Korea Sports Council. As the sole vice president, Uhm played
a significant role in setting up the initial board of directors. After
establishing the association, an urgent task was to consolidate the
dan grading tests conducted separately by each school. Uhm col-
laborated as grading committee members with Lee, Chong woo,
Lee, Nam seok, Park, Chul hee, Nam, Tae hi, and Lee, Young sup.
The association’s next mission was to become an official event in
the National Sports Festival. For Taekwondo to spread nationwide
as a sport, becoming a part of the National Sports Festival was cru-
60
cial. In consultation with Lee, Chong woo, Uhm established com-
petition rules in November 1961, laying the foundation for joining
the Korea Sports Council as its 28th affiliated organization. Thanks
to the efforts of these young Taekwondo reformists, Taekwondo
became an official event at the Jeonju National Sports Festival in
October 1963.
Kim, Un yong, Lee, Chong woo,
and the Golden Triangular Division
Taekwondo underwent a significant transformation in 1971 with
the recruitment of Kim, Un yong, a former diplomat working as
a presidential security officer’s assistant at the Blue House, as the
president of the Korea Taekwondo Association. On the recom-
mendation of Cho, Shi hak, a New York instructor, Lee, Chong woo
met with Kim, Un yong to persuade him to accept the presidency.
He, who had moved in tandem with Lee, Chong woo, also actively
engaged in the process. That January, when Kim took office, he
was appointed vice president in the new executive branch to as-
sist him, alongside Lee, Nam seok and Jang, Jae sik. Lee, Chong
woo assumed the role of chairman of the Technical Review Com-
mittee.
With Kim’s presidency, the world of Taekwondo set three core
At the 2005 Taekwondo Night event, Uhm, Woon kyu (left) presented
a special award to his ‘lifetime comrade’ Lee, Chong woo took a com-
memorative photo.
tasks: administrative integration, national sport designation, and
globalization. Lee, Chong woo, and he, who was in tune with Pres-
ident Kim, took the lead in spearheading initiatives as core execu-
tives of the association. Their troika system served as the nucleus
for the revival of Taekwondo for the next 30 years without a hitch.
As Taekwondo organizations were streamlined and projects
expanded, the association’s need for a central gymnasium was
raised. He and Lee, Chong woo were moving from the site selec-
tion phase. After the establishment of the Kukkiwon in Novem-
ber 1972, they both busily prepared for the hosting of the World
Championship and the establishment of the World Taekwondo.
He served as the inaugural vice president of the global federation,
while Lee, Chong woo fulfilled his duties as secretary-general.
While President Kim focused on external affairs, such as diploma-
cy and securing budgets, the two specialized in internal matters,
such as Taekwondo technical issues, global proliferation, and
Uhm (right) walking with Kukkiwon President Kim, Un yong (center) in the
early 2000s.
maintaining the dominant position of the host country.
Former Kukkiwon President Uhm, Woon kyu
Time has passed, but Uhm, Woon kyu’s role as Kim, Un yong’s
right-hand man and the administrative head of Taekwondo re-
mained unchanged. Meanwhile, Taekwondo was included as an
official sport in the 1986 Seoul Asian Games and became an offi-
cial Olympic sport from the 2000 Sydney Olympics. The stature of
Kim, Un yong as the president of the World Taekwondo remained
unshaken until the early 2000s. By then, voices calling for the res-
ignation of members who had held power for 30-40 years, includ-
ing President Kim, grew louder. In 2001, college student protests
emerged over alleged ‘judgment manipulation.’ Amidst this ‘wind
of democratization’ in Taekwondo, Kim, Un yong and Uhm, Woon
kyu stepped down from their respective roles.
In 2004, Lee, Chong woo, who played a bridging role with the
democratic forces, pressured Eom to take the position of Kuk-
kiwon President. Having served ten years as an association vice
president, 15 years as the vice president of the global federation,
and 20 years as the vice president of Kukkiwon, Ehm was appoint-
ed the second president of Kukkiwon in March 2004 by the board
chairman, his lifelong comrade, Lee, Chong woo.
Uhm’s tenure was not smooth. In 2005, he faced investigations by
the prosecutor’s office over suspicions of unauthorized issuance
of certifications and misappropriation of public funds. He was
indicted and sued five times, but all charges were dropped. As a
Christian with a pastor father, he never counter-sued, prioritizing
harmony and unity among Taekwondo practitioners.
In June 2006, he concluded a business agreement between Kuk-
kiwon, the World Taekwondo, and the Korea Taekwondo Associ-
ation to foster cooperation among Taekwondo organizations. He
also actively promoted a cooperative system with the influential
US Taekwondo Association for instructor education support.
In July 2008, he played a pivotal role in globalizing Taekwondo,
with the “World Taekwondo Hanmadang” held in Anaheim, USA.
However, a month prior, he had expressed his intention to resign,
taking moral responsibility for illegal construction at Kukkiwon’s
lecture hall. Despite his lifelong service, he felt disillusioned due
to the devious strategies of some in the Taekwondo community.
In October 2010, after Kang, Won sik assumed the Kukkiwon pres-
idency, Uhm became a senior member of the Kukkiwon advisory
committee alongside Lee, Chong woo and Kim, Yong chae. He
negatively opposed converting the Kukkiwon to a special corpo-
ration, saying, “Taekwondo can be self-sustaining. It doesn’t need
the government’s budget, so why did this happen?” He expressed
a negative view. When the directors failed to elect a chairman, he
was bitter, saying, “They don’t think about the cause of develop-
ing Taekwondo. They only think about themselves.” He also said,
“Directors should be able to make concessions, but I don’t want
to be that person. After the Kukkiwon became a legal entity, the
administration strangely turned everyone around them into ene-
mies,” he said.
In September 2014, the Taekwondo Promotion Foundation recog-
nized him and Kim, Un yong and Lee, Chong woo as one of the top
10 ‘People Who Lit Up Taekwondo’. The following year, Kukkiwon
introduced the ‘Proud Taekwondo Person Award,’ and he, along-
side Kim, Un yong, was the first recipient. He humbly responded,
“I am both embarrassed and thankful for this excessive honor.”
His last letter to his students from his hospital bed in May 2017,
a month before he passed away, is instructive for the turbulent
world of Taekwondo. “I want you to know that my life’s journey
will have its highs and lows, but my love for Taekwondo was at
the center of it all. Even now, it breaks my heart to see people who
In the inauguration ceremony held in March 2004, the newly appointed
Kukkiwon President Uhm, Woon kyu (right) is saluting the national flag.
are slandering and slandering for positions, do not recognize their
seniors as seniors, are obsessed with covering up for their family
members, and will do anything for their gain. For a better future, I
request that we unite to create a Taekwondo culture that honors
our masters and respects our seniors. I hope the next generation
will be just and fair, put aside their selfishness, and unite for the
cause more than any other athletic organization. I’ve been hap-
py with Taekwondo all my life, and I wouldn't change that choice
even if I were reborn.”
61
HISTORY 50th Anniversary of Kukkiwon <3>

Kukkiwon Has Hosted World Championships Since Featured Countries and Coaches at the Inaugural
The Globalization of ‘Kukki’ Taekwondo Its Inception As the Cradle of the World’s Taekwondo World Championships
Center
First Among Eastern Martial Arts President Kim, Un yong ensured that Kukkiwon, the World
Taekwondo Headquarters, provided technical and financial
Participating Countries
Germany
Korean Instructor
Seo, Yoon nam

to Become an Official Olympic Sport support to the KTA. The name “Central Dojang” was not only
meant to unify the separate halls, but also to globalize the
Uganda
France
Kim, Nam sik
Lee, Kwan young

“national sport Taekwondo” recognized by the president. He East Min, Gyeong ho / Jeon, In mun

Text and photo by Kukkiwon Public Relations emphasized rigorous promotion systems and focused on the United States Central Jack Hwang / Kang, Yeong gu
education and training of instructors. He developed new Tae- West Kim, Il hoe / Kim, Dae hyeon
kwondo poomsae, rules of play, hogu, and dobok, and intro- Taiwan Noh, Hyo yeong
duced them to the world, making Taekwondo the living center Malaysia Yang, U yeop
of the world.
Austria Lee, Kyong myong
After the establishment of Kukkiwon, the need for an inter-
Côte d'Ivoire Kim, Young tae
national Taekwondo organization naturally arose. Instead of
Brunei Park, Won ha
a low-profile opening ceremony, it was suggested that Kuk-
Mexico Moon, Dai won
kiwon should be promoted through a world championship.
At the Kukkiwon opening ceremony, President Kim, who also Khmer Choi, Jeong hyeok / Kim, Si jong

served as the head of Kukkiwon, announced, “We will host a Singapore Lee, Seong su
World Taekwondo Championship, inviting teams from around Philippines Hong, Seong cheon
40 countries where Korean instructors are active.” Hong Kong Seung, Gang yong

South Korea’s First Global Stage,

the 1st World Taekwondo Championship
On May 25, 1973, the 1st World Taekwondo Championship
was inaugurated at Kukkiwon, with participation from 19
countries, 21 teams, and 200 athletes. Because international
competition rules were not yet established, there were mis-
understandings about the rules, and some competitors even
used punches to the face. Some of the players had never worn
hogu before. During the three days of competition, Kukkiwon
was packed with spectators who flocked to watch the historic
event. The stadium’s 3,000 seats were so full that they had to
stop admissions.
At this championship, South Korea swept both the team and
individual events, convincingly demonstrating its dominance.
In the individual events, Lee, Ki hyung defeated West Germa-
ny’s Habero in the lightweight class, and Kim, Jung tae defeat-
ed Warren from the U.S. East team in the heavyweight class,
securing their places as champions of the inaugural event.
The event is significant in Korean sports history as it was the
first world championship to be held in South Korea, preceding
the World Shooting Championships in 1978. It was also a his-
Lee, Dong sup, President of the Kukkiwon (fifth from the right), and Chungwon Choue, President of World Taekwondo (WT) (next to him on the left),
pose for a commemorative photo after signing an agreement for the global development of Taekwondo in March 2022. toric milestone in the globalization of Taekwondo and paved
the way for the sport’s eventual inclusion in the Olympic.
Founding of World Taekwondo Amidst Global Expan-
Taekwondo was one of the last martial arts to be recognized overseas and one of the first to be recognized as an Olympic sion of Other East Asian Martial Arts
sport, along with Eastern analogues like karate and kung fu. In 1971, Kim, Un yong, the president of the Korea Taekwondo The founding of the World Taekwondo (WT) was crucial for
Association (KTA), presented the Four Visions of Taekwondo: “Nationalization,” “Globalization,” “Flag of National Pres- Taekwondo to compete with other similar global martial arts
tige,” and “Flag of Patriotism.” These served as the goals, values, and ideologies for Taekwondo, which aimed for ‘global- like Karate and Wushu. The International Taekwondo Feder-
ization’ as a martial art representing South Korea. ation (ITF), founded in Seoul in 1966, also had a strong inter-
national presence, with founder Choi, Hong hee moving to
Canada in 1972. On May 28, 1973, the day after the first World
Championships concluded, 35 delegates from 17 countries,
including representatives from each of the countries that par-
ticipated in the tournament, met at the Kukkiwon and decided
to form the WTF. The Ministry of Education gave momentum
to the founding of the WTF by dissolving the ITF on April 17,
1973, due to controversies such as the excessive issuance of
Dans and other matters.
The founding assembly was attended by 17 countries includ-
ing South Korea, France, Uganda, Colombia, West Germany,
Austria, Guatemala, Colombia, the Philippines, Hong Kong,
Free China (Taiwan), Khmer, the United States, Côte d’Ivoire,
Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei. The assembly elected Chair-
man Kim, Un yong to a 4-year term as the inaugural president
and decided to hold the World Championship every two years.
In particular, regulations were included the adoption of the
sport into the Olympics. The regulations actively encourage
both amateur and professional matches, stipulating a com-
plete separation between the two when the sport eventually
becomes an Olympic event. Although this provision assumed
that professional athletes would not be able to participate in
the Olympics at the time, it shows that the WT already had the
goal of entering the Olympics in mind when it was founded.
This allowed the KTA to establish branches overseas, dispatch
instructors, issue Dans, unify techniques, and carry out vari-
ous other initiatives to develop Taekwondo. This completes
the trinity of Taekwondo’s administrative system, with the
KTA as the governing body, the WT in charge of worldwide

62 63
distribution and management, and the Kukkiwon supporting
both organizations while maintaining the martial arts spirit
and tradition.
Joining the General Association of
International Sport Federations (GAISF)
In 1973, Taekwondo took a major step towards globalization
with the founding of the World Taekwondo. Kim, Un yong, the
chairman of the KTA, concurrently served as the head of Kuk-
kiwon and the WT, establishing a seamless administrative and
command structure in the world of Taekwondo. The global-
ization strategy conceived by Chairman Kim involved leverag-
ing diplomatic influence to gain international recognition and
ensuring that national associations were incorporated under
their respective National Olympic Committees (NOCs) for rec-
ognition and budget support. Without such an administrative
and support system, the organization would have been left
behind by the more internationally established karate.
In 1975, Taekwondo took another significant step towards glo-
balization by joining the General Association of International
Sports Federations (GAISF). As the umbrella organization for
each sport’s international federations, GAISF was a key player
in world sport alongside the International Olympic Commit-
tee (IOC), which governs the Olympics, and the National Olym-
pic Committee (NOC) affiliate organization, the Association of
National Olympic Committees (ANOC). For the international
sports federations, joining GAISF was a top priority to gain
global recognition. In the lead-up to the GAISF General As-
sembly in October 1975, all-out efforts were made in secret to
secure membership. Among the 30 countries participating in
the WTF General Assembly in Seoul was communist Yugosla-
via, surprising the international sports community. There was
also a strong recommendation for GAISF membership from
Oscar State, the GAISF Secretary-General. On, October 5, at
the GAISF General Assembly in Montreal, Canada, Taekwondo
was unanimously approved over the objections of Judo, Kara-
te, and Swimming.
May 25, 1973, Taekwondo takes its first step onto the world stage. The atmo-
sphere at the opening ceremony of the 1st World Championships held at the
Kukkiwon was nothing short of historic.
64
At the award ceremony of the 1st World Taekwondo Championships,
President Kim, Un yong (right) presents the team championship trophy
to South Korea team.
Breaking Free from the Perception of
Being a Karate Offshoot
At the time, there was a strong perception that Taekwondo
was an offshoot of karate on the international stage. It was a
period when overseas dojangs operated under the name of
“Korean Karate,” neglecting the identity of Taekwondo. In this
atmosphere, the WT’s entry into GAISF marked Taekwondo’s
first recognition as an independent sport and competition or-
ganization on the international sports stage. Taekwondo was
officially recognized as an independent sport and competition
organization on the international sports stage. Taekwondo
has become an organization that competes and coexists with
other Olympic and non-Olympic international federations.
The fact that Taekwondo was the first sport to be recognized by
an international sports organization, while karate and wushu,
which were earlier in their internationalization, were unable to
join GAISF, was a significant step towards its future inclusion in
the Olympic program.
Establishment of Continental Federations, Starting
with the Asian Federation in 1978
In October 1974, the year after the first World Championships,
the first Asian Taekwondo Championships were held at the
Kukkiwon. After the third edition in 1978, the Asian Taekwon-
do Union (ATU) was founded. In 1976, the year after joining
GAISF, the sport joined the Confederation of International Mil-
itary Sports (CISM). That year, the first European Taekwondo
Championships were held in Barcelona, Spain, and the Euro-
pean Taekwondo Union (ETU) was founded, marking another
step toward globalization. In September 1978, the first Pan Am
Taekwondo Championships were held in Mexico. In April 1979,
the first African Taekwondo Championships were held in Abi-
djan, Côte d’Ivoire, and the African Taekwondo Union (ATU) was
founded. These continental competitions and the creation of
Kim, Un yong (center), former World Taekwondo president, attended a GAISF general assembly.
federations would not have been possible without the support Libenow’s arrival in Korea with his martial arts director Stevens,
of President Kim’s administration, who drew a big picture of president Kim arranged meetings with Minister of Culture Min,
globalization and then quietly implemented it, and his senior Kwan shik, President Kim, Taek soo, and Prime Minister Kim, Jong
Taekwondo masters, such as Uhm, Woon kyu, and Lee, Chong pil. He also invited them to the Kukkiwon to observe instructor
woo, who assisted him in the field. training and a children’s demonstration. Also, he guided them
to the Taereung National Training Center to showcase Koreans’
Join an official Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) passion for sports development and proposed bilateral sports
In the global strategy of Taekwondo through international rec- exchange. The AAU recognized Taekwondo as an independent
ognition, becoming an official sport in the Amateur Athletic sport.
Union (AAU) held a very significant meaning. Joining the AAU,
which wields substantial influence in
the world of sports, not only expanded
Taekwondo’s footing in the U.S. sports
community but also aided the activ-
ities of Taekwondo instructors in the
U.S., where most international trainees
resided. It would also boost Taekwon-
do, widespread but not recognized as
an independent sport by the NOCs.
The call to join the AAU began in 1973
with a proposal from Professor Min, Kyung
ho of the University of California, Berkeley.
Professor Min argued that for Taekwondo
to become a global sport, it needed to be
recognized as an independent sport by
the AAU. He informed Kim, Taek soo, the
Korean Sports Association’s President,
about Korean-American instructors’ ef-
forts to join the AAU and its significance.
President Kim then conveyed this to presi-
dent Kim, Un yong. In April 1974, president
David Livenes, President of the AAU (American Athletic Union), visited the Kukkiwon in South
Kim invited David Libenow, the President Korea in 1974 to encourage Taekwondo masters. President Kim, Un yong (left) watches on
of the AAU, to Korea. On April 17, upon with a bright smile.
65
PILGRIMAGE Pilgrimage of Taekwondo Dojangs <3>

Adults Specilized Dojang,

Dodam Taekwondo
Until the Day Every Adult Enjoys Health and Happiness

Text and photo by Kim, Hae sung (Taekwondo Times Reporter)

The trend is towards being ‘exercise enthusiasts’ lately. With the emergence of new slang words like
‘Hel-liny’ (a newbie in the gym) and ‘O-un-wan’ (short for “exercise completed today”), there’s a fitness
boom among adults. Building new communities through interactions with people met during exercise
sessions has a positive effect, and word of mouth has increased interest in Taekwondo among adults.
However, supply has yet to keep up with demand. While organizations like the Kukkiwon and the Ko-
rea Taekwondo Association (KTA) are making efforts to promote adult Taekwondo, changes in the field
need to be faster. Against this backdrop, the Dodam Taekwondo Dojang, led by Kim, Young kyun, was
chosen as the third destination for the PILGRIMAGE Taekwondo Dojang tour. On August 29th, amidst
the late summer heat, there was a sense of satisfaction watching adults train in Taekwondo at the
Dodam Taekwondo Dojang located in Jukbaek-dong, Pyeongtaek City, Gyeonggi Province. It hinted at
the potential of adult Taekwondo activation. Trainees of Dodam Taekwondo gathered for a commemorative photo shoot.

Adult Taekwondo? The Breakthrough for

The Answer Isn't to Find But to Create Adult Taekwondo Activation: Sparring
The biggest challenge in managing an adult Taekwondo divi- Dodam Taekwondo Dojang has drawn attention by operating
sion is consistency. From the perspective of frontline instructors, adult Taekwondo primarily through sparring practice, even
it’s often said, “It’s better not to do it than to do it half-hearted- though the head instructor isn’t a former sparring athlete. Typ-
ly,” due to difficulties in continuously securing adult trainees, ically, instructors run their dojangs based on the discipline they
ensuring operational costs, and developing adult programs. excel in. For example, an instructor who was a former sparring
Hence, understanding the characteristics of adult trainees, athlete would focus on sparring, a former poomsae (form) ath-
developing appropriate programs, and having professional lete would emphasize poomsae, and a former demonstration
knowledge and skills are essential. athlete would highlight demonstrations.

So, did Master Kim, Young kyun have the answer to activating
the adult Taekwondo division from the start? Of course not.
“I initially had no interest in managing an adult division. Adult
Taekwondo lacks the popularity of children’s Taekwondo, and
securing trainees is difficult. However, continuous inquiries
from adults led me to start it by chance. Over time, I realized
the need to provide programs exclusively for adults. As I con-
sistently guided them through diverse programs, I gradually
developed expertise. Now, it has become one of the main pro-
grams of the dojang.”
In the end, the answer to activating adult Taekwondo wasn’t
given, but was a process that had to be created.
Master Kim, Young kyun demonstrates to the trainees, teaching precisely and
meticulously.
However, Master Kim, who comes from a demonstration back-
ground, found a breakthrough in adult Taekwondo activation
by focusing on sparring training rather than his strongest suit
of demonstrations.
“I pondered deeply on what Taekwondo training programs
adults find enjoyable. Despite much consideration, sparring is
the only thing elites and regular adult trainees can easily ap-
proach and learn.”
Sparring is at the core of Taekwondo. Through sparring, not
only can one master the fundamental techniques of Taekwon-
do but also experience fun and a sense of accomplishment.
While many have forgotten, sparring is one of the best exercises
Mr. Kim, Seok jin sweats as he diligently practices his kicks.
to improve physical fitness and concentration.

66 67
 students, regardless of age, gender,
profession, or zodiac, can maxi-
[MINI INTERVIEW]
mize their abilities. Additionally, we
should foster an environment where
everyone acknowledges and re-
spects each other's differences. This
embodies the core values and objec-
tives of adult Taekwondo, focusing
on promoting health and enhancing
social interactions.”
The adult Taekwondo program at
Dodam Taekwondo Dojang has in-
deed had a positive impact, enrich-
ing their lives.

Regardless of Age or Profession,

Adult Taekwondo is a Captivating
Exercise
At the Dodam Taekwondo Dojang,
people from diverse professions,
like active-duty police officers, kin-
dergarten teachers, school teachers,
office workers, farmers, and social
workers, enhance their health and
The trainees are performing their warm-up exercises.
social skills through training. Watch-
ing a 60-year-old mother and her
30-year-old daughter train together
in Taekwondo naturally makes me smile.
Adult Taekwondo:
Significant in Expanding Social Relationships Ms. Lim, Kyung mi, an active-duty police officer, proudly ex-
Adult Taekwondo is not just confined to the realm of exercise. plains the allure of adult Taekwondo, “Adult Taekwondo facili- Master Kim, Young kyun
Anyone who has engaged in physical activities as an adult tates interaction and communication with diverse individuals,
understands this. Adult sports activities promote health and serving as a source of life's vitality and boosting confidence. Q | At what age did you start Taekwondo and how long is your
offer an excellent opportunity to enrich social relationships. Taekwondo is a group training exercise. Through this, one can experience?
Of course, the primary reason adults exercise, which is health, enhance their ability to collaborate and communicate with “I started Taekwondo in the 5th grade of elementary school and
goes without saying. It can improve physical fitness, stress others. Moreover, competition allows one to gain a sense of have been practicing for over 30 years. Currently, I’m running the
relief, weight management, and balanced physical develop- achievement and build self-confidence.” Dodam Taekwondo dojang.”
ment. Furthermore, it significantly aids in building mental Mr. Kim, Seok jin, a Taekwondo athlete throughout college,
strength and focus, thus alleviating stress. From a social re- said, “Adult Taekwondo aids in improving health and alleviat- Q | What made it possible for Pyeongtaek to have its only
lationship expansion perspective, adults naturally form com- ing stress. As it’s an exercise that incorporates both aerobic adult-specific Taekwondo dojang?
munities by exercising together, enhancing their external ac- and strength training, it helps improve physical fitness and “I believe it’s because I showed passion; whenever even one per-
tivities. increase muscle mass.” son came in, I was grateful and prepared that day’s program dili-
As described by the two individuals, adult Taekwondo was a gently for the lesson.”
From this standpoint, Dodam Taekwondo Dojang’s adult Tae- captivating exercise where people of different ages and pro-
kwondo program allows individuals from various age groups fessions could come together, sweat, and enjoy themselves. Q | What’s the goal of Dodam Taekwondo dojang?
and professions to come together, providing opportunities to Dodam Taekwondo Dojang not only grasps the essence of “One thing I focus on to promote adult Taekwondo is the young
meet new people and facilitating communication. Master Kim adult Taekwondo training but also serves as a strong pillar for trainees. I want to create an environment where young trainees
explains: those aspiring to lead a healthy and vibrant life. Here's to hop- continue Taekwondo even as they grow into adults. If this hap-
“I want Taekwondo to help adults build a healthy body and ing that, through Taekwondo, every adult can enjoy better pens, I believe the population of adult Taekwondo practitioners
From their spirited exercises with shouts, a lively energy emanates.
mind and reclaim the vitality in their lives. It's crucial that all health and happiness and elevate their quality of life. will increase in the future.”

68 69
EDUCATION

A Proposal The Importance of Practicing Attitude in Life Beyond

Observable Phenomena

for the Objective,

The Philosophy of Taekwondo should encompass the ob-
servable aspects of Taekwondo and the practical meaning

Logical, and Systematic

conveyed and acted upon in life. I emphasize this practical
significance when instructing my students. For the growth
of Taekwondo, a theoretical framework is essential. We must
Establishment of consider the objective and logical characteristics of a wide
range of practitioners. Still, sufficient discussion and consid-
the Philosophy of eration are needed to determine if these can form a coherent
academic discipline.

Taekwondo
Text by Han, Kwon sang (Newly appointed 9th Dan of Kukkiwon)
Photo by Kukkiwon
In early June, Kukkiwon conducted its second high-ranking
promotion examination for 428 candidates seeking promo-
tions from 6th to 9th Dan. The training journey of Han, Kwon
sang, who achieved the 9th Dan (57, Professor of Taekwon-
do Diplomacy at Shin Sung University), was highlighted and
summarized. Han began his Taekwondo journey at 11 and has
been instructing the discipline at various universities. The 9th
Dan promotion consists of a practical examination, an inter-
view, and a written essay on Taekwondo.
Han, Kwan sang, the newly appointed 9th Dan (center), is instructing the students.
In this context, I propose five points for constructing the aca-
demic framework of the philosophy of Taekwondo:
1. Redefining the Concept of Taekwondo Philosophy: The phi-
losophy of Taekwondo should go beyond merely explaining
its meaning and should establish a concept that logically de-
scribes its practical application.
2. Changing the Perception of Taekwondo Philosophy: One
should not perceive the enlightenment of martial arts or the
meaning of “Do” (Way) as something to be achieved at a spe-
cific level.
3. Transitioning from Practical Knowledge to Living the Philos-
ophy: While knowledge is understanding what a practitioner
can achieve, life should be viewed as reaching self-fulfillment
and becoming a desirable member of society.
4. Understanding Taekwondo Aesthetics: There’s a need to
study the aesthetic characteristics of both Eastern and West-
ern sports, appreciate their differences and similarities, and
express them through practice and application.
5. Expanding the Horizon of Taekwondo Ethics with Eastern
At the 3rd high-degree promotion test held at the Kukkiwon in September 2023, applicants are participating in the skill evaluation.
Typically, one begins Taekwondo around 6-7 and must train for over 45 years to achieve a high-degree rank.
Philosophy: We need to evaluate what ethical issues are nec- Fundamentals as a Foundation for
essary for the current philosophy of Taekwondo. Practice and Training
During my teaching experience at the university, I’ve real-
Character Education, Spirit, and ized that assisting students in discovering their genuine as-
Philosophy Required for a Taekwondo Practitioner pirations through diverse experiences is the true calling of a
When students enroll in a major focused on Taekwondo, it’s mentor. Attempting to derive the ‘athletic significance’ from
imperative to inspire them with the vision of their life’s goals the roots of Korean martial philosophy, such as Hwarangdo, or
and how they should endeavor to realize these dreams. In- great sages like Yi Hwang and Yi I, faces significant challenges
credibly grounded in the character education (etiquette), when trying to elucidate the philosophy of martial arts.
spirit, and philosophy essential for a Taekwondo practitioner, Hence, the practitioners themselves must gain an understand-
efforts should be made to instill the importance of fundamen- ing of Taekwondo’s philosophy through their own experienc-
tals in all areas (Taekwondo, physical education, societal inter- es and consciousness developed during their martial training.
actions, and professional environments). This requires a deep introspection and objectification of their
Across all fields, centering on character and fundamentals, training journey. This step defines the practitioner’s stance to-
it’s beneficial to offer specialized training in various domains, wards martial arts as an inherent category within themselves.
such as competitive sparring, poomsae teams, demonstration One can awaken to their own Taekwondo philosophy by
teams, and international instructor workshops. This allows for emphasizing the basics in each area and implementing their
a wide range of experiences. Students should be introduced training centered around these fundamentals.
to and guided through international Taekwondo internships
in various countries during school breaks. Regularly, while
focusing on their primary training discipline, it’s also advan-
tageous for students to participate in different category com-
petitions for a broader experience.
Furthermore, offering diverse classes allows students to earn
certifications and gain knowledge and experience in fields
beyond Taekwondo. This ensures that they’re prepared to
venture into various professional realms after graduation.
Invaluable global expertise can be provided by allowing stu-
dents to serve as instructors in Taekwondo schools or join
the Taekwondo Peace Corps, traveling to countries like the
United States, Canada, Europe, Southeast Asia, and Africa. By
grasping and understanding the global currents of Taekwon-
do, they can broaden their perspectives and further cultivate Han, Kwon sang, 9th Dan, who attended the Kukkiwon’s 9th Dan Black Belt
their character. Ceremony on September 15, 2023.

70 71
EDUCATION Dojang Must Survive for Taekwondo To Survive <3>
Competitiveness in
Taekwondo Dojangs!
A Systematic
Strategy Meeting
System for
Specialization
Text and Photo by Kwon, Ki deok (Instructor, Korea Taekwondo Association)
In a company, departments with various specializations and
expertise teams focus on their tasks and operate according
to their specific roles. Thus, when jobs are to be delegated
or matters to address, they always act with others. Instead,
they use many meetings, reports, and organized communi-
cation channels to distribute and handle tasks effectively.
Consequently, corporations are fundamentally organized and
emphasize teamwork. Although production, logistics, distri-
bution, IT, accounting, marketing, and HR management may
seem to operate independently, they work cohesively towards
a singular corporate goal: maximizing profit and growth. All
these chains of operations collaboratively fulfill their respec-
tive roles.
72
A Taekwondo Dojang is a Business
Similarly, frontline Taekwondo instructors must create a sys-
tematic meeting structure system for Taekwondo dojang
management based on the purpose. From now on, meetings
should be used as a means for establishing the basic struc-
The head of the dojang represents the Taekwondo dojang and
can sometimes be referred to as the CEO of a company. However,
ture and roles required for improving the quality of dojang
education and generating profit. Daily, weekly, monthly, and
let's look at Taekwondo dojang management from the past to yearly outcomes can differ depending on how meetings are
the present. The operation was about something other than or- conducted according to their purpose and how results are
ganized, specialized management but rather a repetitive, rough- discussed. The distribution of tasks based on each instructor’s
and-ready operation. This is because many have prioritized
teaching over control despite sharing the same corporate goal of
educational role and participation in management, and the
execution that occurs in the right places at the right times, ul-
profit-making. This indicates that management was valued less timately contribute to achieving the grand objectives of Tae-
than education. Additionally, many dojangs are accustomed to kwondo dojang management.
a unilateral vertical structure of directives and execution, leading I would like to introduce a few examples of purpose-driven
to a lack of communication between leaders. However, as times meetings that were conducted in my Taekwondo dojang.
change and competition becomes fiercer, many Taekwondo
dojangs are introducing systematic, specialized management 1. Daily Meeting
systems, highlighting significant interest and effort in dojang The daily meeting is held in the form of a report on the status
management. and situation of the previous day’s training journal, including
attendance, absence, enrollment, and injuries. The meeting
encompasses plans for training to be carried out on the day
and all the necessary training materials. This is very similar to
Specializing in Management Means directive and reporting meetings conducted in corporations.
Creating a System of Organization The head of the dojang concludes the meeting by giving addi-
tional instructions and delegating tasks based on the reports.
The average meeting time is between 30 to 40 minutes, end-
Therefore, I emphasize introducing a systematic strategy ing in an uplifting atmosphere where everyone encourages
meeting system as the starting point for the development of one another. Additionally, the day’s objectives are aligned
Taekwondo dojang management and as the starting point for with the meeting’s agenda.
the competitiveness and change of the Taekwondo dojang.
“Are you holding meetings? If so, from where to where, when,
and how are they conducted?” In the past, many Taekwondo
dojangs used training journals as the basis for their meetings,
but these were merely simple records. These training jour-
nals, which recorded the theme of the training program, at-
tendance, and absences, summarized the day’s schedule and
reported it. Beyond serving as a daily recap, they didn’t offer
much more.
From now on, meetings should be critical in invigorating Tae-
kwondo dojang management. Through this, we can strength-
en internal communication within the dojang, make import-
ant decisions, and approach the themes of training programs
and attendance/absence statuses with a broader perspective.
According to Goo, Ki wook (2013), an internationally certified
Facilitator, business meetings can be classified into seven
categories based on their purpose: ▲ First, Directive and Re-
porting Meetings ▲ Second, Creative Planning and Develop-
ment Meetings ▲ Third, Decision-making Meetings ▲ Fourth,
Meetings for Conflict and Problem Resolution ▲ Fifth, Infor-
mation Sharing Meetings ▲ Sixth, Meetings for Solidarity and
Bonding ▲ Seventh, Capacity Building Meetings.
73
2. Weekly Regular Meeting
Regular weekly meetings are held at the end of each week’s
training or at a specific time and place to discuss and share in-
formation until a conclusion is reached. The meeting is a time
for discussion, information gathering, and sharing, prioritizing
tasks and events for the previous week, the current week, and
the upcoming week, resolving outstanding issues, and fulfill-
ing each other’s duties.
3. Strategic Planning Meeting
A strategic planning meeting is the most important meeting
in my dojang. The meeting is a time to select a strategic topic,
analyze the internal and external environment, forecast, im-
plementation structure, and competitive environment, and
develop ideas to make it successful.
It also uses analytical research for strategic marketing, cen-
tered on the marketing process of renowned marketing
scholar Dr. Philip Kotler. Environmental analysis is divided into
external and internal environments. External environmental
analysis examines the macro environment, implementation
structure, and competitive landscape. The internal environ-
mental analysis examines the 3Cs: Company, Competitor, and
Customer; the company’s differentiation strategy; the com-
petitor’s uniqueness; and the customer’s needs.
The well-known SWOT environmental analysis follows this.
It objectively examines your dojang’s strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities, and threats and identifies your competitive
advantage. The primary environmental analysis is very im-
portant because it forms the basis of your strategy. Compa-
nies with organizations and teams still use the 3Cs, McKinsey’s
7Ss, SWOT, and external environment as the basis of their
strategy to ensure the success of new products and ideas in
the planning stages. Once the basic environmental analysis is
completed, the strategy is developed to include the STP and
marketing mix. We also have management-level marketing to
keep our customers happy.
Finally, we take a holistic view of the expected before-and-af-
ter results of executing the current strategy topic to predict
the expected effects and ramifications. This leads to a final-
ized conclusion and the execution phase. Of course, after the
execution, the strategy can be modified through feedback
based on the results.
4. Ad Hoc Meeting
Ad hoc meeting is an interim meeting for fixes, when you’re
in the execution phase, or when a problem arises in the pro-
cess, and you have a short time to focus your thoughts and
efforts for a better outcome. It’s a meeting that always leaves
room for leaders to move from time to time, but also takes ad-
vantage of short breaks to address urgent issues that need to
be addressed, such as the problem at hand or something that
needs to be fixed or changed urgently.

5. Taekwondo Leader Workshop

Unlike the strategy meeting highlighted above, the leader
workshop is an indispensable part of revitalizing the dojang
and improving the skills and communication of each leader.
Originally, a workshop refers to a training method in company
training where participants learn knowledge or skills neces-
sary for their work practically and experientially to create con-
crete results. The difference between workshops and seminars
is that they are based on topics faced in the real workplace and
allow participants to practice what they have learned. As with
regular workshops, Taekwondo instructor workshops can be
held annually, quarterly, or monthly. However, focusing on a
specific time, such as one or two days is very important. My
dojang started its workshop in January 2014, and now many of
our instructors have joined us to conduct workshops.
The strategy meetings highlighted above are often covered in
depth in these workshops. This differs from a typical seminar
or meeting with a serious atmosphere. The important point
is that horizontal relationships and mutual respects opinions
should be the basis, not vertical discussions and instructions,
regardless of position. In particular, there should be no “dictat-
ing, ordering, dismissing, discarding, or emotional disagree-
ments” between leaders. For your own workshop meeting,
you'll need to prepare: files related to your actual work, your
own laptop or device, Bluetooth, a printer, and a list of topics
to cover in the workshop.
The workshop will begin with a presentation of the pros and
cons of the previous month’s painting practices, followed by
an introductory topic lecture, and then a full-fledged work-
shop meeting on the first topic. After some time, each lead-
er will present the topic’s pros, cons, and issues, and then all
leaders will discuss it together. After the first round of discus-
sions, we have a second round of meetings to continue to
refine it. Then, after a final round of questions and answers
in the same way, you’ll receive a printout of the outcome for
immediate action.
In conclusion, a Taekwondo dojang is a business. It should
have a system of organized strategy meetings that can be
put into action immediately to facilitate organized teamwork.
While it may seem that the leaders are acting independent-
ly, the result is that they are more organized and working to-
wards one goal: the development of the Taekwondo dojang
and the maximization of business profits. Through their roles,
they can improve their professionalism and the competitive-
ness of the dojang. In today’s society, success is determined
by practice and execution. Therefore, it is recommended that
you act quickly and implement a systematic strategy meeting
system immediately to improve the competitiveness and pro-
fessionalism of your Taekwondo dojang.

74 75
EDUCATION

Learning Taekwondo
Techniques Back When you turn, you don't turn in a circle, and when you kick,
your heel should be higher than your toes.
1. Prepare the kicking stance.

Through PIctures <3> Kick 2. Determine the direction you want to kick and rotate your body around your hips.
3. Kick with the heel of your back foot in a straight line toward your target.
4. Lower the kicked foot in front and return to the kicking stance.

Text by Nam, Seung hyun <1> Ahp Chagi (Front Kick), Yeop Chagi (Side Kick)
(Director of the Kukkiwon Taekwondo Demonstration Team)
Model Yang, Won hee <2> Axe Kick, Thrashing Kick
(Member of the Kukkiwon Taekwondo Demonstration Team) <3> Back Kick, Back Spin Hook Kick
Photo by Kukkiwon
<4> Basic Kick Combinations

76 77
 Back Spin Back Spin Hook Kick
1. Prepare the kicking stance.
2. D etermine the direction you want to kick and rotate your body around
Hook Kick your hips.
3. Bring your back foot diagonally up towards your target and kick face
horizontally with the sole of your foot.
4. Lower the kicked foot in front and return to the kicking stance.

78 79
GLOBAL
❹❺ Moroccan defender Nuhaila
❸
Benzina became the first to partic-
ipate in the FIFA Women’s World
Cup while wearing a hijab. Ⓒ Ben- ❹ ❺
zina Instagram
Benzina Breaks the 10-Year Barrier
The hijab refers to the cloth worn by Muslim women to cover
parts of their face and hair. While it symbolizes Islamic culture,
even within the Islamic world, there are differences in its form,
❶ color, and usage. Some countries require it to cover the hair
❶ Taekwondo star Kübra Dağlı from Turkey is showcasing
entirely, while others allow showing the forehead. Countries
Hijab,
her form while wearing a hijab. Ⓒ Dağlı Instagram like Turkey do not penalize women for not wearing a hijab,
while in places like Iran, it’s mandatory. Even within a single
❷ Kübra Dağlı poses in her Taekwondo uniform without
her hijab. Ⓒ Dağlı Instagram country, standards for wearing the hijab can vary based on re-
Women's Sports,
gion, customs, and family norms.
❸ Figure skater Zahra Lari from the United Arab Emirates Until 2014, FIFA had prohibited female players from wearing a
wearing the sports hijab. Ⓒ Nike
hijab during matches. The justification was a game regulation
and Taekwondo
that stated, “Players cannot wear unnecessary items that may
jeopardize their health and safety.” Without fully understand-
ing the significance of the hijab, it was seemingly treated on
par with jewelry like earrings or necklaces.
Text by Song, Ji hoon (Editorial Board Member) However, even after FIFA allowed Muslim female soccer play-
ers to wear hijabs in 2014, for nearly a decade until Benzina’s
appearance, no player donned one on the World Cup main
stage. This suggests that more than the permissibility of wear-
ing a hijab during sports matches, it’s crucial whether a coun-
try provides an environment conducive for women to enjoy
On July 30th, a match in Adelaide, Australia, between South Korea and Morocco during the group stage second round of the 2023 sports.
Australia-New Zealand FIFA Women’s World Cup set a small yet significant milestone in world football history. While it was notewor- Morocco became the first Muslim-majority country spanning
thy that Morocco, making their Women’s World Cup debut, secured their first-ever victory by defeating South Korea 1-0, an even the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and North Africa to qualify
more significant ‘event’ accompanied this match. On that day, Moroccan defender Nuhaila Benzina entered the field wearing a Hijab for the Women’s World Cup main stage. This accomplishment
(‫)با َج ِ ح‬, adhering to her cultural and religious beliefs. She was the first-ever player to compete in the Women’s World Cup wearing a stemmed from the nation’s steady growth in women’s soccer,
Hijab. set against a religious and cultural backdrop where women
When discussing the growth story of women’s sports, the conversation about the Hijab is inseparable. This is because the advance- can choose whether or not to wear a hijab. Benzina plays for
ment of women athletes’ rights has paralleled the international sports policy changes regarding the wearing of the Hijab. Interest- a prestigious team that has won the Moroccan women’s soc-
ingly, among various sports, Taekwondo first proactively allowed female athletes to wear the Hijab and opened its doors. It’s an cer league eight times, making her the top national women’s
essential piece of sports knowledge that anyone involved in Taekwondo should know. soccer star.
80
Regarding Benzina, who took to the Women’s World Cup field
wearing a hijab, Asma Helal, the founder of the Islamic Wom-
en’s Sports Network, remarked, “Seeing Benzina on the field
will inspire more Muslim girls to come out onto the football
pitch. Not just players but also coaching staff, administrators,
and even other sports will draw positive inspiration from Ben-
zina’s example.”
Does the Hijab Obstruct Equality?
Even a decade after FIFA lifted the hijab-wearing restriction,
consensus has not been reached within the soccer world. In
June, the French State Council, France’s highest administrative
court, ruled that there was no issue with the French Football
Federation (FFF) policy prohibiting female soccer players from
wearing the hijab.
The FFF and the French court diverged from FIFA's stance be-
cause expressing personal religious beliefs by wearing the hi-
jab violates the ‘principle of equality.’ While individuals have
the right to express their beliefs on the field proudly, there is
significance in upholding a mutual agreement not to display
such beliefs. The State Council explained, “The FFF’s decision
to prohibit symbols or clothing that reveal one’s political, phil-
osophical, or religious affiliation is appropriate. The respon-
sibility and authority to regulate clothing and equipment to
ensure the safety of players and compliance with game rules
lie with the FFF. This may involve restricting the freedom to
express opinions and beliefs.”
This decision, which might seem outdated at first glance, is an-
chored in France’s principle of ‘Laïcité,’ which strictly separates
81
 politics from religion. In France, laws prohibit all members,
except visitors, in schools and government institutions from
wearing clothing that signifies religious meaning, such as the
hijab. In connection with this, Gérald Darmanin, the French
Interior Minister, emphasized, “It’s not just soccer. Wearing re-
ligious clothing in any sport you wish to play is inappropriate.
In the sports arena, there’s no need to know the religion of the
person you’re up against.”
She Just Took Off Her Hijab
In the Islamic world, numerous countries, in stark contrast to
France, mandate wearing the hijab, with Iran being a notable
example. Last year, Iranian female chess player Sara Khadem
attended the International Chess Federation (FIDE) Rapid &
Blitz Chess World Championship in Kazakhstan without wear-
ing a hijab. She faced possible punishment for violating her
country’s laws. Ultimately, Khadem migrated to Spain with her
family and was granted Spanish nationality and citizenship
with a special permit from the Spanish Ministry of Justice.
It’s known that Khadem’s decision to change her nationality
was influenced by the plight of a fellow athlete who faced
repercussions after competing without a hijab in a sports
climbing event hosted in South Korea. Iranian female climber
Elnaz Rekabi competed in the Asian Climbing Championships
in Seoul wearing a hairband instead of a hijab. Once news of
her appearance reached Iran, she faced significant challeng-
es upon her return. It was later revealed that she had been
banned from leaving the country by Iranian women’s sports
organizations, preventing her from participating in interna-
tional competitions. CNN reported that “Rekabi’s family home
was forcibly demolished
by Iranian authorities” and
aired footage of her trou-
bled brother, Dabood.
While Iran has a conserva-
tive societal atmosphere
due to religious and cultural
reasons, it doesn’t entirely
prohibit women from par-
ticipating in sports. Women
can’t train alongside men,
❻ female coaches must pre-
pare female athletes, and
women must referee matches—these are some stringent
rules. And there’s one non-negotiable principle: the wearing
of the hijab.
Even though both countries claim to uphold “fundamental
principles based on national beliefs,” the policies regarding
82
❼ introduced a sports hijab for Muslim women, drawing signif-
❻❼ Taekwondo star Kübra Dağlı from Turkey is showcasing her form
while wearing a hijab. Ⓒ Dağlı Instagram
the hijab in France and Iran are opposites. Yet, in the crossfire
between the right to enjoy sports and religious beliefs, the
women in both countries face a “forced choice.”
Taekwondo Changed the Hijab Culture
During the 2014 Incheon Asian Games, the Qatari women’s
basketball team, slated to play their first match against Mon-
golia, withdrew due to FIBA’s (International Basketball Fed-
eration) regulation forbidding wearing any headgear during
matches. When officials instructed the Qatari players to re-
move their hijabs in compliance with this rule, the team chose
to forfeit the game regarding their religious beliefs. Facing
significant backlash domestically and internationally, FIBA
revised their regulations two years later to allow ‘headgear,’
categorizing the hijab as a type of permitted headgear.
Among Olympic sports, Taekwondo has been at the forefront
of breaking barriers associated with the hijab. A decade be-
fore the Incheon Asian Games incident in 2004, Taekwondo
allowed Muslim women to wear the hijab during official com-
petitions, aiming to provide them with equal opportunities to
practice the sport. After a controversial event in 2007 where
❽ Iranian-born chess player Sara Khadem appeared in an international
five female players wearing hijabs were disqualified from a re-
gional Taekwondo tournament in Quebec, Canada, this rule
was officially codified. After two years of deliberation, 2009 it Look at the Achieve-
was formally announced that hijabs could be worn in all inter- ment, Not the Hijab
national competitions, including the Olympics. Many human rights orga-
nizations criticize the hijab,
Subsequently, countries in the Middle East, including Iran, ex- claiming it oppresses Mus-
perienced a surge in the popularity of women’s Taekwondo, lim women culturally and
which many attribute to this inclusive rule. In Iran, as the pop- religiously. However, when
ularity of Taekwondo soared, an exciting side effect emerged viewed from the perspective
due to their unique system where women train, coach, and of sports, it’s undeniable
referee among themselves: a significant increase in job op- that the hijab has paved the
portunities related to Taekwondo for women. way for countless Muslim fe-
male athletes to break bar-
The hijab-friendly policy championed by Taekwondo soon riers and venture into new
spread to most other sports disciplines. In line with this trend, domains. The evolution of
sports equipment companies quickly adapted. In 2017, Nike women’s Taekwondo with-
in the Islamic world stands
icant attention. Named the ‘Pro Hijab,’ Nike advertised it as as a testament. Instead of
stretchy and breathable material, ensuring it stays in place being hindered by the hijab,
even during intense movements. Zahra Lari, a figure skater women have been allowed ❾
from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), commented, “The mere to practice Taekwondo. While ❾ İrem Yaman poses in her Taekwon-
fact that a hijab designed for athletes exists is already moving. there was a time when the do uniform without her hijab. Ⓒ
For those who, for their reasons, choose to wear the hijab and hijab, seen as ‘religious at- Dağlı Instagram
compete, it’ll significantly enhance their performance.” tire,’ was prohibited in inter-
national competitions, the
mood shifted, and most countries now embrace its inclusion. It’s
fortunate that in regions where cultural restrictions make it chal-
lenging for women to freely engage in Taekwondo, a mere com-
mitment to “covering part of the face” allows them to embody
the spirit of the sport and compete on an international stage.
Sports human rights experts unanimously express the hope
that someday, Muslim female athletes will have the complete
freedom to choose whether or not to wear the hijab. They
acknowledge that resolving this issue may take time, stating,
“Until then, it’s vital to continually secure the right and posi-
tion to compete on stages that match their skill, even if they
choose to wear the hijab.” Ideally, the focus on whether or not
an athlete wears a hijab should not be a point of public in-
terest. On this topic, Kübra Dağlı, a Taekwondo star from Tur-
key who has competed in various international competitions
wearing a hijab, pointed out, “Western media always paid at-
tention to my hijab rather than my achievements. That needs
to change. It should be our achievements and success stories,
not the hijab, that get the attention.”
The world should appreciate these athletes’ talent and skill
❽
rather than their attire.
competition without wearing a hijab and had to seek asylum in Spain.
Ⓒ Khadem Instagram
83
GLOBAL

AFRICA
Miracle of South Sudan:
Taekwondo as an Instrument of Peace
Text by Song, Ji hoon (Editorial Board Member) Photo by South Sudan Taekwondo Association

Thanks to the film “Don’t Cry for Me Sudan”, which covers the sacrificial story of the late Father Lee, Tae seok, South Sudan, one of
the poorest countries in Africa, is well-known in South Korea. In this nation, plagued by longstanding famine, war, and relentless
epidemics, Taekwondo has become a beacon of hope. Amidst these harsh conditions, the people of South Sudan embrace sports
as a new hope, with the “spirit of Taekwondo” serving as a solid pillar of support. The citizens of South Sudan affectionately refer
to Koreans, who generously support the spread of Taekwondo in both spirit and resources, as ‘Sabi’ (an indigenous African word
meaning ‘friend’), signifying their warmth and camaraderie.
The Taekwondo equipment donation ceremony occurred at a local
South Sudan school. Im, Heung se (right), the Vice Chairman of the
South Sudan Olympic Committee, is often called the “Godfather of A Martial Art of Peace to Heal the Wounds of War
South Sudanese sports” from Korea.
Taekwondo Leads the Way to IOC Membership Recently, in Juba, there have been a few indoor spaces where
South Sudan, separated from Sudan in 2011, marks its 13th people can learn Taekwondo in proper uniforms, but these
year as a newly independent country in East Africa. It is a are still in the minority. Many still learn Taekwondo outdoors
landlocked nation, bordering Ethiopia to the east, the Cen- Practicing “Taekwondo” with the Homeland South Korea amidst challenging conditions.
tral African Republic to the west, Uganda and Kenya to the The spread of Taekwondo in South Sudan began in 2012, a One of the reasons the people of South Sudan are drawn to
south, and Sudan to the north. Sadly, 80% of its population year after its independence. The starting point was when Taekwondo is its emphasis on defense over offense, repre-
is under 18, a lamentable change due to the prolonged wars Lieutenant Kim, Sung soo (7th Dan certified by Kukkiwon), senting it as a “martial art of peace.” Honorary Chairman Kim,
the country has experienced. Since its independence, in- who served as a helicopter pilot under the UN peacekeeping Ki chun stated, “The history of South Sudan is essentially a his-
ter-tribal conflicts have led to several civil wars, resulting in forces, began teaching the locals. After the first-generation tory of war. Most of its people have experienced wars, both
over 400,000 international refugees. students of Lt Kim visited Kukkiwon, sponsored by the South large and small, even before its independence, and thus, they
Sports have taken on the symbolic role of national recon- Sudan Korean Association, and received training, they started have a deep yearning for peace. Many South Sudanese reso-
struction after South Sudan's independence. Under the their activities as instructors. Taekwondo began to take root in nate with the core principles of Taekwondo, which emphasize
leadership of Im, Heung se, the Vice-Chairman of the South South Sudan firmly. courtesy and treating everyone with equality.”
Sudan Olympic Committee (SSOC) and often referred to as Subsequently, the promotion of Taekwondo within South Su- Vice Chairman Im, Heung se said, “Recently, the frequency of
the “Godfather of South Sudanese Sports”, South Sudan dan primarily took place in police academies, military bases, civil wars in South Sudan has been decreasing, and the nation
joined the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as its and officer training schools. Due to the harsh living condi- is quickly moving towards a period of stability. We hope that
206th member nation in 2015. To become an IOC member, tions, even after a decade, no Taekwondo dojangs in South the spirit of Taekwondo will serve as a focal point for the new
a country must join more than five international sports or- Sudan operate on the Korean concept of collecting student generation.” He further added, “We are preparing a project to
ganizations. Taekwondo, having already joined the World fees. Centered around the South Sudan Taekwondo Associa- send promising talents to Kukkiwon for training, aiming to en-
Taekwondo ) in 2012, led the forefront of the “South Sudan tion, Taekwondo classes are conducted in over 10 locations in hance the international competitiveness of Taekwondo.”
IOC Membership Campaign.” Subsequently, sports organi- and around Juba’s capital. In each area, dozens to hundreds of
zations for nine sports, including table tennis, basketball, students gather to learn Taekwondo.
volleyball, and boxing, were established quickly. Kim, Ki chun, an honorary chairman of the South Sudan Tae-
A year later, in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, South Su- kwondo Association and a former president of the South Su-
dan formed its national team and participated for the first dan Korean Association, has been funding the training equip-
time since its establishment. This united the hearts of its citi- ment, including uniforms and mats, as well as the salaries of
zens, devastated by prolonged civil wars. Vice-Chairman Im, the instructors for over a decade. He said, “Organizations in
Heung se explained, “When our athletes, bearing the South Korea, including Kukkiwon, the Taekwondo Promotion Foun-

Sudanese flag, entered the Olympic opening ceremony in
Rio, the entire country was in tears. The Korean sports com-
munity took responsibility for many aspects, from the ath-
letes’ uniforms to sponsorship for each sport. This is why the
people of South Sudan regard South Korea, located on the
opposite side of the globe, as a brother-like friend.”
PEACE
dation, Korea National Sport University, the Korea Sports
Promotion Foundation, and the Future Hope Organization,
provide significant support by supplying Taekwondo-related
items. Despite the challenging conditions, seeing the sincere
Vice Chairman Im, Heung se of the South Sudan Olympic Committee
The instructor (right) and young trainees from a local Taekwondo class in dedication of the people of South Sudan to Taekwondo train- (center) led the South Sudan Taekwondo athletes to participate in the
South Sudan. ing fills me with hope and passion.” 2015 Chuncheon Korea Open and visited the Kukkiwon.

84 85
GLOBAL TAEKWONDO WORLD
TAEKWONDO N ews From KOREA Text and Photo by Kukkiwon Public Relations
News
Kukkiwon Unveils New Website Kukkiwon Publishes Taekwondo Training
Kukkiwon (President Lee, Dong sup) launched a comprehensive Diary of Adult Female Beginners
website overhaul on September 1st. The Kukkiwon website (www.
kukkiwon.or.kr) has been redesigned to allow visitors easy access
to information and news about Taekwondo and Kukkiwon. Re-
sponsive web design was applied to various user environments,
allowing the website to be accessible and consistent across devic-
es like smartphones and tablets.
The ‘Beginner’s Training Diary’ of adult females
who have never experienced Taekwondo was
released on Kukkiwon’s YouTube channel on
August 31. Starting with the first episode, one
episode will be produced each month until
December, totaling four episodes. By candidly
showcasing the process of adults experiencing
and practicing Taekwondo for the first time,
they aim to highlight the unique features and
benefits of Taekwondo training.
Kukkiwon Actively Prepares
Taekwondo Grading System for
the Disabled
The Kukkiwon has formed a Task Force (TF)
to establish a Taekwondo grading system
for disabled people and has begun its ac-
tivities in earnest. The TF for creating the
grading system plans to gather feedback
from frontline Taekwondo instructors for
disabled people by the end of the year
and establish the Taekwondo grading sys-
tem for disabled people.
86
2023 Foreigner Taekwondo Exhibition & Korean Traditional 2023 Taekwondo Day Commemorative
Culture Festival Held Successfully Ceremony Held at Taekwondowon
The Foreigner Taekwondo
Exhibition & Korean Tradi-
tional Culture Festival in Ko-
rea took place on Septem-
ber 23 at Kukkiwon. Hosted
by Kukkiwon and Gangnam
District Office and organized
by the Foreigner Taekwondo
Culture Association in Korea,
the 2023 Foreigner Taekwon-
do Exhibition & Korean Tra-
ditional Culture Festiva saw
participation from around
900 members of the Tae-
kwondo family, including U.S.
forces in Korea, multicultural
families, foreign workers, and
students. Participants enjoyed both the Taekwondo competition and
the traditional Korean culture. They showcased their skills in spar-
On September 4, 2023, the Taekwondo Day
ring, poomsae, speed kicking, hand breaking, high jump kicking, and
commemoration ceremony was held at the
more. They also experienced traditional Korean culture through top
Taekwondowon T1 Stadium. It was conduct-
spinning, hoop throwing, kite flying, traditional dress wearing, and
ed under the theme ‘Taekwondo! Reborn as
more.
a World Culture’.
WT, 2023 World Taekwondo Poomsae Open
Challenge to be held in November
The 2023 World Taekwondo Poomsae Open Challenge will be held at the Taekwondo
T1 Stadium from November 3rd for three days. This G4-graded international competi-
tion will be divided into national representative and open categories. The senior male
and female winners of the national representative category will secure a ticket to par-
ticipate in the 2024 Hong Kong WT Poomsae Championship. WT allows international
participants to attend a Poomsae seminar during the competition period. Additionally,
they plan to provide a program linked to local regions to experience Korean culture.
Applications can be made on the WT website until October 4th.
87
 TAEKWONDO News from Around The World
News
Bolivia
Business Agreement Ceremony with
the Deputy Chief of Bolivia’s Police Force
MOU for the Advancement of
Police Taekwondo Following the Military
Text and photo by Park, Jun seok (Dispatched Instructor to
Bolivia)
On August 25, in La Paz, the capital of Bolivia, a busi-
ness agreement ceremony was held between Guiller-
mo Tedi Chicon, the Deputy Chief of Bolivia’s Police
Force, and Park, Jun seok, a Kukkiwon dispatched
instructor. This agreement comes approximately four
months after a meeting with the Chief of Police on
April 28. It is exceptional that the Bolivian Chief of
Police initially proposed an agreement to a foreign
dispatched instructor. Instructor Park established
the Bolivian Military Taekwondo Association in less
than five years, created a martial arts unit, trained
specialized Taekwondo leaders within the military
organization, and spread Taekwondo throughout the
entire military. Bolivia’s Police Force also requested to
promote Taekwondo within the police, similar to the
military, and to produce excellent martial arts black
belt holders.
88
Text and Photo by Kukkiwon Public Relations
Fiji
The Wave of Taekwondo Passion Resonates in
the Small Island Nation of Tuvalu
Text and Photo by Ra, Sang hyun (Dispatched Instructor to Fiji)
The small island nation of Tuvalu, located in the South
Pacific, is enthusiastic about Taekwondo. From August 5
to 12, during the opening ceremony of Tuvalu’s Nation-
al Elementary School Sports Festival, Ra, Sang hyun, a
Taekwondo instructor dispatched from the Kukkiwon,
showcased a demonstration and received applause. In-
structor Ra, who teaches local students, also engaged
in an in-depth discussion regarding public education
and the training of Taekwondo athletes in collaboration
with representatives from Tuvalu’s police department,
Ministry of Education, Ministry of Sports, and the presi-
dent of the Taekwondo Association.
Madagascar
Madagascar Triumphs
in Taekwondo at the Indian Ocean Games
Text and Photo by Lee, Jung moo (Dispatched Instructor to Madagascar)
From August 24 to 27, the Indian Ocean Games took place in Mad-
agascar. In this quadrennial event, where seven nations compete
to showcase their skills, six countries – including host nation Mad-
agascar, Mayotte, Réunion, Mauritius, Maldives, and Comoros –
battled for the title in Taekwondo. Madagascar won 13 gold, eight
silver, and three bronze medals.
Despite challenging circumstances, where they only had one week
of practice due to the electronic hogus (protective gear) not arriv-
ing on time, Madagascar’s triumph was all the more remarkable.
Interestingly, Taekwondo almost didn’t make it as an event in these
games. Upon hearing the news of the potential exclusion of Tae-
kwondo, the South Korean embassy in Madagascar, along with
Lee, Jung moo, the dispatched Kukkiwon instructor, engaged in
discussions with government officials, ensuring that Taekwondo
remained a part of the competition.
Malaysia
Malaysia’s Royal Guard Recognizes
the Value of Taekwondo
Text and Photo by Lee, Byung hee (Dispatched Instructor to Malaysia)
Since 2022, Malaysia has been conducting promotion
examinations every three months for the police mem-
bers of the Royal Guard tasked with protecting the king.
The fact that the Royal Malaysian
Police’s Royal Guard is trained in
Taekwondo signifies the martial
arts’s recognized value in mental
discipline and practical self-de-
fense. Through these promotion
tests, the Kukkiwon dan certificate
is solidifying its position as a cred-
ible certification. Members of the
Royal Guard train in Taekwondo
every week from Monday to Thurs-
day, between 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., cul-
tivating solid mental discipline.
89
 Indonesia
Honorary Black Belt Awarded to an Active Four-Star General
for His Contribution to Transforming Taekwondo from an Optional to a Mandatory Martial Art
Text and Photo by Kwak, Young min (Dispatched Instructor to Indonesia)
In August, Muhammad Ali, the Chief of Staff of the Indone-
sian Navy, received an honorary 6th Dan certificate from
Kukkiwon for his contributions in transforming Taekwondo
from an optional martial art to a mandatory one within the
Navy and Marine Corps. This holds significant meaning as
it’s the first time in the history of Indonesian Taekwondo
that an active four-star general has been awarded an honor-
ary black belt. Representatives from the Indonesian Armed
Pakistan
Ambassador of Pakistan to Korea, Munir: “Promoting
Pakistan’s National Prestige through Taekwondo”
Text and Photo by Choi, Sung oh (Dispatched Instructor to Pakistan)
90
Forces, the police, the Ministry of Sports, and the National
Taekwondo Association attended the ceremony. Kim, Moo
Cheon, a director from Kukkiwon, presented the honorary
black belt to Chief of Staff Ali. Within the Indonesian Armed
Forces, Kwak, Young min, the Kukkiwon dispatched instruc-
tor, and Major General Rakshaman Muda Edwin (two-star
general) are responsible for the promotion and guidance of
Taekwondo.
The Embassy of Pakistan in Korea hosted a banquet
on August 18-20 in honor of the medalists from
the World Beach Taekwondo Championships and
the World Octagon Diamond Games, held in Son-
gam Sports Town, Chuncheon, Gangwon Province.
Pakistan clinched a bronze medal in the Poomsae
doubles event for men and women under 30 at the
World Beach Championships and another bronze in
the over 80 kg category at the World Octagon Dia-
mond Games. Nabeel Munir, Ambassador of Paki-
stan to Korea, remarked, “In Pakistan, cricket often
takes the limelight regarding sports. However, I’m
grateful that Taekwondo recognizes Pakistan inter-
nationally by achieving great results.”
※ Kukkiwon has dispatched 53 Taekwondo instructors to 55 countries worldwide. The instructors dispatched abroad have brought
back global Taekwondo news.
Sri Lanka
The 2023 Ambassador of Korea Cup in Sri Lanka
Stands as the Premier Martial Arts Event
Text and Photo by Lee, Ki su (Dispatched Instructor to Sri Lanka)
The 2023 Ambassador of Ko-
rea Cup Taekwondo Cham-
pionship, sponsored by the
Embassy of Korea in Sri Lanka
and organized by the Sri Lan-
ka Taekwondo Association,
concluded its finals and award ceremony on July 8 at the BMICH
in Colombo. This event, featuring recognized Poomsae, freestyle
Poomsae, team sparring, and Taekwondo gymnastics, has solidi-
fied its position as the premier martial arts event in Sri Lanka and
a platform for public cultural diplomacy. Over 2,000 participants
graced the finals and award ceremony. Notably, the presence of
the Deputy Minister of Sports in Sri Lanka, the President and ex-
ecutives of the Taekwondo Association, the Vice-Chairman of the
National Olympic Committee, military generals, the Chairman of
the CISM Taekwondo Committee, high-ranking police officials,
and leaders of Korean associations, not only illuminated the
event but also underscored its significance.
Jordan
Kukkiwon Taekwondo Demonstration Team
Shines at the Ambassador of Korea Taekwondo
Tournament in Jordan
Text and Photo by Lee, Chul kwon (Dispatched Instructor to Jordan)
Turkmenistan
South Korean Ambassador’s Cup
Taekwondo Championship Broadcasted
Live Nationwide for the First Time
Text and Photo by
Lee, Jae soo (Dispatched Instructor to Turkmenistan)
The Turkmenistan Taekwondo Federation
hosted the 11th South Korean Ambassa-
dor’s Cup Taekwondo Championship over
two days, starting from July 15 at the Olym-
pic Stadium in Ashgabat, the capital city.
In this championship, which only included
sparring matches, 215 participants fiercely
competed for medals. Notably, this event
marked the first time a local Taekwondo
championship in Turkmenistan was broad-
cast live nationwide.
On August 5, an invited performance by the Kukkiwon
Taekwondo Demonstration Team and the Ambassa-
dor of Korea Taekwondo Tournament in Jordan took
place at Princess Sumaya Hall in the Amman Sports
City in Jordan. The opening ceremony was attended
by not only officials from the Jordan Taekwondo As-
sociation but also approximately 1,500 Taekwondo
practitioners and instructors, who gave generous
applause for the high-quality performance of the
Kukkiwon Taekwondo Demonstration Team. For the
cadet category (ages 12-14) of the tournament, about
100 players from Jordan participated. As a particular
segment, a demonstration by young trainees learn-
ing Taekwondo in Zaatari and Azraq Syrian refugee
camps in northern Jordan made the event even more
meaningful.
91
PHOTO NEWS The 17th 3rd Degree Taekwondo Self-defense Instructor Qualification Training

“This Heat is Nothing Compared to Our Taekwondo Passion!”

Text & Photos by Kukkiwon Public Relations

The Kukkiwon World Taekwondo Training Center held the 17th 3rd Degree Taekwondo Self-defense Instructor Qualification Training
from August 12th to 14th at the Yeongcheon Indoor Gymnasium in North Gyeongsang Province. As part of the ‘Mobile Training Edu-
cation’ initiative, the training was conducted amidst the enthusiastic participation of 202 trainees and included segments on a) Key
Techniques b) Basic Movements Using Tools c) Combined with Actions of Key Techniques. Amidst a heatwave that saw temperatures
rise to 32℃, the Training Center and the North Gyeongsang Province Taekwondo Association took special care to ensure the train-
ees were not overly tired. Since the beginning of this year, Kukkiwon has been vigorously promoting and establishing Taekwondo
self-defense instruction and education, aiming for the ‘Activation of Mobile Taekwondo Self-defense Instructor Training and Educa-
tion.’

The sweltering heat surpassing 30℃ couldn’t dampen the trainees’

passionate participation in the training.

Instructors Choi, Jeong heon (left) and Yoon, Bong sik demonstrate Taekwondo
self-defense's main techniques.

At the opening ceremony of the 17th 3rd-degree Taekwondo

Self-defense Instructor Qualification Training held at the Yeo-
ngcheon Indoor Gymnasium in North Gyeongsang Province
on August 12th, Kim, Se hyuk, the Director of the Training In-
stitute, is delivering his opening remarks.

The 202 participants are divided into two groups, receiving detailed guid- The instructors are immersed in teaching the precise techniques of Taekwondo Before the practical training, Kim, Chung hwan, the instructor of
ance. The seriousness can be discerned from their precise movements self-defense, correcting each participant's posture individually. the training institute (right), explains the theory of self-defense. To
and postures without any deviations. his left is Instructor Ku, Beom jun.

92 93
GRAPHIC NEWS Benefits of Practicing Taekwondo <2> Boosting Confidence

Taekwondo Training for Improved

Self-Esteem and Physical Confidence
Text and Photo by Nam, Sang seok (Senior Researcher, Kukkiwon Taekwondo Research Institute)

The Kukkiwon Taekwondo Research Institute conducted a meta-analysis of 803 domestic academic papers
from 1985 to 2019 to investigate the physical, emotional, and psychological effects of consistent practice of
Taekwondo. Meta-analysis is a method that systematically categorizes existing research results and quantita-
tively synthesizes specific influences, recognized as the highest level of evidence in the current scientific and
medical community.

Increased Social Increased Academic Increased Perceived Increased Physical

Self-esteem
Data from 6 previous studies
involving a total of 2,359
participants (1,214 Taekwondo
practitioners and 1,145
non-practitioners).
Self-esteem
Data from 6 previous studies
involving a total of 1,586
participants (818 Taekwondo
practitioners and 768
non-practitioners).
Physical Abilities Self-expression Confidence
Data from 8 previous studies Data from 8 previous studies
involving a total of 2,758 involving a total of 2,758
participants (1,487 Taekwondo participants (1,487 Taekwondo
practitioners and 1,271 practitioners and 1,271
non-practitioners). non-practitioners).

Taekwondo Training Promotes Happiness and Positive Self-esteem

When comparing individuals who practiced Taekwondo for 12 weeks with those who did not, it was found that
practicing Taekwondo led to approximately a) a 6.9% increase in feelings of self-respect in a social context, b) a
7.0% increase in feelings of self-respect academically, c) a 7.0% improvement in the ability to assess one’s physi-
cal abilities, and d) a 4.4% enhancement in the ability to express physical self-confidence. Consistent practice at
least three times a week for 12 weeks is necessary to achieve these improvement effects through Taekwondo
training.
These results suggest that individuals who engage in regular Taekwondo training develop self-belief and hap-
piness, leading to a positive attitude where they feel confident to take on challenges. The improvement in
self-respect and physical self-confidence through Taekwondo training reflects the inherent value of self-culti-
vation in Taekwondo.
While it is expected that social and physical aspects would improve through Taekwondo training, the increase
in self-confidence academically is a noteworthy result. This phenomenon may be attributed to the unique
values embedded in Taekwondo training, but it is also likely influenced by the surrounding environment, in-
cluding instructors and programs. The fact that Taekwondo extends beyond martial arts to offer various values
is a fascinating phenomenon.

※ Detailed information can be found on the Kukkiwon website (www.kukkiwon.or.kr) Taekwondo Research → “Academic Data and
Information” → “Academic Material” (No. 26).

94 95
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CALENDAR

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