History of Taekwondo

     Approximately 1300 years ago (during the 6th Century A.D.), the Korean peninsula was divided into three kingdoms: Silla, Koguryo, and Baek Je. Silla, being the smallest of these kingdoms, was constantly under invasion and harassment by its two more powerful northern and western neighbors. During the reign of Chin Heung, the twenty-fourth King of the Silla, the young aristocrats, and warrior class formed an elite officer corps called Hwa Rang-Do. This warrior corps - in addition to the ordinary training in spear, bow, sword, and hook - also trained themselves by practicing mental and physical discipline, and various forms of hand and foot fighting. To prepare their bodies for the task of defending their homeland, they climbed rugged mountains and swam turbulent rivers in the coldest of months. The Hwa Rang-Do became known in the peninsula for their courage and skill in battle, gaining respect from even their most bitter foes. Many of these brave young warriors died on the battlefield - as young as fourteen years old. However, their accomplishments inspired the people of the Silla to rise and unite. From the victories of the Silla, the Korean peninsula became unified for the first time in its history.

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     This warrior corps - in addition to the ordinary training in spear, bow, sword, and hook - also trained themselves by practicing mental and physical discipline, and various forms of hand and foot fighting. To prepare their bodies for the task of defending their homeland, they climbed rugged mountains and swam turbulent rivers in the coldest of months. The Hwa Rang-Do became known in the peninsula for their courage and skill in battle, gaining respect from even their most bitter foes. Many of these brave young warriors died on the battlefield - as young as fourteen years old. However, their accomplishments inspired the people of the Silla to rise and unite. From the victories of the Silla, the Korean peninsula became unified for the first time in its history.

The Kang System Kuk Mu Kwan Tae Kwon Do

Grand Master Suh Chong Kang

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     Ku Muk Kwan was founded in 1953 by Grand Master Suh Chong Kang, a decorated Korean War Hero.  Grand Master Suh Chong Kang was known as the most powerful and lethal martial artist in Korea.  After retiring from the Korean Armed forces Grand Master Kang was offered a position as foreign ambassador to Malaysia, but refused the offer and migrated to the US in hopes of bettering the lives of his children.

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     Later in the US Master Kang upgraded the KMK style of Tae Kwon Do using his intimate knowledge of various styles including Judo to add even more powerful punches, kicks, blocks, sweeps, grappling techniques, pressure points, throws, and controlled breathing techniques to his style. The Kuk Mu Kwan System of Tae Kwon Do requires the combined use of the hands and feet without weapons. Grand Master Suh Chong Kang still teaches and is the oldest living Tae Kwon Do martial artist in the world.

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Some History on Grand Master Suh Chong Kang:

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• Started martial arts training in 1938

• Founder of Kuk Mu Kwan Taekwondo in 1953

• Head Instructor of the Korean Military Intelligence Agency - known presently as KCIA (1957 - 1969)

• Commanding Instructor for the Republic of Korea (ROK) Army (1960 - 1968)

• President of the American Taekwondo Association (1969 - 1978)

• Vice-President of International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) (1977 - 1983) 

• President of the American Taekwondo Federation (1978-1995)

• Chairman of World Taekwondo Chung Do Kwan Federation (2001 - Present)

• His students include world-renowned Masters and Grandmasters