The late General Choi Hong-Hi, founder of the International Taekwon-Do foundation, developed a martial art based on scientific principles and 5,000 years of Korean heritage. He introduced this art to the world in his historic book “Taekwon-Do - The Art of Self Defense” in 1965. General Choi not only developed a comprehensive scientific and methodical structure for this new martial art, he provided the name Taekwon-Do. His art included detailed technical approaches, training outlines, as well as a set of patterns (teul). This set of patterns, called the Chang-Hon . Pattern set, is named for the founder’s pen name.

Although today there are many variations and forms of martial arts, which have taken up the name of Taekwon-Do , there are still many who continue to practice the original pattern set developed by General Choi. Since the Korean term Kwan , means school, Chang-Hon Kwan represents a school system based on this Taekwon-Do pattern set.

Definition of

According to General Choi, the literal translation of the individual components of the term Taekwon-Do are:

Taken collectively, the term Taekwon-Do indicates the mental training and techniques of unarmed combat used for self-defense, as well as health. It involves the skilled application of punches, kicks, blocks and dodges with bare hands and feet for the rapid destruction of a moving opponent or opponents. Put simply, Taekwon‑Do is a method of unarmed combat designed for self‑defense. It is, however, more than just that. It is the scientific training of the body to develop powerful techniques with the hands and feet to be used as an effective method of self‑defense. Through intensive physical and mental training the body will gain the ultimate use of its capabilities for this purpose. Though it is a combat martial art, its discipline, techniques and mental training are the mortar for building a strong moral character. This includes many of the personal qualities contained in the Tenets of Taekwon-Do; Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self Control, and Indomitable Spirit. It is this mental conditioning that separates the true practitioner of a traditional martial art from the sport enthusiast, usually content with mastering only the fighting aspects taught in a class.

This is one of the reasons that traditional Taekwon‑Do is considered the ART of self‑defense. It also implies that the practitioner is pursuing a way of thinking and life, particularly in the development of strict self‑imposed discipline and improved personal character. For the true martial artist, Taekwon-Do is a way of life.

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