Master Kang Taekwondo has a rich and storied history, marked by dedication, innovation, and a commitment to spreading the art of Taekwondo worldwide. This article delves into the origins and evolution of Master Kang Taekwondo, highlighting key figures and pivotal moments that have shaped its legacy.
Taekwondo Kyorugi
Early Life and Training of Grand Master Kang
Born on September 5, 1943, in Kimjae, Chunbook, Korea, Grand Master Kang was the son of a farmer. His journey in TaeKwonDo began in 1956. At the young age of 13, in 1958, Grand Master Kang earned his 1st-degree black belt, marking the beginning of an illustrious career.
Achievements in Korea
Grand Master Kang achieved significant milestones in Korea. He secured his first major title by winning the state championship on Kyung Ki Do. In 1967, he was crowned National Champion and received the President's Cup for his undefeated record in competition.
In 1967, Grand Master Kang established his first TaeKwonDo school in Seoul, Korea. However, his teaching experience predates this, as he instructed at the Puan police department during his high school years.
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Teaching in Taiwan (1970-1977)
Throughout the years 1970-1977, Grand Master Kang dedicated his expertise to teaching in Taiwan. Notably, two of his students, Lio Dziz Hong and Shau Bus, made history as the first Chinese Taipei team members to achieve 1st and 3rd places at the Korea World TaeKwonDo championships.
Grand Master Kang also served as the chief instructor for officers (leaders) of the Taiwan army and military police school and taught at the Taipei police academy. Additionally, during the 1970s, Grand Master Kang instructed several Hong Kong martial arts action heroes.
Arrival in the United States (1977)
Grand Master Kang's influence extended to the United States, where he arrived in 1977. He initially taught for the US Army in Honolulu. In 1978, he relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, and founded Brother's TaeKwonDo. This marked a significant moment as it was the first school in Arizona to explicitly advertise TaeKwonDo. Before this, all TKD schools in Arizona were marketed as Karate schools.
Grand Master Kang actively promoted TKD in the United States. The Chinese Taipei team visited Brother's TaeKwonDo for specialized training. Furthermore, Grand Master Kang's grand student in Chinese Taipei achieved a gold medal at the 2004 Athens, Greece Olympic Games.
Olympic Rings
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Kang Duk Won: A Foundation of Kukkiwon
Kang Duk Won was one of the original 9 kwans that eventually merged to create the Kukkiwon system. Former students of the YMCA Kwon Bop Bu, namely Hong Jong-Pyo and Chul Hee Park, founded this Kwan in the later 1950s, under guidance of YMCA Kwon Bop Bu founder Byung In-Yoon.
Today, Taekwondo Kang Duk Won exists in Korea as a social friendship club that supports the Kukkiwon system and the World Taekwondo Federation. On April 2, 2016, Kang Duk Won co-founder Chul Hee Park passed away peacefully.
Kang Duk Won Kwon Bup Association
On January 1, 2018, the Kang Duk Won Kwon Bup Association was established to represent all members in the United States on matters pertaining to the Kang Duk Won martial arts. The association holds board meetings, establishes qualifications for rankings and instructors, and sets minimum curriculum standards.
Based in Modesto, California, the association is represented by high-ranking black belts who trained under the direct lineage of Grand Master Chul Hee Park, who taught Grand Master Phillip Rushing while living in the United States.
Suh Chong Kang: A Pioneer in the United States
Suh Chong Kang was born on September 29, 1929, in Shineuju, North Korea. He passed away on January 30, 2022, at the age of 92 in the United States. Suh Chong Kang was a South Korean-born Martial Artist and instructor who was a central figure in the establishment of Taekwondo in the United States.
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Kang started his martial arts training in 1938 in Yudo, Su Bahk Do. He later became a student of Tang Soo Do/Kong Soo Do under Lee Won-kuk (Chung Do Kwan Founder) . Kang graduated Dong Kuk University in Seoul, South Korea, in 1949. In 1953 Kang founded his own branch of taekwondo, naming it Kuk Mu Kwan.
From 1957 to 1969 Kang served as the head martials arts instructor of the Korean Military Intelligence Agency. C. In 1969, Kang and his family emigrated to the United States.
While working as a janitor in a boxing gym, Kang was discovered striking the heavy bags early one morning. Believing the reverberating sounds to be gunshots, the boxers at the gym were astounded to discover that the “gunshots” they heard were, in fact, the sound of Kang hitting the bag. These boxers became his first crop of students in the United States. Already an 8th Dan Black Belt, he founded his own Tae Kwon Do academy in Brooklyn, New York.
In the late 1970's, Kang served as the Vice President of the International Tae Kwon Do Federation. Before his death, Lee Won-kuk promoted Kang to the rank of 10th Dan Black Belt.
Legacy and Impact
The Kang legacy in Taekwondo is profound and far-reaching. The contributions of Grand Master Kang and Suh Chong Kang have shaped the martial art's development and spread globally. Their dedication to teaching, promoting, and innovating Taekwondo has left an indelible mark on the martial arts community.
The Kang Duk Won's influence as one of the original kwans and the establishment of associations like the Kang Duk Won Kwon Bup Association ensure that their teachings and principles continue to thrive and inspire future generations of Taekwondo practitioners.
| Key Figures | Contributions |
|---|---|
| Grand Master Kang | Founded TaeKwonDo schools, trained champions, and promoted TKD in the United States. |
| Suh Chong Kang | Established Taekwondo in the United States, founded Kuk Mu Kwan, and served as VP of the International Tae Kwon Do Federation. |
| Chul Hee Park | Co-founded Kang Duk Won and contributed to the Kukkiwon system. |