The Principles of Tae Kwon Do Philosophy

May 17, 2010Tae Kwon Dophilosophy, principlesadmin

The philosophy of Taekwondo is very special, but what makes it so special? If we learn philosophy from books, we tend to forget it as soon as we leave them, because it is not related to our actual lives. But since Taekwondo is connected with our lives like every movement of ours is, we can never forget its philosophy.

That is, the philosophy is one of actions that can be learned from other actions, and our everyday activities. Taekwondo philosophy represents the principles of the changes and movements in human beings. It also represents the principles of our lives, since life consists of our movements. Therefore, we can say Taekwondo is a philosophy in itself. We can understand the philosophy of Taekwondo by doing Taekwondo, and this understanding should lead to better understanding and enhancement of our life. The principles of Taekwondo can be explained in several ways but here we will explain it simply with the principle of “Sam Jae” [Three Elements] and that of “Eum” [the Negative or Darkness] and “Yang” [the Positive or the Brightness]. “Sam Jae” refers to “Cheon” [the Heaven], “Ji” [the Earth], and “In” [the Man] and the principles concerning them. In oriental countries, it has been recognized as the central principle that explains the changes of everything in the world. “Sam Jae” and the changes of “Eum” and “Yang” constitute the “Eight Trigrams for Divination” in the “Book of Changes.” The principle of Sam Jae has been emphasized in oriental countries, especially in Korea. If you understand Taekwondo’s principle, you could understand all the skills and spiritual depth of Taekwondo. The principle of Eum and Yang has also been emphasized in oriental countries as the central principle of life. It maintains that everything has an opposite side. This principle explains various forms of changes, but it comes from “Taegeuk” [the Great Absolute], which represents the ultimate claim that Eum and Yang was the one and the same thing. If we understand Taekwondo according to this principle, we will find a solution, and by continuously changing skills, we will never get stuck, in any situation. After we understand these philosophical principles of Taekwondo, we can find proper ways to understand and develop our lives.

The Historical Development of Taekwondo Philosophy

What is the philosophy of Taekwondo? Taekwondo contains thoughts that Han [Korean] people had developed through history. Its philosophy is easily explained with Hongik-Ingan, Jaese-Ihwa, or Hwarangdo spirit. Hongik-Ingan and Jaese-Ihwa were not only ideologies of Tangun Chosun’s foundation, but also a fundamental thought of Han people. With time, these ideas developed into the Hwarangdo spirit and the Taekwondo philosophy today. Now, let’s look at the principles contents of the philosophy.

Hongik-Ingan” means universal welfare of mankind. It was the idea of the national foundation by Tangun, and the Taekwondo spirit too has inherited the idea of Hongik-Ingan. It is easily confirmed from the fact that the word of Taekwondo, itself means to suppress fighting and induce peace. On one hand, Jaese-Ihwa means that the world is educated in accordance with the reason of heaven. Taekwondo is a principle, not a simple connection with movements. It is the Korean traditional martial art characterized by the trinity of body, mind and life. Thus, the principle is the reason of all creation, and so it refers to the reason of heaven in Jaese-Ihwa. Therefore, human beings can be educated in accordance with the reason of heaven through correct training of Taekwondo. That’s the very meaning of Jaese-Ihwa. Hongik-Ingan and Jaese-Ihwa appear clearly in the myth of the Korean foundation. According to it, “In the early age, Hwan-Wung, the son of Heaven established a nation called Baedal [earliest name of Korea]. He then announced the purpose of the national foundation as Jaese-Ihwa [educate with the reason of heaven] and Hongik-Ingan [universal welfare of mankind].

Philosophical Principles of Taekwondo

The Historical Development of Taekwondo Philosophy

Class Schedule

May 16, 2010Schoolclass scheduleadmin

Tae Kwon Do classes take place daily on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Classes last one hour and may begin on the hour between 5pm and 8pm. Class sizes and levels vary but students always receive significant personal attention. For more information about the current SMS Tae Kwon Do class schedule, please contact the school.

Students are recommended to arrive at least 10 minutes early in order to change and stretch properly before class.

Techniques, Terms & Counting in Korean

May 16, 2010Tae Kwon Docounting, korean, techniques, termsadmin

Single Hand Techniques
Korean		English
Eal Gul Mak Ki Moum Tong An Mak Ki Moum Tong Bak Kat Mak Ki Ah re Mak Ki Kawi Mak Ki Keumgang Mak Ki Dul Batang Son Chigi Batang Son Nulla Mak Ki Batang Son Yopuro Mak Ki Hecho Mak Ki Sang Dan Otkolo Mak Ki Moum-Tong Jirugi Ha Dan Otkolo Mak Ki Batang Son Chigi Eal Gul Jirugi Kawi Son Kut Ha Dan Jirugi Son Kut Sewer Chirugi Me Chu Mok Chigi Chi Jirugi Sol Nal Mok Chigi Kwan Soo Do Yeuk Soo Do Dul Ha Dan Mak Ki Dul Sang Dan Bakkuro Mak Ki Dul Jung Dan Jirugi Dul Sang Dan Jirugi Gom Son		Face block Inside middle block Outside middle block Low block Scissor block Diamond or hard block Double palm heel strike Palm press block Side palm press block Wedgeing block High x-block Middle punch Low X block Palm heel strike Face punch Two-finger strike Low punch Vertical spearhand fingertip thrust Hammer fist Uppercut Knifehand neck strike Vertical knifehand Reverse knifehand Double low block Double high outward block Double middle punch Double temple strike Bear hand
Single Foot Techniques
Korean		English
Nop Chagi Bakkuro Dolyo Chagi Ap Chagi Bandal Chagi Bakkat Olyo Chagi Dolyo Chagi Yop Chagi Dui Chagi Naryu Chagi Dui Dolyo Chagi Ap Cha Olligi Mom Dolyo Dui Dolyo Chagi		High (stretching) kick Wheel (stretching) kick Front kick Inside crescent kick Outside crescent kick Roundhouse kick Side kick Back kick Axe kick Spinning cresecent kick Front rising kick Spinning hook kick
Counting
English	Korean		Korean
One Two Three Four Five Six Seven Eight Nine Ten	Hana (one) Dul (two) Set Net Daseot Yeoseot Ilgop Yeodeol Ahop Yeol		Il (first) Yi (second) Sam Sa Oh Yuk Chil Pal Ku Ship
Commands and Basic Terms
Korean		English
Cha Ryut Kyung Ye Jun Be Ki Hap Do Jang Do Bok Shi Jak Panjanim Sunbaenim Sabumnim Kwanjangnim Seo Ki Mak Ki Jirugi Chigi Jun Be Seo Ki Chagi Ahp Ku Pi Ki Seo Ki Dwi Ku Pi Ki Seo Ki Ju Chum Seo Ki Baro Shyeo Mooknyeom Haesan		Attention Bow Ready Yell Training Space Uniform Begin Higher Ranking Student Senior Student Master Head of a Kwan Stance Block Punch Strike Ready Stance Kick Forward Stance Back Stance Horse Riding Stance Return At ease Meditation Dismiss

The History of the Ji Do Kwan

May 12, 2010SchoolChong Woo Lee, Ji Do Kwonadmin

While in Korea last July (1998), I was looking through some old issue of Taekwondo magazines at the Sang Moo Sa store on Kukkiwon-Gil (Kukkiwon Street), just down the hill, past the main gate from Kukkiwon. In the Korean language magazine “World Taekwondo”, August 1997 edition, I found this interview with my Great-Grandmaster Lee, Chong Woo of the Jidokwan. Here is a rough translation of the article for those interested. Jidokwan was one of the five original Kwans and “Root to the birth of modern Taekwondo .” Al Cole

Roots to the birth of modern Taekwondo – is Jidokwan

By Chong Woo Lee

Jidokwan, as meaning of the “way of wisdom”, has developed through the root of Chosun Yun Moo Kwan. Jidokwan, especially took a main role for the Kwan unity act, the new executive committee drove the act positively.

Initiative role for the Kwan Unity

For myself, for the Kwan, for the country, based on these three words, Jidokwan was founded in March 3rd of 1946. The Jidokwan was first titled as Cho Sun Yun Moo Kwan Kong Soo Do Bu.

The Cho Sun Yun Moo Kwan first founded by Chun, Sang Sup, the first grandmaster of Jidokwan.

Master Chun, Sang Sup first started his martial arts career in Judo during his high school years, then he attended Dong Yang Chuck Sik (Takushoku) College in Japan, where he mastered Karate.

Founded by Sang Sup Chun

After graduating from college, Chun, Sang Sup returned to Korea, and started to teach Taekwondo to black belt Judo trainees in the Yun Moo Kwan, which was located in Soo Song Dong, Seoul at the time. Lee, Kyung Suk was the grand master of the Yun Moo Kwan during that time and Cho Sun Yun Moo Kwan was a Judo dojang.

After the surrender of Japan in world war II in August 15th, 1945, Cho Sun Yun Moo Kwan moved there location from the Soo Song Dong to So Gong Dong, where the Japanese Gang Duk Kwan used to be located, and officially announced the opening of the Cho Sun Yun Moo Kwan as branch of the Korea Taekwondo.

At that time, Taekwondo was called Kwon Bop Boo. The first trainees of the new Cho Sun Yun Moo Kwan were, Chun, Ill Sup, brother of Master Chun, Sang Sup; Pae, Young Ki; Kim, Bok Nam; Lee, Chong Woo; Pak, Hyun Jong; Lee, Byung Lo; Chung, Jin Dong; Kim, Chun Sun, they later became members of the Jidokwan.

Chun, Ill Sup first popularized the Taekwondo to the state of north Jun-La (Cholla buk do), Bae, Young Ki served 3rd Grandmaster term for the Jidokwan, and Lee, Chong Woo served 2nd and 4th grandmaster terms and they became the main leaders of the Jidokwan.

Yet, Park, Hyun Jong gained the strength of Jidokwan from the reign of the Pusan and Lee, Kyo Yun from Han Moo Kwan joined the Jidokwan and founded the Han Kuk Chae Yuk Dojang (Seoul) and acted as master while he was working for the police communications department.

The title Jidokwan first used from Pusan in 1950’s

Grandmaster Pae, Young Ki was the first student of Chun, Sang Sup and had the earliest relation with Cho Sun Yun Moo Kwan. He started his first training from the Soo Song Dong period

Great Grandmaster Yoon, Byung In was a best friend of Chun, Sang Sup. He was a hired Sabum at Chosun Yun Moo Kwan in 1948. While studying in Japan, Master Yoon became a student of Kanken Toyama Sensei. After teaching for Master Chun for 1 years, he opened the YMCA Kwon Bop Bu (Chang Moo Kwan) with Lee, Nam Suk. He disapeared during the Korean War. However, Pyong Soo Kim states that he made contact with Master Yoon by writting letters to him in North Korea. Jidokwan and Chang Moo Kwan are considered brother Kwans as Master Yoon and Master Chun were often called brothers due to training together so much.

Yoon, Byung In, the founder of Chang Moo Kwan, also worked as master for one year in the Cho Sun Yun Moo Kwan in 1947. Later he went to the YMCA and then founded the Chang Moo Kwan.

Great Grandmaster Yon, Kwai Byeong trained in Chuan Fa in Manchuria. Also trained and was certified as a Shihan (Sabum) under Kanken Toyama while studying in Japan. Became 2nd hired Sabum to work for Master Chun. After Master Chun disapeared in Korean War, the original students of Master Chun voted Master Yon as Jidokwan 1st President. However, in the mid 1960’s, Master Yon opposed Kwan unity and was voted out of Jidokwan. Chong Woo Lee became the 2nd Jidokwan President.

With appointment of new master Yoon, Gae Byung, who was known as a great master among the Karate field, Cho Sun Yun Moo Kwan became very active.

In June 25th 1950, the Korean War started and the Grandmaster Chun, Sang Sup, founder of Cho Sun Yun Moo Kwan, was abducted to North Korea. And during the evacuation period in Pusan, the Cho Sun Yun Moo Kwan changed their name to Jidokwan. Lee, Chong Woo first suggested the change of the Cho Sun Yun Moo Kwan’s title and with the agreement of Yoon, Gae Byung, Cho Sun Yun Moo Kwan became Jidokwan.

“After the abduction of master Chun, Sang Sup during the Korean war, I have suggested to Yoon, Gwae Byung for the change of the title and with his agreement, I suggested the appointment of Yoon, Gwae Byung as the grand master”, said Lee, Chong Woo.

Jidokwan became very active and gained their strength in 1953, when Jidokwan extended their organization on the Han Kuk Chae Yuk Dojang’s (Korea Sports Center) Taekwondo Department.

During that period, once or twice a year, they thought self-defense and bone setting from special sessions. But Jidokwan started to have disruption over the Kwan unity act.

During the development of the Korea Tae Soo Do Organization, Ki Hwang and his followers from Moo Duk Kwan and Yoon, Gwae Byung and his followers from the Jidokwan stands in opposition to the Kwan unity act.

Training Through Contest

And that was the start of the disruption of Jidokwan. Lee, Chong Woo drove the Kwan unity act without Yoon, Gwae Byung and became 2nd Grandmaster of the Jidokwan with the support of the national committee.

Kim, Chun Sun (council of Jidokwan), Cho, Yong Dae (president of Australia’s committee), Lee, Sang Chul (president of USTU), they are also alumni from Jidokwan.

Jidokwan, along with Moo Duk Kwan, acting as the main role of modern Taekwondo in Korea. Especially Jidokwan’s unique and intensive training, one would have to defeat three straight competitors to have belt promotion, made the birth for the great athletics for this period.
History of Grand Masters

Founder: Sang Sup Chun
1st Grandmaster: Gae Byung Yoon
2nd Grandmaster: Chong Woo Lee
3rd Grandmaster: Young Ki Pae
4th Grandmaster: Chong Woo Lee
5th Grandmaster: Sung Wan Lee (current president since 1988)

Annex Kwans

In the 1950s, 60’s and early 70’s, when the Kwan’s existed as martial arts, some black belts left their Kwans for various reasons. The main reason for most black belts to leave the Jidokwan was that this Kwan had a reputation for being the best sparring school, taking over 70% of the nationals sparring titles. These fighters where highly prized by the Kwan and the Korean Government. Some Black belts from this school who did not participate in sparring did not like this preferential treatment, so some joined other Kwans, or became independent.

The most notable person to break away from Jidokwan, due to disagreement, was Kyo Yoon Lee who went on the found the Han Moo Kwan in August of 1954. Kyo Yoon Lee writes about this development in his English language book “Global Taekwondo”. Today, the Han Moo Kwan, like the other eight Kwans has millions of descendant practitioners world wide.

The above information used with permission from www.taekwondojidokwan.com

Dojang Rules and Member Pledge

May 7, 2010Schoolcode of conduct, member pledge, rulesadmin

Do Jang Rules (Do Jang Kyuchik)

Always bow to the flags when entering or leaving the Do Jang
Always address Master Kim as “Sir” or “Kwan Jang Nim”
Bow to Kwan Jang Nim first, then senior students in order of rank (black belt, brown belt, purple belt, etc…)
Bow at a 45 degree angle and say, “Ahn nyung ha shimni ka” as a proper greeting
Always answer in a loud, clear voice, by saying, “Yes Sir” or “No Sir”, never “Yeah”, or “Nah”
When class ends,say “Kham sa ham ni da” (Thank you)
When leaving, bow and say “Ahm nyung ee kay say yo” (Good night)
Always turn away from Master Kim when adjusting or fixing your uniform or belt
Do not wear shoes into the Do Jang
Do not speak during practice of forms, sparring, or kicking techniques unless asked a question by Master Kim
Do not curse or use vulgarities in the Do Jang
When sitting,sit with legs crossed
Do not leave uniforms in the changing area or on clothing hooks – bring them home daily
Keep the changing area clean – Throw away any garbage, cups etc. If you want to reuse your cup, store it in your bag
Show respect to the other students who are here to learn and practice. Be courteous and polite.
Do not whistle in the Do Jang.
Turn off or mute cell phones during class.

Member Pledge

I will observe the rule, and absolutely obey the order of S.M.S. Do Jang
I will attain physical and mental discipline in the spirit of S.M.S. Do Jang
I will devote myself to the creation of new tradition and achievement of S.M.S. Do Jang

The spirit of the eight manners of solemnity

View Rightly
Feel Rightly
Think Rightly
Speak Rightly
Order Rightly
Contribute Rightly
Have Ability
Conduct Rightly

The Fundamental Tenets of Tae Kwon Do & Martial Arts

May 3, 2010Tae Kwon Doprinciples, tenetsadmin

The success or failure of Taekwon-Do training depends largely on how one observes and implements the Tenets of Taekwon-Do, which should serve as a guide for all serious students of the art.

COURTESY (Ye Ui) – Taekwon-Do students should attempt to practice the following elements of courtesy to build up their noble character and to conduct the training in an orderly manner as well.

To promote the spirit of mutual concessions.
To be ashamed of one’s vices, contempting those of others.
To be polite to one another.
To encourage the sense of justice and humanity.
To distinguish instructor from student, senior from junior, and elder from younger.
To behave oneself according to the etiquette.
To respect others’ possessions.
To handle matters with fairness and sincerity.
To refrain from giving or accepting any gift when in doubt.

INTEGRITY (Yom Chi) – In Taekwon-Do, the word integrity assumes a looser definition than the one usually presented in Webster’s Dictionary. One must be able to define right and wrong and have the conscience, if wrong, to feel guilt. Listed are some examples, where integrity is lacking:

The instructor who misrepresents himself and his art by presenting improper techniques to his students because of a lack of knowledge or apathy.
The student who misrepresents himself by “fixing” breaking materials before demonstrations.
The instructor who camouflages bad techniques with luxurious training halls and false flattery to his students.
The student who requests rank from an instructor, or attempts to purchase it.
The student who gains rank for ego purposes or the feeling of power.
The instructor who teaches and promotes his art for materialistic gains.
The student whose actions do not live up to his words.
The student who feels ashamed to seek opinions from his juniors.

PERSEVERANCE (In Nae) – There is an old Oriental saying, “Patience leads to virtue or merit.” “One can make a peaceful home by being patient for 100 times.” Certainly, happiness and prosperity are most likely brought to the patient person to achieve something, whether it is a higher degree or the perfection of a technique, one must set his goal, then constantly persevere. Robert Bruce learned his lesson of perseverance from the persistent efforts of a lowly spider. It was this perseverance of tenacity that finally enabled him to free Scotland in the fourteenth century. One of the most important secrets in becoming a leader of Taekwon-Do is to overcome every difficulty by perseverance. Confucius said; “one who is impatient in trivial matters can seldom achieve success in matters of great importance.”

SELF-CONTROL (Guk Gi) – This tenet is extremely important inside and outside the dojang, whether conducting oneself in free sparring or in one’s personal affairs. A loss of self control in free sparring can prove disastrous to both student and opponent. An inability to live and work within one’s capability or sphere is also a lack of self-control. According to Lao-Tzu “the term of stronger is the person who wins over oneself rather than some one else.”

INDOMITABLE SPRIT (Baekjul Boolgool) – “Here lie 300, who did their duty,” a simple epitaph for one of the greatest acts of courage known to mankind. Although facing the superior forces of Xerxes, Leonidas and his 300 Spartans at Thermoplyae showed the world the meaning of indomitable spirit. It is shown when a courageous person and his principles are pitted against overwhelming odds. A serious student of Taekwon-Do will at all times be modest and honest. If confronted with injustice he will deal with the belligerent without any fear or hesitation at all, with indomitable spirit, regardless of whosoever and however many the number may be. Confucius declared: “it is an act of cowardice to fail to speak out against injustice.” As history has proven, those who have pursued their dreams earnestly and strenuously with indomitable spirit have never failed to achieve their goals. “Pursue one’s own goal.”

Profile in the Highly Impossible

April 21, 2010Master Kimadmin

by C.M. Griffin & Kyung Sup Kim

(Tae Kwon Do Times, September 1996)

A dwarf becoming a master of Tae Kwon Do? Profile in the highly impossible! Completely unbelievable! This is fodder for those Saturday afternoon movies! Not so. Master Kyung Sup Kim is quite real. He overcame a serious handicap to become one of the leading exponents of Tae Kwon Do in Korea and one of the finest instructors in the World Tae Kwon Do Federation Headquarters: the Ji Do Kwan. Master Kim is the oldest of six children. His father was a police official and the local boxing, Kendo and Judo instructor; his mother was a successful business woman. His family life was very strict, but very loving. He was a happy child without a care in the world. However, one warm summer night, when he was about three-years-old, an event happened which would completely alter his life: “I was playing outside of my grandmother’s house…Now in those days, the houses had ditches built under them, sometimes as deep as ten feet; in order to hide from the Japanese. It was dark and I had the misfortune of falling into one near her house. “The child landed on his head and neck. Miraculously he was not killed. His grandmother heard the child’s yells and somehow she managed to get him out of the ten foot hole. Now the woman was extremely nervous and upset. She was supposed to be watching him to make sure he didn’t go near those ditches. She cleaned the boy and since he appeared to be fine. They decided to make that incident their little secret. So he did not tell his parents about the incident. They did not have any inkling that this would be the catalyst to bring down years of pain and misery on the child. Some time had passed, days maybe, before the young boy was awakened by intense pains in his limbs. He found that he could barely move, much less walk without suffering terrible pain. “My muscles felt strange. My spine had twisted in the fall and so my body twisted into an unbalanced awkward position. I could barely walk without flames of agony shooting through my body. My parents sobbed when they saw my deformed posture.”

Over the next few years they took the child to a number of doctors, hospital and even herbologists: “They all tested and examined me which (the prodding and poking with needles) added to my pain! None of them could find the exact cause of my deformation.” The Korean war broke out and the search for doctors and hospitals had to stop. When the war was over, the children returned to their normal routine of going to school. This too was a special experience for the young boy. “I remember all too clearly those painful (times) as if it were just the other day. My brother had to carry my bag and sometimes…he had to carry me! My limbs would not carry my weight and often the slightest movement would rack my body with agony.”

But the physical agony was only a part of it: “The days the months went by, my doubts and despair grew heavier like a thick black cloud! I had to endure the pain of not being able to perform the simplest of functions such as walking. (I also) had to endure the pain of being the object of cruelties thrown at me by other children!” Because he was deformed and needed special attention, the children ridiculed and humiliated him. He was the target of their harsh jokes and cruel songs. Those were very dark days for the young boy. With the war over, some of his relatives got together with his parents and managed to send him to Seoul University Hospital, the finest and most modern hospital in Korea at that time. At first the boy did not want to go. The thought of more painful tests and examinations on top of what he was already going through was a bit much for him. However, Kim realized the sacrifices his family was making just for him. He decided not to continue arguing with them and entered the hospital. After the examinations the doctors informed the family that if they operated on him there would be a 50-50 chance he would not survive. But if the operations were successful, there would be an end to his constant pain and with therapy, he could lead a normal life. They agreed to take the chance. The operations were successful. “My spine was no longer twisted, I could finally move, I could finally walk without assistance. I could finally walk without pain! For the first time (in my life) I was able to appreciate (the beauty) of the world! I could enjoy life! The world seemed to belong to me!” After his release from the hospital, young Kim thought all his problems were over. After all, he could now walk, move even run. He could experience life without the shadow of constant physical pain. However, as it turned out, that was only a part of the problem. Kim did not grow like the other children. Once again, he was the source of ridicule. “And even my own friends joined in…” As he got older his body did not. His emotional pain became almost as great as his physical pain had been. “Why did I have to live so unhappily, with people constantly pointing their fingers at me, laughing at me, mocking me! (So many times) I cried heavily and quietly. “Everyone has their limits, and young Kim had finally reached his. He often got into fights. He could just barely walk and he was so much smaller than everyone else. The outcome of those fights was absolutely never in question, Kim would loose. Little by little he began to withdraw into himself. “I wished I could prove myself to the world! But all that humiliation eventually turned out to be (a great motivation for me to get my) education and (to strengthen) my body and my mind.”

Kim was already training in a manner of speaking. Between his first and second operation, Kim’s father would oversee his physical therapy. After the second operation his therapy included weight training, jogging, jumping rope, and judo. All of this was under the watchful and protective eye of his father. But he felt that he needed more. After long deliberations with himself, Kim decided to train in the martial arts. He went to the local gym and presented himself to Headmaster Lee Byung Ro, and asked if he could train. “Master Lee’s face lit up with a kind smile and told me that if I am so determined, than no handicap can be a handicap. “The young boy felt a fire surge through him, a life, a renewed spirit. There was something special in this gym. Under Lee Byung Ro’s master, Grandmaster Jong Woo Lee, that gym was to become the Jido Kwan. Kim registered, got his dobok, and walked onto the training floor. Suddenly doubt pierced him again as he watched the others go the drills. To him they were all powerful looking, possessing perfect bodies and executing flawless techniques. He felt self-conscious about his ridiculous physique and debated if he should turn around and leave. Fortunately, one of the instructors noticed him standing there, holding his uniform. The instructor yelled, ordering him to change into the dobok and get onto the floor. “At this, I pulled my courage and followed him without the slightest hesitation. “Training in Korea in those days was very different from training today. The beginner students could possibly spend months just doing chores such as cleaning the floor on your hands and knees “for mental strength.” Kim would do his chores, watching the advanced students train and later, at home, he would try to emulate them. Those first days were very difficult. Though he went through an intense physical therapy, this was very different. He had to learn how to maneuver his limbs that had been stiffened by so many years of pain and inactivity. The training was quite painful for him. But with a fire and determination few of us will ever hope to comprehend, the young man continued with his training. “As soon as I finished with (academic) classes, I ran to the gym and devoted all my energy and concentration on following (my) Tae Kwon Do instructors. “Kim had just received his yellow belt when an instructor told him that he would probably quit before he received his blue belt. This hurt him very much. The old angers and frustrations began to swell once again. He felt as if he were going to explode. But he calmed himself. This may not have been “blind prejudice” because of his deformity; there may be some validity to those words. To say that those words added more fuel to Kim’s fire of determination and persistence would be an understatement. He trained even harder. After finishing his school work, he practiced Tae Kwon Do until about two in the morning. With his deformed body, Kim knew he had to run harder and longer, lift more weights; wake up earlier and train harder than anyone else. He would even stay after training and listen to the instructors tell their stories, hoping to pick up some more training tips.

He trained throughout the year; the weather did not stop him. Often during the winter, he would get frost bite from training in his bare feet on the unheated floor. During the summer he would practically be washed in sweat. So much sweat that after training he would have to mop the floors. Kim trained and trained and trained. Whenever he felt as though he would collapse the instructors would encourage him, telling him to “Keep doing what he was doing.” As he started to advance, the senior students would challenge him: “A challenge was when a higher belt would select to train with a lower belt. This training would often look like full contact matches… Tae Kwon Do at this time was not a sport. It was a martial art. “In those challenges he was often beaten badly and even knocked out: “I got broken fingers, (hurt) my legs… Many times I was rushed to the doctor’s house in emergency which would send my family into panic! My mother pleaded with me to stop training. But I couldn’t. I could not possibly allow (defeat) to my only hope (a future in Tae Kwon Do)!” Finally after years of sweat, sacrifice and blood, Kyung Sup Kim received his black belt.”The feeling of contentment and pleasure was beyond words. I felt as if I were walking on clouds. I began to see daybreak and a wide road to my future. However, I didn’t slow down my training. I wanted to set a good example to the new students. I wanted to perfect my skills… and my image as an accomplished (black belt) with continuous exercise and training. I closely watched my seniors perfect their skills and their techniques. I kept repeating their movements over and over again, until I reached their level of grace and perfection. If it wasn’t (accomplished) in days, I did it in weeks; if not weeks, than I did it in months. Before I knew it, I was given the (grade) of master!” While Master Kim was training, his efforts were far from being unnoticed. Stories about his courage and determination spread throughout Korea. When he received his black belt it got attention. Kyung Sup Kim, virtually, was the equivalent of a Korean Helen Keller; having overcome tremendous odds and traumatic experiences by sheer will and determination. Master Kim was a Judge for the World Tae Kwon Do Federation (WTF) tournaments and the chief instructor for the new forms. He would teach, then test all WTF members who wanted to teach outside Korea, insuring that they were all doing the same forms and techniques. He was also responsible for teaching the Taeguk forms. Master Kim came to Syracuse, New York, in 1978 and worked his way down state to New York City where he owns and operates the SMS Tae Kwon Do School. If you observe him teaching a class or even walking down the street, it is easy to forget his deformity. He is short in height, but with his inner strength, his warmth and love for his students and Tae Kwon Do; you feel as if you are walking with a giant.