Choi, Hong-hi: The Father of TaeKwon-Do

Early Life and Background:

Choi Hong Hi was born on November 9, 1918, in Hwaider, now part of North Korea. He was introduced to martial arts in his youth, initially training in Taekkyeon, a traditional Korean martial art, and later studying Shotokan Karate under the guidance of Japanese instructors during the Japanese occupation of Korea. Choi’s exposure to these martial arts would lay the foundation for his later innovations in the martial arts world.

In the 1940s, Choi moved to Japan to further his education, and during this period, he encountered and trained in Shotokan Karate, a style founded by Gichin Funakoshi. His training under Karate masters and his personal experiences would inspire Choi to combine elements of both Korean and Japanese martial traditions.

The Birth of TaeKwon-Do:

After the Korean War, in the early 1950s, Choi Hong Hi, now a major in the South Korean Army, began to develop a new martial art, which he initially referred to as “Tang Soo Do,” a term inspired by his karate background. However, in the 1960s, in order to establish a unique identity for the Korean martial art, Choi coined the name TaeKwon-Do, meaning “the way of the foot and the fist.”

His vision was to create a martial art that was both a physical combat sport and a means of self-defense, while incorporating Korean philosophy and culture. Choi advocated for the development of TaeKwon-Do as a unified system and pushed for its promotion at the national and international levels.

In 1966, Choi founded the International TaeKwon-Do Federation (ITF), which was instrumental in spreading the art globally. The ITF aimed to unite the various regional schools of TaeKwon-Do and create a standardized curriculum for practitioners around the world. Under Choi’s leadership, TaeKwon-Do rapidly gained popularity in South Korea and beyond, and by the 1970s, it was recognized as a global sport.

Contributions to TaeKwon-Do:

1. The Development of TaeKwon-Do Forms (Poomsae): One of Choi’s most significant contributions to TaeKwon-Do was the development and formalization of the Poomsae, or patterns. These patterns are essential for practitioners as they help improve balance, coordination, technique, and concentration. Choi took inspiration from ancient Korean martial arts and combined them with elements from Karate. The Poomsae became a hallmark of TaeKwon-Do practice and are still practiced by TaeKwon-Do practitioners worldwide.
2. Promotion and Global Expansion: Choi was a key figure in establishing TaeKwon-Do as an international sport. In 1973, the World TaeKwon-Do Championships were held, and in 1975, TaeKwon-Do was officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This international recognition helped TaeKwon-Do become a major martial art practiced worldwide. Choi’s advocacy and diplomatic efforts were pivotal in bringing TaeKwon-Do into the global spotlight.
3. Technical Innovation: Choi also emphasized the importance of high, spinning kicks and aerial techniques, which became a signature aspect of TaeKwon-Do. His innovations included various kick variations, such as the spinning hook kick, which have become iconic in both sport TaeKwon-Do and self-defense applications. These dynamic techniques helped set TaeKwon-Do apart from other martial arts in the competitive arena.
4. Cultural and Philosophical Contributions: Choi integrated Korean culture and philosophy into TaeKwon-Do, emphasizing mental discipline, respect, and ethical behavior. His teachings on “indomitable spirit” and “courtesy” have had a lasting impact on the martial art’s moral framework, influencing not only fighting technique but also character development in students.

Negative Influence and Controversies:

While Choi’s contributions to TaeKwon-Do were significant, his legacy is not without controversy.

1. The Split in TaeKwon-Do: Perhaps the most significant controversy in Choi’s career was the division of TaeKwon-Do into two main organizations: the International TaeKwon-Do Federation (ITF), which Choi founded, and the World TaeKwon-Do (WT), which was initially the World TaeKwon-Do Federation (WTF). The split occurred after Choi’s departure from South Korea to Canada in 1972. While Choi remained the head of the ITF, the South Korean government and the Korea TaeKwon-Do Association aligned with the WT, which later became the recognized governing body for Olympic TaeKwon-Do. This division has led to a split in the TaeKwon-Do community, with practitioners aligned with either the ITF or WT. The ideological and technical differences between the two factions continue to this day, with debates over the direction and values of the martial art.
2. Authoritarian Leadership: Choi’s leadership style within the ITF was often described as authoritarian. His influence was so strong that his word was law, and disagreements with him could lead to expulsion from the organization. This centralized control over the ITF has been criticized for stifling independent thought and growth within the organization.
3. Political Involvement: Choi’s political involvement also complicated his relationship with TaeKwon-Do’s growth. His ties with the North Korean regime, particularly after his departure from South Korea, raised questions about his influence on the development of TaeKwon-Do. Choi’s role in promoting TaeKwon-Do in North Korea, where he sought to have it recognized as a national sport, was controversial and led to further political and ideological tensions with the South Korean TaeKwon-Do community.
4. Controversial Implementation of Sine Wave: One of the most debated aspects of Choi’s influence on TaeKwon-Do was the introduction of the sine wave motion in the ITF’s curriculum. The sine wave involves a distinctive up-and-down motion in the body while executing techniques, particularly during Poomsae. Choi believed that this movement, which mimics a wave-like motion, could generate more power and speed by enhancing the energy flow within the practitioner’s body. However, the implementation of the sine wave has been controversial. Critics argue that the motion is unnatural and does not align with the principles of efficient body mechanics, potentially leading to unnecessary tension and inefficiency. Many in the Taekwondo community, especially in the World TaeKwon-Do (WT), have rejected the sine wave, instead focusing on more direct and fluid techniques without the pronounced up-and-down motion. The sine wave remains a divisive element of TaeKwon-Do, with proponents defending it as a unique feature of the ITF style, while detractors argue it complicates the martial art’s techniques unnecessarily.

Legacy:

Despite the controversies surrounding his leadership, Choi Hong Hi is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of TaeKwon-Do. His innovative approaches to the martial art have shaped the way it is practiced and understood today. The development of TaeKwon-Do as a global sport owes much to his vision, efforts, and technical innovations.

Choi’s role in introducing TaeKwon-Do to the international community and his emphasis on the integration of physical, mental, and moral disciplines has had a profound influence on martial arts in general. Though his legacy is marked by division and conflict, his impact on the martial art world is undeniable. His work, particularly in developing standardized techniques, creating Poomsae, and fostering global growth, ensures that his contributions to TaeKwon-Do will be remembered for generations to come.

In the years since Choi’s passing in 2002, TaeKwon-Do has continued to grow, and his influence is still felt in both the ITF and the WT. His achievements in the development of TaeKwon-Do have earned him a permanent place in the history of martial arts. However, the ongoing division between the organizations he helped shape suggests that his legacy is a complicated one—marked by both immense contributions to the art and significant controversy in its evolution. – Originally published in USKF E-Magazine