Interview: Gen. Choi (1999)

Taeho · Sep 25, 2004

I have found quotes form this fabulous interview, but it doesn't seem that the entire interview has been posted here at MAP. IMHO the entire interview is worthy of posting. If I have missed it's previous post please feel free to remove this post. I have also included the history of TKD as told by Gen. Choi.

TKDshane

(As told by the father of TaeKwon-Do: General Choi, Hong Hi.)

WHEN AND WHERE DID TAEKWON-DO BEGIN?

A combination of circumstances made it possible for me to originate and develop Taekwon-Do. In addition to my prior knowledge of Taek Kyon, I had an opportunity to learn Karate in Japan during the unhappy thirty-six years when my native land was occupied by the Japanese. Soon after Korea was liberated in 1945, I was placed in a privileged position as a founding member of the newly formed South Korean Armed Forces. The former provided me with a definite sense of creation, and the latter gave me the power to disseminate Taekwon-Do throughout the entire armed forces, despite furious opposition.

The emergence of Taekwon-Do as an international martial art in a relatively short period of time was due to a variety of factors. The evils of contemporary society (moral corruption, materialism, selfishness, etc.) had created a spiritual vacuum. Taekwon-Do was able to compensate for the prevailing sense of emptiness, distrust, decadence and lack of confidence. In addition, these were violent times, when people felt the need for a means of protecting themselves, and the superiority of Taekwon-Do technique came to be widely recognized. My social stature, the advantage of being Taekwon-Do's founder and my God-given health also contributed to the rapid growth of Taekwon-Do all over the world. My involvement with the martial arts did much to supplement the health that God gave me. I had been born frail and weak and was encouraged to learn Taek Kyon at the age of fifteen by my teacher of calligraphy.

In 1938, a few days before I was due to leave Korea to study in Japan I was involved in an unexpected incident that would have made it difficult to return home without risk of reprisals. I resolved to become a black belt holder in Karate while I was in Japan. The skills I required were, I felt, sufficient protection against those who might seek to do me harm. Not only was I able to return to Korea, but I subsequently initiated the national liberation movement known as the Pyongyang Student Soldier's Incident. Like so many patriots in the long course of human history, my actions aroused the wrath of those in positions of power. I was imprisoned for a time in a Japanese army jail.

In January of 1946, I was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the fledgling Republic of Korea army and posted to the 4th infantry regiment in Kwangju, Cholla Namdo Province as a company commander. I began to teach Karate to my soldiers as a means of physical and mental training. It was then that I realized that we needed to develop our own national martial art, superior in both spirit and technique to Japanese Karate. I strongly believed that teaching it throughout the country would enable me to fulfill the pledge I had made to three of my comrades, who had shared my imprisonment by the Japanese. "The reason that our people suffer in this way at the hands of the Japanese," I had said, "is that our ancestors failed to rule wisely. They exploited the people and, in the end, lost the country to foreign domination. If we ever regain our freedom and independence, let us not become the rulers of the people. Instead, let us dedicate ourselves to advising those who rule." It was with this ambition in mind that I began to develop new techniques, systematically, from March of that same year.

By the end of 1954 I had nearly completed the foundation of a new martial art for Korea, and on April 11, 1955, it was given the name "Taekwon-Do". On the spiritual level, Taekwon-Do is derived from the traditional, ethical and moral principles of the orient and, of course, from my personal philosophy.

Even though I am only five feet tall, I pride myself on having lived in strict accordance with my moral convictions. I have tried to fight on the side of justice without fear of any kind. I believe that this was possible for me only because of the formidable power and indomitable spirit instilled by Taekwon-Do. The physical techniques of Taekwon-Do are based on the principles of modern science, in particular, Newtonian physics which teaches us how to generate maximum power. Military tactics of attack and defence have also been incorporated. I wish to make it clear that although Karate and Taek Kyon were used as references in the course of my study, the fundamental theories and principles of Taekwon-Do are totally different from those of any other martial art in the world.

In March of 1959, I led the military Taekwon-Do demonstration team on a tour abroad. We visited South Vietnam and Taiwan. It was the first such visit in the history of Korea. On this occasion, I renewed my resolution to leave my personal legacy to the world, in the form of Taekwon-Do, and I formulated the following basic ideals for the Taekwon-Do practitioners:

1. By developing an upright mind and a strong body, we will acquire the self-confidence to stand on the side of justice at all times;
2. We shall unite with all men in a common brotherhood, without regard to religion, race, national or ideological boundaries;
3. We shall dedicate ourselves to building a peaceful human society in which justice, morality, trust and humanism prevail;

I also resolved to dedicate myself to the world-wide propagation of Taekwon-Do, in the sincere hope that it would provide the means by which the unification of the divided halves of my fatherland would become possible. My study of Taekwon-Do proceeded in two parts, spiritual discipline and technical perfection. Because the human spirit belongs to the realm of metaphysics, what I mean by spiritual discipline is not easy to describe. One cannot touch, see or hear the spirit of man, It is wider and deeper than anything we can perceive. In this respect, I, myself, am only another student participating in a continuing and never-ending learning process. I have come to define the spiritual dimensions of Taekwon-Do as fusing oneself with the ideals of Taekwon-Do and attaining and understanding the full meaning of each of the Taekwon-Do patterns. If we consider ourselves as one with Taekwon-Do, we will respect it as we respect our own bodies and Taekwon-Do will never be used in a dishonorable way.

The names of the patterns are derived from the most illustrious people to have been produced by nearly five thousand years of Korean history. A proper understanding of the patterns leads, inevitably to the realization that Taekwon-Do is a martial art to be used only for self-defence and only in the cause of justice. The history of Korea contains not a single sample of its military forces being employed for the invasion of its neighbors or for any other purpose except national defence.

In the technical area, I created a wide variety of techniques that can be used in almost any situation. They are based on the following principles:

1. all movement should be designed to produce maximum power in accordance with scientific formulas and the principle of kinetic energy;
2. the principles behind the techniques should be so clear that even those ignorant to Taekwon-Do will be able to distinguish correct from incorrect movement;
3. the distance and angle of each movement should be exactly defined in order to achieve more efficient attack and defence;
4. the purpose and method of each movement should be clear and simple, in order to facilitate the teaching and learning process;
5. rational teaching methods should be developed so that the benefits of Taekwon-Do can be enjoyed by everyone, young and old, men and women;
6. correct breathing methods should be devised, enhancing the speed of each movement and reducing fatigue;
7. attack should be possible against any vital spot on the body and it should be possible to defend against all varieties of attack;
8. each attacking tool should be clearly defined and soundly based on the structure of the human body;
9. each movement should be easy to execute, enabling the student to enjoy Taekwon-Do as a sport and recreation;
10. special consideration should be paid to promoting good health and preventing injuries;
11. each movement should be harmonious and rhythmical so that Taekwon-Do is aesthetically pleasing;
12. each movement in a pattern must express the personality and spiritual character of the person it is named after.

Adherence to these basic principles is what makes Taekwon-Do a martial art, an aesthetic art, a science and sport.

Reproduced from "Taekwon-Do" (The Korean Art of Self Defense) also known as The Condensed Encyclopedia. Fifth Edition 1999, All rights reserved Copyright 1988, 1991, 1992, 1995, 1999 General Choi, Hong Hi.

The following is an Interview with Gen. Choi Hong Hi by Maria Heron, (The Times):

Q. What is TAEKWON-DO?
Taekwon-do is a version of unarmed combat for the purpose of self defence. It is however, not just that. It is a scientific use of body that has gained the ultimate use of its facilities through intensive mental and physical training, that is of TAEKWON-DO

Q. What were your ambitions for TAEKWON-DO?
My concept of the art is that by developing an upright mind and strong body we will acquire the self-confidence to stand on the side of justice at all times. We shall be family in common brotherhood with all men. We shall deliver diligence, & shall dedicate ourselves to building an ideal world in which morality, justice, religion, philanthropy and trust will always prevail. Everything is governed by Yin and Yang. Oriental philosophy is full of moral teachings. This was my motivation.

Q. How did the patterns of TAEKWON-DO come about?
When the Japanese invaded Korea they tried to remove the Korean nationality. You could not go to school and be educated if you were not Japanese. I was left a man with no country and therefore no national pride. The Patterns of TAEKWON-DO represent the history of Korea from time in legend to this century. The propagation of TAEKWON-DO throughout the world has also enabled, through the patterns, a small part of Korean history to be learned by its practitioners. A part of Korea therefore now exists across the whole world and Korea’s nationality and history can never be removed by oppressors again.

Q. How long did it take you to develop the patterns into the form we know them today?
I began my research in March 1946 into what was to be named TAEKWON-DO on April 11, 1955.My research ended in 1983. The patterns represent my study of the Art in this period.

Q. There was a pattern many years ago for 2nd degrees called Kodang, why was this pattern replaced by Juche?
As new techniques were developed they needed to be represented in the patterns. The pattern Kodang was replaced simply because it represented the latest Korean history, basically last in first out.

Q. How would you describe the perfect training session?
The most important thing in training sessions is that the instructor is fully qualified to teach that which he purports to teach. If the instructor is not qualified, the session cannot be perfect because it will become infected with imperfections of technique. A student can only learn what an instructor teaches. If the instructor is not able to explain the true meaning and purpose of every movement he teaches, the student will never master what is being taught.

Q. Do you still practice the art each day?
I have followed a routine of training every day for the last 55 years which lasts approximately 60 & 70 minutes. I will probably continue this regime even in my grave.

Q. Do you follow a special diet?
Yes, I eat everything my wife cooks for me. If you train regularly and correctly, and your health allows, there is no need to follow any special diet or take nutritional supplements.

Q. Can you foresee a time in the future when genuine (ITF) Taekwon-Do will replace WTF TAEKWON-DO in the Olympics?
The Olympic Games were originally contested by naked male competitors. It has, over the years been forced to accept social changes. It is my greatest pride that TAEKWON-DO has been included in modern Olympic Games, in my lifetime. It is unique that the founder of an Olympic discipline survives to see such global recognition of his work. It is unfortunate however, that due to the efforts of Korea to distance themselves politically from me, that the Olympics do not represent true TAEKWON-DO, but that of an inferior and removed style.

Q. What efforts are being made by the ITF for the inclusion of TAEKWON-DO in the Olympic Games?
(Grand Master Rhee answers) I believe that martial arts are different to other sports and should not be categorised together. A basketball player needs to be extremely tall, whilst a jockey, ideally, needs to be small. A student of TAEKWON-DO does not need to be bound by physical limitations. I therefore have had discussions regarding a possible separate Olympic event much like the separate Winter Olympics. This event should include, and be representative of all Martial Arts and would therefore be a celebration of the Arts.

Q. You obtained your black belt in Karate, what did that mean to you?
I originally learnt Karate when I first went to Japan because a man in my village, back home in Korea, had challenged me to a fight and I needed to know how to fight him. After I gained my first black belt, I immediately realized that Karate did not offer all the answers. I found it lacking in many aspects and I was not confident to return to my village and face my challenger. This is when I embarked upon my research into martial arts which was possibly the birth of TAEKWON-DO.

Q. You have recently been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Do you feel your recent nomination for the prize will help the ITF Olympic cause?
Whilst I am extremely honoured to have received such a prestigious nomination, I never expected to receive the award in the knowledge that possibly many more deserving candidates were also nominated. The true significance of this honour is that I have been unequivocally recognized as the Founder of TAEKWON-DO, and therefore the ITF is the only authority for genuine TAEKWON-DO

Q. Why is ITF headquarters now in Vienna and you, as its head, in Canada?
This decision was made by the ITF Congress to promote TAEKWON-DO in the Eastern Block countries. Geographically Vienna is central both to West and East. Because of the political changes in Central Europe and the East we felt that moving the Headquarters to Vienna would be beneficial and assist in the integration of the ITF in these countries.

Q. Who else in the martial arts community, not just TAEKWON-DO, has had an influence on you personally?
No one.

Q. Do you feel that the tragic death of a fighter at last year’s United States Open WTF Full Contact Championships reflected on TAEKWON-DO as a whole, or just on those doing full contact sparing?
Firstly, that was not a true TAEKWON-DO event, because they do not understand that sparring is a tiny part of the true Art. They have attempted to glamorise sparring and allowing full contact is only part of that glamorisation. True TAEKWON-DO sparring should be non-contact, allowing the practitioners to demonstrate their skills and abilities without risk of bodily injury.

Q. TAEKWON-DO has always distanced itself from other martial arts by being continually developed and improved, what recent ground breaking changes have been made and on what science have they been based?
As I said, my research ended in the mid 80’s, & I will make no more advances in my lifetime, the legacy of the development of TAEKWON-DO for the future remains with the Masters of the Art from now on. I have entrusted the development to them.

Q. ITF New Zealand, claimed that you signed their guest book on their web-site. Did you?
What is a web-site?

Q. As we approach the dawn of a new millennium, what are your hopes and aspirations?
I hope that TAEKWON-DO will continue vehemently to grow along the philosophy of no discrimination between race, religion, politics, age and sex. I have already achieved more in my life time than one man could ever have hoped for. My dreams and aspirations have been fulfilled.

Q. You have always been the figurehead for TAEKWON-DO, how long do you consider you will be remain president of the ITF?
People cannot live forever, so I know my time is getting short maybe in a couple of years I may be retiring from my presidential post. Congress will elect a new one, but I will not take my hand off TAEKWON-DO. I will supervise from the graveyard.

Q. Has it already been decided who will succeed you?
As I said, the next president of the ITF will be democratically elected by the ITF Congress.

Q. And finally, as Christmas is just around the corner what would you like?
Everyone in the world to learn TAEKWON-DO!
Click to expand...

KickChick · Sep 25, 2004

As some of the content in that interview is somewhat "dated" ... as a sidenote the interview was conducted back in 1999 with Gen. Choi and Grandmaster Rhee Ki Ha (I mentioned a bit of this interview on this thread regarding the ITF & WTF perhaps coming together as one in the Olympics in 2008 (http://www.martialartsplanet.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18959)

Personally I feel the interview published in the TKD Times is far better
http://www.geocities.com/tkd_unknown/45.html

You will find (as noted) Gen. Choi's 'definition' of TKD in the Encyclopedia that I highly suggest you have in your reference library.

d33pthought · Sep 25, 2004

Yes, the TKD Times interview is much better. Much more detailed and interesting to say the least.

Taeho · Sep 25, 2004

That may be so, but I can't seem to find that article in an electronic format other than an image of the actual article.

Does anyone know if it exists? I'm sure there are copyrights involved. As a matter of fact, I'm sure the geocities site that KC linked to is an illegal reproduction of the article.

The TKDtimes site is very careful not to show any of the article other than the coverpage.

TKDshane

KickChick · Sep 26, 2004

TKDshane said:

That may be so, but I can't seem to find that article in an electronic format other than an image of the actual article.

Does anyone know if it exists? I'm sure there are copyrights involved. As a matter of fact, I'm sure the geocities site that KC linked to is an illegal reproduction of the article.

The TKDtimes site is very careful not to show any of the article other than the coverpage.

TKDshane
Click to expand...

Go to your library ... or better yet, I suggest you subscribe to the magazine!

Regardless of the legality or illegality of the scanned article (not my site ), that particular interview is far superior to the one you posted in its entirety, .... having read alot of Choi's writings, the transcription of the other doesn't even come close to his "words".

Taeho · Sep 25, 2004

Yes it is superior, I never argued that...

TKDshane

Andy Cap · Sep 26, 2004

He makes me laugh as do most "Grand Masters" He "invented" Tae Kwon Do? I'm sorry but Tae Kwon Do is not an invention - it is an evolution. How many Kwans existed when TKD came about? He obviously doesn't recognize those or ligitimize those, but there were many enterprising grandmasters in his era that "invented" their styles. I truly appreciate his promotion of the martial arts and Korean martial arts in particular, but to say he invented them is truly arrogant. Another funny thing about that is that Tang Soo Do was the martial art of the Korean ROK's (special forces) and I believe it still is.

Martial arts history is such a funny thing because, although grandmasters are supposed to be humble and wise they usually are quite the opposite so they write history the way they want it to read.

Not to slam the interviews though, adn thank you for posting it. It just makes me laugh.

Topher · Sep 27, 2004

Andy Cap said:

He makes me laugh as do most "Grand Masters" He "invented" Tae Kwon Do? I'm sorry but Tae Kwon Do is not an invention - it is an evolution. How many Kwans existed when TKD came about? He obviously doesn't recognize those or ligitimize those, but there were many enterprising grandmasters in his era that "invented" their styles. I truly appreciate his promotion of the martial arts and Korean martial arts in particular, but to say he invented them is truly arrogant. Another funny thing about that is that Tang Soo Do was the martial art of the Korean ROK's (special forces) and I believe it still is.

Martial arts history is such a funny thing because, although grandmasters are supposed to be humble and wise they usually are quite the opposite so they write history the way they want it to read.

Not to slam the interviews though, adn thank you for posting it. It just makes me laugh.
Click to expand...

I agree with that. TKD was a unification of most of the Kwan in Korea.

TKD wasn't recognized untill 1955, so how did Gen. Choi teach it to the Korean Armed Forces in 1945. Infact he didn't event start his research into it untill 1946, a year after Tang Soo Do was already in circulation around the country. Which backs my belief that the effectiveness of Tang Soo Do [in the armed forces] inspired the creation of Taekwondo.

Dispite this, you can't take away what he has done to promote the [korean] martial arts.

d33pthought · Sep 26, 2004

I agree that he didn't technically invent it, but rather helped it evolve into something else. However, what was going on before Choi did his research wasn't necessarily Taekwondo either. So you can't say he claimed credit for something that was already in existence, because no matter how similar TKD and TSD are, there's still not the same thing. Like saying he didn't invent TKD because he was just doing Shotokan with higher kicks.

Andy Cap · Sep 27, 2004

Have you ever heard of Tae Kwon Do Moo Duk Kwan? How about Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan? I hold black belts in both - they are or at least were the same thing. Same forms and same style. Tae Kwon Do moved intot eh sports realm and Tang Soo Do resisted that and tried to stay as a martial art and not a martial sport, for the most part. There are exceptions in both styles.

Basically, they are the same thing, and only exist in different names because one grandmaster decided he wanted his own organization. Look at all of the different TKD and TSD organizations now. They exist because grandmasters have decided they want their own businesses.

Originally it was a very good thing that peope were enterprising with martial arts, but in the long run I personally believe it has hurt them.

Lithanwif · Sep 27, 2004

Ah, reminiscing

I have met both of these great men, whilst only having my black belt in Wado Ryu Karate. I actually bought a car from grand master Rhee's son ( and was swindled cheers Andrew <G> ). And even though I came from a distinctly different style ( at the time, now GTF TaeKwonDo ) for some reason I watched from behind my own eyes as my ettiquette went out the window....With Gen. Choi, I barely managed a word and with Grand master Rhee I managed to talk cack at him, wibble and Forget how to take a signed book from him ( d'oh! ). But dammit Gm Rhee is eight feet tall and six feet around, or at least thats the way it seems. I'm six foot two and when I was sitting down I coulda sworn he was enormous, then when we both stood up, I realised I was a fair bit taller, but somehow my mind told me it was a perspective thing. Weird as hell.

and oh yeah, major memory of Gm Rhee, he has hands like shovels...shovels I tell ya!

Jim

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