5th Dan - Black Belt

General Choi was born a sickly child in North Korea on November 9, 1918. He was sent to Mr. Han Il-Dong to learn calligraphy. Mr. Han also taught him the ancient art of Taek Kyon, Korean foot fighting. This tough physical training helped the youngster to strengthen his body. In 1937 he went to Japan to further his skills to become a world class calligrapher. A fellow Korean was teaching Japanese karate and young Choi trained hard and returned to Korea as a 2nd degree black belt.

When World War II started, he was forced to serve in the Japanese army. He planned a Korean independence movement. Along with the other Koreans who were in the Japanese army, he started a rebellion. As the leader, the Japanese interned him in a military prison. In his cell, he practiced his martial arts to remain physically fit and mentally alert. Soon he was teaching his cell mate, guard, and eventually the whole prison staff. He received a seven year sentence from the military court. His sentence ended early in August 1945 when American forces liberated the prison where he was being held.

Early in 1946 he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the new South Korean army. He was also one of the original founders of the Republic of Korea (ROK) army. He rose quickly to the rank of Brigadier General and was one of the most brilliant commanders in the Korean War. In 1953 he organized the crack 29th Infantry Division. As commander, he led his soldiers in learning the martial arts. His military students were members of Oh Do Kwon (Gym of My Way). By then, he was molding a new Korean martial art. Taking the foot fighting of Taek Kyon and blending the Karate techniques he formed the foundation of TaeKwon-Do. In late 1954 he commanded Chong Do Kwon (Gym of the Blue Wave). It was the largest civilian gym in Korea. He was also promoted to Major General. In 1955 a board of martial arts masters, historians, and leaders of society was formed to pick a new name for a purely Korean martial art. They unanimously chose the name Taekwon-Do submitted by General Choi on April 11, 1955.