Grandmaster Kim: On the 60th Anniversary of Taekwon-do

Grandmaster S.J.Kim

Taekwon-do and or any other martial arts competition have been around many years. Many of our founding fathers were against it, yet it was and is necessary for many of us. As one of the early arrivals to USA, I, too practiced some and competed, although it seems now as a primitive time, where we had no safety gear to wear, yet the spirit as a competitor couldn't be, cannot be changed, then or now, at least that's what I believe. 

I have great respect other disciplines such as the Go-Ju Ryu system and Chuan Fa (Ken po in Japanese , Kwon Bup in Korean), not just because I practiced with them for some years in early 70's, but because it taught me great deal of hand techniques which I didn't know then. I appreciate my friends who I practiced with, especially in recent years.

The word Taekwon-Do was given on April 11th 1955 by then Gen. Choi, Hong Hi. Many of us like to see the date as the birthday of Taekwon-do and we will celebrate April 11th as the 60th Anniversary. However, many will not consider the date as the birthday of Taekwon-do, especially if they don't practice Chang Hun Tul, the patterns we call ITF or traditional style, or WTF (Olympic style) and further, if Judo or Jujitsu and some boxing goes in now it's called MMA or with different rules UFC, K2, Thai, Kick boxing.

Regardless, whatever one competes in or practices, without respect and self respect, one will never make it. 

Suk Jun Kim, 9th Dan

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