Introduction
Chung Do Kwan (청도관) is one of the nine original schools (kwans) that formed the foundation of modern Taekwondo. It has a rich history that traces back to the post-World War II era and continues to be a significant force in the martial arts world today. The name “Chung Do Kwan” translates to “The School of the Blue Wave,” symbolizing strength, power, and discipline. Chung Do Kwan’s history reflects both the evolution of Taekwondo as a martial art and the cultural shifts in Korea after the war.
The Origins of Chung Do Kwan
The roots of Chung Do Kwan can be traced back to 1944, when a Korean martial artist named Choi Hong Hi (최홍희), who is often credited with being one of the key figures in the development of Taekwondo, founded the original school. Choi had been a student of various martial arts, including Shotokan Karate, and brought many of its principles and techniques into the formulation of Taekwondo. He developed the style during his time in Japan as a soldier and martial arts practitioner.
When the Korean War (1950-1953) ended and Korea began rebuilding, Choi Hong Hi returned to South Korea and continued to develop his martial art. He opened his first school, which would later be known as Chung Do Kwan, in 1944 in Seoul, South Korea. The kwan became a center for Taekwondo training, combining elements of Karate, traditional Korean martial arts (such as Taekkyeon and Hwa Rang Do), and Chinese martial arts.
The Evolution of Chung Do Kwan
After the Korean War, Taekwondo underwent several developments as the martial art evolved into a distinct practice. Chung Do Kwan played an important role in the systematization and formalization of Taekwondo during its early years. Under the leadership of Choi Hong Hi, the kwan was a key participant in the process of unifying the various schools of Korean martial arts into what we know today as Taekwondo.
In 1955, Choi Hong Hi founded the Korean Taekwondo Association (KTA) to standardize Taekwondo practices across the nation and bring together the various kwans. This helped promote the growth of Taekwondo both in Korea and internationally. Chung Do Kwan was one of the prominent founding members of the KTA and played a role in the creation of the original Taekwondo curriculum.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Chung Do Kwan grew as one of the largest and most influential schools, with thousands of students worldwide. This period also saw the establishment of Taekwondo competitions, and Chung Do Kwan practitioners became known for their excellence in both forms (poomsae) and sparring (kyorugi).
Chung Do Kwan’s Influence and Global Expansion
One of the most significant milestones in the history of Chung Do Kwan was its impact on the spread of Taekwondo outside of Korea. In the 1960s, Choi Hong Hi began promoting Taekwondo globally, particularly in countries such as Canada, the United States, and various Southeast Asian nations. The International Taekwondo Federation (ITF), founded by Choi in 1966, is another enduring legacy of his efforts to spread Taekwondo around the world.
Chung Do Kwan’s reputation for providing high-level training and producing skilled athletes in both technique and sparring grew quickly. The kwan’s philosophy of combining hard work, discipline, and respect for others became a hallmark of its schools and practitioners.
Chung Do Kwan Today
In modern times, Chung Do Kwan remains one of the most respected and influential schools in the Taekwondo community. Today, it is led by a variety of master instructors, and while its influence has diminished somewhat compared to the peak of Taekwondo’s global rise in the 1970s and 1980s, its legacy continues to thrive. The organization is active in training martial artists of all ages and skill levels and still adheres to the principles laid out by Choi Hong Hi in the early days of its formation.
Chung Do Kwan’s global presence is strong, with schools and practitioners in countries around the world. The training focuses not only on physical skill development but also on moral and ethical aspects such as respect, humility, and perseverance. Chung Do Kwan practitioners continue to participate in various Taekwondo competitions and events, both regionally and internationally.
However, the relationship between the original Chung Do Kwan and other major Taekwondo organizations, such as the World Taekwondo (WT) and the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF), is complex. The history of the kwans and the evolution of Taekwondo’s global governing bodies have led to some differences in technical and philosophical approaches. Despite these distinctions, Chung Do Kwan’s dedication to the preservation of traditional Taekwondo principles remains unwavering.
Conclusion
Chung Do Kwan Taekwondo holds a significant place in the history of Taekwondo as one of the original founding schools. Its development, spearheaded by Choi Hong Hi, helped shape the martial art into the global phenomenon it is today. Through its long history, Chung Do Kwan has contributed to the spread of Taekwondo worldwide, influencing both the technical aspects of the art and its ethical teachings. Despite the passage of time and the emergence of new styles and organizations, Chung Do Kwan continues to be a respected and integral part of the Taekwondo community.
References
Choi, H. H. (1972). Taekwondo: The Korean martial art. Choi Hong Hi Taekwondo Organization.
Chung Do Kwan Taekwondo Association. (n.d.). History of Chung Do Kwan. Retrieved from www.chungdokwan.org
Kim, Y. S., & Lee, K. Y. (2007). The history of Taekwondo and its significance in Korean culture. International Journal of Korean Martial Arts, 16(2), 44-56.
Lee, J. H. (2010). The evolution of Taekwondo: From a traditional martial art to a modern Olympic sport. Journal of Martial Arts, 22(3), 112-120.
World Taekwondo. (2018). History of Taekwondo. Retrieved from www.worldtaekwondo.org
