Kim Bok Man (Korean: 김복만; Hanja: 金福萬; December 3, 1934 – August 14, 2021) was a pioneering figure in the world of Taekwondo, remembered for his foundational contributions to the martial art’s spread and development across Southeast Asia and his role in shaping Taekwondo’s traditional patterns (poomsae). A master of Taekwondo with an 11th dan black belt, Kim’s legacy extends beyond his technical skill, encompassing his work as a teacher, innovator, and global ambassador for the art.
Early Life and Martial Arts Journey
Kim Bok Man’s martial arts journey began at the age of 7 when he started training in Taekkyeon, a traditional Korean martial art. By the time he joined the South Korean Army in the early 1950s, Kim was already skilled in various Korean martial arts. During his military service, Kim was introduced to Taekwondo, and it was under the guidance of General Choi Hong Hi, one of Taekwondo’s founding figures, that Kim’s expertise and contributions began to take shape.
Pioneering Taekwondo in Southeast Asia
In the 1950s and 1960s, Kim Bok Man played a crucial role in the introduction and development of Taekwondo throughout Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong. His influence in this region helped establish Taekwondo as a dominant martial art, where it continues to be practiced extensively today.
In 1962, while serving as a Sergeant Major in the South Korean army, Kim was invited to Malaysia by General Choi, who was serving as Korea’s ambassador at the time. Kim’s mission was to teach Taekwondo to members of the Malaysian government party and help develop the martial art throughout the region. His efforts led to the widespread adoption of Taekwondo in Southeast Asia, where it gained immense popularity.
The Development of Taekwondo Patterns
One of Kim Bok Man’s most significant contributions to Taekwondo was his involvement in the creation and development of the Ch’ang Hon patterns (tuls), which remain central to the art today. Kim, alongside Woo Jae-lim, worked closely with General Choi from 1962 to 1964 to develop 15 key patterns that would form the foundation of Taekwondo’s technical curriculum. These patterns were:
- Chon-Ji
- Dan-Gun
- Do-San
- Won-Hyo
- Yul-Gok
- Joong-Gun
- Toi-Gye
- Kwang-Gae
- Po-Eun
- Choon-Jang
- Ko-Dang
- Yoo-Sin
- Choi-Yong
- Se-Jong
- Tong-Il
Kim’s involvement in developing these patterns helped establish a structured approach to Taekwondo, enabling practitioners to develop their skills in a systematic way. Kim also acknowledged his lesser involvement in five additional patterns—Hwa-Rang, Eui-Am, Se-Jong, Chung-Mu, and Gye-Baek—bringing the total to 20. Notably, Kim did not have input into the patterns of Juche, Sam-Il, Yeon-Gae, Eul-Ji, Mun-Mu, and Seo-San.
Creation of Chun Kuhn Do
Beyond Taekwondo, Kim Bok Man also created Chun Kuhn Do, a martial art that incorporates elements of Taekwondo and traditional Korean martial arts. This art was an extension of his philosophy that martial arts should be a holistic practice, integrating the development of both mind and body.
Kim’s Final Years and Passing
Kim Bok Man’s contributions to Taekwondo spanned over six decades, and his influence is still felt in the martial arts community worldwide. He passed away on August 14, 2021, at the age of 86. His death marked the end of an era for Taekwondo, but his teachings, written works, and the martial art he helped spread live on through millions of practitioners across the globe. Kim’s passing is a reminder of the pivotal role he played in not only spreading Taekwondo internationally but also in shaping the martial art’s techniques and philosophy.
Legacy and Continued Influence
Kim Bok Man’s role in shaping Taekwondo’s development is unparalleled. His contributions to the creation of the Ch’ang Hon patterns and his work in spreading Taekwondo across Southeast Asia helped lay the foundation for the modern global practice of Taekwondo. Whether through his work in Malaysia, where he helped introduce Taekwondo to the government and general public, or his lasting impact through the standardized poomsae he helped create, Kim’s legacy is integral to the martial art’s global identity.
Through his life’s work, Kim solidified his position as one of Taekwondo’s greatest masters and a vital figure in the history of Korean martial arts. His impact will continue to be felt by future generations of martial artists who practice the forms, techniques, and philosophies that Kim helped establish.
References
- “Kim Bok Man.” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim_Bok_Man
- “Supreme Master Bok Man Kim (1934-2021).” Taekwondo Times. https://taekwondotimes.com/news/2021/08/supreme-master-bok-man-kim-1934-2021/
- “Bok Man Kim.” Taekwondo Fandom. https://taekwondo.fandom.com/wiki/Bok_Man_Kim
