Taekwondo

To my knowledge, there is no "official" title recognized on paper, but the term is known and used throughout the Taekwondo community, and does have a specific meaning which is understood, accepted, and honored by most Taekwondo experts.

To answer this question in detail, it must first be understood that "titles" are not "ranks" in Taekwondo. Thus, terms such as "Instructor," "Master," "Grandmaster" and "Great Grandmaster" are labels used to indicate a Black Belt teacher's position within a particular organization, and do not equate a promotion in belt rank, or degree.

Secondly, the terms of "Instructor," "Master," and "Grandmaster" are English words, thus they were originally used as a translation of what is meant by common words in the Korean language, and the Taekwondo terminology to refer to a person who teaches students (Gyosa: 교사), an expert who teaches Black Belts and is the head of a school (sabeom: 사범), and a leader who guides, directs, and teaches the school masters (Kwanjang: 관장), which is equivalent to a "superintendent" of schools.

With that in mind, the terms of Master and Grandmaster have been fully accepted in the Korean culture (including in modern Korean dictionaries), and adopted to the Martial Art of Taekwondo, but are only defined by guidelines within each organization, and will differ to some degree from one organization to the next. The Korean term for a school which teaches a uniquely different curriculum, and is founded and led by one person is a "Kwan." This is based in the Korean language to the concept of a "clan" or "family" which are related to one another.

Philosophically speaking, a Sabeom (school master) is like the father in one home (the "Dojang," or "school"). The Kwanjang (Grandmaster) is like the Grandfather of the family. If you are fortunate to have your Grandfather's father still alive, he would be called your "Great-Grandfather." Thus, it is a natural comparision to use the term "Great Grandmaster" to refer to your Grandmaster's teacher.

(note: When a junior rank is talking to, or about a senior rank, they should use the honorific form of the title which would then end in the suffix "nim" ( 님 ). This means that the person speaking is acknowledging the other person as being their senior: Gyeosanim, Sabeomnim, and Kwanjangnim. However, you never use the honorific suffix of "nim" when referring to yourself or to a junior.)

In Korean Taekwondo, the term "geup" (sometimes translated as gup or kup) is written in Hangul (Korean script) as 급, and means "grade." It is typically used to refer to the temporary levels of a student working toward a Black Belt Degree which is called a Dan ( 단 ; pronounced with the "ah" sound as in the name "Don") for adults 15 and older, and a poom ( 품 ) for junior Black Belt under age 15. (note: In Japanese Martial Art systems such as Karate-Do, the term for grade is "kyu," but Dan is the same) In most Taekwondo schools the students wear different colored belts to represent a new grade level. Some schools use fewer colors, and add taped stripes for certain grades, while other schools use a different color belt for each grade, but it is not the color that is of great importance as the grade and skill required to attain that grade which the belt represents. Belt colors are an easy visual cue for students and instructors to quickly identify the expected progress of a particular student. The grades progress from the beginner at what is often referred to as "mu geup" (no grade) to a student who has been tested once to the "gu geup" (9th grade). Some Taekwondo schools use the number 10, or sip geup for the initial grade (pronounced "sheep" with a very soft "h" sound). The grading system starts at the higher number for beginner students, and decreases to the lower number as the student goes up in grade (9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1). As a student learns the basics of Taekwondo training (class procedures, customs, beginner terminology, stances and techniques) they are given the opportunity about every one to three months (depending on the organization or instructor's requirements) to test for promotion. A geup test (grade promotion) typically entails a group setting (sometimes 10 to as many as 100 or more students) of various rank level applicants demonstrating skills before a panel of Black Belt judges. The material for a geup promotion includes a demonstration of current rank techniques, forms exhibition (pre-arranged patterns called Poomsae, Hyung, or Tul - similar to Japanese Karate Kata), one-step controlled sparring with a partner (Hanbo Gyorugi), self defense tactics (Hoshinsul), Board Breaking (Kyukpa), and Free Sparring (Jayu Gyorugi). The students are also graded on other areas such as knowledge, attitude, appearance, courtesy and manners as well as a report of behavior outside of the Taekwondo Dojang (school) to include respect of parents and teachers, and good grades in school. The adult Black Belt Dan is a permanent rank where the belt remains Black for the rest of the student's life, but the level of expertise is indicated by degrees of the Black Belt (Dan) from 1st Degree (Il Dan) to 9th Degree (Gu Dan). 10th Degree is typically an honorary rank conferred upon retired Grandmasters or posthumously (after death). Black Belt degrees are usually indicated on the belt with taped stripes or sewn thread of various colors (often white or gold), or it is written in Roman Numerals or the script of the Asian language represented by the art (i.e.: Korean Hangul for Taekwondo). The geup is a grade of students learning the essential basics, or foundation of the art which focuses on individual techniques and some basic application. These grade progressions are similar to going through Grammar school to reach a Diploma upon graduation from Senior High School. The Dan is pursuing an advanced education like that of a college degree. It is like the building which is erected on the foundation of the color belt education. At the Dan level, more difficult techniques are mastered, more advanced fighting theory and applications are learned, including more emphasis on real life self defense scenarios, but also there is a greater focus on philosophy, spiritual enlightenment, ethical behavior and the wise use of their Martial Art skills. Also, the Black Belt learns the duties and responsibilities of a leader and role model for new students, to be humble in life, and a positive participant in the community. There are many different organizations and schools for Taekwondo education (including well-established federations, independently run associations, and improperly trained and uncertified instructors. Taekwondo is the South Korean National Martial Art and their world headquarters is at the National Academy called the Kukkiwon (Kuk - Key - wahn). http://www.kukkiwon.or.kr/english/examination/examination08.jsp?div=01

The ones that you hear their names the most!

The answer to this question will change with each passing generation. It will also vary depending on what country you live in, and whatever Taekwondo organization of which you are a member.

There are many pioneers, and legends of the past, several of whom were once more well-known, but their fame fades with time. Others are famous because they brought Taekwondo to a country or region where it previously did not exist. Others gain fame for their exceptional skills, or because they win tournaments, or because they are a movie star/celebrity - - or a combination of those things.

I will star a list, and others can add names of people who they feel have attained local or world-wide fame.

Grandmaster Won-Kuk Lee (founder of the first official Kwan: Chung Do Kwan)

General Hong-Hi Choi (founder of Oh Do Kwan, ITF, and submitter of the name Taekwondo in 1955)

Grandmaster Jhoon Rhee (Noted for first organizing Taekwondo in America)

Grandmaster Suh-Chong Kang (pioneer of Taekwondo on U.S. eastern coast, co-founder and first President of the ATA)

Grandmaster Haeng-Ung Lee (co-founder and second president of the ATA, and founder of Song Ahm Taekwondo / STF)

Grandmaster Y.K. Kim (Kukkiwon 9th Dan / Korean movie producer / actor, business seminar motivational speaker)

Chuck Norris (Tournament fighter / actor - tv & movie star - trained and certified in various Korean Martial Art systems, including 9th Dan Kukkiwon for Taekwondo)

Grandmaster Edward B. Sell (founder of U.S. Chung Do Kwan, first non-Asian to attain "Master" level and to reach 9th Dan [Chung Do Kwan] currently 9th Dan Kukkiwon).

Grandmaster Brenda J. Sell (President of U.S. Chung Do Kwan, highest ranked non-Asian female in the world - 8th Dan Kukkiwon)

"Superfoot" Bill Wallace (Undefeated PKA champion / actor, studied Taekwondo and other Martial Art systems)

Jun-Ki Lee (one of the top South Korean actors, model and singer)

Master Kim Yong Ho, 9th Dan

Hwang Jang-lee ( Was most famous as an actor in the70s and 80s, best known as Thunder Leg in Drunken Master as well as Silver Fox)

_________________________________________________________________

Feel free to add names to the bottom of this list just above this line, and indicate what made the individual famous. Keep it brief as the name is mostly all that is needed. Detailed profiles on each can be searched elsewhere.

Yes. Many of the early Kwan founders and pioneers of Taekwondo were students and instructors of, or influenced by Korean Hapkido and Yudo which consisted of a curriculum focused primarily on joint locks, pressure points, and throws. It was clear to the developers of Taekwondo that an expert of self defense must be able to incorporate throws and grappling as a supplement to the primary use of feet and hands as striking weapons. This has always been a part of authentic Taekwondo from its developmental stages between 1944 and 1955 when the Korean National Martial Art was named. However, many modern day schools have dropped much of the close quarters combat, throwing and grappling in favor of an increased focus on kicking, sports, or children's "Karate for Kids" classes that do not actually represent the true Korean Martial Art of Taekwondo.

In the Korean language, "hosinsul" (호신술) means "Self Defense" or "self defense techniques."

Tang Soo do was the Korean version meaning "the way of Chinese hand" and was the name used by Won Kuk Lee to describe what he taught at the first official Korean Martial Art school in 1944 called the Chung Do Kwan. The name Tang soo Do was later used by one of the Kwans that did not merge to form the art of Taekwondo.

Modern Taekwondo was developed by combining the instructions taught at various Kwan (schools) with a base tactic of kicking that was borrowed from the native Korean Tae kkyeon (aka: "tae kyon" - the "kicking method"). There were also influences from Chinese and Japanese sources in the early Taekwondo instruction, but Taekwondo has evolved to reflect a primarily unique Korean Martial Art.

Taekwondo was created in Korea. It's Korean martial art. Not Japanese.

There were influences from:

1) Subak (ancient Korean hand strikes and grappling)

2) Tae kkyeon ( Korean Kicking method)

3) Hwarangdo ( Social warrior training of youth of Korean nobility)

4) Tang Soo Do ( Chinese hand fighting mixed with native Korean methods)

5) Yudo (Korean version of Japanese Judo learned during Japanese occupation)

6) Hapkido (Korean version of Aikijutsu similar to Aikido with mixture of kicks)

7) Shotokan Karate (taught to a few Kwan founders by Gichen Funakoshi)

8) Taekwondo ( Korean "way of the hand and foot" named on April 11, 1955)

This sounds like you might be referring to the Korean word "geuman" 그만

This means "stop" or to "end" something. In Taekwondo competition, it is used by the center referee to indicate that time is up for a round of sparring. It is also used at the completion of performing a pattern or form to signal for the student to go back to the "junbi" (ready) position. In general, it may be used at any time by an instructor to call a cease to all activities, whereby students should immediately stop what they are doing.

In the year 1978.

Tae-kwon-do stared when a General called General Choi Hong Hi started the sport up

The correct term for grade in Taekwondo is the Korean word "geup." There is usually only one geup per belt color, but sometimes there are two.

This question uses incorrect terminology since Taekwondo is a Korean Martial Art, and the term "kyu" is Japanese for the color belt level or "grade." In the Korean language, the term for grade is "geup." The grading system is used to create short term goals for the student, and checkpoints for the Instructor on the path to reach 1st Degree Black Belt. The grades may be divided into any number, but typically begin at 8th grade, or 9th grade, and count down to the 1st grade being the highest level of color belt before attaining Black Belt. The white belt is the beginner rank that is either considered "mu geup" ("no grade") or represents a 10th level, or the 9th or 8th grade.

Each grade after white belt is represented on the student's uniform by wearing a different color belt, or adding taped stripes to a current belt. Some Taekwondo schools and organizations use a different color for each grade, getting gradually darker toward the Black Belt, while others use one belt for two grades, and add stripes to show an advancement from a low grade to high grade of the same color.

Example:

Mu Geup = No Grade - White Belt

Gu Geup = 9th Grade - Yellow Belt or White Belt

Pal Geup = 8th Grade - Gold Belt or Low Yellow Belt

Chil Geup = 7th Grade - Orange Belt or High Yellow Belt

Yuk Geup = 6th Grade - Green Belt or Low Green Belt

Oh Geup = 5th Grade - Purple Belt or High Green Belt

Sa Geup = 4th Grade - Blue Belt or Low Blue Belt

Sam Geup = 3rd Grade - Red Belt or High Blue Belt

Yi Geup = 2nd Grade - Brown Belt or Low Brown Belt

Il Geup = 1st Grade - Brown & Black Stripe Belt or High Brown Belt or Red Belt

Il Dan = 1st Degree Black Belt

This is a difficult question to answer definitively for two main reasons. First, answering what is "most important" can run more into personal opinion, than fact. Second, the skill of Taekwondo that ultimately result in success for self defense is a mutual combination of many muscle groups throughout the entire body working simultaneously.

The initial response might be to say that the most important is the "brain," however the brain is anatomically not a muscle. However, it could be viewed as the most important organ since this is the command center for controlling the muscles and other organs, as well as being responsible for learning, memory, and decision making.

Organs such as the heart and lungs should not be overlooked, since the lack of cardiovascular conditioning can cause the best fighter to lose steam, become fatigued, and fail to perform to maximum potential. In fact, the overall health of all organs, muscles, and tissue of the body is often viewed as the most important aspect of training. Be healthy - be strong - be prepared.

As for the anatomy of the body, one of the primary muscle groups responsible for generating power is the abdominal region. However, all the muscles of the body are used in unison to maximize the force delivered to a target, so none can be singled out as the most important. The chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

A Taekwondo dan (black belt degree) or poom (junior black belt, usually under age 15), can be "validated" in many different ways, depending on who your instructor is, what is the lineage of your instructor and/or school to earlier, recognized Kwans (family of schools), and any connection to an established Taekwondo organization, association, or federation.

For many students, the mere acknowledgement from their personal teacher (especially if the teacher is a venerated master with legitimate training, and proper credentials), is enough to satisfy their own validation. However, to avoid falling victim to the many frauds, and scam artist who claim to know the Korean art of Taekwondo, and to be qualified to teach, there are many well-known sources of official Black Belt Dan certification. The best way to be sure is to verify the unbroken chain of lineage from the original 9 Kwans recognized in Korea (internet searches of the name of your school / association can help with that)

Since Taekwondo is recognized as a Korean Martial Art (the national martial art and national sport of Korea), the only official certification of Black Belts in Korea (also made available to students world wide) is the through the Kukkiwon (World Taekwondo Headquarters in Seoul, Korea).

Kukkiwon Taekwondo black belts should be registered with the Kukkiwon in Korea. You can verify someone's dan level by visiting the Kukkiwon website (see related link below), and going to "Dan Check". You'll need the person's nationality (from pick list) full name (as it appears on their Kukkiwon certificate) and their birth date (in the correct Asian date format of YYMMDD).

The hakama is a traditional form of Japanese clothing that is worn by tying it at the waist over a kimono. The meaning of the seven pleats in the hakama are a symbol of the seven bushido virtues.

The last name of "Kim" is very common among Koreans, likewise among Korean Taekwondo Masters. Many of them have the first initial of "K" so you would have to be more specific of which K. Kim you are looking for.

On the other hand, this sounds likes a cheap way to plug a particular school. All I have to do if I want to advertise my instructors school is to come on here and ask where his school is, even though I already know the answer.

If you are looking for a specific Taekwondo school in your area, then it is best to consult a phone book. If you are seeking info about a Taekwondo master that you have heard of, then do an internet web search (IE: Google, Yahoo, Dogpile, etc.).

North Korean Flag: 람홍색공화국기 Ramhongsaek Konghwagukki

South Korean Flag: 태극기 Taegeukgi

In order to determine if your Taekwondo rank certificate is a fake or not, you should do the following three things:

1. Examine everything that is written on it, including having any foreign language writings translated.

2. Make sure that any claims of affiliation to any officially established organizations, associations or federations are truthful.

3. Contact any such named organizations to verify that your rank has been duly authorized, awarded, and recorded with that organization.

It is important to understand that there are three types of rank certificates issued in Taekwondo: 1. Geup (grade - represented by color belt - sometimes spelled "gup," or "kup"). 2. Dan (degree - represented by a Black Belt with various numbers of stripes, or writings stitched on one end to indicate the level of degree). 3. Pum (Junior Black Belt, often represented by a half red and half black belt, issued in lieu of an adult Dan certificate for those under a specific age, such as 15).

Geup certificates can be, and often are awarded by the Dojang (school) at which you attend classes, and only in the name of the Sabeomnim (school head master). Sometimes, the geup is backed by a larger organization, or association, and if the name of such an organization is on your certificate, you can contact them to verify the authenticity.

Black Belt "Dan" certificates are typically backed and issued through a major association or federation (IE: Kukkiwon - World Taekwondo Headquarters in Seoul, Korea, ITF - International Taekwondo Federation, or any number of Kwan or other associations). If you pay for certification from a major legitimate source, you should be able to contact that organization's headquarters by e-mail, postal mail, or phone with the certificate number, and verify its authenticity.

Aside from a certificate being a possible "fraud" or "fake," by making claims of association, or backing of credentials that are false, there is also the issue of the significance of the certifying body. In other words, a Black Belt student who has little or no training and/or credentials as a certified instructor, can open a school, and issue geup or dan certificates in their own name without making any "false" claims connecting them to any other organization. They will state that their certificates are not "fake," but this does not mean that the certificate carries any weight. These type of certificates are typically considered "unauthorized" or "not backed" by a recognized source rather than being "fake."

If the certificate is cheap copy of a made-up document, printed off a home computer, or duplicated at a local copy company, then this should be a red flag as to the certificate having any real value. Also, if there are no indications on these school issued certificates of having any backing from a major organization, then this too should be a red fag, or concern that the certificate has no meaning outside the school where it was issued.

For some people, that doesn't matter, and the only important thing is if the Instructor who issued the certificate is a good teacher, and the student is learning well the art described on the rank certificate. However, without officially sanctioned standards being verified by authentic credentials, you have to trust the word of your instructor, and there are too many fraudulent people lying about their own credentials, and defrauding the public with imitation training, resulting in poor knowledge, and inadequate skills.

When Taekwondo was first being organized into a standardized curriculum of Korean Martial Art (1944 - 1961), the majority of the philosophy, techniques, and tactics were drawn from various traditional forms of Korean Martial Art.

Many of the pioneers of Taekwondo were the founders of the original nine Kwans (family of schools under one founder). Each of them contributed a wide range of backgrounds from China, Korea, and Japan. A few of them were previously certified Black Belts and instructors of Japanese Karate-do since the Japanese occupation restricted much of their freedom to openly teach native Korean traditions. Kata (prearranged forms) was one of the training tools that was a part of Karate-do which came from the Okinawa-te (hand fighting), but did not previously exist in Korean Martial Art systems.

The Korean Kwan founders borrowed the concept of forms and its basic framework, but redesigned them for the application of Taekwondo techniques and tactics. The first version created and published in written text was called the Chang Hon (Blue Cottage) system developed by Korean Army General Hong-Hi Choi who founded the Oh Do Kwan, and later the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF). Some of the early Taekwondo schools used variations of the older Karate forms, while others adopted Choi's Chang Hon "tul" (patterns).

The Korea Taekwondo Association (KTA) was formed in 1961 to unite the various Kwans. In 1972, the Kukkiwon building (National Academy and World Taekwondo Headquarters in Seoul, Korea) was built. Taekwondo was named by the Korean government as the national Martial Art of Korea, and Taekwondo competition was named as the national sport of Korea. The Korean government recognized nine Kwans, created a 10th administrative Kwan, and numbered them to unify and replace the Kwan system.

After years of research and development, a panel of Korean Grandmasters at the Kukkiwon completely redesigned the practice of forms into "Poomsae" and developed the Palgwae set of 8 forms, and Black Belt forms for each of the nine degrees. A few of the Kwan founders were not consulted on the creation of the Palgwae, so a new panel representing all of the original Kwans was formed, and the Taegeuk poomsae were developed. These are the official forms of Taekwondo at the Kukkiwon, and for Olympic competition as approved by the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF).

The South Korean national Martial Art and national sport was developed in Seoul, South Korea between 1944 and 1955. The art was introduced to North Korea, and also became popular there, but North Korea has done little to promote Taekwondo worldwide.

As Taekwondo grew in popularity in South Korea, the sport aspect was promoted internally through national competitions, and later World Championships. During the Korean War (1950 - 53), South Korean Martial Art masters taught Korean soldiers and allied forces, including U.S. servicemen stationed in Korea. A handful of Taekwondo Masters in the Korean ROK Army traveled abroad, and spread the knowledge of Taekwondo on military bases worldwide throughout the 1960's and 70's. The Korean Tiger, Army Special Forces became feared for their Taekwondo skills in combat during the Vietnam War.

Also during the 1960's and 70's, many South Korean Taekwondo Masters began to immigrate to different countries, and started teaching in schools that later grew into national and international associations and federations.

In South Korea, the government got involved in promoting the art under the leadership of prominent politician, Dr. Un-Young Kim, and invested in building the Kukkiwon (World Taekwondo Headquarters and national academy) in Seoul, South Korea in 1972. Dr. Kim became the President of the KTA, and was elected president of the Kukkiwon. In 1973, the first World Taekwondo Championships were held at the Kukkiwon, and a meeting followed between delegates from several nations that formed the World Taekwondo Federation as a sport governing body for Taekwondo competition worldwide. Dr. Un-Young Kim was elected as the WTF President.

Dr. Kim was also the Vice-President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and pushed for the acceptance of Taekwondo as an official Olympic Sport. The WTF was subsequently recognized by the IOC as the IF (International Federation) for governing the Olympic sport of Taekwondo, and it made its debut as a demonstration sport at the 1988 Summer Olympic games in Seoul, South Korea.

Taekwondo was also an exhibition sport at the Barcelona Summer games in 1992, and by 1994, was officially adopted by the IOC as a full medal sport for the 2000 Summer games in Sydney, Australia.

The South Korean government continues to promote Taekwondo through cultural tourism, and inclusion in the curriculum at major universities. The government helps to support the training of athletes and hosting of World Championships.