Suh Chong Kang

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Suh Chong Kang
Kang Suh Chong.jpg
Kang Suh-chong
Korean name
Hangul
강서종
Revised RomanizationGang Seojong
McCune–ReischauerKang Sŏjong

Kang Suh-chong was a South Korean-born martial artist and instructor who was a central figure in the establishment of Taekwondo in the United States.

Early years in South Korea[]

Kang started his martial arts training in 1938 in Yudo, Su Bahk Do. He later became a student of Tang Soo Do/Kong Soo Do under (Chung Do Kwan Founder) . Kang was a graduate of the first class of Chung Do Kwan black belts.

In 1953 Kang founded his own branch of taekwondo, naming it Kuk Mu Kwan. From 1957 to 1969 Kang served as the head martials arts instructor of the Korean Military Intelligence Agency. From 1960 to 1968, he was the commanding instructor for the Republic of Korea Army.

Career in United States[]

In 1969, Kang and his family emigrated to the United States. Already an 8th Dan Black Belt, he founded his own Tae Kwon Do academy in Brooklyn, New York. Kang became the first President of the American Tae Kwon Do Association (ATA), serving from 1969 to 1978.[1]

In the late 1970's, Kang served as the Vice President of the International Tae Kwon Do Federation. He was also the Chairman of the All American Tae Kwon Do Federation, based in Brooklyn,

GM Father kick.jpg

Before his death, Lee Won-kuk promoted Kang to the rank of 10th Dan Black Belt. He was the first one of the original Chung Do Kwan Black Belts to receive this honor.

Legacy[]

Kang's three sons are Tae Kwon Do Grand Masters who teach Kang's system in their own Tae Kwon Do schools and organizations.

On April 10, 2009 Kang was inducted into the Taekwondo Hall of Fame.[2]

References[]

  1. ^ "About UsHistory - T. Kang Taekwondo Martial Arts Center".
  2. ^ "Pioneers Inducted into theTaekwondo Hall of Fame".


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