Promotion from one geup to the next can proceed rapidly in some schools, since schools often allow geup promotions every two, three, or four months. Students of geup rank learn the most basic techniques first, and then move on to more advanced techniques as they approach first dan. Many of the older and more traditional schools often take longer to allow students to test for higher ranks than newer, more contemporary schools, as they may not have the required testing intervals. View Taekwondo belt levels »
Grandmasters
( 관장님 gwanjangnim )
List of Taekwondo Grandmasters includes notable persons who have been recognised as grandmasters of the Korean martial art of taekwondo.
There is no single, universally-recognised set of criteria to define a taekwondo grandmaster; different organizations and different styles have their own rules. Those listed below are grouped by system: Kukkiwon (widely known as the World Taekwondo (WT), International Taekwondo Federation (ITF), and other systems (which includes some people receiving ranks from taekwondo organizations that predate the other two systems, for example the original Korea Taekwondo Association).
Kukkiwon ( World Taekwondo (WT) )
This list includes persons who: (1) are ranked at least 9th dan by Kukkiwon (the highest rank normally awarded to living persons within that system); (2) are notable as individuals; and (3) are notable for their contribution to taekwondo.
Name
Rank
Life
Residence
Residence
Prominence
Ahn, Kyongwon
9th Dan
1937–
United States of America
Founded United Taekwondo Association; former President of the United States Taekwondo Union
Cha, Yong-Kil
9th Dan
1946–
Germany
President of the Jidokwan Europe Federation
Chang, Seong Dong
9th Dan
1953–
South Korea
President of Sangrok World Taekwondo Academy, founder of Taekwondo in India
Choi, Tae-hong
9th Dan
1935–2009
United States of America
Founded first taekwondo school in Oregon, USA; former Vice-President of the United States Taekwondo Union
Sun Hwan Chung
9th Dan
1940–
United States of America
Founder of Moo Sool Do and President of World Academy of Martial Arts Association. Korean National Champion (1963-1965). Kukkiwon Advisory Council (2008). Hall of Fame - U.S. Taekwondo Grandmasters Society. Former President, U.S.T.U. Michigan Tae Kwon Do Association.
Dong, Seung Gyoo
9th Dan
1946–
United States of America
President of Advanced World Martial Arts System; author of several books
Kil, Sang Sup
10th Dan
Unknown
United States of America
Korean National Champion between the years of 1965 and 1968, Founding President of the United States Han Mu Kwan Federation, President of the Michigan Tae Kwon Do Association
Kim, Il-Kwon
9th Dan
1942–
United States of America
Founder and President of the I. K. Kim Ja Be Ryu Tae Kwon Do Organization located in Cincinnati Ohio & President of the World Martial Arts Federation
Kim, Ki Whang
10th Dan
1920–1993
United States of America
Promoted to 10th dan by the KTA; Chairman of the US Olympic Taekwondo team
Lee, Chong Soo
9th Dan
1938–
Canada
Father of Canadian taekwondo
Lee, Hyeon Kon
9th Dan
c. 1947–
United States of America
Chairman of Board of Education of Kukkiwon; former Vice Chairman of Education of the WTF; author of taekwondo textbook
Lee, Kwan Sung
9th Dan
c. 194?–2003
United States of America
President of Kentucky Taekwondo Association.
Mayes, Myong Sok Namkung
9th Dan
c. 1954–
United States of America
Highest-ranked woman in taekwondo, 1988 US Olympic Coach (Women's)
Paik, Sang Kee
9th Dan
1929–2009
United States of America
Early student of B. I. Yoon and K. W. Kim; created Sa-Sang Kwan system
Park, Dong Keun
9th Dan
c. 1945–
United States of America
Father of Thai taekwondo; Head Coach of US Olympic taekwondo team in 1988 and 1992
Park, Yeon Hwan
9th Dan
1952–
United States of America
Korean National Champion 1971–1975; US Olympic Coach; Pan-American Team Coach; author of several reference books
Park, Sun Jae
9th Dan
c. 1940–
Italy
Father of Italian taekwondo; Vice President (Italy) of the WTF; one of the KTA's 12 original masters
Shin, Jang-Hwan
9th Dan
1951–
Austria
Father of Austrian taekwondo
Choi,John Jong
9th Dan
1946–
United States of America
A Korean National Champion; Current Secretary General & Treasurer for United States Taekwondo Grandmasters Society/USTGS
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Quiz
Question. What is the name of Taegeuk #8 in Korean?
Taegeuk 태극 (in World Taekwondo (WT)) refers to a set of poomse 품새 used to create a foundation for the teaching of taekwondo. A poomse or form is a detailed pattern of defense-and-attack motions and techniques used in traditional martial arts. Each taegeuk form symbolizes a specific state thought to be indicative of the belt the student currently holds, and is represented in World Taekwondo (WT) by trigrams similar to those found in the four corners of the South Korean flag.
Question. What is the name of Taegeuk #8 in Korean?
Answer you gave was: Chil Jang
Your answer is wrong! You need to study more!
The trigram associated with this poomse represents a Mountain. Also, it represents the northwest and youngest son. The symbolism behind the mountain is the indomitable and majestic nature that all mountains possess. This poomse is intended to be performed with the feeling that all movements are this majestic due to their unconquerable nature.
Question. What is the name of Taegeuk #8 in Korean?
Answer you gave was: Yuk Jang
Your answer is wrong! You need to study more!
The trigram associated with this poomse represents Water. Also, there is a relation to West and the relationship with a Second son. The movements of this poomse are intended to be performed like water; flowing, powerful and cleansing. Sometimes standing still like water in a lake, sometimes thriving as a river, sometimes powerful like a waterfall.
Question. What is the name of Taegeuk #8 in Korean?
Answer you gave was: Sam Jang
Your answer is wrong! You need to study more!
This trigram represents Fire. Related to this symbol is also East and the relationship of the Second Daughter. Fire contains a lot of energy. The symbol behind the fire is similar to the symbolism of the water in that both can aid and both can destroy. This form is intended to be performed rhythmically, with some outbursts of energy to reflect fire's rhythmic and energetic dualism.
Question. What is the name of Taegeuk #8 in Korean?
Answer you gave was: Pal Jang
Your answer is correct! Great Job!
The trigram associated with this poomse represents the Earth. Also, there is a representation of North and Mother. The associated trigram of this poomse is Yin. Yin, here, represents the end of the beginning, the evil part of all that is good. This being the last of the poomse Taegeuk, it represents the end of the circle and the cyclic nature of the Earth.
Question. What is the korean terminology for Back Stance?
Back stance is specifically focused on shifting weight to the back leg, as it offers much more control, and makes it easier to kick off the front leg. To perform this stance, the body faces to the side, with the front foot facing forward and the front leg bent. The back leg is bent slightly and the foot is turned outwards perpendicular to the front foot making the letter "L" for this stance.
Question. What is the korean terminology for Back Stance?
Answer you gave was: ( 뒷굽이 dwi kubi )
Your answer is correct! Great Job!
Back Stance ( 뒷굽이 dwi kubi ) is specifically focused on shifting weight to the back leg, as it offers much more control, and makes it easier to kick off the front leg. To perform the Back Stance ( 뒷굽이 dwi-kubi ), the body faces to the side, with the front foot facing forward and the front leg bent. The back leg is bent slightly and the foot is turned outwards perpendicular to the front foot making the letter "L" for this stance ( 서기 sogi ).
Question. What is the korean terminology for Back Stance?
Answer you gave was: ( 주춤서기 juchum sogi )
Your answer is wrong! You need to study more!
The Horse-Riding Stance ( 주춤서기 juchum-sogi ) is a beginner stance ( 서기 sogi ) generally used to practice punches ( 지르기 jireugi ) and blocks ( 막기 makgi ). It is similar to the Ready Stance ( 기본준비 junbi ) but the feet are placed much wider, about two-foot length's apart. Also, the knees ( 무릎 mureup ) are deeply bent and the shins ( 정강이 jeonggangi ) should be kept slightly perpendicular to the floor.
Question. What is the korean terminology for Back Stance?
Answer you gave was: ( 앞굽이 ap kubi )
Your answer is wrong! You need to study more!
Front Stance ( 앞굽이 ap-kubi ) is one of the most important techniques to learn when starting taekwondo as a beginner. The distance between the inside edges or namely the Reverse Foot Blade ( 발날등 balnaldeung ) of both feet should be between one to two fists apart and is about 4 to 4 one-half foot-length from origin. Rear toes are turned outward about 30 degrees and the body is also naturally angled at 30 degrees or facing straight forward depending on the upper body technique.
Question. What is the korean terminology for Back Stance?
Answer you gave was: ( 앞서기 ap sogi )
Your answer is wrong! You need to study more!
The Walking Stance ( 앞서기 ap-sogi ) is a beginner stance ( 서기 sogi ) that is used to approach or retreat in combat and patterns ( 품새 poomse ). Feet should be maintained approximately 3 foot-length from origin. To maintain a solid base, the front foot is facing straight forward and the back foot is 30 degrees to aid balance. Use of this stance ( 서기 sogi ) is featured prominently in many of the World Taekwondo (WT) Poomse.
Question. What is the korean terminology for Self-Defense?
Self-Defense is a countermeasure that involves defending the health and well-being of oneself from harm. Self-defense techniques and recommended behavior under the threat of violence is systematically taught in self-defense classes. It forms one of the main principles of the taekwondo art.
Question. What is the korean terminology for Self-Defense?
Answer you gave was: ( 지르기 jireugi )
Your answer is wrong! You need to study more!
Taekwondo Fist Strikes ( 지르기 jireugi ) are performed as a close distance alternative to kicks ( 차기 chagi ). They are executed in a number of ways - from standing, jumping, spinning and rushing forwards. The striker relaxes to the extent possible during the strike, tensing the muscles of much of the body only at the time of impact, then relaxing again to recoil the striking part. Hand strikes make up fast combinations of strikes which can leave an opponent stunned and unable to defend himself most commonly in self defense ( 호신술 hosinsool ) applications.
Question. What is the korean terminology for Self-Defense?
Answer you gave was: ( 서기 sogi )
Your answer is wrong! You need to study more!
The Korean martial arts has several Stances ( 서기 sogi ) used for different activities. Although there are strong similarities in stances throughout taekwondo schools, individual instructors often have their own preferred style. These stances are most commonly seen in taekwondo forms, and are critical for balance, precision, and good technique in the martial art.
Question. What is the korean terminology for Self-Defense?
Answer you gave was: ( 호신술 hosinsool )
Your answer is correct! Great Job!
Self-Defense ( 호신술 hosinsool ) is a countermeasure that involves defending the health and well-being of oneself from harm. Self-defense techniques and recommended behavior under the threat of violence is systematically taught in self-defense ( 호신술 hosinsool ) classes. It forms one of the main principles of the taekwondo art. The self-defense ( 호신술 hosinsool ) applications would be difficult to score in sparring as they are designed primarily to cause injury or quickly incapacitate an adversary.
Question. What is the korean terminology for Self-Defense?
Answer you gave was: ( 치기 chigi )
Your answer is wrong! You need to study more!
Taekwondo Strikes ( 치기 chigi ) are performed as a close distance alternative to kicks. Hand strikes make up fast combinations of strikes which can leave an opponent stunned and unable to defend himself. Striking ( 치기 chigi ) are taekwondo techniques striking with the twisting force of the body excluding techniques using the fist ( 주먹 jumeok ) or fingertips ( 손끝 sonkkeut ).
Question. What is the name of Taegeuk #7 in Korean?
Taegeuk 태극 (in World Taekwondo (WT)) refers to a set of poomse 품새 used to create a foundation for the teaching of taekwondo. A poomse or form is a detailed pattern of defense-and-attack motions and techniques used in traditional martial arts. Each taegeuk form symbolizes a specific state thought to be indicative of the belt the student currently holds, and is represented in World Taekwondo (WT) by trigrams similar to those found in the four corners of the South Korean flag.
Question. What is the name of Taegeuk #7 in Korean?
Answer you gave was: Yuk Jang
Your answer is wrong! You need to study more!
The trigram associated with this poomse represents Water. Also, there is a relation to West and the relationship with a Second son. The movements of this poomse are intended to be performed like water; flowing, powerful and cleansing. Sometimes standing still like water in a lake, sometimes thriving as a river, sometimes powerful like a waterfall.
Question. What is the name of Taegeuk #7 in Korean?
Answer you gave was: Sa Jang
Your answer is wrong! You need to study more!
This trigram represents Thunder. Also, the trigram is strongly connected to northeast and the relationship of the Eldest son. Thunder comes from the sky and is absorbed by the earth, thus, according to the beliefs of the I Ching, thunder is one of the most powerful natural forces. This poomse is associated with power and the connection between the heavens and earth.
Question. What is the name of Taegeuk #7 in Korean?
Answer you gave was: O Jang
Your answer is wrong! You need to study more!
The trigram associated with this poomse represents Wind. The trigram is also related to southwest and the relationship with an eldest daughter. The I Ching promotes that wind is a gentle force, but can sometimes be furious, destroying everything in its path. As such, it is intended that this poomse is performed like the wind: gently, but knowing the ability of mass destruction with a single movement.
Question. What is the name of Taegeuk #7 in Korean?
Answer you gave was: Chil Jang
Your answer is correct! Great Job!
The trigram associated with this poomse represents a Mountain. Also, it represents the northwest and youngest son. The symbolism behind the mountain is the indomitable and majestic nature that all mountains possess. This poomse is intended to be performed with the feeling that all movements are this majestic due to their unconquerable nature.
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Various surfaces of the hand ( 손 son ) may be engaged as the striking surface depending on which area of the opponents body is being targeted. Striking ( 치기 chigi ) are taekwondo techniques striking with the twisting force of the body excluding techniques using the fist ( 주먹 jumeok ) or fingertips ( 손끝 sonkkeut ). Thrusting ( 찌르기 Jjireugi ) are techniques striking with the fingertips ( 손끝 sonkkeut ). Chopping ( 찍기 Jjikgi ) are techniques striking with curled fingers. This leads to a large array of hand positions and taekwondo also makes use of reverse and front elbow strikes ( 팔굽 치기 palgup-chigi ). View more information about Book »
Indomitable spirit ( 백절불굴 baekjul-boolgool ):"To have indomitable spirit means to have the courage to stand up for what you believe in, no matter what odds you are up against, and to always give 100% effort in whatever you do."View Taekwondo Tenets »
