General Choi Hong Hi, was born on November 9, 1918, in the Hwa Dae district of what is now North Korea. He was a prominent figure in the martial arts world. He is widely regarded as the Founder of ITF Taekwon-Do and played a crucial role in promoting and developing the Art. General Choi began his martial arts training at a young age, studying calligraphy, music, and the Chinese martial arts. His interest in martial arts intensified during his time at the Japanese military academy, where he witnessed the oppressive rule of the Japanese empire over his homeland. This sparked a desire in him to cultivate a Korean martial art that would empower his people and preserve their cultural heritage.
After completing his studies, General Choi devoted himself to the pursuit of this goal. He studied various forms of martial arts, both traditional Korean and other styles, such as Shotokan Karate. He blended these different techniques and philosophies to create a new martial art, which he named Taekwon-Do in 1955. It emphasized high, fast kicks, dynamic movements, and a strong focus on self-defense. General Choi Hong Hi's efforts to promote Taekwon-Do were not limited to the physical aspects of the Art. He recognized the need to create a standardized system and promote Taekwon-Do worldwide. In 1966, he established the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) to achieve these goals. The ITF provided a platform for countries around the world to join together and promote Taekwon-Do as an official martial art. General Choi became the first President of the ITF. Under Choi's leadership, Taekwon-Do gained widespread recognition and popularity. As of now, Taekwon-Do is practised by millions worldwide and has become one of the most popular martial arts.
General Choi Hong Hi's legacy extends beyond the Art itself. He authored several books on Taekwon-Do, including the Encyclopaedia of Taekwon-Do, which serves as a comprehensive guide to the principles and techniques of the Art. General Choi dedicated his life to promoting Taekwon-Do as a means of self-defence, physical fitness, and personal development. Sadly, General Choi Hong Hi passed away on June 15, 2002, in Pyongyang, North Korea. However, his contributions to the martial arts world and his dedication to promoting Taekwon-Do continue to inspire practitioners and enthusiasts worldwide. His impact on Taekwon-Do is immense, and his legacy will forever be remembered in the history of martial arts.
The International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) experienced a significant split after the passing of its Founder, General Choi Hong Hi. Following General Choi's death, there were disagreements and power struggles among the high-ranking members of the ITF, which ultimately resulted in a split within the organization. This split occurred primarily due to differing opinions on the future direction and leadership of the federation.
