Open ITF Taekwondo official logo 2024

Send us a message today!

Join Open ITF 

FREE MEMBERSHIP UNTIL 2026

Membership Enquiry

9 + 6 =

Taekwon-do Founder

(Daily Telegraph Filed: 26/06/2002)

General Choi Hong HiGeneral Choi Hong Hi, who has died aged 83, was the father of I.T.F. Taekwon-Do, the martial art now practised by millions of people in more than 120 countries.
Taekwon-Do was developed by Choi in Korea during the 1940s as a combination of Korean Taek Kyon and Japanese Karate. A method of unarmed combat for practical self-defence, it is concerned with both the physical and the mental, emphasising self-discipline, humility and a sense of justice.

In 1955 Choi gave it its name, comprising Tae (which means to kick with the foot), Kwon (to strike with the fist), and Do (art).
Choi Hong Hi was born on November 9 1918 in the Myong Chun district of what is now North Korea. A sickly but wilful child, he was expelled from school at the age of 12 for leading a protest against the occupying Japanese. His father then persuaded him to study calligraphy and Chinese characters.

Choi’s tutor, Master Han II Dong, was also a master of Taek Kyon, the ancient Korean art of foot fighting which Han II Dong had practised in secret throughout the Japanese occupation. Noticing Choi’s frail physique, he decided to teach him Taek Kyon too.
In 1937, Choi went to Japan to continue his education. Besides English and Mathematics, he studied Karate, attaining a 2nd Degree Black Belt. On his return to Korea in 1942, he hid to avoid conscription into the Japanese Army, but was eventually caught, and in October 1943 began his basic training.

He was soon arrested during an attempt to escape and join the underground Korean Liberation Army. Sent to Pyung Yang prison for treason, he was due to have been executed on August 18 1945, three days after Korea was liberated.

Koraen ScrollIn prison Choi had practised a combination of Taek Kyon and Karate. In 1946 he was one of the founders of the new Korean Army, where he trained his company in his new martial art. In 1949 he went to Fort Riley Grand General School in Kansas, where he gave Americans their first taste of what was to become Taekwon-Do.
On the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950, Choi hurried back to Korea, where he was ordered to set up an officer training academy. In 1952 he was appointed chief of staff of the First Corps, and soon found himself briefing General Douglas MacArthur, the Supreme Commander of the United Nations troops, on the situation at the front line.

In 1953, Choi formed the crack 29th Infantry Division (known as the “Fist Division” because of its flag with Choi’s fist over the Korean peninsular). This division, based at Cheju island, would eventually produce instructors in Taekwon-Do for the entire Korean army. In 1954 Choi was promoted major-general.
After 1955, Taekwon-Do quickly spread as a recognised art in Korea. In 1959 Choi and 19 of his Black Belts toured the Far East, and when the International Taekwon-Do Federation was founded in 1966, it had associations in Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, West Germany, America, Turkey, Italy, Egypt and Korea.

Taekwon-Do was taken up by several foreign armies, and was taught at West Point in America. During the Vietnam War, the Taekwon-Do training of Korean and other foreign soldiers was said to have had a demoralising effect on the Viet Cong.
In 1971, the South Korean president Park Chung Hee began to use Taekwon-Do as anti-communist political propaganda. Choi, fiercely against this, went into exile in Canada. He continued to teach Taekwon-Do throughout the world, including in North Korea, and in 1974 he organised the first Taekwon-Do world championship in Montreal.

All the while he had to endure death threats from Korean Central Intelligence, attempts to kidnap him and attempts on his life by armed assassins. On one occasion his son and daughter, who had stayed behind in South Korea, were kidnapped and their lives threatened if Choi did not return to Korea. His response was “I choose Taekwon-Do over my son”. They were freed.
Choi continued to practise and promote his art until his death on June 15. As recently as May he could be seen giving seminars.

Cover for Open ITF TaeKwon-Do
2,151
Open ITF TaeKwon-Do

Open ITF TaeKwon-Do

Created by members for the members, the Open ITF offers certification, competitions, seminars, and support for TaeKwon-Do students globally.

6 days ago

Open ITF TaeKwon-Do
At Open ITF we want positive communication. If you place negative comments we will delete them as the ethos is simple. Everyone's welcome but please let's stay united and civil. ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook

7 days ago

Open ITF TaeKwon-Do
Today's OITF British Championships were a spectacular display of skill, determination, and sportsmanship. The event brought together some of the finest athletes from around the countey, each showcasing their skills.One of the highlights was the performance of the junior competitors, who demonstrated remarkable talent and potential. Their enthusiasm and energy were truly inspiring. The senior categories did not disappoint either, with several nail-biting bouts that highlighted the high level of competition.The organisation of the event was commendable, with smooth transitions between categories and efficient handling of logistics. The referees maintained fairness and upheld the integrity of the art, ensuring that all participants had a fair chance to shine.Overall, today's Championships were a resounding success, celebrating the spirit of Taekwon-Do and bringing the community together. Congratulations to all the winners and participants for their hard work and dedication.Mr B ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook

Join Open ITF now!

For all genuine clubs and associations

Who we are

Our Story

Open ITF is, above all, a community of martial artists united by a passion for the Korean martial art of Taekwon-do. Many of us are senior black belt holders, with some attaining the esteemed rank of Grandmaster 9th Dan Black Belt. We always remember why we began practicing this remarkable art. Unfortunately, Taekwon-do has been exploited by some for power and personal gain. Open ITF prioritizes its members while also upholding the traditional values envisioned by our late founder for the art’s perpetuation.

Open ITF Vision

Open ITF Gold LogoAs an international Taekwon-do organization, our vision is to establish a global branch dedicated to preserving the legacy of General Choi Hong Hi. Therefore, all members must comply with our fundamental principles and rules.

We will not tolerate individuals who have sought promotions by exploiting the art’s timeline. Nor will we accept the internal discord common in other groups. Our commitment is to unity, not conflict.

Open ITF Mission

Open ITF Gold LogoThe Open ITF aims to restore order and tranquility in Taekwon-do by embracing a policy of brotherhood, offering a platform where all practitioners can come together. By upholding the integrity of grades and ensuring the timeline is never breached, we will offer international certification recognized worldwide, alongside events that our members will take pride in. Finally all groups will adhere to the tenets as set by the arts founder General Choi Hong Hi, but also adopting humility as the unwritten tenet that will bring back peace in the art.

Open ITF services

The services Open ITF offer are as follows –

Open ITF Gold Logo

  1. Affiliation for all world wide
  2. International Black Belt certification
  3. Official International Events 
  4. Member event listings
  5. Club listings

Our founding GM’s

Of Open ITF

The founding Grandmasters of Open ITF bring decades of experience in Taekwon-do, each boasting up to 50 years of dedication to the art and having participated in numerous International Instructor Courses (IICs). This wealth of experience ensures that Open ITF is an excellent choice for anyone interested in the discipline.

Grandmaster 

Roy Oldham 

Grandmaster 

Bupindha Sohota

Grandmaster 

Ian Lawes

Share This