General Choi Hong Hi is the founding father of Taekwon-Do, creating the name in 1955. The word itself tells the story of the art: Tae (foot), Kwon (fist), Do (art or way).
General Choi researched and developed the Chang Hun style of Taekwon-Do using a combination of hand techniques and the perfection of foot techniques drawn from Taek Kyon, Soo Bak-Gi, and Karate. He grounded the physical techniques in the principles of modern science — specifically Newtonian physics — to generate maximum power with precision and efficiency.
Furthermore, General Choi incorporated military tactics of attack and defense, and the fundamental theories and principles he developed are wholly unique to Taekwon-Do. It stands as a completely valid and distinct Korean martial art.
In 1965, the South Korean Government declared Taekwon-Do the nation's National Martial Art. General Choi led the Taekwon-Do Goodwill Mission on a demonstration tour of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. A year later, the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) was founded and established by General Choi in Seoul, Korea.
The study of Taekwon-Do provides wide-ranging benefits: improved motor skills, aerobic conditioning, flexibility, and control of body movement — alongside the cultivation of humility, courage, and self-control that define a true martial artist.
Key Milestones
Taekwon-Do Named
General Choi Hong Hi creates the name Taekwon-Do and formalizes the art.
National Martial Art of Korea
The South Korean Government officially declares Taekwon-Do the national martial art.
ITF Founded
The International Taekwon-Do Federation is established by General Choi in Seoul, Korea.
Kirksville Taekwon-Do Founded
Grand Master Bill Stephenson opens Kirksville Taekwon-Do, initially teaching at Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State).
50+ Years & Growing
Kirksville Taekwon-Do continues at 307 S. Franklin St., led by Grand Masters Bill and Dustin Stephenson.