Grandmaster H.K.Lee Tae Kwon Do

1. Ancient Times (Before 57 BC)

Tae Kwon Do was developed:

As an effective means of self-defense (survival from attacks by animals and other tribes.)
To help people get food by fighting against animals, other tribes, and nature

2. Middle Ages (57 BC to 1392 AD): Three Kingdoms (The Silla, the Paekche, and the Koguryo) - unified Silla Dynasty - Koryo Dynasty

Training tool for the Hwa Rang Do (The "flower youth", meaning "Noble young men", comparable to today's Westpoint Military Academy.)
Contest and games for selecting military officials
Influenced by Buddhism

3. Modern Times (1392-1953): Yi Dynasty - Japanese Occupation - Korean War

Contest and games for selecting soldiers
Influenced by Buddhism, Confucianism and Chinese style martial arts
(1910- Aug. 15, 1945) Occupation by Japanese, Tae Kwon Do influenced by Japanese culture and Karate (No Koreans allowed to practice any martial art until they find someone who can train Karate to serve their Japanese government with loyalty.)
1943- Founder of Chung Do Kwan, Grandmaster Won Kook Lee, teaches Koreans Tang Soo Do under Japanese supervision
After 1945 Koreans break free from Japanese rule, first 8 Kwans are established under the name of Tae Kwon Do, Tang Soo Do, Tae Soo Do. Kong Soo Do:
- Chung Do Kwan, Moo Duk Kwan, Ji Do Kwan, Song Moo Kwan, Yun Moo Kwan, Chang Moo Kwan, Oh Do Kwan, Han Moo Kwan, followed by more.
1947- Korea's President Seung Man Lee orders General Hong Hee Choi to adopt Tae Kwon Do as the official name.
(1950-1953) Korean War, in North and South Korea Tae Kwon Do introduced to American GI's, Tae Kwon Do comes to the Western world

4. Present Times (Post-Korean War to Present Day.) Tae Kwon Do is influenced by Buddhism - Confucianism - Christianity and Western Culture.

1953- Independent from Communist North Korea.
1954- Korean Tae Kwon Do Association is founded
1961- Name changed to Korea Tae Soo Do Association
1965- Name changed back to Korean Tae Kwon Do Association
1971- President Jung Hee Park declares Tae Kwon Do as the Korea's National sport
Tae Kwon Do develops into a performing art and is practiced for sport and self-defense
1973- World Tae Kwon Do Federation is founded
1974- US Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) adopts Tae Kwon Do as an amateur sport
1978- Recognized by US Olympic committee, now a group "A" member
1979- The WTF is recognized by the International Olympic Committee
Aug. 1983- TKD included in the official Pan Am Games
Sep. 1984- TKD included as an official sport in the 10th Asian Games
Sep. 1988- TKD included as a demonstration game in the '88 Seoul Olympics
Aug. 1992- TKD included as a demonstration game in the '92 Barcelona Olympics
Sep. 2000- TKD included as an official sport in the '00 Sydney Olympics

Tae Kwon Do has been popularized by the events described above, plus the Vietnam War, Bruce Lee movies, Karate Kid, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, etc. Also, demonstrations and word of mouth have helped spread Tae Kwon Do throughout the world. Tae Kwon Do is currently practiced in over 150 countries worldwide.

Now, the majority of children (boys and girls) practice for character and health development by:
Building confidence and respect

Improving attention and concentration
Building a more positive attitude and discipline
Strengthening the mind and body through Promoting to build Knowledge in the Brain, Honesty in the heart, And strength in the body.
Working to improve themselves in other sports, and much more.

Men and Women practice to:

Reduce stress and fatigue.
Improve health through physical fitness
Help weight control
Learn practical self-defense
Better understand Eastern cultures
Build confidence in the mind and body in order to set and achieve goals
Achieve inner peace and balance in daily life
Gain greater coordination and flexibility
Improve day-to-day energy

We have many happy, mature adults in our academy. Mature adults practice to:

Maintain health for longevity through association with young and healthy people and his or her family and/or other families