Kuk Mu Kwan History
The ITBA welcomes practitioners across all styles of taekwondo.
At the same time, we’re proud that our history traces back to the formation of the Kuk Mu Kwan in 1953 and before that, to the Chung Do Kwan. Understanding Suh Chong Kang’s journey and the subsequent development of this style under the later guidance of Hosun Kang is important not only to honor our own legacy but also to remind ourselves that each style of taekwondo has followed its own unique historical path.
Chung Do Kwan beginnings
1946 Chung Do Kwan promotion, Suh Chong Kang earns 1st dan black belt
Suh Chong Kang back row, Jhoon Rhee front row
As a young boy, Suh Chong Kang studied both Subakdo and Yudo (Judo). When WWII ended, he joined Chung Do Kwan and was the highest ranking student—2nd dan—when Won Kuk Lee was forced to leave the country for political reasons. Suh Chong Kang then returned to Don Kuk University.
Military Influence
Suh Chong Kang with Military Intelligence officers
Military Intelligence demonstration team, Incheon stadium
Suh Chong Kang founded the Kuk Mu Kwan following the end of the Korean war in 1953. Soon after, General Hong Hi Choi, looking to incorporate martial arts training in the military, named Suh Chong Kang to lead training for the Military Intelligence division. He spent eleven years in this role which included working with General Choi to develop the forms that were later used by a majority of traditional taekwondo organizations.
Kuk Mu Kwan’s Ongoing Influence
Kang family with Won Kuk Lee and wife, ~1980
General Hong Hi Choi sitting next to Suh Chong Kang
Hosun Kang visiting affiliated schools in Puerto Rico
Hosun Kang and Suh Chong Kang with Gerard Robbins, Taekwondo Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony 2009
In Korea, the Kuk Mu Kwan remained highly influential until the end of the kwan era in the 1980’s when the Korean government mandated a focus on sports competition in advance of the 1988 Olympics. By that time, many traditional taekwondo practitioners had left Korea including the entire Kang family. After arriving in the United States, Suh Chong Kang and Hosun Kang continued to lead the Kuk Mu Kwan while also collaborating with all major taekwondo organizations.
Great Grandmaster Suh Chong Kang passed away on January 30, 2022 at the age of 92. Today, Hosun Kang continues to advance Kuk Mu Kwan interests while also actively supporting sports-oriented taekwondo efforts with World Taekwondo and the AAU.