Master Namsoo Hyong
Master Namsoo Hyong began studying Tae Kwon Do at the age of nine, when his elder brother, Nam Kwon Hyong, introduced him to their traditional family education. He continued this training until the age of 14, when Nam Kwon left Korea to study Economics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. At this time Namsoo joined his high school Tae Kwon Do team, and soon after joined a local Academy, both of which focused primarily on Tae Kwon Do as a competitive sport. Namsoo continued this training for 10 years, rising through the ranks of Korean national competitors.
In 1980, Namsoo joined his brother in the United States and took over the Academy Nam Kwon had established in Champaign, IL, as well as the Illini Tae Kwon Do club at the University of Illinois. From 1980-1984, both masters continued to participate in Tae Kwon Do competition through the Amateur Athletic Union.
In 1984 Master Hyong began to change his philosophy and teaching style toward Tae Kwon Do, transforming his practice from a competitive orientation into one of emphasizing individual self-improvement. He realized that competition was an inadequate means of achieving the ends of Martial Arts practice: physical, psychological and philosophical development. For a thorough discussion of this issue, see Master Hyong's article published in the April 1994 issue of Tae Kwon Do Times.
In 1990, Master Hyong established "Moo Do Tae Kwon Do", which translates as the "art" of Tae Kwon Do, as opposed to "sport." In 1993, Master Hyong was the first to write about and publicize Tae Kwon Do in this way, presenting a paper entitled "Tae Kwon Do at a Crossroads: Some Thoughts About its Future" at a conference held by Michigan State University entitled "Transformation in the Korean Peninsula Toward the 21st Century: Peace, Unity, and Progress." Master Hyong is continuing to develop this new and uncharted territory in Martial Arts practice.
In 1980, Namsoo joined his brother in the United States and took over the Academy Nam Kwon had established in Champaign, IL, as well as the Illini Tae Kwon Do club at the University of Illinois. From 1980-1984, both masters continued to participate in Tae Kwon Do competition through the Amateur Athletic Union.
In 1984 Master Hyong began to change his philosophy and teaching style toward Tae Kwon Do, transforming his practice from a competitive orientation into one of emphasizing individual self-improvement. He realized that competition was an inadequate means of achieving the ends of Martial Arts practice: physical, psychological and philosophical development. For a thorough discussion of this issue, see Master Hyong's article published in the April 1994 issue of Tae Kwon Do Times.
In 1990, Master Hyong established "Moo Do Tae Kwon Do", which translates as the "art" of Tae Kwon Do, as opposed to "sport." In 1993, Master Hyong was the first to write about and publicize Tae Kwon Do in this way, presenting a paper entitled "Tae Kwon Do at a Crossroads: Some Thoughts About its Future" at a conference held by Michigan State University entitled "Transformation in the Korean Peninsula Toward the 21st Century: Peace, Unity, and Progress." Master Hyong is continuing to develop this new and uncharted territory in Martial Arts practice.
The Tenets of Tae Kwon Do
The tenets of Tae Kwon Do are five items that are the basic foundation of the art. These tenets represent what the structure and spirit of this martial art stand for.
Courtesy (Ye Ui) - Courtesy means that you show respect for one another by being polite and kind. A martial artist does not hurt other's feelings, or speak badly about anyone else.
Integrity (Yom Chi) - Integrity means to be honest with yourself and others and know what is right and wrong. To try to always do what you think is right, but if you make a mistake, admit you were wrong and make amends.
Perseverance (In Nae) - To have perseverance means that I must set my goals, and if I come up against obstacles on the way, then I must have the patience to work hard and overcome them. I will not give, but repeatedly try until I succeed in reaching whatever goal I set.
Self-control (Guk Gi) - Self-control means being responsible for my actions; not to become excited or lose my temper. It means not doing anything that I feel is wrong and would later regret.
Fighting Spirit (Tu Ji) - The martial arts fighting spirit is a way of facing life; not being afraid to say and do what is right. The will to resist temptations that would later create problems in my life; and to defend the rights of others to enjoy life.
Courtesy (Ye Ui) - Courtesy means that you show respect for one another by being polite and kind. A martial artist does not hurt other's feelings, or speak badly about anyone else.
Integrity (Yom Chi) - Integrity means to be honest with yourself and others and know what is right and wrong. To try to always do what you think is right, but if you make a mistake, admit you were wrong and make amends.
Perseverance (In Nae) - To have perseverance means that I must set my goals, and if I come up against obstacles on the way, then I must have the patience to work hard and overcome them. I will not give, but repeatedly try until I succeed in reaching whatever goal I set.
Self-control (Guk Gi) - Self-control means being responsible for my actions; not to become excited or lose my temper. It means not doing anything that I feel is wrong and would later regret.
Fighting Spirit (Tu Ji) - The martial arts fighting spirit is a way of facing life; not being afraid to say and do what is right. The will to resist temptations that would later create problems in my life; and to defend the rights of others to enjoy life.
Student Creed
To develop and express
our physical and mental potential
based on the Moo Do spirit.
To understand and enjoy
the benefits of learning,
practice, and discipline.
To respect and promote
the art of Moo Do Tae Kwon Do
To seek truth and meaning in life.
To cooperate with the martial arts community
and contribute to its development.
To promote justice and compassion for others.
To develop understanding of other cultures.
To contribute
to the local and global communities.
our physical and mental potential
based on the Moo Do spirit.
To understand and enjoy
the benefits of learning,
practice, and discipline.
To respect and promote
the art of Moo Do Tae Kwon Do
To seek truth and meaning in life.
To cooperate with the martial arts community
and contribute to its development.
To promote justice and compassion for others.
To develop understanding of other cultures.
To contribute
to the local and global communities.
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