The Many Paths of Taekwondo

Founders Series: The Many Paths of Taekwondo

For the first time ever in a public forum, join us as two foundational leaders reflect on the evolution of Taekwondo and discuss the different paths they have taken.

The Legacy

The Kang family's relationship with Taekwondo stretches back to the end of Japanese occupation in Korea. While their father, Suh Chong Kang, made an unprecedented contribution to the development of Taekwondo as an early Chung Do Kwan student and founder of Kuk Mu Kwan, these two Grandmasters have made their own independent influences felt on an international level.

Growing up hosting luminaries of the martial arts world at dinner and witnessing, first-hand, the growing pains of every major Taekwondo organization, they offer a unique window through their recollections into the development of both the art itself and the organizations that surround it.

Two Directions, One Art

Despite their shared upbringing, over the years the two brothers embarked on very different journeys:

• Grandmaster Hosun Kang worked to build bridges between the Kuk Mu Kwan's emphasis on powerful self-defense and the rise of Taekwondo as a sport.
• Grandmaster Tae Sun Kang found that his passion lay in teaching others, viewing Taekwondo as a true art form, more than just the practical application of self-defense or the joy of competition.

The Discussion

• Our moderator will explore the Kang family's unique history and relationship to the continued evolution of Taekwondo.
• The two Grandmasters will compare notes with each other, possibly sharing techniques and approaches they have never before talked about outside their own family.
• Time allowing, audience Q&A is encouraged

Don't miss this rare opportunity to hear directly from living Taekwondo authorities as they discuss the past, present, and future of the art.