Grandmaster Park's History

Offered here is a brief biography of the founder and leader of Won Park Institute of Taekwondo. From his beginnings in Korea to his life now in the United States, Grandmaster Park has made an indelible mark in the world of Taekwondo, as well as the communities he has touched.

The photograph on the upper left is young Won Park. The right photo is Grandmaster Park receiving the Resolution Award by The State of Texas, October 15, 2005 from Texas State Representative Bill Zedler.

Please also view a slideshow pictorial history of Grandmaster Park. This slideshow opens in a new window.

Life in Korea

Grandmaster Won Chik Park was born in the town of Haejoo, Korea in 1940. At the age of fourteen he began his Taekwondo practice, a practice that would shape his life forever. Grandmaster Won Chik Park began his training at Taekwondo Ji Do Kwan Pusan Do Jang in 1954 under Grandmaster Hyon Jong Park in Pusan, Korea. Grandmaster Won Chik Park remembers fondly the most outstanding characteristic of his teacher - humility. "Mentally, he was very humble; I learned that from him."

Why me?

Grandmaster Park will never forget his first testing under his Grandmaster, Hyong Jong Park. Grandmaster H.J. Park's picture, shown at right, is a photograph of the painting displayed in his honor inside the Won Park Institute Dojang today.

'I remember at my first testing, my name was called first, "WON CHIK PARK!" I replied, "Yes sir!" My grandmaster, Hyong Chong Park called me up to test first. I'll never forget it. I thought, "Why me? Why am I first?" I was so nervous. I made two mistakes in blocking. I thought I missed the promotion. I almost cried, as I was young then. Then we had to wait for the promotion results. Every day we would come in hoping to see the results, because that is when the belts would be awarded. Students would be talking when they entered the Dojang about whether the results had been posted, "Oh, not today." Then finally came the day, Thursday, and I asked, "Did I pass?" I was told yes and I jumped up I was so happy, especially since I made the two mistakes. On the wall in the Dojang the names were posted. My name was first since I tested first. I had joined the school at the grand opening time, so there weren't many people, and no high ranking at all. So I had no idea what to expect at a test, as I had never seen one.'

Young Won Park's innate skill, dogged determination and persistent early arrival to class led him to teaching at the tender age of seventeen. His talent was soon recognized throughout the entire community. From 1962 to 1964 he was instructor for the Korea Army Basic Training School, and by 1965 he was Chief Instructor of Headquarters U.S. Military Force in Seoul, Korea, a position he held until 1972. Pictured below is then Master Won Park demonstrating a front snap kick break for the Headquarters 8th U.S. Military Force in Seoul, Korea 1965.

The following photo shows Master Park performing a front stretch kick with amazing flexibility. This photo was taken in Seoul, South Korea in the year 1967.

Next is a very high jumping front snap kick also in Seoul, S. Korea, 1967. Master Won Park appears as high as the trees in this shot.

Pictured below is Master Won Chik Park performing a splendid double side kick breaking demonstration at the US Military Family Festival in Seoul, Korea in the summer of 1967.

In 1968, Grandmaster Park Founded the Won Park Institute at _______,Korea.The photograph shown below is a collage from the Taekwondo Jidokwan annual yearbook for the year 196_, showing Master Park, his school, and his class.

Coming to America

This page is a work in progress to be continually updated; thank you for your patience as we add more information chronologically.

Please visit Grandmaster Park's Media Gallery to view other photographs of Grandmaster Park's activities.