Won Park Institute of Taekwondo

Jidokwan History

History of Taekwondo Ji Do Kwan

Ji Do Kwan, which means the "Way of Wisdom," was originally called Chosun Yun Moo Kwan Kong Soo Do Bu. It is the 2nd Kwan (early Taekwondo school) to open in Seoul, Korea. It was founded on March 3, 1946 by Grandmaster Sang Sup Chun.

Taekwondo Ji Do Kwan (Chosun Yeon Moo Kwan ) Founded March 3, 1946

Ji Do Kwan was founded in March 3, 1946. The Ji Do Kwan was first titled as Cho Sun Yeon Moo Kwan. Founded by Grandmaster San Sup Chun, the first Grandmaster of Ji Do Kwan.

Founder of Ji DoKwan: Grandmaster Sang Sup Chun

Picture coming soon.

Jidokwan Presidents
First President: Grandmaster Dr. Kwye Byung Yoon renamed the school, Ji Do Kwan, "Wisdom Way School." Second and Fourth President: Grandmaster Chong Woo Lee has been influential in the organization from the early days until present times.
Third President: Grandmaster Young Ki Bae had an early association with Cho Sun Yun Moo Kwan. He began his training from the Soo Song Dong period. Fifth President: Grandmaster Seung Wan Lee is currently leading Jidokwan and has since 1988. He has been a competitor and publisher among other achievements.
Founding of Jidokwan 1st Anniversary, 1947


Pictured above is 1st Anniversary of Ji Dokwan Founding. Founder of Ji Do Kwan, Grandmaster Sang Sup Chun is circled. Recognized Grandmaster Chong Woo Lee is seated 2nd row left to right 5th. Grandmaster Il Sup Chunis seated 2nd row left to right 3rd. Grandmaster Bong Nam Kim is seated 2nd row left to right 4th. Grandmaster Young Ki Bae is seated 2nd row left to right 7th.

1st Generation Ji Do Kwan Practitioners

First Trainees of the Cosun Yeon Moo Kwan were Young Ki Bae, Il Sup Chun, Chong Woo Lee, Bong Nam Kim, Hyon Chong Park, Byong Ro Lee, Kyo Yoon Lee, Yong Jin Jang, Soo Jin Kim, Sang Jin Shin, and Jin Yong Chung.

Grandmaster Young Ki Bae
Grandmaster Il Sup Chun
Grandmaster Chong Woo Lee
Grandmaster Hyon Chong Park
Grandmaster Byong Ro Lee
Grandmaster Soo Jin Kim
Grandmaster Jin Yong Chung
Pusan Jidokwan Dojang Relocation

Above is Taekwondo Jidokwan President Dr. Gwye Byung Yoon in the Opening Celebration of the school's move to a new building in 1959. Next to him are two community leaders who were awarded honorary kwanchang for the event. Fourth from the left is Grandmaster Young Ki Bae.

Pusan Ji Do Kwan use to be call Kyong Nam Branch, but later was changed to Pusan Branch. The dojang moved to a new building, which is pictured above. The new Do Jang Opening Celebration included flowers for congratulations in front of the entrance to the new dojang. This was Grandmaster Won Chik Park's school.

Above is the group picture inside the new Dojang at the Grand Opening Celebration in 1959. This historic photograph shows many dignitaries from Taekwondo Jidokwan and the community. Seated in the second row at the very left is 3rd Jidokwan President GM Young Ki Bae. Next to him is GM Hyun Jong Park (Won Chik Park's Master). In the 2nd row at the far right is GM Jin Yong Chung. Left of him is GM Il Sup Chun (Jidokwan Founder's Brother). In the 2nd row, 3rd from the right is 1st Jidokwan President GM Dr. Kwye Byung Yoon. Young Won Chik Park is standing in the 3rd row, 4th from the right.

Jidokwan Master's Special Training Camp (Hong Chun, Kang Won Do) in 1967

From left to right: Grandmaster Hyon Chong Park (who was Won Chik Park's Teacher), ___________, Monk Master Dong Ho Kim, Grandmaster Chong Woo Lee.

Recent History of Taekwondo Ji Do Kwan

The 60th Anniversary of Taekwondo Jidokwan - March 3, 2006 - was celebrated on March 1, 2006 at the Crown Plaza Hotel by Itaewon in Seoul. Attendance was strong at over 350 members from around the world. President Sung Wan Lee organized the perfect event for this special anniversary. Below are some photos of the historic gathering.