Training Requirements

Practitioners desiring to test for 5th Dan Black Belt must complete a minimum of forty-eight (48) months of active training at the 4th Dan level before being considered eligible for promotion. Active training is generally considered as a minimum of seven (7) classes per month during a continuous six (6) month period. Minimum age for eligibility for promotion is 23 years old.

5th Dan candidates must be actively engaged in training and/or teaching, or other activity that directly promotes Taekwon-Do growth.

Participants seeking early promotion must receive the recommendation from the Board of Membership.

Competition Attendance

Tournament competition is a required at this level. Practitioners must compete in a minimum of one (1) event. While breaking competition is encouraged, participation in patterns or sparring competition fully satisfies this requirement.

5th Dan candidates are encouraged to participate in any activity (e.g. referee, judge, score keeper, time keeper or coach) at any tournament event.

Certification

Practitioners are required to become Class “A” certified Instructor (Demonstrate knowledgeable proficiency in all 1st-5th Dan patterns).

5th Dan candidates are required to become Class “A” certified referees (Experienced Centers, Chief Referees and Tournament Directors).

Community Service

Practitioners desiring to test for 5th Dan Black Belt must complete a minimum of twenty (20) hours of community service to be considered eligible for promotion.

General Choi Hong-Hi: Founder and Father of Taekwon-Do

General Choi was born a sickly child in North Korea no November 9, 1918. He was sent to Mr. Han II-Dong to learn calligraphy. Mr. Hand also taught him the ancient art of Taek Kyon (Korean foot fighting). This tough physical training helped the young Choi to strengthen his body. In 1937 he went to Japan to further his skills to become a world class calligrapher. A fellow Korean was teaching Japanese Karate and the young Choi trained hard and returned to Korea as a 2nd degree black belt.

When World War II erupted, Choi was forced to serve in the Japanese army. During this time, he and other Koreans within the Japanese army planned a Korean independence movement. These efforts eventually culminated in a physical rebellion against the Japanese. As Choi was the leader of the movement, he was imprisoned in a military prison. During his incarceration, he practiced martial arts to remain physically fit and mentally alert.

Soon he was teaching his cell mate, guard, and eventually the whole prison staff. He received a seven (7) year sentence from the military court. His sentence ended in early August of 1945 when American forces liberated the prison where he was being held.

In 1946 Choi was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the new South Korean army. He was also one of the original founders of the R.O.K. army. He rose quickly to the rank of Brigadier General and was one of the most brilliant commanders of the Korean War. In 1953 he organized the 29th Infantry Division. As commander, he led his soldiers in learning the martial arts. His military students were also members of Oh Do Kwon (Gym of My Way). By then, he was molding a new Korean martial art that embraced the foot fighting technique of Taek Kyon and techniques of Karate, the foundation of Taekwon-Do had formed.

In late 1954 he commanded Chong Do Kwon (Gym of the Blue Wave). It was the largest civilian gym in Korea. He was also promoted to Major General during this time.

In 1955 a board of martial arts master, historians and leader of society was formed to pick a new name for a purely Korean marital art. They unanimously chose the name Taekwon-Do which was submitted by General Choi on April 11, 1955.