Taekwon-Do is a relatively modern martial art compared to others like Karate and Kung-Fu. These arts have been passed down over generations, while Taekwon-Do matured during the 20th century.
In the mid-1950's Korea's 29th Infantry Division was where General Choi put together the techniques we now know as Taekwon-Do (as mentioned in the pattern definition for Hwa-Rang).
The Global Taekwon-do Federation was founded by the late Grandmaster Park Jung Tae, IX Degree Blackbelt, who became known to many as "The Peoples Master".
He inspired everyone he met with his humility, dedication, enthusiasm, warmth and charismatic smile.
Grandmaster Park's thoughts on GTF Taekwon-do, published in 2000 are reproduced here with the kind permission of the Global Taekwon-do News (Scotland) magazine.
"Most people have a misconception of a martial art and cannot see beyond the visible physical aspect, but the benefits of training in the art of GTF Taekwon-do are very much more than the eye can see...
GTF Taekwon-do training awakens within us a new perspective to life itself, connecting our emotional state, physical well-being and spiritual awareness. It is a concept of learning for the mind, body and soul and could be comparable to achieving a university degree in psychology, physical education and humanitarianism as well as self defence proficiency...
Many of the values we learn as part of the GTF Taekwon-do philosophy will help us in every day life. As we learn self discipline and self control, we become more tolerant of others and this is necessary with today's fast changing attitudes of societies worldwide, in which ideologies are being blended to create a new world philosophy. Awareness on all levels, developed through concentration and technique proficiency, will assist us in avoiding negative situations as we become more alert and cautious. Through the positive energy we generate, our self confidence is felt by others, as our actions demonstrate confidence in the ability to defend ourselves in any situation. Knowing that we have the knowledge and skill to defend ourselves in any situation, builds self esteem and gives us an exhilarating feeling of self worth...
The serious practitioner discovers the true spirit of GTF Taekwon-do through respect and integrity, which are probably the two most important principles of GTF Taekwon-do training. The respect for rank and ones achievement is a basic element of GTF Taekwon-do training. Without it, there could be no chain of command or distinct levels. To promote mutual respect, practitioners must be courteous to one another and encourage fair play at all times to ensure justice and peace. The integrity of a practitioner will undoubtedly say a lot by their representation in relation to rank and attitude. Through respect and integrity, we will build trusting relationships which will develop into strong friendships...
GTF Taekwon-do will act as a common denominator, intermingling all races through a sameness of mind, to provide a way for us to put aside all indifference's, enabling us to create and manifest a peaceful world. GTF Taekwon-do will be our teacher in human kindness...
If GTF Taekwon-do can provide us with all these benefits, why would we want to learn anything else".