The Inside Scoop!

with Cory Culmer

Interview with Taekwondo Grand Master S.H. Hong

Cory Culmer:
Hi Grand Master Hong…What is the history of Taekwondo?

Grand Master S.H. Hong:
Taekwondo began over 2,000 years ago in Korea and grew from 8 different forms of Taekwondo. Taekwondo was originally developed to train soldiers in Korea for fighting. In the late 1950’s, the Taekwondo Grand Masters got together to start joining the 8 Taekwondo traditions, creating the Taekwondo that we know today in 1965.

Cory Culmer:
Are there different kinds of Taekwondo? If yes, which one do you teach and why?

Grand Master S.H. Hong:
There are currently two types of Taekwondo; Traditional and Olympic Style. Prior to 1973, Traditional Style was practiced and after 1973, Olympic Style was practiced. The Grand Masters got together and were sent all over the world to train and organize different associations that practiced Olympic Style. We teach both forms of Taekwondo. This school is part of The Kukkiwon World Taekwondo Federation.

Cory Culmer:
What makes Taekwondo different from other martial arts, like Judo and Karate?

Grand Master S.H. Hong:
Taekwondo is from Korea. Other martial arts originated in Japan. Taekwondo practices standing positions, kicks, steps, jumps, and blocking. Other martial arts focus on different teaching points.

Cory Culmer:
What is the philosophy of Taekwondo?

Grand Master S.H. Hong:
Taekwondo was used to train soldiers and soldiers that learned Taekwondo were well trained warriors. Taekwondo warriors never retreat and practice a high moral code. The philosophy is very similar to Yin and Yang. We focus on both mental and physical strength. The art of Taekwondo focuses on your mind and body teaching and training each other.

Cory Culmer:
I have seen all different types of people and all different ages of people taking classes at your school. Can anyone study Taekwondo? If Yes, can you tell us why?

Grand Master S.H. Hong:
Yes, anyone can study Taekwondo! Beginning at age four up to age 84! I have seen students in their 80’s that still practice. Taekwondo is for everyone.

Cory Culmer:
Where did you learn Taekwondo?

Grand Master S.H. Hong:
I learned Taekwondo from the Moo Duk Kwan headquarters in Seoul, South Korea. This is a very significant place. One of the founders of this branch was my father, Great Grand Master Chong Soo Hong.

Cory Culmer:
How old were you when you became a Black Belt?

Grand Master S.H. Hong:
I was nine years old when I became a Black Belt. I studied everyday, 7 days a week for two hours everyday.

Cory Culmer:
What does it mean to be a Grand Master?

Grand Master S.H. Hong:
There are many degrees of Black Belt. After becoming a Black Belt you must become a 1st degree Black Belt, then a 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th degree Black Belt to become a Master. Then, once a Master, you must become a 6th, 7th, and 8th degree Black Belt. In order to become a Grand Master you must be an 8th. A 9th and 10th degree Black Belt is for Great Grand Masters.

Cory Culmer:
How long did it take you to become a Grand Master?

Grand Master S.H. Hong:
I became a Grand Master in 2010. So from 1967 to 2010, I studied to be a Grand Master.

Cory Culmer:
What would you say are the three most valuable things that people gain from studying Taekwondo?

Grand Master S.H. Hong:
Self esteem, self dependence, and personal strength.

Cory Culmer:
What can Taekwondo teach us about life and people?

Grand Master S.H. Hong:
Taekwondo teaches us how to have integrity, compassion, and humility towards yourself and others. It also teaches us how to set goals, have a positive attitude and how to persevere. Moral Code is very important in Taekwondo, it teaches us about integrity, and how to respect our family, elders, country, teachers, and friends.

Cory Culmer:
I see other Taekwondo schools in Santa Maria, but S.H. Hong Taekwondo stands out as very special. Can you tell me what makes your academy such a special school?

Grand Master S.H. Hong:
For the last 25 years we have been teaching people the Korean tradition of Taekwondo. We love working with people! It is very important to us that we help others live a positive lifestyle and that we are constantly giving back to others and our community.

Cory Culmer:
Grand Master Hong: what is the most exciting and adventurous story that you have experienced in your own life that involves Taekwondo?

Grand Master S.H. Hong:
When I was a child I was very weak. I was bullied everyday on my way home from school by three brothers. I would have to walk past their house everyday to get home from school. My father enrolled me in a Taekwondo school to help me learn to stand up for myself and be more confident. One day, when I was walking home from school, the brothers started bullying me and I finally felt the confidence to stand up for myself. I fought all three brothers with Taekwondo and they never bothered me again!

Cory Culmer:
Here is my last question: How many Round House kicks do you think I will need to do to become a Black Belt???

Grand Master S.H. Hong:
I was told by my Grand Master that it takes 1,000 forms and 500 kicks to earn each belt. With each belt you learn new forms and kicks… a lot of kicks!