Master Choi Jung Hwa IXth Dan
Choi Jung Hwa 9th degree was promoted to XI Degree on the 50th Anniversary of Taekwon-Do, April 11th 2005.
Choi Jung Hwa was born on Cheju Island, Korea in 1954. His earliest recollections of training are around 6 years of age, shortly before General Choi’s hectic schedule and diligent work in spreading Taekwon-Do globally. Constantly surrounded by visiting high- ranking instructors, Choi Jung Hwa trained with many instructors during this period.
He served many years on the ITF Board, accompanying his Father throughout seminars across the world and later conducting many International Seminars in his own rite. Choi Jung Hwa has impressed those who he has trained alongside with his skill within the art, but more importantly, as a person.
Choi Jung Hwa was democratically elected as President of the International Taekwon-Do Federation at the 2001 ITF congress. However, Choi Jung Hwa wished it so that his father remain the ITF president for a further 2 years. This was not to be, as our founder sadly passed away less than 12 months later. Choi Jung Hwa has since then as the direct heir of General Choi Hong Hi, continued his father’s work, rightfully inheriting the title as President, of the international Taekwon-Do Federation, and in doing so continuing the teaching of true Taekwon-Do.
‘for many years I tried to instigate change within the International Taekwon-Do Federation from the inside, many aspects were rotten to the core, and with the stronghold some people had over General Choi it became impossible to change. The members spoke democratically by electing me as the next President. That appointment was seen as a threat to those who had their own future plans for the ITF after the founder’s death, and they used their influence over him to have the election result overturned unconstitutionally. The ITF constitution did not allow them to expel the president-elect, without following the appropriate channels. This was confirmed by the ITF’s own legal adviser, who since resigned. General Choi had the wrong intentions for ITF in his later years, and tried unsuccessfully to assume all control to North Korea, this was unsatisfactory and many ITF people refuse to accept this situation.’
Choi Jung Hwa 2002
Our president works extensively, promoting taekwon-Do around the world the way it was intended to be done so. He is responsible for promoting and developing the art in many Eastern European countries such as Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, Romania the former USSR and the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea, he has also instigated the introduction of Taekwon-Do to many African nations. The ITF World Championships held in Korea in 2004 created History, as it was the return of Taekwon-Do to it’s birthplace, and Choi Jung Hwa’s. As well as expansion, Choi Jung Hwa seeks preservation. Preservation of authentic and true Taekwon-Do, so that it may remain and be handed down from generation to generation in it’s purest form.
‘Let us not forget the legacy, nor the indelible impression that he has left in the lives of all who are dedicated to the essence of the beloved art of his invention. I know my father would command us all if we continued with the same vigor and zest which personified his life, the promotion of Taekwon-Do worldwide’
Choi Jung Hwa
As much as our president emphasizes the correct interpretation of ‘Taekwon’, in its technique, application, theory and reason. Choi Jung Hwa also places an equal if not greater emphasis on the ‘Do’. Therefore, the Moral and cultural aspects of Taekwon-Do are addressed consistently by Choi Jung Hwa, so that all demonstrate and understand the ethical qualities required to hold any position within Taekwon-Do, particularly those of seniority and authority.
I hope that people delve more diligently into the moral culture and morality because that is what Taekwon-Do stands for’
Choi Jung Hwa
‘We only want to pursue our martial arts goal and will continue to contribute for the benefit of society, not for a handful of athletes, or for the glory of one country’
Choi Jung Hwa
I believe that through the free exchange of information we will be able to build a more knowledgeable, peaceful and democratic world’