Chung Do Kwan School of Martial Arts was founded in 1944 under G.M. Won Kuk Lee, which was the first of the kwans which later became Taekwondo. The name means “The school of the Blue Wave”, which was inspired by the strong and unstoppable nature of the blue ocean waves.

The teachings of Chung Do Kwan is centered on the mastery of the basics, strong and precise techniques, as well as manner and etiquette. It is said by some that the officially recognised Taekwondo by Kukkiwon is Chung Do Kwan Taekwondo.

The Chung Do Kwan logo contains the Um and Yang symbol with a clenched fist holding a scroll. This symbolises the balance between physical power and scholarliness.

For those who are not familiar with the terminology, in Korean language and culture, a “kwan” is a “family” or “clan” with one head of the family, like the father who is the patriarch, and becomes the grandfather, and then the great-grandfather. While there are many people who can trace their Taekwondo roots to the Chung Do Kwan in one way or another, it is not always the case that they were ever authorized as a sabeom (school master or head of a dojang), or if they were at one time, they might have severed ties from the authority and guidance of their family head (“Kwanjangnim”) yet continue to teach under the title of “Chung Do Kwan.” For those that are authorized from the origins of Chung Do Kwan, they have spread throughout the world.

Won Kuk Lee

Grand Master Lee (center with the tie) with his students

10th Dan Chung Do Kwan
Founder of Chung Do Kwan.

Today there are millions of practitioners of the martial art known as Tae Kwon Do. The man most responsible for this tremendous popularity is the one who started it all, Won Kuk Lee. He is considered the Father of Tae Kwon Do because his school was the first to openly teach martial art toward the end of World War II and the Japanese occupation. His school, the Chung Do Kwan, was also the learning ground for many who would later form their own Kwans (or schools).

Because of his efforts, martial art training exploded across Korea and, soon after, Tae Kwon Do would swallow the globe. Often martial art history can be sketchy because of inaccurate stories or misplaced loyalty but it there is no debate that Won Kuk Lee was the genesis of the Tae Kwon Do movement.

Grandmaster Won Kuk Lee died on February 2, 2003 from pneumonia at nearly 96 years of age.

Chun Suk Suh

Grand Master Suh (left) with Grand Master Hitch (right)

9th Dan Kukkiwon
9th Dan Chung Do Kwan
Most senior ranked in Chung Do Kwan Australia.

Biography

G.M. Suh has been involved in Taekwondo for most of his life, starting training as a child in Korea and has dedicated his time to promoting and teaching the art.
In 1973 he came to Australia to teach Taekwondo, having taught in various countries across several continents.
In his time teaching here, he has instructed over 600 students to their black belt and he continues to teach all aspects of Taekwondo, ranging from the traditional art to the modern day Olympic style sport.

Currently he teaches over 25 classes at numerous locations and schools throughout Sydney’s northern beaches and the north shore.

He has been actively developing and promoting Taekwondo throughout the South Pacific region and fostering players from these countries to come to Australia to learn and train here.
As an observation I would say that, next to Family, Taekwondo is his life – he is always thinking and promoting Taekwondo.

— Adrian K. Hitch

Dr Adrian K. Hitch

8th Dan Chung Do Kwan
7th Dan Moo Duk Kwan
7th Dan Kukkiwon
Principal instructor at UniSA Taekwondo club.

• World Taekwondo Federation, World Traditional Tang Soo Do Federation and Mu Sa Kwan Tang Soo Do accredited.
• One of only five Martial Artists in Australia who is LEVEL 3 NCAS Accredited (Australian Coaching Council)
• Over 35 Years Experience including teaching Self Defence and Taekwondo in a number of private and state schools.