The 75th Virtual Celebration of Moo Duk Kwan
By: Chief Master Guy Edward Larke
The year 1945 holds a rather eerie, yet significant meaning, to nearly every nation in the civilized world. It was the end of the brutal era that was World War II. For the country we now know as South Korea, it was the end of the very long period of Japanese occupation known as the Im-jin Wae-Ran, which started in 1592 and finally collapsed with the fall of the Japanese Empire at the conclusion of the war. Centuries of oppression and indignation were ended. But it left the Korean people scarred irreparably. One of the things that was stripped from them was their indigenous martial arts. Many youths were indoctrinated in Japanese Judo and Kendo. Arts such as Taekgyeon and Ssireum were kept in hiding. From Korea’s martial arts culture’s proverbial remains came what are now known as the “5 Kwans.” They were Chung Do Kwan, Chosun Yun Moo Kwan (later Ji Do Kwan), Kwon Bop Bu (later Chang Moo Kwan), Song Moo Kwan… and the Moo Duk Kwan, created by perhaps one of the most well-known patrons of the Korean arts, Hwang Kee. The “Founder” (as he is referred to now) led his organization to prominence in the Korean martial arts world. The year 1945 marked the founding of “Hwa Soo Do” Moo Duk Kwan. A short time later, he began using the more popular name “Tang Soo Do,” an idea which he stated came from Won Kuk Lee of Chung Do Kwan. This became an integral part of many martial artists’ identity, internationally. In 1957, Hwang discovered the name “Subak” in the “Mooyedobotongji,” an 18th century 20 January 2021 / taekwondotimes.com
Joseon military manual. Later in June of 1960, a new name, “Soo Bahk Do,” was registered in the Korean Ministry of Education, leading to today’s widespread art. Although this was the “official” name, the majority of practitioners continued referring to their art as Tang Soo Do for several decades to follow. Another crucial date in Moo Duk Kwan’s history was when a number of members joining the Korea Tae Kwon Do Association in 1965, due to political pressure. It is worth mentioning no other “Kwan” developed into THREE thriving martial arts. Sadly, the martial arts world lost Hwang Kee in 2002, but the legacy he left behind was immense! This year, 2020, marked the 75th anniversary of the founding of Moo Duk Kwan. For members, it was obligatory that proper respect be paid to this part of martial arts history. What better way than an anniversary celebration bringing together the exponents of Soo Bahk Do, Tang Soo Do, and Taekwondo? The 75th Anniversary occurred from November 6th - 9th, 2020, in a world-wide “virtual” celebration. The event was highlighted by a seminar taught by the son of the Founder and current president of the Moo Duk Kwan, H.C.
