In the Press

Women’s JoongAng · Chicago Edition · August 2010

“To Become a True Martial Artist, Experience the Highest Level Through Taekwondo”

In Search of Masters: Han Sang-pok, President of the Illinois Korean Taekwondo Association
The article’s introduction describes an association with approximately 650 members from more than 360 Illinois schools.
Reported by Lee Sang-young

English translation of the Korean article shown in the archive below. Titles, ranks, membership figures, historical descriptions, organizations, and contact information reflect the original 2010 publication.

A Martial Art with a Long History and Tradition

Taekwondo is a traditional Korean martial art. The article traces Korea’s martial arts history back approximately 2,000 years to the Three Kingdoms period. It describes Chinese martial arts as originating at Shaolin Temple about 1,500 years ago and Japanese karate as beginning in Okinawa about 500 years ago. Each tradition has its own history and distinctive characteristics. Among them, Korea’s martial arts are presented as having a particularly long history and tradition. Although they temporarily faded from view toward the end of the Joseon period, they reemerged after Korea’s liberation. Today, Taekwondo has developed into a modern sport practiced around the world and recognized internationally.

The ITF and WTF offer somewhat different views of Taekwondo’s history. The ITF regards early Taekwondo as having developed under the influence of karate before evolving into a distinctly Korean martial art. The WTF emphasizes its roots in a traditional martial art handed down from ancient times. The basic framework, movements, and forms practiced in the two systems differ considerably.

The Illinois Korean Taekwondo Association

Among approximately 360 Taekwondo schools in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area, the Illinois Korean Taekwondo Association, described in the body of the article as having approximately 700 members, serves as a source of support for the martial arts community throughout Chicago and the Midwest. One of its aims is to introduce Taekwondo. When Korean veterans’ groups hold karate demonstrations or the Arirang Lions Club organizes activities such as adoption-related picnics, the association presents Taekwondo demonstrations and shares Korean culture with adopted children. Through competitions and seminars, it also passes on Taekwondo skills to the next generation and develops athletes. It has invited Jang Myeong-sam, a gold medalist at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Taekwondo event, to conduct seminars and help train athletes for competitions in the United States. It also plans a year-end gathering for martial artists.

Han Sang-pok, president of the Illinois Korean Taekwondo Association, leads these activities while also running Han’s Martial Arts. He says the work is rewarding but brings challenges. The greatest difficulty is having to leave his school frequently to attend to association duties. He also points to the lack of association sponsors and limited funding, appealing for generous sponsorship to help develop promising practitioners.

Character Education and Respect

At a time when schools can find it difficult to teach courtesy, manners, and character, Taekwondo schools provide moral guidance not only to young students but also to adults. Han says, “When parents bring in a student who has been giving them a difficult time, learning to respect the instructor or school director who teaches Taekwondo can change the way that student treats adults and parents at home.” Through a structured curriculum and encouragement, Taekwondo helps students build confidence. Han maintains that children can be taught physical, academic, and moral development, together with individual and group conduct.

He explains that teaching methods should vary according to a student’s circumstances. With children under 11, an instructor should use precise words and demonstrate clearly. With older students, a more detailed explanation helps them understand. He emphasizes his approach: “Talk with children, and let instructors learn about each student’s situation.” Students taught in this way go on to college and continue to practice Taekwondo throughout their adult lives. Many overcome childhood difficulties and challenging circumstances through Taekwondo and become successful adults.

Relieving Stress, Building Confidence, and Learning About Life

Adults often come to a Taekwondo school to lose weight or relieve stress. A school can become a place of rest, helping people release tension and find a way through physical and emotional difficulties. For one Korean student attending Han’s Martial Arts in Skokie, the strain of work had brought both mental and physical suffering. After beginning Taekwondo at Han’s school, the student learned to release stress, regain confidence, and restore harmony at home. Such experiences are a great source of fulfillment for Han.

A Practitioner of Taekwondo, Hapkido, and Tai Chi

The article describes Han as a sixth-dan Taekwondo practitioner, a fifth-dan Hapkido practitioner, and a skilled Tai Chi practitioner. He began learning Taekwondo as a child from his father, Han Gwang-su, who operated a martial arts school in Korea. He later ran Hwangho Gymnasium, affiliated with the Jinshik Taekwondo school, near Gangnam Severance Hospital and in Sinsu-dong. He moved to Chicago in August 2000 and continued pursuing his American dream through martial arts.

He also stresses the importance of marketing to association members who operate their own schools. Inviting friends to the school, birthday parties, Halloween and other holiday events, and a variety of promotional materials can all help attract interest. Thoughtful marketing, he says, can help schools weather difficult economic conditions.

Han believes that, to introduce and promote Taekwondo more widely in the United States, talented practitioners from Korea should come and establish strong roots through systematic training. At the same time, he cautions that an excessively commercial approach in some fitness centers can harm traditional Taekwondo schools and deserves careful consideration.

Practice with Conviction, and Keep Your Beginner’s Mind

Han always offers fellow Taekwondo practitioners this advice: “Have conviction as a person who practices martial arts, and never lose the mindset you had when you first began.” He compares raising Taekwondo students to raising one’s own children. He encourages practitioners to avoid becoming complacent, study diligently, and keep developing their skills.

Experience the Highest Level Through Practice

Han concludes, “The full experience of martial arts lies in practice. Reaching the highest level through that practice is the dream of every martial artist.” He asks the Korean community to continue its interest in and support for the Illinois Korean Taekwondo Association.

The original article lists association websites and a telephone number. These historical contact details remain visible in the original magazine pages; for current Golden Rishi information, please use this website’s current menus.

Photograph Captions

• Master Han’s Taekwondo demonstration.
• With students after a Taekwondo demonstration at an invited event.
• Students learning Taekwondo.
• Han Sang-pok practicing martial arts.