The TaeKwon-Do Pioneers

Philip Hawkins 5th degree GB-5-25, 30th July 1995. International TaeKwon-Do Federation. When I commenced TaeKwon-Do it was for the physical benefits and the confidence it gave me. As my training continued, I would read books and magazine articles for their technical training and be inspired by the photos. General Choi Hong Hi, Kim Bok Man,  Jimmy M. S. Too, Pu Gill Kwon, and Hee Il Cho’s books and others were of great help, together with articles in UK magazines Karate and Oriental Arts, Combat, Fighters and the American TaeKwon-Do publications, Traditional TaeKwon-Do, TaeKwon-Do Times, TaeKwon-Do Journal and TaeKwon-Do Digest. These books and magazines also gave a glimpse into the history of TaeKwon-Do. This ignited my interest in the historical aspects of the art and its pioneering practitioners. It has been my pleasure to meet, train with and interview many of the pioneers of this art. I hope that I have conveyed their histories and experiences with accuracy and in a positive light. And that you enjoy reading their stories as much as I have enjoyed writing them. I have also given a personal insight and memory of each interviewee.