The History of Taekwon-Do
Taekwon-Do in this country first operated under the association the United Kingdom Taekwon-Do Association (UKTA). The Association was formed in 1967 when First Grand Master Rhee Ki Ha (then V Dan black belt) came to the UK from Korea. The UKTA is part of a larger group - The International Tae Kwon-Do Federation (ITF) - which was founded by General Choi Hong Hi, IX Dan. It was General Choi who personally evolved and brought Taekwon-Do to fruition during the 1930's and 1940's, until it was officially named by the Korean Government on the 11th April, 1955.
2005 marked the Golden Jubilee of the foundation of Taekwon-Do. Through pioneering work of General Choi, Taekwon-Do has grown and developed to become recognized as one of the most scientific of all the Martial Art disciplines.
2006 marks the 40th Anniversary of the ITF and 2007 will mark the 40th Anniversary of the UKTA and the 10th Anniversary of First Grand Master Rhee achieving his Grand Masters title.
First GrandMaster Rhee Ki Ha
First Grand Master Rhee Ki Ha, introduced Taekwon-Do to Great Britain on 2nd July 1967.
He is acclaimed by the founder General Choi Hong Hi as the greatest ever practitioner of the art of Taekwon-Do. He was the first person in the world to be promoted to 9th Dan, by the founder.
The United Kingdom Taekwon-Do Association was founded by First Grand Master Rhee, and it is the original Taekwon-Do organisation in Great Britain.
Under the guidance of General Choi and First Grand Master Rhee, Taekwon-Do progressed and is always developing, making it one of the most popular Self defence Martial Arts in the world, First Grand Master Rhee conducts regular gradings and seminars for both Black Belts and Coloured Belts in the UK.