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Welcome to Original ITF


General Choi Hong Hi was born in 1918 in Kilju, North Korea1. He went to Kyoto to continue his studies in high school and later at university, where he also learned karate2. During World War II, he was drafted into the Japanese army and sent back to Korea. He was captured during a try of desertion and sentenced to death. He was imprisoned for treason awaiting execution but continued practicing martial arts and improving his craft while in captivity. When Korea was eventually liberated at the end of WWII in August 1945, Choi was released from prison3. General Choi died at the age of 83 and was laid to rest on June 17, 2002 in Pyongyang, North Kore

Awards

Master Spartacus Muhammed Jemal Hussen, also known simply as Master Spartacus, is a prominent figure in the Taekwon-Do community, particularly within East Africa. He is an 8th Dan ITF (International Taekwon-Do Federation) black belt and serves as the President of ITF HQ East Africa.

Master Spartacus is highly regarded for his contributions to the development and promotion of ITF Taekwon-Do in the region. He has played a key role in training and mentoring a new generation of martial artists, fostering the growth of Taekwon-Do in Ethiopia and neighboring countries.


His leadership in ITF HQ East Africa has been instrumental in organizing regional championships, seminars, and other events that have significantly elevated the profile of Taekwon-Do in East Africa. Through his efforts, the region has seen an increase in the number of practitioners and a greater awareness of the art's principles and techniques.


Master Spartacus is also recognized for his dedication to upholding the tenets of Taekwon-Do—courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit—in both his teaching and personal practice. His influence extends beyond the dojang (training hall), as he actively engages in community outreach and promotes the values of Taekwon-Do in various social contexts.


If you are looking for specific details about his achievements, contributions, or any other aspect of his career, feel free to ask!



Accomplishments


Master Spartacus Muhammed Jemal Hussen, also known simply as Master Spartacus, is a prominent figure in the Taekwon-Do community, particularly within East Africa. He is an 8th Dan ITF (International Taekwon-Do Federation) black belt and serves as the President of ITF HQ East Africa.

Master Spartacus is highly regarded for his contributions to the development and promotion of ITF Taekwon-Do in the region. He has played a key role in training and mentoring a new generation of martial artists, fostering the growth of Taekwon-Do in Ethiopia and neighboring countries.


His leadership in ITF HQ East Africa has been instrumental in organizing regional championships, seminars, and other events that have significantly elevated the profile of Taekwon-Do in East Africa. Through his efforts, the region has seen an increase in the number of practitioners and a greater awareness of the art's principles and techniques.


Master Spartacus is also recognized for his dedication to upholding the tenets of Taekwon-Do—courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit—in both his teaching and personal practice. His influence extends beyond the dojang (training hall), as he actively engages in community outreach and promotes the values of Taekwon-Do in various social contexts.


If you are looking for specific details about his achievements, contributions, or any other aspect of his career, feel free to ask!

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history


General Choi Hong Hi was a South Korean Army general and martial artist who is regarded by many as the "Founder of Taekwon-Do" ¹. He was born on November 9, 1918 in Hwa Dae, Myŏngch'ŏn county, in what is now North Korea, which was then under Japanese rule ¹. Choi learned karate while studying in Kyoto, Japan ¹. During World War II, he was drafted into the Japanese army and sent back to Korea. He was captured during a try of desertion and sentenced to death. He was imprisoned for treason awaiting execution but continued practicing martial arts and improving his craft while in captivity ¹. When Korea was eventually liberated at the end of WWII in August 1945, Choi was released from prison ¹.

Choi was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Korean army in January 1946 ¹. From 1946 to 1951, Choi received promotions to first lieutenant, captain, major, lieutenant colonel, colonel, and then brigadier general ¹. Choi was forced to serve in the Japanese army during World War II, but was implicated in a rebellion and imprisoned, during which time he continued practicing martial arts ¹.


General Choi died at the age of 83 and was laid to rest on June 17, 2002 in Pyongyang, North Korea ¹.
(1) Choi Hong-hi - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Choi_Hong-hi.
(2) GEN Choi Hong Hi (1918-2002) - Find a Grave Memorial. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/215622856/choi-hong_hi.
(3) General Choi Hong-hi | North Korea | The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/news/2002/aug/09/guardianobituaries.northkorea.
(4) Choi Hong Hi | Military Wiki | Fandom. https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/Choi_Hong_Hi.(5) Biography of General Choi Hong Hi: The Founder of TaeKwonDo. https://www.taekwondonation.com/general-choi-hong-hi/.