History of Moo Duk Kwan
Depicted next to the text is the founder of Moo Duk Kwan, HWANG KEE
Moo Duk Kwan, translated literally means “the institute of martial virtue.” It was founded in Seoul, Korea by Wang Kee on November 6, 1945. Following World War II, Korea was liberated from Japan on August 15, 1945. In the year Hwang Kee became Korea’s first president of the Moo Duk Kwan. Moo Duk Kwan was able to develop and expand its branch of schools and members through his endless efforts and contribution.
Hwang Kee formed the Korea Tang Soo Do association in September, 1953, and Moo Duk Kwan became a member of the Korea Tang Soo Do Association. In December 1953, Korea Tang Soo Do Association unsuccessfully tried to join the Korean Athletic Association. In June 1960, Korea Soo Bahk Do Association, named after the traditional Korea Martial Art was formed by Kwan to replace the Korea Tang Soo Do Association. The Tang Soo Do Association was liquidated, and the Moo Duk Kwan subsequently became a member of the Soo Bahk Do Association.
In March 1965, the Soo Bahk Do Association attempted to unite with the Korean Tae Kwan Do Association but the effort was unsuccessful.
After the failure, a majority of the Moo Duk Kwan members left the Soo Bahk do association and joined the Korea Tae Kwon Do Association.
In April 1965, Moo Duk Kwan officially became a member of the Korea Tae Kwon Do Association. ON November 20, 1965, Master Kang Ik Lee was elected by the Board of Directors of the Moo Duk Kwan as the President of Moo Duk Kwan, Korea Tae Kwon Do Association. Unfortunately, Moo Duk Kwan was now divided into the Tae Kwon Do Association and the Soo Bahk Do Association. On July 27, 1971, the Board of Directors of Moo Duk Kwan and Tae Kwon do Association. Several Attempts were made by Master Chong Soo Hong to unite the two divided Moo Duk Kwan, but his efforts have not yet been successful.
In February 1974, however, as a result of Master Hong’s contribution Tae Kwon Do he was appointed Vice President of the Tae Kwon do Central Gymnasium Kuk-Ki Won in Seoul, Korea.
As of today the majority of Moo Duk Kwan members are under the Tae Kwon Do Moo Duk Kwan Association. At the present time in Korea along, Moo Duk Kwan has about 500,000members actively training. Moo Duk Kwan has branch schools in more than 40 countries and there are over 200,000 Moo Duk Kwan members in the USA.