TAE KWON DO CHANG MOO KWAN

List of Chang Moo Kwan Blackbelts

Chung Moo Kwan is one of the original schools (kwans) of Taekwondo, founded in Korea during the mid-20th century as martial arts were being revived and unified after World War II. Rooted in both traditional Korean martial practices and influences from Karate, Chung Moo Kwan emphasized strong, disciplined training with a focus on powerful strikes, precise forms, and effective self-defense. Over time, it became part of the movement that unified various kwans under the banner of modern Taekwondo, contributing to the art’s global spread. The name “Chung Moo” is often associated with Admiral Yi Sun-sin, a revered Korean naval commander, symbolizing loyalty, honor, and dedication—values that remain central to the kwan’s philosophy.

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What Is Tae Kwon Do Chang Moo Kwan America?

By Senior Grandmaster Donald R. Moore, 9th Dan

A Legacy of Strength, Discipline, and Brotherhood

Tae Kwon Do Chang Moo Kwan America stands as a modern guardian of one of Korea’s original martial-arts legacies. Rooted in the historic Chang Moo Kwan, founded in 1946 by Yoon Byung-In and later led by Grandmaster Nam Suk Lee, the organization preserves the authentic principles of Korean martial culture—honor, respect, self-discipline, and technical excellence—while adapting to the needs of today’s martial-arts community.

Chang Moo Kwan America (CMK-A) serves as both a federation and certifying body, ensuring that the teachings of the original Chang Moo Kwan remain intact while promoting harmony among diverse Taekwondo practitioners across the United States and abroad. Under the leadership of Senior Grandmaster Donald R. Moore, the organization combines traditional Korean and modern training methods to produce martial artists of exceptional skill and character.

Our Mission

The mission of Tae Kwon Do Chang Moo Kwan America is simple but profound:

“Preserve tradition—Advance legacy.”

This means honoring the technical precision and moral foundation of early Chang Moo Kwan while encouraging continued evolution through cross-training, scholarship, and federation unity. The organization promotes non-political cooperation among schools, encourages rank legitimacy and international recognition, and supports the continued development of instructors through seminars, certification programs, and publications.

Training Philosophy

While rooted in traditional Taekwondo hyung (forms) and Chang Moo Kwan’s strong linear power, the CMK-A approach embraces practical combat realism. Training emphasizes:

Technical Accuracy: Preservation of Chang Moo Kwan patterns, stances, and strikes.

Martial Integrity: Integration of complementary arts such as Hapkido, Kenpo, and Synergy Combat Arts to enhance real-world application.

Character Development: Building confidence, humility, and respect through rigorous training and mentorship.

Historical Education: Ensuring students understand the lineage from Yoon Byung-In through Nam Suk Lee to the present generation.

Structure and Membership

Tae Kwon Do Chang Moo Kwan America operates as a federation of affiliated dojangs and independent martial-arts schools united under shared standards of ethics, rank validation, and curriculum quality. Members benefit from:

National and International Certification for colored and black-belt ranks

Instructor and Examiner Credentials through approved testing boards

Seminars, Camps, and Workshops that blend tradition with modern martial innovation

Access to Federation Publications and Historical Archives preserving the legacy of Chang Moo Kwan

Leadership

Senior Grandmaster Donald R. Moore, 9th Dan Taekwondo and 10th Dan Hapkido, founded Chang Moo Kwan America as part of a lifelong mission to protect and promote authentic martial knowledge. A direct descendant of multiple lineages—including Chang Hun, Hapkido, and Kenpo—Grandmaster Moore has dedicated more than four decades to building organizations that combine discipline, heritage, and unity.

Through his leadership, the federation collaborates with the Synergy Combat Arts Association, Yeon Oh Kwan, and other affiliated systems to create a comprehensive martial-arts network that reflects both Korean tradition and modern self-defense principles.

Carrying the Legacy Forward

In a world increasingly drawn to sport competition and fast-paced commercialization, Tae Kwon Do Chang Moo Kwan America remains committed to the art behind the sport—a balance of mental focus, moral discipline, and effective technique. The goal is not merely to create champions in tournaments, but leaders in life.

By training the next generation of practitioners and instructors under authentic Chang Moo Kwan standards, the organization ensures that the “spirit of the original kwans” will continue to burn brightly for decades to come.

Contact Information

Tae Kwon Do Chang Moo Kwan America

c/o SGM Donald Moore

3106 Old Marion Rd.

Metropolis, IL 62960

📞 (847) 370-6175

📧 GrandmasterMoore@gmail.com

www.taekwondochangmookwan.com

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