Jhoon Rhee

Born January 7, 1932, Grandmaster Jhoon Rhee is considered to be the "Father" of U.S. Tae Kwon Do for having brought the sport to the United States in 1956. He is largely credited for having popularized Martial Arts in North America. In 1976, he also invented protective gear, Safe-T Equipment, made of foam-rubber for free-sparring. He changed the face of kata as well by choreographing the first kata to music which he called Martial Ballet.

Related Topics:
January 7 - 1932 - Tae Kwon Do - United States - 1956 - Martial Arts - North America - 1976 - Safe-T Equipment - Kata - Martial Ballet

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He trained with Bruce Lee to help him develop his kicks. Grandmaster Rhee also trained Muhammad Ali for several fights as well as training him as a blackbelt in taekwondo.

Related Topics:
Bruce Lee - Muhammad Ali

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To his credit he has also trained many U.S. senators and U.S. congressmen as well as their sons and daughters.

Related Topics:
Senators - Congressmen

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Grandmaster Rhee was also the first martial arts instructor to put a high importance on education as well as martial arts instruction by demanding that each of his students must carry a B+ or higher level in school. This is now a crucial part of martial arts systems through North America and in most schools is the crucial factor is deciding when one is to progress to their next belt level.

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