Taekwondo’s journey from the villages of Korea to the Olympic stage is a global success story, and no one did more to bring it to the United States than Grandmaster Jhoon Rhee. Known as the “Father of Taekwondo in America,” Rhee turned a little-known Korean martial art into a cultural powerhouse through sheer grit and passion. Curious about the man behind the legacy? Let’s dive into the remarkable life of Jhoon Rhee and how he shaped Taekwondo history.
A Tiger’s Spirit in Humble Beginnings
Born on January 7, 1931, in Sanyangri, Asan, Korea, Jhoon Rhee came into a world under Japanese colonial rule. His parents—a housewife mother and a shop clerk father—raised him in modest circumstances during a turbulent era. Physically smaller than his peers, Rhee didn’t let size define him. His mother had a prophetic dream nine months before his birth: a palace and a roaring tiger, a sign she believed meant her son was destined for greatness. That tiger’s spirit sparked early. By age six, Rhee was lifting weights and training his body, determined to become stronger and faster than anyone expected.
Martial arts tugged at his heart, but his rural village offered no formal schools. Undaunted, he improvised, practicing however he could. That relentless drive hinted at the man—and the Taekwondo legend—he’d become.
Finding Taekwondo After Liberation
At 13, Rhee moved to Seoul for school, just as history shifted beneath his feet. In 1945, Korea broke free from Japanese rule, ending decades of cultural suppression, including bans on martial arts. At 15, Rhee seized the moment, enrolling in Chung Do Kwan, a pioneering Taekwondo school led by Wan Kook Lee. He kept his training hush-hush from his father—martial arts, though legal again, still carried a stigma—but nothing could stop his passion.
Around the same time, Rhee discovered American cinema, sneaking into theaters to watch Hollywood films. Captivated by the vibrancy of U.S. culture, he dreamed of moving there and sharing Taekwondo with the world. To fund that vision, he started learning English, laying the groundwork for his future across the Pacific.
War, Resilience, and a New Path
Rhee’s plans hit a wall in 1950 when the Korean War erupted. Fleeing south with his brother to escape North Korean forces, he hid with his grandfather, 90 miles from Seoul, avoiding conscription into the communist army. Months later, American and British troops arrived, driving the enemy back. Emerging from hiding, Rhee joined the fight as an English interpreter for the allies, earning respect and deepening his admiration for the U.S.
Post-war, he enrolled in a weather and aircraft maintenance school in Korea. But in 1956, a golden opportunity arose: a chance to study aircraft maintenance in America. Landing in San Francisco that June, he headed to Gary Air Force Base in San Marcos, Texas. There, he soaked up American life—joining a Methodist church, making friends, and chasing his dreams. As his program wound down, an elderly couple, Mr. and Mrs. Bunting, sponsored his stay, turning a temporary visit into a permanent home.
From Texas to Taekwondo Stardom
Rhee didn’t stop at aircraft maintenance. He enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin, earning an engineering degree in 1960—a testament to his work ethic. But his true calling beckoned. In 1962, he opened the Jhoon Rhee School of Taekwondo in Washington, D.C., fulfilling his childhood dream. What started as one dojo exploded into a network of schools, spreading Taekwondo across the U.S.
His influence went beyond students. Rhee befriended martial arts icon Bruce Lee, teaching him high kicks that shaped Lee’s legendary style. He also trained celebrities like Muhammad Ali and politicians like Congressman Newt Gingrich, earning Taekwondo mainstream cred. Known for his innovative “martial ballet”—blending Taekwondo with music—and his catchy slogan “Nobody bothers me,” Rhee made the art accessible and appealing. By 1980, he’d introduced Taekwondo to the Soviet Union, a bold move during the Cold War, further cementing his global impact.
A Legacy That Roars On
Jhoon Rhee’s accolades piled up: a 10th-degree black belt, induction into the Taekwondo Hall of Fame, and recognition as one of the world’s top martial artists. His schools produced countless black belts, and his philosophy—“Might for Right”—inspired generations. On April 30, 2018, at 86, Grandmaster Rhee passed away in Virginia, leaving behind a wife, seven children, and an enduring mark on martial arts.
Without Jhoon Rhee, Taekwondo in America might never have soared. From a small boy with a tiger’s heart to a Grandmaster who built a palace of martial arts, his legacy lives in every kick and kata practiced today.
Key Milestones in Jhoon Rhee’s Life
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1931 | Born in Sanyangri, Asan, Korea |
| 1945 | Korea gains independence; Rhee begins Taekwondo training |
| 1950 | Korean War forces Rhee into hiding |
| 1956 | Arrives in the U.S. for studies |
| 1960 | Earns engineering degree from UT Austin |
| 1962 | Opens first Taekwondo school in D.C. |
| 1980 | Introduces Taekwondo to the Soviet Union |
| 2018 | Passes away at age 86 |
Final Thoughts
Jhoon Rhee’s life is a masterclass in turning dreams into reality. From a small Korean village to the heart of America, he didn’t just bring Taekwondo across borders—he made it a way of life for millions. His journey as the “Father of Taekwondo in America” reminds us that strength isn’t just physical; it’s the courage to push forward, no matter the odds. Whether you’re a practitioner searching for “Jhoon Rhee Taekwondo” or a martial arts fan inspired by his story, Grandmaster Rhee’s legacy roars on—a tiger’s spirit that continues to shape the dojang and beyond.