History of Grand Master Hok Tok Yun

Born of Korean descent on October 4, 1939, in China (Manchuria)

The family moved back to Korea before the Korean War. Father was the mayor of a town east of Seoul.
At 10 years old, his family sent him to study martial arts from his uncle at Seri Oak Temple, who taught him Tae Kyon.
When the North Korean army invaded South Korea, they murdered his parents.
At 12 Years old, GM Yun joined the military to ﬁght the North Korean army.
After the Korean war became a student and later a teacher at the Jidokwon.
1968-1974 Taught Martial arts to the US 8th Army, Battalion 37th Field Artillery at Camp Essayons, and trained police officers.
Team Captain of the Korean National Taekwondo team.
1974 Head of President Ford’s security team in Korea upon order of the President of Korea.
1975 emigrated to New York City, New York, U.S.A.
1975 Opened a Taekwondo school in Binghamton, New York.
1975, he traveled across the United States with his senior American student, Miguel Valiente, connecting multiple Korean taekwondo masters.
1975 settled in Seatle, Washington, opening a Taekwondo school in the University District under the name of Yun’s Martial Arts.
1975 First WTF (World Taekwondo Federation) certﬁed Master to introduce modern Taekwondo in the State of Washington.
1976 Founded Washington State Taekwondo Association.
1975-2007, inﬂuenced many Master instructors to the state to spread the art. Currently there are over 100 Taekwondo schools/programs throughout the state.
1976-1981 President of Washington State AAU Taekwondo Association.
1981-1990 President of Washington State USTU.
1986 Formed Korean Amateur Sports Association of Washington State – served as President.
Recognized as the “Godfather of Taekwondo” by many martial arts leaders.
Trained US military, law enforcement, and ﬁre personnel as well as civilians.
Trained, promoted, and certiﬁed 100’s of Taekwondo and Hapkido students, many of whom have gone on to open schools of their own.
Master instructor to 5-time World Kickboxing Association (WKA) champion Victor Solier.
Master instructor to World Games silver medalist Raphael Park.
First to implement an “After School Program” for kids in the Northwest. Providing pick-up services (using school bus) to transport students directly from public schools to Taekwondo class.
Performed countless exciting Taekwondo demonstrations at many major venues statewide.
First college Taekwondo program made available in the state under the banner of Yun’s Martial Art University (University of Washington).
Opened martial art schools in New York, Binghamton, and Multiple schools in Seattle, Lynnwood, Montlake Terrace, Ballard, Bellevue, and Tacoma all in Washington State.

Died February 16, 2024 at 10PM