04/15/2026
A Lifetime in Taekwon-Do
By GM Robert Gill
Taekwon-Do has been my daily art for the past 53 years. Like life itself, many things have happened during those years. I can remember a time when there was only one Taekwon-Do. I have had the privilege of learning from two of the original Masters, GM J.C. Kim and GM C.K. Choi, and I was also fortunate to meet and train with General Choi Hong Hi, along with many other great masters. My past has truly been honored by these experiences.
We all have a history, just as Taekwon-Do has its own history. Many people wish to add to it or change it. It is human nature to want to be the one with all the answers—to understand the past, even if they were not there. This desire comes from our need to know where we came from.
In Taekwon-Do, we have instructors, Masters, and Grand Masters—goals that we can all strive toward. Each level requires time, dedication, and the willingness to gain knowledge that is then shared with others who wish to learn. However, the most important role is that of the instructor. Instructors guide beginners, and through teaching, they themselves grow into Masters and Grand Masters.
No matter what rank we hold, it is essential to be present—to teach beginners and support Black Belt instructors. We are all part of the same journey.
Taekwon-Do offers both physical and moral development. Physically, it builds strength, endurance, and skill. But beyond that, it develops moral integrity—guiding us in how to overcome challenges and persevere in achieving our goals. This moral aspect is just as important as the physical.
I firmly believe that Masters, Grand Masters, and instructors should be involved in every class, from white belt to black belt. We are all in Taekwon-Do together, and that unity is what strengthens our art.
Since its inception, Taekwon-Do has inspired countless students. In the beginning, we seek knowledge for ourselves. As we gain rank and experience, we continue to learn by sharing that knowledge with others. Taekwon-Do is a full circle—from beginning, to growth, to giving back.
Our system of techniques remains constant, but how we teach must evolve. People change—how they learn, how they understand, and what they seek. Technology has accelerated access to knowledge, but it has also brought misinformation. In the end, true understanding can only be gained through training—both physical and moral.
Only through that training do we learn the lessons we truly need.
Yours in Taekwon-Do,
GM Robert Gill
I
