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What is Mun Moo Kwan?
Mun Moo Kwan (MMK) is Korean and literally translates to “Knowledge Body Gymnasium”. Grand Master Yun Hun Shin is the founder of Mun Moo Kwan, and Mun Moo Kwan was the official Taekwondo school of Suwon Air Force Base in Korea in the 1960’s.
In 1969 Grand Master Byung Yul Kwak opened Kwak’s Taekwondo / Karate and, as a representative of Grand Master Shin, established Mun Moo Kwan in the USA.
Our Philosophy
Our philosophy of Taekwondo is for each of our students to become a better human being, in every aspect.
Traditional Taekwondo accomplishes this by training mind, body and spirit. The mind rules the body, and before a martial artist can perform at his/her maximum, they must learn to control their mind. “He who conquers himself is the greatest warrior”
Our Goals
Our primary goal is for all of our students to become “champions in life”, as well as martial arts champions. To this end, our students are taught to respect everyone and everything.
For over two thousand years, Taekwondo has been used to teach respect toward oneself and toward others. This respect is keynote in the development of a Taekwondoist discipline and character.
Our Affiliates
Kwak’s Taekwondo / Karate is affiliated with the “World Taekwondo Federation (WTF)”, which is located in Seoul Korea, and all of our black belts are certified by the WTF.
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“I’ve been training at Kwak’s since I was a kid. 10+ years later, and I’m still here! Great sense of community with fantastic instructors who put their heart and soul into teaching authentic taekwondo. I not only found this school fun and enjoyable as a child, but also gained a lot discipline and motivation to build a stronger character. Highly recommend for all ages!”
“This place was my childhood! Been coming for over 9 years and I never once regreted it. I compete at a collegiate level and the lessons still stick with me. They have great teachers and are really good with kids. The prices are also super cheap! I highly rec if you are looking to getting into taekwondo or martial arts in general!”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mun Moo Kwan?
Mun Moo Kwan (MMK) is the Korean name of the martial arts program located at Kwak’s Taekwondo / Karate in Blue Bell, PA. The head of MMK in the USA is Grand Master Byung Yul Kwak. To learn more about MMK, see About Us.
What will I learn at Mun Moo Kwan?
The Korean martial arts of Taekwondo and Hapkido are both taught in the traditional manner at the school.
The methods of instruction are designed to help the student develop good character, integrity, self-defense and respect for others.
Apart from the physical benefits of this training, an often overlooked side effect is the psychological boost experienced by practitioners of these arts. The tremendous power generated imparts a feeling of well-being and self-confidence; constant and sometimes boring repetition of exercises teaches patience, preciseness and tenacity; and sparring teaches humility and courage. Eventually, this training permeates every conscious and subconscious action of the student – this noble art is a strict self-imposed discipline which creates the strength of character necessary for success in all walks of life.
What is Taekwondo?
Taekwondo literally translated means “The way or art of foot and fist.” It is an unarmed self-defense system incorporating principally the use of leg and kicking techniques as well as the hands. Taekwondo is defensive rather than offensive in spirit. The essence of Taekwondo training is of mind over body. It seeks for something deeper than simply acquiring physical strength and ability. It strives to make a better person through confidence, self-control, modesty, patience, humility and self-restraint. These are some of the guiding principles of this honorable and ancient art.
What is Hapkido?
Hapkido literally translated means “way or art of coordinated power.” This art is almost exclusively for self-defense. Hapkido emphasizes a non-violent code of counter-defense based on understanding the biological kinetics and vital points of the human body. The assailant’s aggression is redirected back towards himself using a minimum of your own force.
Who can study and what age?
Taekwondo and Hapkido can be studied by men, women and children of all ages. There are no age boundaries to the mental and physical benefits which can be realized from this training.
What is the Kukkiwon/WTF?
The Kukkiwon is the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) Headquarters. It is the Kukkiwon which researches, conducts Instructor seminars and serves as the conduit for Dan/Poom promotion and certification. The Kukkiwon decides what the requirements for promotion are, and if things such as poomse interpretation is involved, then the Kukkiwon has the final say.When one is promoted to Dan/Poom rank, one receives a Kukkiwon certificate, not one from the WTF. There was a period during the mid 1980’s when Dan certificates were issued by the WTF, with the WTF logo at the top. However, that practice was discontinued by 1988.
The World Taekwondo Federation on the other hand serves as the International Federation (IF) for purposes of the International Olympic Committee. As the IF for Taekwondo, the WTF regulates all aspects of sports competition for Taekwondo. It is the WTF that hosts the World Taekwondo Championships, and all other world events. It is the WTF that certifies the people who serve as International Referees and conducts International Referee training. It is the WTF who institutes the changes, if any, to the competition rules.
How old must a child be?
The ages 4 through 12 are the most formative in a child’s life. Their basic personality, temperament and value systems are established during these crucial years. Therefore, we strongly recommend that boys and girls in this age group begin this valuable training.
Will training improve my physical fitness?
In addition to being a fighting art and a sport, Taekwondo is a highly developed physical science. It develops coordination between mind and body.
In Taekwondo every part of the body is used. A person learns many ways to kick, block, punch, bend and move. In this way, all muscles are toned while one practices.
Health (weight control, body building) – no one was born with a strong body and soul. Like a moving machine needs proper lubrication in order to keep its life, one should know how to keep his health with physical cultivation. Health is always a first. A side benefit of Taekwondo training is the loss of excess weight.
How fast can I learn?
You start learning Taekwondo and self-defense techniques in your first lessons.
Since Taekwondo is a continuous program, there is no set time for a student to begin except when he or she is ready. Persons entering the program are given individual attention by the Instructor and by the more advanced students. Students are taught and advanced according to their own skill and initiative.
It is up to the individual as to how hard he or she wishes to train or to the rapidity of advancement.
What about self-defense?
Self-defense has become more important in recent years. Every person has the power and ability to fight in self-defense but few truly understand how to use it. People think of themselves as weak because they do not know how to use their strength. The goal of Taekwondo is to make the individual aware of his natural strengths and how to apply them to greatest advantage. The many powerful and graceful movements in Taekwondo will enable a person to defend himself by using any part of his body but mostly his brain. Therefore, a person will develop self-confidence because of the power and ability that has been mastered. This self-confidence can be carried over to all aspects of life.
Since this is a method of self-defense, the practitioner will make no attack unless threatened by an opponent. Taekwondo’s philosophy of self-control, self-restraint, kindness and humility are the cornerstones of our art.