Moo Gong Ryu: Definition, History, and Philosophy
Moo Gong Ryu: Definition, History, and Philosophy
Moo Gong Ryu, meaning “Guardian of the Peace,” is an innovative and holistic life skills system rooted in traditional Korean martial arts such as Taekwondo, Hapkido, and Gumdo. According to the Oriental Martial Arts College (OMAC) in Central Ohio, it also incorporates the best features of other Asian martial, healing, and philosophical arts, which have been studied by Grandmasters and Masters for over fifty years. Supreme Grandmaster Joon Pyo Choi founded Moo Gong Ryu in Korea in 1963.
The history of Moo Gong Ryu is closely tied to the liberation of Korea in 1945, following the Japanese occupation. During this time, five martial arts schools, known as Kwans, emerged under the style names of Kong Soo Do or Tang Soo Do. By 1953, after the Korean War, four additional Kwans were formed, as outlined below:
Kwans (Schools) Established:
- 1945 – Liberation of Korea:
- Song Moo Kwan – Ro Byung Jik
- Chung Do Kwan – Lee Won Kuk
- Moo Duk Kwan – Hwang Kee
- Ji Do Kwan – Chun Sang Sup
- Chang Moo Kwan – Yoon Byung-in
- 1953 – Post-Korean War:
- Han Moo Kwan – Lee Kyo Yoon
- Oh Do Kwan – Choi Hong Hi
- Kang Duk Won – Park Chul Hee and Hong Jong Pyo
- Jung Do Kwan – Lee Yong Woo
In 1961, South Korea’s President Syngman Rhee mandated the unification of all Kwans.
General Choi Hong Hi proposed the name Taekwondo, but the Kwans continued teaching their distinct styles. Consequently, the Korean government established the Korea Tae Soo Do Association to oversee martial arts in the country. The following year, in 1962, Jhoon Goo Rhee, known as the father of American Taekwondo, introduced Taekwondo to the United States by opening his first studio in Washington D.C.
In 1971, Supreme Grandmaster Joon Pyo Choi moved to America and established his school, OMAC.
This institution operates under the Song Moo Kwan lineage. The philosophy centers on continuous self-improvement, embracing change, and expanding beliefs and perspectives. Key qualities associated include loyalty, reliability, and humility.
Chief Master Daniel Jackson, a student of Supreme Grandmaster Choi, integrates the Moo Gong Ryu system into The DoJANG’s Taekwondo curriculum, which he refers to as Sa Moo Ryu.
Supreme Grandmaster Choi encapsulated the philosophy of Moo Gong Ryu with this powerful quote: “From the moment we are born to the moment we die, we must constantly try to improve. If we do not, we die. It is our obligation as human beings.” This statement truly reflects the essence of Moo Gong Ryu and its commitment to lifelong growth and development.