Did you modify the traditional techniques for military applications?

“Yes. Their purpose was simply to kill the enemy. So the training was slightly different from civilian training. Simple, deadly techniques. Plus some bayonet sparring and knife training.”

Do you recognize a need to constantly modify and update techniques and do you feel the art will change much in the future?

“I know many organisations hold tournaments and I can understand that as one of the ways to promote the art. But this is not the ultimate way to develop the art. Eventually, if they just keep promoting and developing championships, the real art will die. Maybe it will exist only as a sport so to prevent that eventuality; they should concentrate on developing more power, rather than just techniques for scoring under the points system. There’s no power that way. As I said, some tournaments can be okay as one method of promotion but I don’t see any importance in having tournaments in Rhee Tae kwon do. I want it to remain as a real Martial Art, not just sport. I notice, incidentally, that even in the United States where tournaments and sport used to be very popular, they are coming back to the traditional Martial Arts now. What is necessary is good training at the gym-good sparring with your partner, strong basics and pattern training. I believe that if you reach your personal goal in the nights training - whether it is in free sparring, patterns or whatever - then you are a champion. That way, every member can practise hard at each lesson to achieve their own personal goals.”

What are your opinions of the various forms of supplementary training that martial artists can use? For example, running, bag and makiwara training, weight training etc.?

"Well it all depends what particular types of technique the martial artist wants to develop. The martial artist needs a special kind of muscle development for really powerful, fast martial arts techniques. For example, to develop more strength for, powerful punching - I don’t think ordinary weight training is very helpful. We have had to study scientifically exactly which specific muscles have to be developed for greater punching power. The same need applies to kicking, jumping techniques etc. Running is certainly good, for developing stamina and leg strength for kicking power. I have some special swimming and water exercises, special techniques done in the water not only to develop certain muscles and techniques, but also for remedial purposes. For certain injuries, these exercises can help the bone structure come back to normal.

“We use the forging Post, of course, to condition the knuckles and the wrist etc. for destruction. The forging post is also very useful for developing hip power. And bag training is very useful for developing kicking power, speed and accuracy. The type of training and the desired effect is dependant upon the size of the bag being used. The larger bag is used more for power development. The smaller bag can be used for developing speed, accuracy and focus. It can be used more like a substitute partner - dodging, moving and developing actual fighting skills - rather than just power.”

You don't approve of contact sparring training or protective equipment for martial artists?

"I don’t believe there is any such thing as full contact training for martial artists. We have non-contact sparring, but some people misunderstand the concept of non contact sparring, They seem to think this means the opponent is not supposed to touch your body - or that you stop your techniques five inches short of the body. That is a misunderstanding of the term non-contact. In free sparring we focus the kick or punch, or any technique, to the opponent’s body. But the opponent is always moving, blocking, dodging, deflecting. He does not stay there to receive the contact - otherwise he will be knocked down. So this is our way of practical free sparring.

“We don’t need protective equipment, as techniques are controlled. Full speed, good power, but focussing just slightly short of the vital points. With protective equipment you don’t improve speed and power. The principle is wrong. With protective gear, they don’t have to control the technique and I believe it becomes just a sport. No belt system; no instructors; no students. With Protective equipment and contact sparring everybody will be the same, just kicking and punching, kicking and punching. It would become a sport. So during training we use full speed and power, focussing on the body but focussing short of vital points. Of course we can hit the target if we want to . . .”

Do you deal strictly with students who get involved in activities that reflect badly on the school ~ street fighting for example?

“Yes. Members are always told they must never use the art, except for personal protection and self-defence - for peace and justice. The art must not be misused, as it can be very dangerous, deadly. Anyone who misuses the art is disqualified.”

How long has Rhee Tae kwon do International been established in Australia and how substantial is the organisation?

"Nearly 20 years (as at 1985) now. We are one of the largest Martial Arts organisations in the world. We are very well established throughout Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific area with hundreds of instructors and assistant instructors, and schools in most cities and large towns, at universities, high schools, and Army and Air Force bases. Members everywhere, at all levels of society.

"We have our own publication to promote better understanding and stimulate an exchange of ideas among our members throughout Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific area. And soon we will publish our own training manual - very thick and fully illustrated - for members and Black Belts.

“To build up a strong organisation, there are many necessary components. Of course, the school must have a strong master and strong instructors. But good, dedicated members are also very important, most important for the organisation’s future. The members must behave correctly, practise hard, and the instructors must correct their technique and then the forward growth can continue. With a strong organisation behind them, instructors can expand their branches.”

How do you see the future of Rhee Tae kwon do and Martial Arts generally?

“Although we have been established here for almost 20 years (as at 1985) and have grown very strongly, in a way we are only beginning. I’m very confident that Rhee Tae kwon do will grow very strongly everywhere, especially in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. All our instructors are specially selected, highly qualified and officially appointed by our organisation. I am very confident that we can continue to grow strongly and, in the future, have millions of members…”

And why is it that Rhee Taekwondo is so beneficial for young people (from five years and over) and ladies in keeping fit, and in improving other aspects, of their lives?

“Through the experience of learning Rhee TaeKwondo children benefit greatly from the inherent traditional values of learning discipline, greater powers of concentration, respect for themselves and others, self-confidence and patience, self-discipline and self-control. The positive, stabilising and healthy effect of regular training can be most helpful in overcoming many common childhood problems. Children gradually learn how to apply their Martial Art training to their total life experience. In other words, Rhee Taekwondo teaches them how to more successfully meet all of life’s challenges, now and in their future years, mental, physical, moral and spiritual. For ladies, the Art is not only very beneficial in terms of improving health and fitness, but also because they learn how to defend themselves effectively. This leads to greater self-confidence and enhanced peace of mind, which can contribute to great improvements in the overall quality of life.”

At what level of rank do you advise that students should perform breaking techniques, Master Rhee?

“There is no specific time set to begin training for the dynamic breaking techniques of Rhee Taekwondo. But to improve power and enhance technique for breaking, every practitioner should condition the knuckles, hands and feet in preparation for safe and effective performance of breaking techniques. Of course, the forging post should be used to condition the knuckles, wrists and supporting muscles and tendons etc for destruction techniques. The forging post is also very useful for developing hip power.Rhee Taekwondo is a true Martial Art, so each technique - whether you deliver a punch, kick, knifehand, elbow strike or whatever - must have real and devastating power. Therefore, students should practise on the forging post and kicking bag to develop that power in each blow. Then, if they have to defend themselves, they have the power. Destruction techniques can be useful to show the power of the techniques.”

Master Rhee, could you give readers and students some advice about the use of meditation in our Rhee Taekwondo training. How should we go about it and will it be helpful to our overall standard and ability?

“Generally speaking, there two ways you can meditate. (a) In the sitting or kneeling position, with your eyes closed, while visualising (practising in your mind) the techniques. And (b) you can practise any techniques in slow motion, shifting your mind and mental application to each technique.”

What advice do you have for lady students on the subject of pushups and hand conditioning, Master Rhee?

“It is not necessary for lady students to practise contact against any hard objects. Just make sure to form and clench the fist correctly, and practise your hand techniques against soft surfaces, a light bag, or focus pads. Another option is to use gloves when punching or knifehand striking such objects.”

Will the development of fake techniques improve my free-sparring ability?

“Yes, definitely. This is a necessity for the overall improvement of your total standard. For example, pretend to attack the high section, mid section, or low section when your real intention is actually to attack a quite different point on your opponent’s body. Or, another example, pretend to attack with, say, front kick, side kick, turning kick, back kick, spinning heel kick (reverse turning kick). Once your opponent believes you are committed to such a technique, then you will actually execute a different technique to the one your opponent thinks you have in mind.”

From a parent's point of view, Master Rhee, can you explain why RTKD training is such a good investment for their children's future?

“Children derive many valuable benefits and attributes from their training in the Art. For example, good discipline and concentration, greatly improved powers of self-control, and the building of excellent character. One of the tenets of the art is: ‘Sound body, sound mind’. This means that the overall physical training develops the young student’s body to optimum levels of fitness, health and strength that, in turn, develops a high degree of mental health and mental strength. With a strong mind and good health, children can apply themselves more effectively to their studies and all round social development, thus becoming leaders of the community and the nation.”

And is it quite possible for a person, either man or woman, to begin training in the Art once they have reached their 50s, 60s, or even their 70s?

“Absolutely. Generally speaking, when a person ages their flexibility, strength and stamina all begin to wane. But it is still quite possible to learn Rhee Taekwondo, regardless of the lessening of those physical assets with the passage of time. People in their more advanced years often have more patience, higher motivation and steady application, and they can definitely make very good progress in the Art. Sure, they might be a bit slower than younger students, but they can achieve their own optimum level of fitness and gain very useful self-defence skills.”