About the Academy
Grandmasters Tae Hong Choi & Hung Kue Choi
Taekwondo is a Korean-style of martial arts, which literally means the foot, the fist, and the way. It is an art which dates back more than 2,000 years. Aside from the aspects of self-defense and competition, Tae Kwon Do teaches students the values of respect, discipline, confidence, and personal development.
Grandmaster Tae Hong Choi brought this form of martial arts to the Northwest and founded Choi's Taekwondo Academy. Grandmaster Tae Hong Choi held a ninth degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do; a sixth degree black belt in Judo; and a fifth degree black belt in Hap Ki Do. He was a former Vice President of the U.S. Tae Kwon Do Union. In 1984 Grandmaster Choi was accepted into the Martial Arts World Hall of Fame. In 1991 Grandmaster Choi was recognized by the United States President for his contributions to Tae Kwon Do. In 1997 he was given the Ministry of Culture and Sports Award by the Minister of the Republic of Korea for his contributions to the Martial Arts.
Grandmaster Tae Hong Choi has touched the lives of countless individuals worldwide. Through his dedication to Martial Arts and his devotion to teaching and coaching athletes as well as leaders, the lives he has touched is simply incalculable. One of his most memorable characteristics was being able to push students to go beyond their personal standards and accomplish more than they ever thought they were capable of. It was here that lives were changed and new identities were created. He was simply enough an incredible difference maker.
Grandmaster Tae Hong Choi was born in Korea in 1935. He completed grade school through high school in Seoul, Korea. Upon completing high school Grandmaster Choi joined the Korean Marine Corps. Later in the mid 60’s he found himself stationed in South Vietnam where he served as a hand-to-hand combat instructor to the US Special Forces and South Vietnamese Army. His eventful life continued as Grandmaster Choi found himself training secret service agents, Presidential bodyguards, and CIA operatives.
In 1972, Grandmaster Choi and his family moved to Portland, Oregon where he founded Choi’s Tae Kwon Do Academy and the Northwest Regional Tae Kwon Do Association. He became the headmaster and founder of two private academies in Oregon - Portland and Beaverton. He also taught at local universities and colleges, oversaw classes and community centers, and continued to train county law enforcement officers throughout the Portland area. Through his devotedness, Grandmaster Choi has produced over 400 Black Belts, National champions, World champions, and Olympic Team members.
Grandmaster Tae Hong Choi passed away in 2009. The world mourns the loss of this great leader, teacher, coach, husband, father, and friend.
Grandmaster Hung Choi now carries on this legacy. In all the academies, the focus will be on YOU - your personal goals for discipline, fitness, self mastery, self esteem, and the attitude of gratitude towards life in general. Martial Arts is the best way for reducing stress and getting fit very quickly.
Whether young or senior, our students leave our program mentally strong and extremely positive for any new challenge life presents them.
We teach our students traditional Taekwondo and effective self-defense.