Black Belts & Big Legends: The Ultimate List of All Taekwondo Masters Till Now

If you’ve ever watched a taekwondo master break boards with a gaze as sharp as their spinning hook kick, you’ve probably asked yourself: Who are the real legends behind the dobok? This article dishes out the ultimate list of all taekwondo masters till now — not every single person who’s earned a black belt, but the icons, the influencers, and the belt-breaking pioneers of the sport.

Whether you’re a budding martial artist or just here to explore, this long-form, keyword-rich, and Google-magnet article is packed with pointers, personalities, and practical wisdom on taekwondo mastery. Let’s dive in with a flying sidekick.

The Legendary List of All Taekwondo Masters Till Now

Before we break it down, let’s clarify: the term taekwondo master typically refers to practitioners with a 4th dan black belt and above, often with decades of experience. Some are household names in martial arts; others are behind-the-scenes mentors shaping world champions.

Here’s a curated list of the best taekwondo masters who’ve made their mark globally:

🌍 International Icons:

1. General Choi Hong Hi (1918–2002) – Widely credited as the founder of taekwondo, he developed the original ITF forms and was a driving force behind globalizing the sport.’

Credit: ITF HQ Korea

2. Grandmaster Jhoon Rhee – Known as the “Father of American Taekwondo,” he introduced TKD to the U.S. and trained with Bruce Lee.

3. Grandmaster Kim Bok Man – A pioneer in spreading taekwondo through Southeast Asia and co-author of early TKD training manuals.

4. Grandmaster Hee Il Cho – A true legend, featured in martial arts films and a key figure in promoting TKD globally.

5. Grandmaster Shin Chul Kang – Founder of the World Class Taekwondo Association and influential in shaping Olympic-style TKD.

Credit: Facebook

6. Grandmaster Park Jung Tae (1943–2002) – Instrumental in developing the ITF and known for exceptional teaching skills.

7. Grandmaster Woo Jin Jung – Not only a TKD master, but a motivational speaker and author who helped spread TKD across America.

Top Taekwondo Masters in the USA:

1. Grandmaster Kwang Jo Choi – Founder of Choi Kwang-Do and recognized for promoting safer, health-focused TKD practices.

2. Grandmaster Richard Chun (1935–2017) – Helped establish the United States Taekwondo Association (USTA).

3. Grandmaster Keith Yates – Known for combining taekwondo with multiple martial arts, and a prolific writer on martial arts philosophy.

Credit: DTH Voice

These masters have not just earned high dan rankings—they’ve trained Olympians, built massive organizations, and changed how taekwondo is practiced across the world.

How Long Does It Take to Master Taekwondo?

Now that you’ve seen the list of all taekwondo masters till now, you might be wondering: How do I join the club?

Becoming a taekwondo master takes at least a decade of consistent training. Here’s a rough breakdown:

• 1–3 years: Earn your black belt (1st dan)
• 4–6 years: 2nd–3rd dan
• 7–10 years: Achieve 4th dan and become a certified “master”
• 10+ years: Beyond black belt is a lifelong journey of teaching, training, and mastering.

Pro Tip: Consistency, humility, and a willingness to get kicked (literally and figuratively) will speed your journey far more than raw talent.

How Much Does a Taekwondo Master Make?

Credit: Freepik

We all know martial arts isn’t about the money… but let’s be real—it doesn’t hurt to know.

The salary of a taekwondo master in the USA varies dramatically depending on location, reputation, and whether they own a dojang (school). Here’s the breakdown:

Many top-tier masters supplement their income through merchandise, books, courses, and online classes.

So yes, being a taekwondo master can pay, but only if you kick just as hard in business as you do in sparring.

Also Read: The Benefits of Taekwondo

What Makes a Great Taekwondo Master?

Just because someone wears a black belt doesn’t make them a master. Here’s what separates the legends from the rest:

• Skill + Teaching: They can fight AND they can teach.
• Legacy: Their students go on to do amazing things.
• Character: Humility, discipline, and passion for the art.
• Adaptability: They evolve with time while staying true to core principles.

World Taekwondo (WT)

Breaking Boards & Breaking Barriers: Why Masters Matter

From General Choi to Grandmaster Rhee, the list of all taekwondo masters till now reads like a Who’s Who of discipline, strength, and legacy. They are more than martial artists—they’re movement-makers who’ve shaped global sport and philosophy.

Whether you’re dreaming of that black belt or just love watching epic kicks on YouTube, remember: every master was once a white belt. Bow in, train hard, and who knows—you might just make the next edition of this list.