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Master Chung Kwang-Duk The official date of introduction of Taekwondo in Argentina is 1967. It was then that Kim Han-Chang, Choi Nam-Sung and Chung Kwang-Duk arrived and settled in Buenos Aires. They got into contact with Judo instructor Norberto Aspera and initially started teaching their "Korean Karate" in Judo academies. In prior times there had existed other Korean nationals teaching karate, but never developed schools of their own. On the contrary, these three instructors -who were in their late twenties- reported to the International Taekwondo Federation under Gen. Choi Hong Hi. A fourth instructor that started teaching around that time is Lee Chong-Seo, who had advanced ranking in Moo Duk Kwan. Master Chung Kwang-Duk was probably the most outspoken and forthcoming of the pioneers. He used to hammer nails into wooden panels with the side of his fist, and his students were highly disciplined under his guidance. Chung's black belts included Vargas, R. Gurtler, F. Pintos, G. Ramisch, R. Saenz and E. Palmisano. During the 1979 split Master Chung was the only Korean to remain in the ITF. He became the local head of the organization, until local students of other masters started to become significant to the ITF during the late 80's. Master Chung left to live in the United Stated during the 90s, where he was graded 8th Dan by Gen. Choi and has only returned to Argentina for occasional visits. He currently heads the New York-based International Taekwon-Do Society. Photos and Text Submitted by Manuel E. Adrogué |
