 |
||||||||
 |
||||||||
 |
MEMO BLOG | |
Memo Calendar | Memo Pad | Business Memos | Loaves & Fishes | Letters | Home |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Tae Hong Choi 1935-2009 |
Choi began studying martial arts as a young boy in Korea. He learned quickly, began winning titles and eventually became a grandmaster in tae kwon do, the national sport of his home country. Tae kwon do combines combat techniques, self-defense, sport, exercise, meditation and philosophy.
As a young man in the Korean army, Choi was an instructor to Korean and U.S. Special Forces during the Vietnam War. That association with the U.S. military led to employment in this country, and by 1972 he was living in Portland with his family.
The academy on Halsey was the first of three studios owned and operated by Master Choi in the Portland Metro area. A pioneer of his art in this country, he has been honored by the Korean Minister of Culture and the United States Tae Kwon Do Grandmasters Society, and has had at least one student compete in the Olympic Games.
Master Choi is survived by his wife, Man Soon, of Portland; daughters, Ilsuun Kim and Minsun Min, both of Seattle; sons, Hung Choi of Beaverton and Sung Choi of New York City; and five grandchildren.
A service has been held. He was interred in Skyline Memorial Gardens, 4101 N.W. Skyline Blvd.
MEMO Advertising | MEMO Archives | MEMO Web Neighbors | MEMO Staff | Home