A look back at the life and legacy of Grand Master Jhoon Rhee, from his 1956 arrival in America to his work in Washington, D.C., his ties to Muhammad Ali and Bruce Lee, and his influence on sport karate.
What this session covers
This 2015 video is a tribute to Grand Master Jhoon Rhee, widely known as the Father of American Taekwondo. It follows his path from arriving in America in 1956 as a Korean Army lieutenant to building one of the most influential Taekwondo schools in the country.
The video says he helped popularize Taekwondo in America, revolutionized sport karate through the invention of martial arts safety gear, and produced champions including Jeff Smith and John Chung. It covers his influence in Washington, D.C., including his “Nobody bothers me” television commercials, his teaching of members of Congress and his Taekwondo program in the Senate and House gym.
It also explores his connections with Muhammad Ali, whom he coached before the Richard Dunn fight and taught the “accupunch,” and with Bruce Lee, with whom he exchanged ideas and techniques. His “Joy of Discipline” program and work with public schools reflected his belief in discipline, health, character and stronger communities.
Key points
- He arrived in America in 1956 as a Korean Army lieutenant.
- He is known as the Father of American Taekwondo.
- He invented martial arts safety gear and influenced sport karate.
- He taught members of Congress and ran a program in the Senate and House gym.
- He coached Muhammad Ali before the Richard Dunn fight and taught him the “accupunch.”
- He exchanged ideas and techniques with Bruce Lee.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Jhoon Rhee called the Father of American Taekwondo?
The video credits him with helping popularize Taekwondo in America after arriving in 1956 and building one of the country’s most influential Taekwondo schools.
What was his connection to Muhammad Ali?
He coached Ali before the Richard Dunn fight and taught him the “accupunch.”
What was the “Nobody bothers me” campaign?
It refers to his famous television commercials in Washington, D.C.
About this video. Business Breakthrough TV draws on the YouTube channel of this journal’s publisher, Grand Master Stephen Oliver. Many sessions were recorded inside Martial Arts Wealth Mastery, his coaching program for school owners, and are presented as recorded. Results described by school owners are their own accounts and have not been independently verified by this journal.
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