Who We Are

History of Pro Taekwondo

The roots of Taekwondo trace back to Korea's liberation in the 1940s and 1950s. During its formative years, it was known by various names such as Taekkyun, Dangsu, and Taesudo, taught and spread by pioneering masters including Hwang Ki, Jeon Sang Sop, Yoon Byoung In, Lee Won Kuk, and No Byoung Jik. As the martial art gained momentum, more than 40 dojangs (gyms) were established even during the Korean War. By the 1970s, these schools evolved into ten main subdivisions. However, in May 1976, these subdivisions unified under a single system, ranked from 1 to 9. This brought structural cohesion but also introduced intense rivalry over rank and recognition. Amidst this evolution, some masters held tightly to the traditional spirit of Taekwondo, determined to preserve its martial roots. One such visionary was Grandmaster Soo Hyun Ye, who would become the founding force behind Pro Taekwondo. In 1979, Grandmaster Soo Hyun Ye formally launched Pro Taekwondo, transforming traditional Taekwondo into a spectator-friendly, professional martial art. He believed in elevating the original essence of Taekwondo through intensified training regimens, high-quality standards, and character development as a core value. He introduced a new competitive format designed to make Taekwondo appealing to people of all ages and backgrounds, paving the way for broader participation and popularity. This system opened new doors for amateur athletes and coaches, fostering a professional pathway within the sport. The first Pro Taekwondo Sports Centre was established in Daegu, Gyeongbuk, Korea — setting the benchmark for advanced martial arts education. Competitions quickly expanded to major cities like Seoul and Daejeon, and eventually abroad to countries including the USA, Canada, and across Southeast Asia. In 1991, Grandmaster Soo Hyun Ye appointed Grandmaster Dosa Kwon as the Representative of IPTF Oceania, recognising his leadership in developing Pro Taekwondo globally while based in Sydney, Australia. Since then, Grandmaster Kwon has played a vital role in structuring the International Pro Taekwondo Federation (IPTF), promoting global expansion, and collaborating with martial artists worldwide. One of the most prominent figures in the modern Pro Taekwondo movement is Dr. Henock Girma Mekonnen, a respected Grandmaster and visionary leader. As the Chairman of IPTF Africa, Dr. Henock has led the rapid expansion of Pro Taekwondo throughout the 54 African nations, with a strong presence in Ethiopia through the Legend International Professional Taekwondo Federation/Association. His contributions earned him recognition as Vice President of the International Pro Taekwondo Federation, working alongside President Grandmaster Dosa Kwon to standardize professional Taekwondo training globally, promote youth empowerment, military fitness, and martial arts leadership, and establish IPTF as a world-class federation operating in over 196 countries. Pro Taekwondo today is not just a sport — it is a movement that blends tradition with innovation, professionalism with discipline, and global unity with cultural pride.