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  • Grandmaster Moon Sung Lee − TaeKwonDo Times Cover Story

Grandmaster Lee − Spirit of a Master

TaeKwonDo Times Cover Story

This student and instructor of over 50 years believes that "the awesome power of TaeKwonDo originates not only from physical technique − one must have physical power, refined knowledge and philosophy, and spiritual power." His sons, Master Charles Lee and Master James Lee, are also featured and share the philosophy of their remarkable father.

This is the image of a real martial artist:

"A true martial artist is a person, who not only is able to protect him/herself and loved ones, but also is a person of strong will and ability who can overcome any of life's difficulties. A true martial artist is a person with a strong sense of justice who never gives in to immorality and always stands up for the weak. He/she is a person who has the virtue of modesty, good manners and a sense of honor and loyalty. A person who has these characteristics encompasses the true spirit and essence of TaeKwonDo.

The awesome power of TaeKwonDo originates not only from physical fighting techniques but also from refined knowledge, philosophy, physical and spiritual power. We learn and practice the art of TaeKwonDo for the purpose of becoming strong in body, mind and spirit.

Over the years I have come to realize that the art of TaeKwonDo involves profound philosophy and a sublime spirit, which makes us, live honorably with a great sense of purpose. Even after learning, teaching and practicing for nearly 50 years, I still feel the need to cultivate my mind, body and spirit. I believe that TaeKwonDo encompasses the art and philosophy of life. Therefore, we must learn and practice diligently to live boldly and virtuously."

These few words eloquently characterize the philosophy of Master Moon Sung Lee, a great master instructor of TaeKwonDo in the martial arts field.

Grandmaster Lee has a strong reputation for discipline and unique training skills in teaching the art of TaeKwonDo. While his outward appearance radiates a calm glow of deep-rooted confidence, his inner spirit is exudes wisdom and strength.

Grandmaster Moon Sung Lee was born in Chinju, South Korea, in 1939, to a middle class family. He grew up in a strict home where education and discipline were stressed. He spent most of his early childhood in the playing in the countryside and reading many books. Looking back to those early days, Grandmaster Lee, comments, "My childhood encounters with nature exposed me to a deep and inspiring understanding of life. That, coupled with the importance of morality, discipline, and respect ingrained in me by my parents are the factors that contributed to me choosing to learn the art of TaeKwonDo."

In 1955, Master Lee attended high school in Busan, South Korea. There his training in TaeKwonDo began with Grandmaster Jae Hwa Kwon, who was known as one of the best TaeKwonDo instructors in Busan. Under the watchful eye of Master Kwon, he practiced hard and developed his talent rapidly. Looking back upon those days of rigorous training, Master Lee says, "Most of my principal knowledge and philosophy of TaeKwonDo was influenced by Master Kwon's teaching and his lifestyle."

In 1959, Grandmaster Lee entered Korea University in Seoul, Korea, where he earned his BA in economics. He continued to practice TaeKwonDo at the university where he made many good friends and had the opportunity to meet and learn from many great masters of TaeKwonDo such as Grandmaster Dr. Kwi Byung Yun, Grandmaster Hwang Ki and Grandmaster Chong Woo Lee.

During his stay at the university, he practiced almost everyday and his training helped him reap many rewards. He had participated in many tournaments - domestic and international matches - in which he often enjoyed the joy of victory. From 1962 to 1965, he was rated in the top five of Korea University's TaeKwonDo team, which won three consecutive world championships.

While Grandmaster Moon Sung Lee served in the military, he taught Korean field troops as a member of the elite Military Instructor Corps. The corps was formed and headed by the legendary General Choi Hong Hee. After completing his military obligation Grandmaster Lee devoted himself to teaching TaeKwonDo at his alma mater until he left for the United States in 1969. In the U.S., Grandmaster Lee set up residence in New York City with the help of Master S. Henry Cho, whom he met at Korea University. In early 1970, Grandmaster Lee formed the TaeKwonDo Club at Stevens Institute of Technology, in Hoboken NJ with the help and guidance of Master Cho.

In 1972, an important dream materialized in the founding of the Moon S. Lee TaeKwonDo Institute in Astoria, NY. Shortly after opening the institute, his outgoing personality and rapport with people attracted many new students who enjoyed his refreshing philosophy and spirit of TaeKwonDo. He now has two TaeKwonDo schools in Astoria, NY and Whitestone, NY.

Grandmaster Lee summed up his goals for his students by stating, "My purpose in teaching TaeKwonDo is not only to make people champions of tournaments, but also champions of their lives." He says that in nurturing this art, one must, above all, strengthen himself both mentally and spiritually. The ultimate aim of teaching and practicing TaeKwonDo is, thus, to make one strong in body, mind and spirit, which develops a strong character and a deep respect for one's fellow man.

It stands to reason then that at the Moon S. Lee TaeKwonDo Institute, there is no room for mediocrity. The training is strict, as in military training, but the atmosphere is always friendly and family oriented. He trains his students to develop their abilities and increase their potential to ever higher levels of effectiveness. They soon learn that proficient and efficient learning of TaeKwonDo requires the utmost concentration and diligent practice. Master Lee helps his students become confident in their own abilities that they may attain and experience a level of security and inner peace previously unknown. Students benefit from his knowledge, spirit and philosophy. Master Lee is always challenging and pushing his students to do their best. The students accept that challenge because they understand that only by giving their best will they be able to constantly develop to their personal best. Grandmaster Moon Sung Lee often tells his students, "In order to improve ourselves we must accept life's difficulties as a challenge and come out the victor!" and they believe him.

Grandmaster Moon Sung Lee has a family that consists of his wife Anna; his oldest son, Charles, a 5th Dan Black Belt; his daughter, Grace, a 2nd Dan Black Belt; and his youngest son, James, a 5th Dan Black Belt. His two sons started learning TaeKwonDo at very young ages. Both were taught strictly under the disciplined instruction of their father. Both began to teach TaeKwonDo full-time after college at the Moon S. Lee TaeKwonDo Institute and have each won a great number of trophies and medals in many tournaments throughout the country.

Charles, began at 7 years old. In his youth he was on the Amateur Athletic Union Junior Team and won his division several years in a row. He has been the head instructor at the school for over 12 years and is in charge of the Whitestone branch. He has coached a number of the schools team in State and Junior National Championships. He has devoted his whole life to teaching TaeKwonDo to the community.

James began his TaeKwonDo training at 3 years of age. James earned a degree in Sports and Exercise Physiology medicine at SUNY Buffalo. Like his father, he was the Head Instructor and coach of the University at Buffalo TaeKwonDo team. From 1996-1998 he competed vigorously and won many championships. In 1999, he won the gold in the Korean Olympic Festival. In 2000, he was invited by the U.S. National Team to be their trainer/coach to goodwill games with China and Korea. After graduating from University, he worked at New York Presbyterian Hospital in Cardiac Rehab. He received his certification by the American College of Sports Medicine and after 3 years he then moved on to teaching full time in the Astoria branch.

Grace is an elementary school teacher who received her MA at Teachers College, Columbia University. All of Master Lee's children are his best and most trusted students who are heirs to their father's philosophy and spirit of TaeKwonDo.

Among the many students who have trained under Grandmaster Lee, Master Joseph Lupo and his family are his most loyal and best students. Master Lupo is the oldest and highest ranking belt, 5th Dan, in his organization. He very well understands and follows Master Lee's philosophy and spirit of TaeKwonDo diligently. For a long time he was an instructor at the TaeKwonDo School.

Each day, Grandmaster Moon Sung Lee rises early in the morning to go pray at church and have his devotionals. He also practices meditation and Danjon breathing to develop inner strength and self-awareness. Even though he has two sons and many other black belt instructors, Master Lee still makes it a point to teach classes and practice. He is the model to follow for the ideal TaeKwonDo martial artist who is always striving to become stronger in body, mind and spirit!

Master Moon Sung Lee tells us some of his creeds for Life:

• "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13)
• "Nothing is impossible to a determined mind."
• "Whatever I do, I do my best and leave the rest to providence."

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