Evolution Martial Arts in North Korea: Following the History of ITF Taekwon-Do
Evolution Martial Arts in North Korea: Following the History of ITF Taekwon-Do
In June 2024, Mr Francis Miller and Katie Stone from Evolution Martial Arts travelled to Pyongyang, North Korea, for a unique five-day trip centred around the history, development and future of ITF Taekwon-Do.
For anyone involved in Taekwon-Do, North Korea holds a particularly significant place in the art's history.
The trip gave Mr Miller and Katie the opportunity to experience places deeply connected to Taekwon-Do history, meet practitioners and masters from the DPRK, take part in training and seminars, and most importantly, pay their respects at the resting place of General Choi Hong Hi.
But the trip would become even more significant for Mr Miller, as it was during this visit that he completed his 7th Degree Taekwon-Do grading and earned the title of Master.
A 7th Degree Grading in North Korea
Before the trip, he was Mr Francis Miller. During his time in North Korea, he undertook one of the most important gradings of his Taekwon-Do career.
Mr Miller performed his 7th Degree ITF Taekwon-Do grading under a panel headed by Grandmaster Hwang Ho Yong, one of the most senior figures in ITF Taekwon-Do.
After successfully completing the grading, Mr Miller was awarded his 7th Degree Black Belt and, with it, the title of Master Francis Miller.
To complete such an important milestone in his Taekwon-Do career in North Korea, surrounded by the history and traditions of the art, made the achievement particularly special.
It was a landmark moment not only for Master Miller personally, but also for Evolution Martial Arts.
Visiting the Tomb of General Choi Hong Hi
One of the most memorable moments of the trip was visiting General Choi Hong Hi's tomb at the Cemetery.
Standing at the grave of the founder of ITF Taekwon-Do was a particularly significant experience for both Master Miller and Katie . General Choi's influence can be seen throughout the ITF Taekwon-Do community, and visiting his final resting place provided a rare opportunity to reflect on the history and traditions behind the martial art taught every week at Evolution.
For Katie, who has competed internationally in ITF Taekwon-Do, the visit was especially meaningful. It was a chance to connect the modern competitive side of Taekwon-Do with the history and legacy that began with General Choi.
A Seminar at the Taekwon-Do Palace
The trip wasn't simply about sightseeing. Master Miller and Katie were actively involved in a number of ITF Taekwon-Do seminars, training sessions and discussions throughout their visit.
One of the standout moments came during a Taekwon-Do seminar at the Taekwon-Do Palace in Pyongyang.
Katie was invited to demonstrate alongside DPRK Taekwon-Do masters during the seminar, giving her the opportunity to share her experience and demonstrate in front of practitioners from North Korea.
Master Miller was also actively involved throughout the seminar and training programme, contributing to discussions and activities alongside the other senior instructors.
For Evolution, this was a fantastic opportunity to represent the club and take part in international Taekwon-Do exchanges at such a historic location.
Exploring the History of Taekwon-Do
Another highlight was visiting the Taekwon-Do Historical Hall, sometimes referred to as the Taekwon-Do Holy Center.
The visit provided an insight into the development and history of Taekwon-Do, while the wider programme included demonstrations, specialist training and discussions.
The trip also included a special commemorative Taekwon-Do course and opportunities to train alongside practitioners from the DPRK.
For two instructors who spend so much of their time teaching and developing students at Evolution Martial Arts, being able to step outside the club environment and experience Taekwon-Do in this way was something neither Katie nor Master Miller will forget.
Lake Chon and Mount Paektu
Away from Taekwon-Do, one of the most extraordinary experiences of the trip was travelling to Lake Chon at the top of Mount Paektu.
Master Miller and Katie both made the journey, despite the conditions being far from ideal.
When they reached the lake, they were met with a complete white-out, meaning visibility was extremely limited. While they didn't get the spectacular views they had hoped for, the journey itself became one of the most memorable parts of the entire trip.
Travelling into such a remote and dramatic part of the country was an experience unlike anything either of them had experienced before. Sometimes the most memorable travel experiences aren't the ones that go exactly to plan — and Lake Chon was certainly one of them.
More Than Just a Trip
The five-day visit included far more than Taekwon-Do. Katie and Master Miller experienced Pyongyang, attended cultural events, met local practitioners and instructors, took part in training and seminars, and experienced a country that very few people get the opportunity to visit.
The programme also included a performance by the National Symphony Orchestra and a torch-lighting ceremony connected with the 9th International Martial Arts Games.
But for Evolution Martial Arts, the most important part of the trip was the connection to ITF Taekwon-Do and its history.
From standing at General Choi Hong Hi's tomb, to Master Miller completing his 7th Degree grading, to Katie demonstrating alongside DPRK masters at the Taekwon-Do Palace, the trip provided a unique opportunity to experience the art from a completely different perspective.
Bringing the Experience Back to Evolution
At Evolution Martial Arts, we believe Taekwon-Do is about much more than learning techniques and progressing through the belt system. It is about understanding the history, values and traditions of the martial art.
Katie and Master Miller's visit to North Korea gave them a first-hand experience of some of that history - an experience they can now share with the students they teach at Evolution.
For Master Francis Miller, the trip also marked a major milestone in his Taekwon-Do journey.
It was an unforgettable five days, combining ITF Taekwon-Do, history, training, culture and adventure, and one of the most unique chapters in Evolution Martial Arts' history so far.
