Master Robert H. Hardin - Founder

8th Degree Black Belt
Founder and National Director of the Choong Sil Taekwondo Federation

      Master Hardin began his training over 30 years ago in December of 1968. As a red belt, he taught a club at the YMCA in Warren, Arkansas, later expanding to the YMCA in Hot Springs, Arkansas. In 1971, he opened a full time school in Hot Springs. He taught there until 1982, when he sold his Hot Springs school and moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to open a school and begin development of the Tennessee region. He also was a member of the staff of Henderson State University teaching Taekwondo there from 1975 to 1982. During this time he was very active with the American Taekwondo Association (ATA), achieving the position of ATA Regional Vice President in 1980.

      In 1984, Master Hardin founded the Mid American Taekwondo Centers (MATC). He also developed the Choong Sil style of Taekwondo, which integrates a goal-oriented philosophy as part of the Taekwondo training. In the summer of 1995, the last pattern in the Choong Sil system was introduced and the Choong Sil pattern system was completed. In keeping with this, the MATC elected to change its name to the Choong Sil Taekwondo Federation (CTF). The CTF now encompasses over 60 schools and clubs, headquartered near Nashville, Tennessee, and with schools as far away as the East and West Coasts.

      Master Hardin was promoted to Eighth Degree Black Belt by the Amateur Athletic Union (James K. Roberts, 9th Dan) on December 20, 1999. He had received his Seventh Degree Black Belt, as well as Master Instructor, from Grand Master Park Jung Tae of the Global Taekwondo Federation on November 20, 1992 and Sixth Degree from General Choi Hong Hi of the International Taekwondo Federation on November 21,1986.

Philosophy

      The purpose of Choong Sil Kwan Taekwondo is to develop an individual’s mental and physical well being through a highly stylized and deliberate method of rigorous martial arts training. The result of this training is an empowering sense of self-worth, and the ability to control one’s physical state and personal destiny.

The student is guided through four stages of philosophical development:

1. Imagination
2. Inspiration
3. Actualization
4. Realization

      In the initial stage of philosophical development, students must use their imagination to set goals beyond their current limitations and, from this, visualize their achievements in advance. This, in turn, strengthens their belief system to the point that specific goals are possible and obtainable. With goals firmly in mind, the students must learn to self-inspire themselves into action, as they develop a sense of self-worth.

      Without this, they may never strive for success as they may feel that they do not deserve the rewards that accompany achievement.

      Actualization is taking the first step and entering into the process of the work and reward system. The development of a strong work ethic is the most important element in this philosophy. Even the most average of people can achieve excellence with a positive work habit.

      Realization refers to the attainment of one’s goals. Upon reaching these achievements, new privileges are merited as new goals are recognized. This process perpetuates itself as the previous results offer new challenges and new responsibilities. This positive growth cycle not only improves oneself, but also the immediate world around you. This concept of “Constant and Never Ending Improvement” is the ultimate purpose of Choong Sil Kwan.