About Us
CTF 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 the empowering sense of self-worth, and the ability to control one’s physical state and personal destiny.
The student is guided into four stages of philosophical development:
- Imagination
- Inspiration
- Actualization
- 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 inspire themselves into action, as they develop a sense of self-worth. Without this, one 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.
History of the Choong-Sil Taekwondo Federation
Grand Master Hardin began his training over 50 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, Grand Master Hardin, then a 5th Degree Black Belt, founded the Mid American Taekwondo Centers (MATC), a network of schools interested in training and competing together. 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 schools and clubs, headquartered in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, and with schools as far away as the East and West Coasts.
Grand Master and Mrs. Hardin, herself a seventh degree black belt, moved to the Ozarks Mountains of Arkansas in 1999 and spent years building and developing a Lodge and new Camp Facility for the CTF there. The CTF Headquarters was moved there in December 1999 from Nashville, Tennessee. This facility is designed for use as a retreat for CTF members and a permanent facility for Black Belt Training Camps throughout the year. In addition to the Lodge, the facility is located on a full working cattle ranch. With its location in the Ozark National Forest, this is an ideal vacation spot for instructors who enjoy outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, canoeing, hiking, camping, etc.
Over the years, the CTF has been involved with other Taekwondo organizations such as the ITF, GTF, AAU and USTL, primarily for competitive opportunities. In early 2011, the World Tae Kwon-Do organization appointed Grandmaster Hardin as its temporary Secretary General and Mrs. Hardin as Executive Director. These appointments were confirmed as permanent appointments by a meeting of the Tae Kwon-Do pioneers in Dallas, TX in July 2011. It is a great compliment to the CTF to be affiliated with the WTA in this manner and opens doors to the highest level of certification available in the world today, that of the original pioneers of Tae Kwon-Do. It is also an opportunity for the CTF to play a key role in the future development of Traditional Tae Kwon-Do throughout the world.
Grand Master Robert H. Hardin
9th Degree Black Belt
Founder and National Director of the Choong-Sil Taekwondo Federation
Ozark Wilderness Lodge
CTF Headquarters
About
Construction began on the Lodge in March of 1999 and was completed in the fall of 2000. This project has certainly been a concrete example of the Choong Sil Philosophy in action and the realization of this goal is a beautiful facility which gives all members of the CTF a permanent home for their camps and retreats.
Designed not only as the CTF National Headquarters, but also as a camp facility, the Lodge can host as many as 20-30 campers in comfort. Located in the remote, breath taking Ozark Mountains of Northwestern Arkansas, the area offers activities for its guests which include hiking, swimming, fishing, hunting, canoeing, rappelling, trail riding on the ATVs or mules and paint ball games. Your training has never been so convenient with a complete downstairs gym including Nautilus equipment.
Each summer the Hardins host separate camps for Men and Women Black Belts as well as other special camps during the year such as our Fall Couples Camp and Bo Staff Seminar in past years. These camps offer instructors and black belts an opportunity for personalized instruction from Grand Master Hardin as well as the chance to enjoy new experiences.
In addition, the Hardins welcome visitors between camps and other CTF events. Many CTF members have taken advantage of the opportunity for private instruction, a little outdoor recreation, relaxation, and some good home cooking.
