Meet Master Cho Han You | Founder of HAN Taekwondo Singapore
Master Cho Han You is a former competitive Taekwondo athlete and the founder of HAN Taekwondo in Singapore.
His approach to teaching is shaped by his background in competitive Taekwondo, sports science and military service in South Korea.
A Strong Foundation in Taekwondo and Sports Science
Master Cho began his journey as a competitive Taekwondo athlete, participating in numerous national Taekwondo championships in South Korea and achieving strong results.
He went on to major in Taekwondo and Sports Science at university, where he developed a deeper understanding of physical training, athletic performance and systematic training methods.
His experience as both an athlete and a student of sports science has shaped the way he approaches Taekwondo training today, combining practical skills with structured and purposeful training.
From Taekwondo Athlete to Special Forces Team Leader
Following his athletic career, Master Cho was commissioned as an officer in the Republic of Korea Army, where he served for many years as a career military officer.
During his military service, he held several leadership and training appointments.
At the Korea Combat Training Center (KCTC), a military training centre that prepares soldiers for realistic combat situations, he served as a platoon leader and training staff officer.
He later served as a team leader in the Republic of Korea Army Special Forces.
Throughout his military career, Master Cho completed demanding training programmes, including parachute operations, rappelling, water-based training and mountain training.
These experiences required not only physical strength and technical skills, but also mental resilience, discipline, responsibility and teamwork.
As a Special Forces team leader, Master Cho learned the importance of leading by example.
He understood that leadership was not simply about giving instructions, but also about demonstrating the standards and values expected of others.
These lessons continue to influence his approach to teaching Taekwondo today.
Bringing Real Experience into Taekwondo Training
Master Cho believes that effective teaching comes from a combination of knowledge, practical experience and the ability to demonstrate what is being taught.
His background as a competitive Taekwondo athlete, his academic training in sports science and his years of military service have all contributed to his teaching philosophy.
For him, Taekwondo is not simply about learning kicks, mastering techniques or progressing through belt levels.
It is also about developing courtesy, discipline, practical skills and mental strength, while discovering the genuine enjoyment of training.
He believes that students learn not only through verbal instruction, but also by observing their instructors and practising alongside them.
This is why leading by example remains an important part of his teaching.
The Philosophy Behind HAN Taekwondo
HAN Taekwondo was founded upon these principles.
Master Cho believes that the lessons students learn through Taekwondo should extend beyond the training hall and become valuable skills and attitudes that support them throughout their lives.
Through training, he hopes students will develop respect for others, a positive attitude towards challenges, and the physical and mental strength to face difficulties with confidence.
Equally important is the enjoyment of learning. He believes that students should experience the satisfaction that comes from practising, overcoming challenges and recognising their own improvement.
Courtesy, practical skills and genuine enjoyment of Taekwondo are at the heart of his teaching philosophy.
These are the values Master Cho hopes to pass on to every student at HAN Taekwondo, and they continue to guide the way Taekwondo is taught at the academy.
Kallang Wave Mall,
Singapore Sports Hub
Near Stadium MRT
Kids & Adults Taekwondo | Beginners to Advanced
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