Jhoon Rhee is a Korean martial artist, actor, and director. He is the founder of the Jeet Kune Do movement.
Jhoon Rhee was a Grand Master of Taekwondo and a world champion. He died at the age of 63 due to a heart attack.
If you’re unfamiliar with Jhoon Rhee, he’s regarded as the “Father of American Taekwondo” in the martial arts world. When he arrived in the United States in the 1950s, he brought the style with him.
The video of his birthday performance is worth discussing for a few reasons. To begin with, it is incredible to watch an 80-year-old guy play at such a high level. His cerebral brilliance and physical prowess are undeniable. He is light years ahead of his classmates, even those who are just a few years his junior.
Unfortunately, and not surprisingly, I’ve read many negative comments regarding his pushup form on the internet. And it’s comments like these that I’ve always found difficult to comprehend. Jhoon Rhee is still attempting to encourage and inspire people to become more active, despite the fact that he is 80 years old. What does it matter if his technique isn’t up to your standards for a flawless pushup? When did pushups become a sanctioned sports event with a judging panel? Who are we to say differently if Rhee’s idea of a pushup is what keeps him active?
Shouldn’t we congratulate the person who makes changes based on personal variables like ability? Jhoon Rhee has been practicing martial arts for longer than the most of us have lived. It’s beyond sad for twenty-year-old internet warriors who’ve never achieved anything to attack him.
Personally, I don’t give a damn about workout technique as long as what you’re doing isn’t hazardous or likely to injure you. Exercise is not a competition. We utilize exercise to improve our mood and/or performance. Who matters whether you do an exercise according to someone else’s idea of good form if it benefits you in either respect. Personally, I don’t mind if you do an exercise differently than I do. It has no bearing on me, and I will not be disturbed by it. I’m simply relieved that you’re doing action. Whether we like it or not, we are still in the same minority when it comes to exercising. Why not direct that energy somewhere and have someone who does nothing do something instead of arguing with each other over how to do an exercise?
Jhoon Rhee deserves kudos for staying active and inspiring others at the age of 80. I want to be able to do pushups well into my eighties. You are free to critique my pushup form as much as you want if I make it to that day. I simply can’t guarantee that I’ll be interested enough to reply.
“Knowing what to ignore is part of the art of being wise.” — The poet William James
Jhoon Rhee is a Grand Master and the student creed is an oath that he has sworn to uphold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the grand master of taekwondo?
Grandmaster Hwang Kee is the grand master of taekwondo.
Who brought taekwondo America?
The U.S. military brought taekwondo to America in the early 1950s.
