Grand Master Yun Sung Chung
Grand Master Chung established the American Taekwondo Foundation in September of 1988.

Grand Master Yun Sung Chung was born in Seoul, Korea and began his Taekwondo training at the age of 12. By the finish of his high school years, he had earned the rank of Black Belt in both Taekwondo and judo. As a college student, Grand Master Chung trained in a third martial art, Hapkido. When the Vietnam War started his college education was interrupted when he enlisted in the Republic of Korea (ROK) Marines. After serving his time in the military as a combat instructor for special troops, Grand Master Chung completed his education with a degree in business.

Grand Master Chung came to the United States (U.S.) in 1971 to teach self-defense to the U.S. military in Fort Riley, Kansas. He was enchanted with the geography and the people of this country and traveled extensively, eager to learn and understand the American culture. Topeka, Kansas was his next personal assignment to work with Grand Master In Mook Kim. At this time, Grand Master Chung was spending countless hours training and meeting instructors across the nation. In March 1976, he moved to Montgomery, Alabama and opened Chung's Academy of Taekwondo; it has since relocated three times due to growth and demand. The present headquarters of the American Taekwondo Foundation (ATF) on Bell Road was opened in 1998, and operates as Chung's Taekwondo Center, Inc.

Grand Master Chung established the American Taekwondo Foundation in September of 1988. It was his intention to provide only his instructors with the guidance they needed to reach the public and open schools. However, his theory subsided quickly when outside, established instructors saw that Grand Master Chung and the ATF boasted many assets conducive to their goals. The focus of the ATF is to set high standards and to create a family atmosphere, encouraging the sharing of ideas, knowledge and expertise.

GM Chung with Isaac Hayes, Musician/Actor


GM Chung with GM Jhoon Rhee, Father of Taekwondo in America