Chang Moo Kwan: The Source

Master Larry McClure
Ormond Beach, Florida
USA

Grandmaster Larry McClure began his Martial Arts journey under the disciplined instruction of Dr. Daehiik Kim in the early 1960’s.  Dr. Kim was one of the five original instructors to immigrate to the United States in the early 1960’s.  Dr. Kim was charged with the organizing and promoting of Korean Martial Arts instruction and culture in America.  Larry McClure received his 8th Degree and designated as Grandmaster by Taekowndo Jidokwan .  Grandmaster McClure has been a true bridge builder in his tireless and total devotion to promotion of the Korean Martial Arts and culture in America.

Larry McClure had the rare opportunity to meet and learn from many Martial Arts legends including, Chang Moo Kwan’s Supreme Grandmaster Nam Suk Lee, Mas Oyama of Kyokushinkai karate, Kochi Tohei, Akido, and Yoo Jin Kim, of Ji Do Kwan. 

During his early years, Larry McClure won numerous championships gaining both national and international recognition.  Moreover, Larry McClure established several branches promoting martial arts throughout the Eastern United States, in Georgia, North Carolina, Alabama, and Florida.  He is considered a pioneer of Tae Kwon Do and the introduction of Korean martial arts in the American South East.  Many of his students have gone on to be key military and law enforcement instructors, and consequently protected United States of America from without and within. 

Master Larry McClure executes a front snap kick complimented by a simultaneous double knife hand block/knife hand strike demonstrating the fusion of mind, body, and spirit needed to excel in Chang Moo Kwan, here in the 1970's.

This photo was taken at Master Kang Rhee's residence in Memphis, Tennessee in 1974.  (Left to Right) Master Song Pok Park, Master Larry McClure, Supreme Grandmaster Nam Suk Lee, and Master Kang Rhee.

This photo was snapped during the intermission at the 3rd World Championships, September, 1977.  This was the first time a Championship was held outside Korea.  The 3rd World Championships were held in Chicago, Illinois.  On the left is Supreme Grandmaster Nam Suk Lee, and on the right is Master Larry McClure.

Standing in front of the winners stand at the 3rd World Tae Kwon Do Championships are (Right to Left) Master Larry McClure and Master Dae Shik Kim.  Two unidentified officials are also present.

The above  photo is from the World Tae Kwon Do Championships in Chicago, Illinois 1977.  Supreme Grandmaster Nam Suk Lee is surrounded by Tae Kwon Do instructors and black belts with Master Larry McClure to Supreme Grandmaster Lee's Right. 

Above is one more photo showing Supreme Grandmaster Nam Suk Lee with instructors and judges surrounding him.  To his Right in Master Larry McClure, and this photo was snapped at the 2rd International Tae Kwon Do Championships, which was for the first time being held outside Korea.

This classic photo is taken in Atlanta, Georgia where Master Larry McClure is receiving a Dedication Award from Supreme Grandmaster Nam Suk Lee and his son Master C H Lee. 

Chang Moo Kwan Supreme Grandmaster Nam Suk Lee and son Master C H Lee present Master Larry McClure with a recognition award in Atlanta, Georgia.

A warm hand shake between a legend of early American Chang Moo Kwan development Larry McClure and a thankful Supreme Grandmaster Nam Suk Lee. 

1976 Publication of the "Green Book" included Master Larry McClure in its pages. 
Here is a short list of the highlights in Grandmaster McClure’s journey in “The Arts:”
 

Peace Officer “Standard Training Instructor”

 

Received a Law Degree

 
Chang Moo Kwan “Letter of Appointment” for his Georgia Branch Seminary, presented by Supreme Grandmaster Nam Suk Lee, appointed to oversee training of all Chang Moo Kwan Black Belts in Georgia

 
“Certificate of Achievement” Chang Moo Kwan, presented by Supreme Grandmaster Nam Suk Lee for his propagation of Chang Moo Kwan both inside and outside Korea

 
“Certificate of Qualification” as an International Master Instructor in the art and science of Tae Kwon Do by President Un Yong Kim- World Tae Kwon Do Association (1977)
 
"Outstanding Championship Referee" United States Martial Arts Championship (1970)

“Metal of Commendation” from Supreme Grandmaster Nam Suk Lee presented in Atlanta, Georgia, in person, on behalf of World Chang Moo Kwan (198

Nominated for “Instructor of the Year”
 
“Tournament Committee Member” 3rd World Tae Kwon Do Championships, the first held in United States (1976)
 
In August 1984 the County of Douglas, Georgia proclaimed August 1984 as “Larry McClure” day
 
“Certificate of Heroism” Awarded by Chief Judge of the State Court if Fulton, Georgia
 
“Heroic Action Award” by Fraternal Order of Police
 
SWAT Team Member
 
Riot Team Member
 
WET Team Member
 
Involved in Executive Protection Training
Agreement between Supreme Grandmaster Nam Suk Lee and Grandmaster Larry McClure as a charter to promote Chang Moo Kwan in Georgia, early on in the "pioneering" of Chang Moo Kwan in the South Eastern United States.

Grandmaster Larry McClure's official "3rd World Tae Kwon Do Championship" badge.

In August 1984 the County of Douglas, Georgia proclaimed August 1984 as “Larry McClure” day.



“Heroic Action Award” by Fraternal Order of Police.