To define this term we first have to understand the very basics of the Chinese language. In Chinese, Mandarin or Cantonese, a character or letter has many different meanings. Usually they are somewhat linked on a conceptual basis. When the characters or idioms are put together only then can their total meaning be understood. For instance, the characters for our English word tornado when stickily translated in Chinese mean dragon – spinning – wind. So, when combined it is interpreted as tornado.

Kwan, What does it mean, and more importantly where does it come from? It comes to the Korean language from the Chinese word Kwoon, meaning house, school, or style. In Korean martial arts it generally refers to a specific way a group of techniques are practiced. In Japanese systems this is referred to as “Ryu”, Example; Goju Ryu, or Ishin Ryu.

Originally there were 9 “Kwans” of Tae Kwon Do. They were,

1. Song Moo Kwan
2. Han Moo Kwan
3. Chang Moo Kwan
4. Moo Duk Kwan
5. Oh Do Kwan
6. Kang Duk Kwan
7. Jung Do Kwan
8. Ji Do Kwan
9. Chung Do Kwan

They were ranked by the Korean Government in 1955 in order of seniority. This was to preserve the sovereign right to dictate technique within their respective groups. All of these schools did their form of martial arts a little bit differently, but they all came together to form Tae Kwon Do. On April 11, 1955 the Martial Art of Tae Kwon Do was born out of the 9 Kwans. These styles have influenced the way Tae Kwon Do is practiced for the last 60 years.

So, at a very cursory level it means school. A group of like minded instructors and students coming together to form a cohesive group for training. But, the definition goes deeper than this.

It also means style. This definition is the way we will be using this term. This occurs when a master invents a new way of practicing or approaching an older art. Such as Tae Kwon Do, or Hapkido, or even Zen. As mentioned earlier there are many “Kwans” of both Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido. In fact Grandmaster Pellegrini was the first westerner ever to receive a Kwan for Hapkido, endorsed by the South Korean Government. This event occurred in 2000 in Florida, and then at Yong In University in South Korea. The Kwan however, does not denote an all new martial art. It simply means a new style of the older way. This is an important point, because while the headmaster becomes the defacto Grandmaster of the kwan. They do not necessarily become grandmaster of the Art.

The translation I find the most interesting is house. It is very true that the martial arts school becomes like a second home, and the lineage of instructors is designed as a family unit. The Chinese character for master also means father. In fact, the two are synonymous. This is where the term Grandmaster comes from. If you have a grandfather it only stands to reason you also can have a grandmaster. So Instructors become brothers and sisters. And, just as children need to be molded and taught by their parents so students need to be molded and taught the way, by their master’s. The interesting thing is that the relationship between a student and martial arts instructor is closer than that of an academic teacher. Think about this, a student will know an academic teacher for 1 school year. Approximately 9 months. But a martial arts instructor one can know and learn from for their entire life! When looked at this way it lends a different and all new air to the school.

So, kwan is a very basic and complex term. It has many meanings and even more connotations. It is a label we will wear with pride. This is the true meaning of Kwan!