Grandmaster Rhee was the first Korean Master to teach Tae Kwon DO in the United States. He is a legend to millions. His name and face are synonymous with Tae Kwon Do in America. He is a 10th degree Black Belt known as the father of American Tae Kwon Do. He trained celebrated martial artist and film star Bruce Lee and fighter Muhammad Ali. His pioneering work in the invention and development of protective gear used in full-contact martial arts opened the sport to thousands of people who previously shied away due to the high possibility of injury. He is possibly the most respected and renowned member of the martial arts community in America.

In 1976 he was named "Martial Arts Man of the Century" as part of the U.S. Bicentennial Sports awards, in the company of other award recipients such as basketball's Wilt Chamberlain and baseball's Joe DiMaggio. For the past twenty years, in addition to training national and international martial arts champions, Grandmaster Rhee has trained distinguished U.S. Senators and Congressmen in Washington, D.C.

He was named the 721st Point of Light by President George Bush for establishing a foundation for inner-city children. His Joy of Discipline program provides children with physical and mental skills needed to improve their sense of self-respect, self-discipline, and motivation through the use of martial arts discipline training.