[4][5][6] Following a career in the South Korean military, he emigrated to the United States of America in the late 1960s.
[4] He began training in martial arts in 1952, starting with Shotokan karate.
[4] Kong won a scholarship to study at Kyung Hee University, and while in its Physical Education College, was required to train in judo.
[4] From 1963–1967, he served in the South Korean army, attaining the rank of Sergeant.
[4] Through the late 1960s and 1970s, Kong was a key member of the taekwondo demonstration teams that accompanied H. H. Choi around the world.