Ko Dan Ja Experience© eBlog Site

16th Annual Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Empire State Regional Tournament 2010

2010-05-04T00:32:00.000-04:00

16th Annual Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Empire State Regional Tournament 2010

A Little Practice, Practice, Practice at Baran's Soo Bahk Do

2010-01-31T18:40:00.002-05:00

Below: Mr. Nelson and Rob Bonefont, Jr. and Mr. Garrison

Below: Kicking Drills

Below: More Kicking Drills

Soo Bahk!

Soo Bahk Do - Region 2 Dan Testing - 10/17/09

2009-11-22T02:29:00.001-05:00

Soo Bahk Do - Region 2 Dan Testing - 10/17/09
Originally uploaded by notladj

Here are some great photos of the recent Region 2 Dan Shim Sa, thanks to notladj for posting on Flickr. Soo Bahk!

Ahp Cha Nut Gi Demo by Kenyon Sa Bom Nim, Member of the TAC Weh Gung Bu

2009-10-19T00:17:00.002-04:00

This short video is a great training and teaching aid for Ahp Cha Nut Gi, as modeled by Kenyon Sa bom Nim, member of the TAC Weh Gung Bu. I recognize the site as the Ramona Camp where the Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa is held. Brought back good memories.

Soo Bahk!

Hwa Rahng Festival Video - What is Hwa Rahng?

2009-10-14T16:48:00.004-04:00

Old Moo Duk Kwan Video Montage

2009-08-31T12:46:00.005-04:00

This video was obtained on YouTube courtesy of Daniel R. Segarra, Master Instructor Moo Sa Do Kwan™ and President Warrior-Scholar Academy™ He is also owner of Five Towns Karate Center, an original Moo Duk Kwan School that was established in the late 60's. I wish to thank him for allowing us to view this historical footage.

2nd Video

3rd Video

1960 Moo Duk Kwan Manual -Shows Some Historical Perspective

2009-05-19T16:42:00.007-04:00

Many of you are aware that the Founder of the Moo Duk Kwan, the late Great Grandmaster Hwang Kee, had started his organization in 1945 and it was not probably until the early 1960s that Tang Soo Do (Soo Bahk Do) Moo Duk Kwan came to the U.S. through some of our early military servicemen. Once some of the dojangs were established, it became apparent to have an organization in the U.S. The Five Towns Karate Center (5TKC), which at one point was a directly associated with the Korean Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Association back in the early 1960's. Recently, the current owner of the Five Towns Karate Center, Master Dan Segarra, started a web group for all former students of Five Towns family. During much of the discussions online, several original members, including myself, became involved with the online discussions, mainly talking about our "time" when we first started our martial arts training at the Five Towns Center. One of the original members, had saved a small manual that was given to him by one of the NY Moo Duk Kwan Association officers, Mr. Vincent Nunno, Dan Bon #7291, that was apparently a translation of one of the many original manuals that came out of Korea. Master Segarra was kind enough to post it on his "Warrior-Scholar" website, and I've converted it to a PDF file and will post it here for everyone's enjoyment. One of the comments made by Master Segarra was that the translation just showed how "well" organized the late Great Grandmaster really was.

May 15, 2009
1960 Intro to Tang Soo Do
Introduction
Greetings you are now reading something unique and that can provide an interesting snapshot of the Moo Duk Kwan martial art style circa 1960, this document was given to me by Dr. Steve Finnando whom received it from Dr. Vincent Nunno Dan #7291. This manual was written by Grandmaster Hwang Kee and translated by Dr. Robert Sohn at the time a Cho Dan Dan #6037, Mr. Moon Chae Sik a first Gup and Master Ahn Kyong Won at that time a fourth Dan.
Master Ahn taught the Army’s Infantry 7th Division at their Headquarters starting in 1960. Dr. Sohn was stationed in Korean and trained with Master Ahn from 1963 to 1965. Assuming he made Cho Dan in a year the manual was translated in 64 or 65 at the latest. Remember it was translated from an earlier Korean Version which predates the translation which seems to possible be written in 1960. It is an interesting glimpse as to the organization of Grandmaster Hwang Kee’s Moo Duk Kwan at that time period.
Some interesting things to note are the testing point system with triple promotions for scores 90-100 and demotions for scores 40 and lower, the time period to test for various ranks as well as the breaking requirements. Also of interest are the fact that there was no yellow or orange belt at that time and they actually did use Midnight Blue belts that far back. Finally there are some interesting historical notes in Grandmaster Hwang Kees resume listed.
Please keep in mind this is a straight copy of the introduction so the spelling may be different from the more modern standardized way you may be familiar with, also some facts may not be completely accurate as it was a translation and although I am sure the translators did their best to be as accurate as possible there are sure to be some mistake amongst the text here and there.
So I hope you enjoy this little bit of Korean martial arts history and I am glad I could share it with you.
Dan Segarra
www.warrior-scholar.com
The parts of this material written by Daniel Segarra are copyrighted.

Translators and owners of this written introduction
Master Ahn Kyong Won
Born in Seoul, Korea, Master Kyong won Ahn began his martial arts training when he was twelve years old. He served an internship with his instructor, Master Chang Bok Lee, as the Master Instructor for the Korean and American armies from 1955 through 1967 representing Grandmaster Hwang Kee and the Moo Duk Kwan. Considered one of the best competitors in Korea in the early 1960s, Grandmaster Ahn was winner of many Tang Soo Do championships and honors throughout Korea.
Grandmaster Ahn came to the United States in 1967 at the request of Grandmaster Hwang Kee and was sponsored by the University of Cincinnati, He began teaching Tang Soo Do there in August of 1967.
From 1967 to 1970 he acted as the liaison from Korea officiating for Moo Duk Kwan certifications, testing’s etc.
In 1971 he formed the United Taekwondo Association (UTA) breaking away with the Moo Duk Kwan to accept the position of Grandmaster in the UTA.

Dr. Robert C Sohn (Dan #6037)
Mr. Robert C. Sohn, Born 02 Apr 1939 - 12 Jan 1997 joined the U.S Army Infantry and was stationed in Korea 1963-1965. He made the rank of sergeant and was stationed near the DMZ. While in Korea he began training with Mr. Ahn Kyong Won. Master Ahn was a Tang Soo Do Master under Grandmaster Hwang Kee and known for his incredible fighting skills. Dr. Sohn trained frequently at Joong Ahn Dojang in Korea and was tested by Grandmaster Hwang Kee himself. He attained the rank of fourth dan and the Korean Dan number 6037. He trained in Korea from 1963-1965 and while in Korea met his future wife So Cha (Tina) a native Korean. They married in 1964 and came back to the United states in 1965.
In 1966 he and Vinny Nunno opened the West Village Karate Center on Hudson St. in Manhattan in 1966. In 1968 he opened the Five Towns Karate Center in Lawrence Long Island.

Vincent J. Nunno, (Dan #7291) 22, was born in New York City. He is a graduate of Hunter College in New York and worked for the New York City Department of Commerce while studying for a master’s degree in social psychology. He was an original member of the board of directors of the New York State Chapter of the American Tang Soo Do Korean Karate Assn. This is a division of the Moo Duk Kwan Karate organization with headquarters in Seoul. Korea. Headed by Grand Master Hwang Kee in Korea and represented by John Butterwick Dan #22770 in the USA.
In 1967 They along with Hugine Percival (Dan #7954) hosted the first N.Y Tang Soo Do Tournament in the N.Y Armory. A young Michael J. Masley was the Grand Champion.
Mr. Nunno moved to San Francisco in 1969.
Dr. Sohn, opened the Five Towns Karate Center in 1969 with Arthur Petzel (Pryor) and Michael Sherman, Maurice Fedida and Steve Finnando assisting. Shortly after that both Arthur Pryor and Michael Sherman joined the new U.S Tang Soo Do Federation leaving the Five Towns Karate Center.

Dr. Steve Finnando was awarded Cho Dan Sept. 1, 1970 and was one of the original members of the FTKC. He was the director of the Florida branch or the N.Y Moo Duk Kwan Assoc. He then went on to head the martial arts program at Doctor Sohn’s second school the Institute for Self Development in Manhasset N.Y.

Master Daniel Segarra began training in the Korean martial arts at the age of ten and at the Five Towns Karate Center at age fifteen in 1979, under Master Daniel P. Bannard. He would later train with Master Michael Masley, Master Frank Bonsignore and Grandmaster H.C Hwang. He trained in Tang Soo Do/Soo Bahk Do under Grandmaster H.C Hwang for over twenty years then retired from the organization forming his own Moo Sa Do Kwan (Warrior-Scholar Way) organization in 2004.

Introduction to Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do (KARATE) 唐手道武德館
By Hwang Gee, President of Moo Duk Kwan
Translated by:
Robert C. Sohn, 1st Dan
Moon Chae Sik, 1st Gup
Ahn Kyong Won, 4th Dan

Contents

1. Definition of Tang Soo Do
2. The Objective of the Moo Duk Kwan
3. The further objective of learning Tang Soo Do
4. The Moo Duk Kwan Emblem
5. The Distinction of Moo Duk Kwan
6. The purpose of teaching Tang Soo Do to people of other nation
7. Special Characteristics of Tang Soo Do
8. Things to observe in your study of Tang Soo Do
9. Goals of Tang Soo Do and the Ten Creeds
10. The Ten Creeds
11. Five essential points in mental self control
12. Pivotal factors in mental development
13. Five essential points in Physical development
14. Ten factors to emphasize in practice
15. Brief History of Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do
16. Main Achievements
17. Rules of testing
18. Uniform
19. Application for admission
20. Membership Oath
21. History of Soo Bahk Do

Definition of Tang Soo Do
1. Tang (唐) an ancient Chinese Dynasty, Soo (手) hands, Do (道) Art.
2. The martial art which employs no constructed instruments, but only the hand and feet to strike in self-defense, with the further purpose of training the mind and the body.
The Objective of Moo Duk Kwan: Justice
Hwang Gee, President of the Moo Duk Kwan

FURTHER OBJECTIVE OF LEARNING TANG SOO DO
The cultivation of the spirit and body in perfect harmony with nature.
The Distinctions of Moo Duk Kwan武德館
1. The Moo Duk Kwan (Moo-Martial, Duk-Humility *, Kwan-Association: The association of those schooled in the Martial Art, Tang Soo Do, and steeped in the humility of one who is knowledgeable of
philosophy and capable of controlling his power) has followed the main stream of Tang Soo Do history since the Ko Ku Ryu Dynasty, a period of more than 2000 years.
2. Although the Art has been carried on for that extensive period, a long period of inactivity occurred in which the organized study of Tang Soo Do was nearly obliterated in Korea. In 1945, after Mr. Hwang Gee was awarded the 8th Degree Black Belt by the Chinese Master, he returned to Korea and organized the Moo Duk Kwan. Since then millions of diverse people have been united in a common bond of good will and internal and international friendship through the association.
3. The Moo Duk Kwan emphasizes the knowledge of philosophy and therein lies the Do (道) of Tang Soo Do. In training, the primary consideration is the development of Ki (氣), the ‘power of mind’, secondly skill with the feet, and lastly the hands. Speed and correctness of form in defense and attack are stressed and the student is constantly admonished to practice with serious intent. All this has made Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do the most outstanding in the world, which has been proved repeatedly through international contest, the latest of which was held in Seoul, Korea in 1963 between Korea, China, and Japan. Moo Duk Kwan alone represented Korea, and won nearly every contest with no apparent effort.
4. There are over 1,000,000 members of the Moo Duk Kwan in Korea alone, a number far greater than the total membership of other Tang Soo Do organizations presently in Korea. There are more than 6,000 world-wide Black Belt holders in the Moo Duk Kwan.
*Duk usually is translated as ‘Virtue’

Purpose of Teaching Tang Soo Do to people of other nation
1. To teach this unique martial art to persons of other nations, thereby precipitating better understanding of Korea and Koreans, and to cement better relationships between Korean and other nations,
2. To share the advantages derive - advantages which reach into the daily lives of the practioner.
3. To expand the Moo Duk Kwan on an international scale.
The Goals of Tang Soo Do and the Ten Creeds
The ultimate goal is ‘to live.’ Although this art may be used to kill your opponent, your control must be such that you allow him to live. Life is precious, and even though you attack an enemy, you must always remember this credo, and allow him to live. In order to promote this idealistic goal ‘living’, we set up the following ten creeds in accordance with the principles of nature, with grace, fairness, and speed, to help you in your development of Tang Soo Do.
The Ten Creeds
1. Patriotism
2. Love Between Parents and Children
3. Love Between Husband and Wife
4. Cooperation among brothers.
5. The aged should protect the children and weak people, and children should respect the aged.
6. Faith between Master and disciples.
7. Trust among friends.
8. To kill or let live must be based on just and fair decisions.
9. Never retreat in battle.
10. Accompany your decisions with action.

Training and Resting *
In training you must train intensely but you must be careful not to catch cold, as this is easily done when quickly cooling down your body. Furthermore, you must rest sufficiently, and not attempt to ‘keep going’ all the time. Once you have had the experience of real rest you will appreciate the delicious taste of it. You should realize that your progress is not made only while you practice, but also to a real extent while your rest. Rest, you will find, is as important as practice itself.

*Note this page seems to be out of order or there seems to be a page missing.

Brief History of Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do
Mr. Hwang Gee established the Moo Duk Kwan in Seoul, Korea, on 9 Nov 45, and taught initially at the Ministry of Transportation. The following are historical highlights of the Moo Duk Kwan:
Apr 52 Established branch at Police Academy in Seoul Hwang Gee
1 Oct 52 Established branch at Ministry of Defense Hwang Gee
1 Sept 53 Association of Korea Tang Soo Do Organization was established
Nov 53 Moo Duk Kwan joined the Korean Athletic Association
April 54 Established branch at Ma Po prison Hwang Gee
May 55 Inauguration of Central Headquarters Gymnasium, 43 Tong Ja Dong,
Chun Gu, Seoul, Korea Hwang Gee
May 55 Established branch at So Dae Mun Prison Hwang Gee
May 55 Established branch at Headquarters of ROK Air Force Hwang Gee
1956 Dispatched instructors to Main Commands of ROK Air Force:
Su Won Kim Yong Suk
Sa Chon Kang Myong Kyu
Taegu Hong Jong Su
Taejon Im Yong Ja
May 56 Established branch at Naval Academy Hwang Gee
June 56 Established branch at ROK Naval Headquarters Cha Su Yong
June 56 Established Branch at In Hwa Engineering College Kwon Oh Nam
Feb 56 Established branch at ROK Publications Headquarters Kim Man Ho
Oct 56 Established Branch at Military police HQ ROK Army Hwang Gee
Nov 56 Established Branch at 2nd ROK Army Headquarters Hong Jong Su
*Note Hwang Gee is usually spelt Hwang Kee
March 56 Established Branch at ROK Army Headquarters Kim Man Ho
May 57 Established Branch at Marine Corp Headq. Cha Su Young
Sept 57 Established Branch at EUSA Gymnasium Sho Hang
Mar 59 Mu Duk Kwan took 5 ROK military Forces members to Southeast Asia for Demonstrations Hwang Gee
Kim Man Ho
Cha Su Yong
Kim Jun Taek
Lee Young Gyun
Kim Pong Nam
June 60 Name of Korea Tang Soo Do Association changed to Association of Korean Soo Bak Do in accordance with the Ancient title of this Martial Art, and was incorporated.
Jul 60 All instructors of Kung Soo Do joined the Moo Duk Kwan, Yoon Kwae Pyong was president of the Kung Soo Do Association.
Oct 60 Dispatched instructors to main commands of the Eighth United States Army.
Oct 60 Established Branch at 7th Infantry Div Hq Ahn Kyong Won
14 May 61 Mr Hwang Gee led the establishment of the Asian Tang Soo Do Association, which included Korea, Japan, and Nationalist China, and the first meeting was held in the Moo Duk Kwan Conference rom.
Oct 60 Established first Moo Duk Kwan Branch in US at Mr. Deal* Lincoln Park, Michigan.
May 61 Established Tang Soo Do Organization in the US with Mr. Hwang Gee as Honorary President, and Mr. Butterworth** as American Tang Soo Do President.

*Note Mr Deal is probably Dale Drouliard #757 the First American to achieve MDK Dan rank

**Note Mr Butterworth is John Butterwick #2277

Main Achievements
Publications
4 Apr 50 Tang Soo Do Text (First Book on the subject published in Korea) Mr. Hwang Gee.
7 July 58 Tang Soo Do Text - Mr. Hwang Gee.
3 Jun 60 Pamphlet on Self Defense Technique - Mr. Hwang Gee.
9 Sep 60 Moo Ye Si Bo (Monthly Martial Art Magazine - Mr. Hwang Gee
Demonstrations & Exhibitions
July 49 Tang Soo Do Exhibition at the Transportation School in Seoul for the first time in Korea.
Mar 50 At the field of the Ministry of Defense
Jun 53 At the Police Academy.
Oct 55 Goodwill exhibition between Korea and Nationalist China at Seoul Metropolitan Hall.
Nov 55 Tang Soo Do demonstration at the ROK Army Gym in commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of the Korean Liberation.
Aug 57 Tang Soo Do Demonstration at the 8th U.S Army Headquarters.
Oct 57 Tang Soo Do Demonstration at Seoul Auditorium on the occasion of the 6th annual Korean Athletic Meet.
Nov 57 Exhibition at Seoul Metropolitan Hall on commemoration of the 12th Anniversary of Moo Duk Kwan.
Nov 57 Demonstration at ROK Army Hq on the occasion of Army Martial Art Exhibition.
Feb 58 Demonstration on TV.
Nov 58 An International Goodwill demonstration among Korea, Nationalist China and U.S a the Seoul Metropolitan Hall.
Mar 59 Dispatched five members of ROK Military Forces to South East Asia for Demonstration.
Nov 60 On the occasion of the 15th Anniversary of the Moo Duk Kwan an International Exhibition, including Korea, U.S and Nationalist China at Fraternity Hall of the Ministry of Transportation.
9 Jan 61 Mr. Hwang Gee took 8 members of Korea University to Japan on the invitation of Nibon Dae Hak and conducted a tournament with the Japanese.
May 61 Invited 10 Japanese Karate Members to Korea for an International Tournament which was held at Sam Il Dan for the first time in Korea. The Japanese toured Korea, and were at Sam Il Dang Field, the Public Field in Pusan, the Public Field in Jon Ju, etc.

Table I: Spiritual Qualities, 50 Points
Type Points
Mental & Physical 15
Knowledge 10
Attitude 10
Attendance 10
Potential 5
Table II: Skills & Techniques 50 Points
Type Points
Forms 15
Sparring 10
Breaking 10
Attendance 10
Potential 5
Point Distribution 91-100 A person qualified to be promoted THREE Grades 81-90 A person qualified to be promoted TWO grades 71-80 A person qualified to be promoted only one grade
61-70 A person who can be promoted conditionally one grade or held for further consideration. 51-60 A person who is disqualified Below 40 A person whom is likely to be Demoted to a lower grade.
Only members of the Junior class (below 1st Dan) are eligible to be promoted more than one grade at a time.
Testing Rules (page 15) 1. The authority to test and award grades belongs exclusively to the president of the MDK in Seoul Korea. This authority is sometimes delegated to instructors when distance does not permit the student to come to Seoul, to be tested.
2. Testing is in accordance with the regulations contained in manuals at headquarters Office, or in some cases in accordance with the President’s Instructions.
The following is the criteria for tests: Chart of Grading and Test Grade
(Unfortunately I couldn't copy the rest of the PDF file, which the grading in a chart format)

I will try to post the entire translation as a PDF or Word file in the immediate future.

Soo Bahk!

123rd Dan Classing Championships

2009-04-19T15:39:00.003-04:00

Kwan Jang Nim H. C. Hwang, presided over the 123rd Dan Classing Championships (Dan Testing) that were held yesterday, April 18, 2009 at Carey's Point in New Jersey. As usual, Region 2 Regional Examiners, Sa bom Nim Frampton and Sa bom Nim Mullins organized this planned event that was hosted by Kyo Sa Boucher, of River's Edge Karate, in Penns Grove, NJ.

Several activities were provided and hosted by Kyo Sa Boucher and his students, including a Friday night Dan Shim Sa Mixer (fundraiser) Dinner Buffet, and a regional Ko Dan Ja Candidate evaluation training session, that was according to Sa bom Nim Mullen well attended.

On Saturday morning, the Shim Sa clinics were conducted with approx., 34 Ko Dan Ja in attendance for the clinics and the Shim Sa.

The River's Edge Karate family provided everyone with great support, some really nice T-shirts, and great Moo Do Spirit to carry everyone through the day. Congratulations on hosting a wonderful event. Special thanks to Sa bom Nim Baran and Sa Bom Nim Lindemann for coordinating the table assignments and kicking off the Shim Sa in great Moo Do style.

The Kwan Jang Nim addressed all the candidates, parents, friends and hosting students and wished them a wonderful experience and that he was looking forward to their demonstrations, after some words of encouragement, the Shim Sa was officially opened.

It was a full day of evaluating candidates on the hyungs, ho sin sool, il soo sik, kyo pa and general knowledge requirements and their Moo Do spirit, congratulations to all the candidates on a successful Shim Sa.

The next event in Region 2 will be the Regional Tournament hosted by Sa bom Nims Poppo and Steinhour, on May 16th, 2009 in Grahamsville, New York. Save the date on your calendar and we hope to see as many Ko Dan Ja and participants at the event.

Soo Bahk!

February 7th, 2009 Instructor Class at Frampton's Karate in New York

2009-02-08T10:10:00.010-05:00

Kwan Jang Nim H.C. Hwang with Ko Dan Ja members and instructor dan members at recent Regional Instructor's Class.

This past saturday, members of the U.S. Federation (Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan) of the World Moo Duk Kwan met for instructor's class at the Frampton Karate School in New Windsor, NY. The membership has a regular scheduled instructor class once a month at various locations through the Region 2 Area.

Master Bonefont and Kwan Jang Nim H.C. Hwang, please note the new World Moo Duk Kwan patch the Kwan Jang Nim is wearing, he briefly mentioned how it will used in the near future, each country member will have their country name at the bottom of the patch like the one you see here for member country, Korea.

Allen Ruqus, Sa bom Nim, Frank Bonsignore, Sa Bom Nim/Charter Member, and Master Boenfont, take a minute to pose for a small group photo at the instructor's class.

If you are a dan member in Region 2 and are either training for your instructor certification or are currently a instructor, you need to come to the next training class. The next class will feature all required forms, they will be reviewed, taught and repeated for your benefit. Don't miss the next class. Get with your instructor for date, time and location soon!!!!

I just want to take a moment to thank the Kwan Jang Nim for his time and guidance, and to all the senior leadership who showed up to support this event. A graditude of thanks to all the Ko Dan Ja members who taught the mini sessions for all the dans in attendance. An excellent review of hyung, Il Soo Sik, Ho Sin Sool and other requirements helped those in attendance understand further the importance of standarization and Moo Do.

Soo Bahk!

Wonderful Presentation on the Five Moo Do Values

2008-04-16T18:28:00.002-04:00

Performing are Sa Bom Nims Kozak and Lockwood ... SOO BAHK!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KWAN JANG NIM H.C. HWANG

2008-03-02T23:11:00.003-05:00

THANK YOU KWAN JANG NIM FOR YOUR DEDICATION AND SUPPORT FOR SO MANY, MANY YEARS. ON BEHALF OF THE KO DAN JA EXPERIENCE, A VERY, VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

SOO BAHK!

First Ko Dan Ja and Instructor's Class of 2008

2008-02-25T15:40:00.003-05:00

Special thanks to Bennett, Sa bom Nim and his wonderful students for hosting the Ko Dan Ja and Instructor's Class in Kingston, NY

SOO BAHK!

Senior Ko dan Ja, Regional Examiners and Ko Dan Ja and Dan members in attendance.
Bonsignore Sa bom Nim, above seated center, attended and conducted training
Instructor's Meeting

Next class will be announced soon, if you don't have the schedule, c'mon Region 2, represent!!!! See you at the next class!

KO DAN JA SHIM SA EN ARGENTINA

2007-11-29T17:46:00.000-05:00

33rd Aniversario de Soo Bahk Do en Argentina

Vangas Sa Bom Nim, Granmaestro H.C. Hwang Y Blotta, Sa Bom Nim

Sra. M.Vangas Y el Granmaestro H.C. Hwang
Durante las fechas del 9 al dia 17 de Noviembre 2007 se celebro en la ciudad de Mendoza, Argentina varios evento para celebrar el 33 Aniversario de Soo Bahk Do. Entre ellos el 2do Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa en Sur America. Este evento que duro una semana completa de entrenamiento, camaridad, y sacrificios personales culmino el dia 14 de Noviembre con una presentacion espectacular por parte de los candidatos a promociones de 4to a 6to Dan, Rangos del Alta Jeralquia dentro de la Organizacion Mundial de Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan.

Vangas, Sa Bom Nim, Guzman, Sa Bom Nim Y Blotta Sa Bom Nim

En la mesa principal de examinadores se encontraban presentes el Granmaestro H.C. Hwang, Presidente de la World Moo Duk Kwan Soo Bahk Do. Los SaBom Nim Lawrence Sieberlich, Representante del Comite Superior de Asesores, Numero de Registro 1815, Ramiro Guzman Gutierrez, Designado Mexico, Numero de Registro 16354, Francisco Blotta, Designado Argentina, Numero de Registro 19455, Phillip Bartolucci, Representante y Presidente del TAC, US Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation, Numero de Registro 20571, y Pedro Vangas, Designado Puerto Rico, Numero de Registro 15552.

Candidatos para Ko Dan Ja durante el Shim Sa en Mendoza, Argentina

Los candidatos a promociones representaban a Mexico, Chile, Espana,Grecia y al pais afitrion Argentina. Inmediatamente era notable el alto grado y nivel competente de cada uno de los candidatos. Las demotraciones tecnicas fueron exitantes y dinamicas y a la misma vez siempre observando la diciplina del Moo Do. Definitivamente la estandardizacion de nuestra arte marcial era evidente ya que todos los candidatos realizaban sus moviento y tecnicas como una sola persona. El Granmaestro HC Hwang estaba satifecho con la presentacion y menciono que era uno de los mejores Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa que habia tenido el honor de presenciar.

Ortas Fotos

Soo Bahk!!

Sometido respetuosamente por,

Pedro Vangas, Sa bom Nim
Designee para Puerto Rico

Translation:

33rd Anniversary of Soo Bahk Do in Argentina

During the month of November, from the 9th through the 17th, the 33rd anniversary of Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan was celebrated in the city of Mendoza, Argentina. During this time, for the 2nd time in South America, a Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa was conducted. The event which lasted a week long, complete with training, camaraderie, and personal sacrifice, accumulated with a spectacular presentation by the 4th through 6th dan candidates representing the art of Soo Bahk Do and the World Moo Duk Kwan.

The principal evaluation board consisted of Grandmaster H.C. Hwang, President of the World Moo Duk Kwan Soo Bahk Do as well as, Lawrence Sieberlich, Sa Bom Nim, Senior Advisory Committee member, United States SBDMDK Federation, dan bon 1815; Ramiro Guzman, Sa Bom Nim, Designee for Mexico, dan bon 16354; Francisco Blotta, Sa Bom Nim, Designee for Argentina, dan bon 19455; Phillip Bartolucci, Sa Bom Nim, Chairman of the TAC, United States SBDMDK Federation, dan bon 20571; and Pedro Vangas, Sa Bom Nim, Designee for Puerto Rico, dan bon 15552.

The testing candidates represented the following countries; Mexico, Chile, España, Greece and the hosting country, Argentina. Immediately evident was the high grade and caliber of competence by each of the candidates. The technical demonstrations were dynamic and excellent and at the same time always observing the discipline of Moo Do. It was evident that the standardization of our marital art was realized by the technical movement of all the candidates as “one”. (Philosophy of “oneness.”) Kwan Jang Nim H.C. Hwang was very satisfied with the presentation by the Ko Dan Ja candidates and mentioned that it was one of the best evaluations he had the honor of attending.

Soo Bahk!!

Respectfully submitted by

Pedro Vangas, Sa Bom Nim
Designee for Puerto Rico

Translated by Roberto Bonefont, Sr.

PHOTO MOSAIC: A TRIBUTE TO THE KWAN JANG NIM LEARN MORE ON THE FEDERATION WIKI

2007-07-25T13:36:00.000-04:00

Photo Mosaic: Tribute to The Kwan Jang Nim

Sa Bom Nim Thomas Thai has presented an interesting opportunity for members to create a unique tribute to the Kwan Jang Nim.Provided there is sufficient interest, you could become part of a unique photo mosaic tribute to the Kwan Jang Nim merely by uploading an image of yourself to be used in the creation of this work. The actual pose of the Kwan Jang Nim in the final work may be different than the sample shown here. Each mosaic features over 1500 individual images.

Click here to go to the wiki page showing the Mosaic: Larger View

Your images may be cropped significantly by the artist during creation, but a record of your contribution will be recorded on your permanent member record as you upload your image file. Before you upload your image, modify the file name to be your FULL NAME and FED ID (JohnDoe020453). The final product will be a full color poster in which individual images will be discernable.This mosaic will not be commissioned for creation until a sufficient quantity of images have been contributed to the project.

HERE IS THE DIRECT LINK TO THE WIKI: http://soobahkdo.editme.com/PhotoMosaic

NATIONAL MOO DO FESTIVAL 2007

2007-07-20T11:38:00.001-04:00

SAN DIEGO, CA. AUGUST 24-25TH 2007

USE THE LINK BELOW TO DOWNLOAD REGISTRATION FORMS AND LINK TO OTHER SITES WITH INFORMATION ON ALL THE UPCOMING ACTIVITIES

http://soobahkdo.editme.com/NatRegistrationForms2007
"THE FIRST MOO DO FESTIVAL"

CALLING ALL KO DAN JA to the ANNUAL HUDSON VALLEY REGIONAL TOURNAMENT

2007-03-13T13:58:00.000-04:00

The Hudson Valley Regional Tournament will be held at the Haldane Central School, in Cold Spring, New York on Sunday March 25th, 2007, for further registration information contact Alex Baran, Sa bom Nim at (845) 896-2245 (bahk).

Or contact Ed Frampton, Sa Bom Nim at (845) 565-4729.

Tournament registration packages for the event has been mailed to all regional schools, please share this information with your students. Thank you.

Also a Reminder - Region 2 119th Dan Classing Championship to be held at the Piscataway High School in Piscataway, NJ on April 14th, 2007.

Packets must be sent to Master Frampton by March 17th any late registrants will be processed in the fall.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KWAN JANG NIM H.C. HWANG !

2007-03-04T10:17:00.000-05:00

If I may... on behalf of all of us... take this opportunity to say...

Happy Birthday Kwan Jang Nim !

Photo courtesy of the USSBDMDK

- Wishing you the very best on your birthday and we look forward to celebrating this wonderful milestone with you in San Diego this summer.

SOO BAHK!

2007 Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa Concludes...

2007-02-03T08:46:00.000-05:00

Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa 2007

Kwan Jang Nim H.C. Hwang with Senior SAC & TAC members and Chil Dan Candidates

(photos courtesy of soobahkdo/webshots)

Another Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa in on the record books. The 2007 Ko Dan Ja concluded this past Friday at Camp Oakridge in Ramona, California. Visit the Federation website for posted pictures of the event which include the 2007 Moment with the Masters. http://www.soobahkdo.com

On the left Mr. Robert Ruqus, a Sa Dan Candidate, practices hyung at the Shim Sa

Congratulations to all the candidates who were invited to attend the week long event. Thank you Kwan Jang Nim H.C. Hwang for your unselfish dedication and guidance in preparing the future leadership of our art. Congratulations goes out to the SAC and TAC and Hu Kyun In leadership that organizes and conducts the Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa on an annual basis. To all the visiting Ko Dan Ja who support the annual event and directly support the candidates with their advice and presence.

Special congratulations to my former instructor and mentor, James Donnelly, Sa Bom Nim and Mr. Robert Ruqus, who is a student of Alex Baran, Sa Bom Nim of Fishkill, NY.

SOO BAHK!

Roberto Bonefont, Sr.

August, 15 1929 – January 09, 2007

2007-01-20T22:06:00.000-05:00

In Memory of Jae Joon Kim Dan Bon #38

"Master Nam Kim sadly announces the death of his father

Grand Master Jae Joon Kim."

The sad announcement of the passing of Grand Master Jae Joon Kim. He was one of the few pioneers to come to the United States in the late 50's to help spread the art of the Late Great Grandmaster Hwang Kee, Founder of the Moo Duk Kwan®. His Dan Bon in the Moo Duk Kwan ®was #38. He passed away on January 9, 2007 at the age of 78.

As many may know, myself and several other Ko Dan Ja in the U.S. Federation were once associated with his organization before returning to our roots in the Moo Duk Kwan®, under the guidance of our late Founder and Kwan Jang Nim Hwang Kee. I'd like to express our sincere condolences to the Kim family. Another great loss to the martial arts world.

If you would like to donate or contribute to the family of the late Grand Master Kim, please send any inquiries to Kim’s Karate, 13976 W. Hillsborough Ave. Tampa, Florida 33635

For our Spanish Speaking Brothers and Sisters:

(Written by Pedro J. Vangas, Jr., Sa Bom Nim, Designee and President of the Puerto Rican Soo Bahk Do® Federation)

Una corta nota para notificarte que el Gran Maestro Jae Joon Kim fallecio el dia 9 de enero de 2007. Como tu sabes nosotros estuvimos asociado a su organizacion y siempre lo recordaremos. Una gran perdida para las artes marciales.

Soo Bahk!!

Pedro Vangas, SBN #15552

BEST HOLIDAY WISHES TO EVERYONE...

2006-12-29T14:10:00.000-05:00

2006 is slowly approaching its end... 2007 is waiting to start it's journey very soon. I wish to extend holiday greetings to our extended family in the Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan® World. It is a very large "World-wide" family and I can only state how "proud" I am to be a part of it.

Please keep all our brothers and sisters who place their lives in "harm's way" on a daily basis for ...US... in your thoughts and prayers and hopefully those thoughts and prayers will provide them with the courage to continue doing what they do on a daily basis. Our Nation's military! Many of our Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan® brothers and sisters serving in uniform are returning home this holiday season, we wish them a safe return and a very Happy New Year and that they get the opportunity to spend quality time with their families and some quality time in the their respective dojangs.

Last but surely not least, keep Frank Schermerhorn Sa Bom Nim

and his family, in your daily thoughts and prayers so he can have a permanent recovery in his fight; as we have always appreciated his humble leadership, his strong example and countless contributions to us.

Respectfully Submitted,

...and Happy New Year.

R Bonefont Sr.

Instructor's Class - Kwan Jang Nim Provides Unique insight...

2006-10-15T22:12:00.000-04:00

...to the instructor's who attended the weekend training session at Federation Headquarters in Springfield, NJ on September 16, 2006. His unique approach to instruction provided Ko Dan Ja and Kyo Sa instructors with valuable perspectives in the practice of hyung. Anyone who has trained with the Kwan Jang Nim has surely understood the intensity of his instruction. During this particular session with the Moo Duk Kwan®'s Kwan Jang Nim, he placed special emphasis on "painting the picture" as part of the perspective instructors should keep visualized in their minds during the demonstration of hyung (form).

"Take a picture" was the constant reminder Kwan Jang Nim repeated over and over during the training session. Kwan Jang Nim demonstrated several Chil Sung hyungs to emphasize his point of taking a "picture." After providing the necessary guidance, it was up to everyone to practice and "take a picture" after every movement. After the training session with the Kwan Jang Nim, there was discussion on PVT action throughout the region.

At the end of the session, the upcoming Dan Shim Sa was discussed and again a reminder to all Ko Dan Ja that the training sessions at Headquarters are for all Ko Dan Ja, Kyo Sa and Studio Owners. Hope to see all my fellow Ko Dan Ja brothers and sisters at the next weekend training session scheduled for Nov 18, 2006, time for Region 2 to "represent!" MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

SOO BAHK!
Mr. Bonefont

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT TO NOMINATE...

2006-06-07T10:32:00.000-04:00

photo courtesy of the U.S. Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation Inc.™

I hope this email finds you in great health and spirits.

I am sending this email to Registered Studio Vision Tour Committees in hopes that you will get the word out quickly to your fellow practitioners. This can be done through email, class announcements or class flyer. If you have access to your regional Yahoo Group, that would also be appreciated (if not already done).

Kwan Jang Nim H.C. Hwang would be honored if members moved quickly to action over the next 8 days and voted for his nominee, Senior Advisory Committee member, Vic Martinov, Sa Bom Nim as 2006 Man of the Year in Black Belt Magazine's Hall of Fame.

With only 8 days left until the JUNE 15th deadline for the 2006 Hall of Fame Voting ends, is it possible for the Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan membership to move quickly enough and in suffcient number to induct another well-respected member of our Federation into the 2006 Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame as 2006 Man of The Year?

Wouldn't that be a SUPER birthday gift from the Federation's members for one of our Charter Members, a former Chairman of the Board of Directors, a former TAC member, a recently featured instructor at the prestigious Guardians of the Art Seminar Series and personal instructor to some of the highest ranking members in the U.S. Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation Inc.?

What better way to honor our history than to successfully vote Sa Bom Nim Vic Martinov into Black Belt Magazine's Hall of Fame as 2006 Man of the Year? What better way to demonstrate our philosophy in action than by doing it in only 8 days!?

The link to cast your vote is

http://www.blackbeltmag.com/forms/hall_of_fame.cfm

Pass it on to everyone that would like to support the nomination.

Yours in the Moo Duk Kwan,

Joshua Duncan

Region 9

Kwan Jang Nim's Acceptance Speech

2006-05-25T17:09:00.000-04:00

Courtesy of Black Belt Magazine, and Terry Wilson; Kwan Jang Nim H.C. Hwang's Acceptance Speech at the Black Belt Hall Of Fame as "Man of the Year" 2005.

Soo Bahk!

HISTORY OF THE MOO DUK KWAN® FIST

2006-05-12T13:20:00.000-04:00

CLICK ON THE FIST ABOVE TO READ ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE MOO DUK KWAN® FIST, AN INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED SYMBOL OF MARTIAL ARTS EXCELLENCE. The excellent article is written by Phil Duncan, Sa bom Nim, our Federation Executive Administrator. SOO BAHK!

10th Annual MID HUDSON MOO DUK KWAN® style REGIONAL TOURNAMENT KICKS OFF THE TOURNAMENT SEASON IN REGION 2

2006-04-07T16:29:00.000-04:00

Photo by R. Bonefont, Sr.

Master Rachael Schepperly and Cort Stinehour, Sa bom Nim help kick off the tournament season that started in September in Region 2 by performing Peet Cha Gi's at the Mid Hudson Moo Duk Kwan® style 10th annual tournament that took place at Haldane High School in Cold Springs, New York. Over 280 participants, Ko Dan Ja, parents and relatives showed up for the Region 2 event. On behalf of Frampton and Baran Sa bom Nim, we wish to thank all the Ko Dan Ja who showed up to support the event and stayed until the final hour.

A special thanks to Mr. (Chef) David Britton and his crew for providing an exceptional luncheon at the event, there was a great response from those who participated. Mr. Britton owns and operates The SpringWater Bistro ( http://www.springwaterbistro.com/index.htm ) in Saratoga Springs, New York, after sampling his work, it's well worth revisiting! Phone ~ (518) 584-6440 Fax ~ (518) 584-0015 E-mail ~ chef@springwaterbistro.com Thank You Chef!!!

Also thanks to everyone who assisted during the tournament from selling T-shirts to coordinating ring side judging, etc. We salute your action! Kamsahamnida!

We are still interested in having extra Ko Dan Ja training sessions in Region 2, more news shortly on a possible location. If you are still interested, please email me through Cyberdojang and let me know you are still interested.

Guardians Of The Art (HU KYUN IN) Seminars

2006-02-19T21:56:00.000-05:00

TIME TO MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR MARCH 18TH, 2006.

THE "GUARDIANS OF THE ART" (Hu Kyun In) SEMINARS WILL FEATURE CLINICS CONDUCTING BY PAST FEDERATION TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC) AND SENIOR ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SAC) MASTERS.

IT'S AN ALL DAY EVENT AT FEDERATION HEADQUARTERS, SPACE IS LIMITED SO REGISTER NOW.

One Day ONLY - all ranks - Early registration before March 4th, unlimited seminars $99 or $29 per session, late registration after March 4th, unlimited seminars $119 or $39 per session. Call Headquarters (888) SOO BAHK to register - Official Certificate of Participation for all who register before March 4, 2006.

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Sunday, April 2, 2006 Annual Mid Hudson Regional Soo Bahk Do™ martial art Moo Duk Kwan® style Tournament. Sponsored by Ed Frampton and Alex Baran Sa Bom Nims. MARK YOUR CALENDAR... studios will be receiving flyers and information very soon.

Post 60th Anniversary of Moo Duk Kwan® celebration, July 28-30 Long Beach, California, at the Black Belt's Magazine 2nd Annual Festival of Martial Arts, Kwan Jang Nim will be presenting 4 seminars.

2006 National Championships
August 10-12, 2006, San Diego, California
Town and Country Resort Reservations: (619) 291-7131

Regional Ko Dan Ja, Studio Owners, and Kyo Sa Begin Their Annual Training Program - Kwan Jang Nim H.C. Hwang Conducts First Class Of 2006.

2006-02-12T02:59:00.000-05:00

Two photos start our visual journey in Moo Do. Our Federation Headquarters Do Jang was the scene today and the beginning of annual training for Ko Dan Ja, Studio Owners and invited Kyo Sa. Our Kwan Jang Nim, H.C. Hwang conducted the training based on further development in the use of our "Huri" (waist) and understanding the concept of "open and close" in our techniques and hyung. After the training session, John Cuoco, Sa bom Nim, studio owner of Hwang Karate in Freehold, NJ, shared with everyone his personal tips on developing their own curriculum that will increase retention in your studio. The presentation was filled with concrete examples of how to keep your students by providing suggestions in variations to a Soo Bahk Do™ Moo Duk Kwan® style curriculum. Thank you Cuoco, Sa bom Nim for sharing your ideas and curriculum with us.

SOO BAHK!

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Very Busy 2006 Ko Dan Ja (Shim Sa) Experience©

2006-02-05T02:36:00.000-05:00

Again congratulations to all the candidates! Hope you enjoy the photos, feel free to leave a comment. Thanks again to Anderson Sa bom Nim for giving us permission to publish the photos... AWESOME! Soo Bahk!

Moo Do In Action...

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Shim Sa Week Concludes - January 2006

2006-02-05T02:16:00.000-05:00

Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa & Moment with the Masters 2006

Above is a collage of photos from the most recent Ko Dan Ja Experience© conducted in Alabama by the World Moo Duk Kwan® organization and the U.S. Soo Bahk Do™ Moo Duk Kwan® federation, Inc. Photos used by permission and courtesy of Gus Anderson, Sa Bom Nim, Kamsahamnida! There are more photos of the shim sa available here www.gustave.us/kodanja_2006/kodanja_2006.html

The 2006 WORLD MOO DUK KWAN® martial art style KO DAN JA EXPERIENCE © is in the history books!

2006-01-29T22:46:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! 2006 has started with a bang! The 2006 KDJ Shim Sa recently concluded in Mobile, Alabama. The spirit messages got through, the candidates survived, and the Moment with the Masters, another success.

Congratulations to all the Senior Ko Dan Ja, the TAC, visiting Ko Dan Ja, and the candidates; through dedication and action, you provide the perfect role model for all of our Federation membership. Congratulations to Kwan Jang Nim H.C. Hwang for his non-stop leadership and guidance throughout another historic Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa.

Below is the link to some more photos taken at the shim sa on the webshots website, and thanks to "wsbdmdk2" for making them available. For a further look back on the 2006 Shim Sa, click on the link below, it will link you to webshots.

http://community.webshots.com/album/546662385qXoemP

SOO BAHK!

GET READY... THE 2006 KO DAN JA SHIM SA IS COMING...

2006-01-02T18:13:00.000-05:00

Want to take the time here to send out pre-shim sa "SPIRIT" greetings in the tradition of "Cyberdojang".

We want to wish all the "Candidates", visiting Ko Dan Ja and our senior SAC and TAC Ko Dan Ja, a wonderful Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa experience during the forthcoming annual event that is about to begin soon in Mobile, Alabama.

We want to wish our Kwan Jang Nim H.C. Hwang congratulations on his continued success in developing the Moo Duk Kwan® style into one of the finest martial arts organization in the world. Thank you Kwan Jang Nim for your continued dedication and knowledge in the art of Soo Bahk Do™ a traditional Korean martial art and the gift our Founder, Hwang Kee has left us to share with all mankind.

To all the "Candidates"... "dig deep!" SOO BAHK!

December Ko Dan Ja Morning Training Session at HQ

2005-12-29T02:54:00.000-05:00

Ko Dan Ja attendees at the morning training session and invited Kyo Sa. Last Ko Dan Ja Class for 2005.

November Ko Dan Ja Class led by Kwan Jang Nim H.C. Hwang

2005-12-29T02:50:00.000-05:00

H.C. Hwang, Kwan Jang Nim, leads Ko Dan Ja class in November 2005.

November Ko Dan Ja Class at Federation Headquarters

2005-12-29T02:45:00.000-05:00

Ko Dan Ja Attendees at the November Session.

KO DAN JA CLASS - NOVEMBER 19, 2005

2005-12-29T02:39:00.000-05:00

2005-12-29T02:37:00.000-05:00

2005-12-29T02:35:00.000-05:00

Kwan Jang Nim H.C. Hwang teaches the November Ko Dan Ja training session at HQ

2005-12-29T00:08:00.000-05:00

Our November training session for Ko Dan Ja was conducted by our Kwan Jang Nim and Black Belt Magazine's "Man of the Year, H.C. Hwang. He has again graced us with his extensive knowledge of the Soo Bahk Do™art. The session also graced us with visitors from the United Kingdom, Hedges Sa Bom Nim and one of his students, who were in the country visiting. Kwan Jang Nim taught an interesting session based on our theme for the session by giving us the excellent opportunity to move through intermediate positions while practicing our basic ki cho and hyung.

Our practice theme based on Kyum Son (key concept of humility), had Ko Dan Ja connecting mass by turning the hip to increase distance. As the Kwan Jang Nim put it, "we are all familar with this concept". Stressing the physical application as well as the philosophical application through basic ki cho utilizing the intermediate position to connect our physical and philosophical application to technique.

The session continued with more Moo Do valued instruction and practice from kicking with basic front kick to hyung practice, again using the sub theme of "takes time". Intent, open, close, mass, acceleration, were the key words of instruction to bring our awareness levels higher, in order to bring physical and philosophical application into practice.

I can only state that the experience of training with the Kwan Jang Nim, to me, is complex, but you can actually start to feel how the art should be practiced, and you strive to model your seniors through instruction and practice. Thank you Kwan Jang Nim for your instruction and dedication to Soo Bahk Do™ art Moo Duk Kwan™ style.

Kwan Jang Nim H.C. Hwang teaching at Ko Dan Ja Class in June 2005

2005-11-20T14:39:00.000-05:00

photos courtesy of various members of the U.S. Federation, my thanks to all who post them and allowed me to use them here. Soo Bahk!

THE WORLD MOO DUK KWAN™ style KO DAN JA SHIM SA EXPERIENCE

2005-10-25T12:57:00.000-04:00

SOO BAHK DO™ martial art MOO DUK KWAN™ style

HWANG KEE,

FOUNDER OF THE MOO DUK KWAN™ style

TEACHER, PREACHER, INSTRUCTOR AND PRACTITIONER

November 9, 1914 to July 14, 2002

"The 22nd Annual Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa is dedicated and held in honor of our Founder Hwang Kee. His actions, demonstrated throughout his life, have become the Moo Do Theory that is practiced by thousands of MOO DUK KWAN™ style members throughout the world."

(quoted from the 22nd KDJ Shim Sa Workbook, complied by the U.S. SBDMDK™ Federation SAC and TAC committees)

22nd Annual Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa

Candidates, SAC and TAC members, Ko Dan Ja Guests at the end of the Ko Dan Ja Evaluation by the Kwan Jang Nim H.C. Hwang in January 2005 in Ramona, California

Early Ko Dan Ja Testing??

This may be an early picture at Springfield Headquarters showing early Ko Dan Ja testing, year unknown.

“The presentation of this information is privately initiated by Roberto Bonefont, Sr. who is responsible for its content and format. This presentation has been created by Roberto Bonefont, Sr., and presented by Roberto Bonefont, Sr., as a donation to, and contribution in service to, the U.S. SOO BAHK DO MOO DUK KWAN Federation™, Inc. in harmony with its chartered purpose to increase the public awareness of the SOO BAHK DO™ martial art and the MOO DUK KWAN™ style. Please note all trademark and copyright notices.”

History of the Ko Dan Ja - Past and Present

2005-10-24T17:10:00.000-04:00

The World Moo Duk Kwan™ style

KO DAN JA Experience

This blog in part, is dedicated to the Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa Experience, a modern tradition that has been established by our Founder, the Late Great Grandmaster Hwang Kee.

l to r: Kwan Jang Nim H.C. Hwang, Founder Hwang Kee and author, October 1989.

His successor and our present Kwan Jang Nim, H.C. Hwang; upholds this established modern tradition throughout the world on an annual basis.

There are other organizations that have copied the Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa experience. This experience was established as part of the Moo Duk Kwan™ style and it's philosophy, and there is only one "MOO DUK KWAN™" style and therefore only one "Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa Experience".

In December 1983, our Founder, Hwang Kee organized and attended the first week-long Ko Dan Ja test. Since 1983, there has been an annual Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa Experience in various locations throughout the United States and in many countries abroad, including South Korea, Mexico and South America.

According to Ted Mason, Sa Bom Nim, former Chairman of the Technical Advisory Committee, "Testing for Sa Dan and above was conducted at Regional Dan Testing until December 4, 1983 when it was extended to a week of testing and held at Headquarters in Springfield New Jersey. Since that time, a week long “Kodan Ja Shimsa” has been held every year. The number of candidates has grown from the four that tested at the first “Kodanja Shimsa Week” to 44 Candidates in 1998." (source: US Federation History, Wiki Site, Nov 2005)

The Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa has been described as a comprehensive examination where ...

"Potential masters must successfully complete an eight-day examination that tests not only the physical aspects of the art but also the character of each candidate"

(by Greg Ryman, Editor in Chief, Tae Kwon Do Times, July 2004, Vol. 24, No. 4, issue 140), from the article, "Ko Dan Ja, Eight-Days to Master" (Copyright 2004, by Tri-Mount Publications Inc., All rights reserved.)

After a candidate successfully completes a Ko Dan Ja evaluation, they are awarded their Master level and/or their Sa Bom (certified instructor) level. The training and the evaluations don't stop there, it continues on a recurring basis through training in all the regions. The Kwan Jang Nim holds monthly training classes for Ko Dan Ja for any Ko Dan Ja who wants to attend at Federation Headquarters. Below are some recent pictures from Ko Dan Ja training at Federation Headquarters.

Below the Kwan Jang Nim makes a point on specific technique of movement.

Below 7th Dan candidates, Bartolacci and Schermerhorn Sa Bom Nim received their promotions to 7th Dan after completing the week long Shim Sa in Ramona, California in January 2005. Everytime a Master is eligible for promotion, they must return to the week long KDJ Shim Sa in order to go on to the next level of training, every time! They have done it four times!!!! Soo Bahk!

Photos credits: soobahkdo1 and wsbdmdk@ webshots.com

The 22nd Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa - My personal experience.

There are some traditional and unique experiences that we all share as Ko Dan Ja candidates. For example, there is always a scheduled "nature walk", weather permitting of course.

Below you can see the Ko Dan Ja women candidates from the 22nd KDJ shim sa during the nature walk (well, in our case, mountain walk) with Kwan Jang Nim H.C. Hwang. This shim sa group was very large, I believe the largest so far at a shim sa.

On the way down from the Mountain!

On top of the mountain!

The other tradition is .... well... it's the banquet! Not just any banquet, but

"THE BANQUET!"

The only real break you get is during the time set aside for the banquet. The banquet is usually organized to occur at a local eatery, although I don't know if there was any such banquet during the very first Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa. Anyone know? I was amazed at the amount of "improv" that occurred during ours. The visiting Ko Dan Ja are assigned a specific task to accomplish, and of course the candidates are "expected" to do a specific task as well. I won't give away any of the "secrets" so to speak, only to say... that by the time you are finished, you feel like you just finished another training session at the shim sa and you are ready to get back on the bus and head back... as crazy as that may seem. Many, and I do mean many, take advantage of the bus ride to and from to take a short "combat nap" in between locations. Our time at "The Banquet" was a very memorable experience and it is something to share between attendees, but I'd love to show you the video, perhaps in the immediate future we will. In the meantime, trust me, it's a significant experience throughout the Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa Experience, one I will never forget. Below are some pictures of those moments at the banquet. SOO BAHK!

Visiting Ko Dan Ja conducting Banquet traditions

4th Dan Candidates (good to go!) at last year's KDJ SS

sipsamsehrapper

Oh...no... more hyung practice?

there are certain things you just can't describe...Have to thank Master Williams for her creative thinking.

Below 5th Dan Candidates from last year's KDJ SS

Here we are at the end of the week long challenge to better ourselves and improve our Moo Do.

We look tired? Or is it just a dream?

l to r: author, Kwan Jang Nim H.C. Hwang, Debbie Lindeman, Sa bom Nim and Master Rachael Schepperly.

22nd Annual Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa participants, Ramona, Ca.

So... what was the training like? Well, here's a perspective...

PREPARATION

One word that comes to mind is constant! The training is like no other. I have some training experience in several other martial arts and military police self defense tactics, so when I say like no other, I mean like no other I have experienced. Initially when you arrive at the Shim sa you are basically in a fog. Things flow fairly fast initially and the tempo really doesn't slow down perhaps until your final evaluation by the Kwan Jang Nim and his senior Ko Dan Ja. It has to become your personal choice of involvement or level of involvement to really "get" the most out of your experience. In reality, the majority of the candidates are experienced martial artists, most of the candidates take an enormous amount of personal time to train prior to arriving at the Shim sa. In my case, I had to lose some weight in order to have my knees and lower back support my physical efforts for the week. In order to lose that weight I had regular sessions at my local gym; aerobics and weight training for my legs, and plenty of "machine supported" situps to increase the strength in my abs and lower back. I started that routine several months before even being invited to attend. In fact, I started the summer before the expected Shim Sa date. Once the invitation arrived, it became valuable for me to increase the routine. I started with only two days a week and then by the time I was getting ready to attend, increased to three to four days a week. By the time I did go, I was doing 3 miles, three times a week and I had lost 9 pounds.

The Great Motivators

I have to say internally it gave me great motivation to receive the actual acceptance letter to attend, and I don't know if this was just personal to my experience, but the Chairman of the TAC, at the time Ted Mason, Sa Bom Nim, had great timing, the letter arrived at the right time. The actual letter became the "great motivator" for me. After years of ever thinking I would be attending, all of sudden, it was real challenge to me spiritually, physically and mentally. You wouldn't think that a piece of paper could carry so much weight, but it did. Whenever my bones hurts, muscles were sore, or my energy levels were low, just reading the letter gave me that extra kick in the pants to get going. The key to that motivator was having great support from my instructors, Alex Baran, Debbie Lindemann (also was a candidate for O Dan), and Allen Ruqus, Sa Bom Nims and a great fellow candidate training partner, Rachel Schepperly (now Master Schepperly). If not for their support, their attention to detail, their high standards of training and their knowledge and experience of " Moo Do", it would been impossible for me to even attend. Having a motivated instructor cadre and the support of the entire dojang population are "Great Motivators".

Oh yeah... The Training

Once the fog disappears, and it did for me around Day 3, you start to find your "zone". It's not really a comfort zone, because you are constantly (that word again) evaluated. Of course, they tell you what to expect initially, the roles and responsibilities that are assigned to the TAC, the TAC assistants and the visiting Ko Dan Ja. Looking at the structure from the outside, so to speak, gives you a very good perspective that there is an internal support system for all candidates, and that you should use it when you are allowed. When I first realized that visiting Ko Dan Ja, eventhough they are "visitors", they are assigned responsibilities that will help the candidates succeed, I thought that was awesome. In my opinion, the whole operation is setup to assist, motivate, and encourage success. Here's the but... it's candidate preparation. If you are a candidate invited to attend, your responsibility to prepare prior to attending is paramount. It will make you or break you. The most important part of that preparation becomes evident when the pre-evaluation occurs. So my only piece of advice is "PREPARE BEFORE YOU GO"!

You get more out of the daily training sessions if you know your required material, from basic ki cho to advanced hyung, KNOW YOUR MATERIAL. Your training takes on a higher level of awareness if you know your material, you start to see the intent behind the technique, the essence of hyung, the precision of Ho Sin Sool or Il Soo Sik Dae Ryun and you'll understand the "use of the huri" (I'm still struggling with that, but I know and realize the intensity that is required behind it).

Training time at the Shim sa is quality training, and if you don't know the material that means it has to be taught over and over and that, believe it or not, takes away from your "practice, practice, practice" time as well as time away from others. For example, if you don't know your required hyungs, notice I said "know"; there will be times when candidates are specifically "taught" hyung, this where you see the subtle and not subtle precision and essence of your required hyungs. If you don't get the subtle changes when they are taught, you'll get plenty of time to do it over and over, but if you don't know your movements, when your group performs, you'll be the one that will be out of sync or will forget the changes and make the entire group look like they just learned the hyung. Only because you didn't know your material. NOT GOOD. I say not good, because that will cause an unnecessary imbalance in your group. That imbalance will be interpreted by someone as either "they are holding us back, or why can't they get with it, or other negative feelings. That is a natural reaction when you put people together under stressful conditions.

ATTITUDES...

And if there is ONE THING that your group must have is "harmony and balance". There is no place at the Shim sa for "attitudes". You and your group must collectively find a balance and harmony that translates into positive energy at the final evaluation. If your group is lucky enough you will find that positive energy by Day 2 and it will carry through to the end, I believe that is the ideal. Several things come to mind when it comes to attitudes, remember these. For example, "cooperate and graduate", "there is no i in TEAM", "check your attitude at the door", etc. Every morning when you see yourself in the mirror say to yourself how enthusiastic you will be during the day, motivate yourself and others. Words like "Please, Thank You, Awesome, are motivators, find a group saying or motivator, like "good to go", bad to the bone, etc., getting together after a practice session and getting in a circle and yelling "SOO BAHK" will help build that balance, harmony and spirit you'll need as a group. Group confidence shows positive energy! There are plenty of sayings, slogans and other phrases that get the message across, find one and put it on the front cover of your notebook as a reminder and for all to see.

BE READY, ALWAYS BE READY!

Can't say enough about this, just be ready. The last item I'd like to address is "leadership". Your group will have a leader, it will be the senior dan in your group. Support your leadership, no matter what. Even if you are the senior and have no experience in leadership, group dynamics or group discipline, ask for advice, from your senior candidates, the visiting Ko Dan Ja, your fellow candidates.

If you are being led, listen carefully to your seniors, support their requests (there is a reason why you are asked to do something, even though you may not be told the reason), be on time, respect your fellow candidates and remember "treat people as you would like to be treated". I'm a great believer in Stephen R. Covey, author of the "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" especially the 5th habit which states "Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood" - Covey suggests that gaining trust is earned through true understanding of another person and the point of view he or she holds. Through empathetic listening we are opening ourselves up to being influenced. Instead of evaluating, probing, advising, or interpreting we are listening so as to understand how others see and feel. By allowing ourselves to be influenced, we too may influence others because trust has been built and people tend to be less defensive and more open to our ideas. The key here is "listening".

WELL ...

Hopefully my perspective here will be understood. I can't say it enough, I had a wonderful experience, even when my knees gave out and had to sit with bags of ice on them, even when we had little or no sleep, even when we had deadlines to meet, even with the constant (that word again) RAIN we had to endure. Constant training sessions, total focus on the art and style, and best of all making lifetime friends, that's the connection of the Moo Duk Kwan ™ style.

SOO BAHK!!

NEEDLESS TO SAY, surviving a Ko Dan Ja shim sa is a once in lifetime experience, but you know what I'm looking forward to attending another one real soon, whether as a visiting jehja or an invited candidate. The Soo Bahk Do™ art and the Moo Duk Kwan™ style places a unique standard on its candidates and not everyone passes the first time going through, but when they do it is a standard unequaled in other martial art styles. That standard is based on the traditions handed down to us by our Founder, our Kwan Jang Nim, and our senior Ko Dan Ja who make it happen. I'm very proud and grateful to be part of this fine martial arts organization, SOO BAHK!

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO POST YOUR OWN PERSONAL EXPERIENCES, YOU CAN POST A COMMENT YOURSELF OR SEND YOUR COMMENTS TO ME VIA EMAIL, I WILL POST THEM FOR YOU.