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In This Issue:
☯ The Quarter That Was 2
☯ An Interview with Sah Bu Nim Mike 3
☯ The Price Clan 4
☯ Grading Congratulations 5
☯ Korean Word Search 6
☯ What Have I Learnt From Hapkido? 6
☯ Unwritten Rule 6
☯ New IHA/AHG Members 7
☯ Hapkido Has Shaped Who I Am 7
☯ CSD Hutch Gets A New Home 8
☯ Hapkido Festival At HMAC 9
☯ CSD Hutch Grading Results 9
☯ 2009 Spirit Award Finalists! 10
☯ Dojang T-Shirts! 10
☯ Queensland 10
☯ Sleep Over At DSD 11
☯ Unwritten Rules for Beginners 11
☯ Hapkido “How-To” DVDS Now Out! 12
☯ Upcoming Events 12
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What a great year 2009 has been for Hapkido!
Every which way we have turned this year there has been some
awesome event on, and the past 3 months have been no different with
gradings galore and many awesome events.
We were all still coming down from the natural high that was
Hell Camp 3 in August when we had the first of the “new” AHG Sydney
gradings at Parramatta, designed to increase the already
high-quality Hapkido we pride our organisation for. Under the new
Grading System, students from all 3 Sydney Dojangs are tested
together. This system further moved us in the direction of the 3
Sydney Dojangs working closer together on Hapkido events.
Also as part of the new Grading System, in August we had the
first of the Pre-Tests for Blue, Brown and Red Belts. Run like a
typical grading, Senior Belts were put through their paces and
required to pass the Pre-Test in order to be able to go for
grading. The Pre-Test in August was a huge success for the new
Grading System, with most people passing and great feedback given
to all the students involved.
September was a quiet month in the lead up to the famous Hapkido
Month of Madness (October) yet for a quiet month it was still full
of Hapkido events from Black Belt Club Seminars to gradings!
The end of September saw a number of students successfully grade
to their next belt colour. This time the AHG Sydney Grading was
hosted by Hurstville and all 10 students were awarded their new
belt! From Sun Bae training for Red Belts and above to Hell Week
where students got the opportunity to train with Grandmaster Geoff
for 5 days straight, through to OTR
Sydney 4, October lived up to its name and was a Month of
Madness jam-packed with Hapkido events. It was excellent to see
students getting involved in all the extra events and wanting to
learn more.
The OTR Sydney 4 weekend was a fantastic training opportunity
for all students. The weekend included a Kids’ Seminar, at the end
of which Grandmaster Geoff threw each kid, a seminar on Old School
Techniques from a syllabus that dated back to 1986!, dinner at The
Black Rose
Café for an All-You-Can-Eat Pizza and Pasta bonanza, and
seminars by a Wing Tsun Instructor and Guro Floro who brought in
his Kali Sticks and taught us all Sinawali.
With so many additional training and grading opportunities this
past quarter, the last 3 months had something special for every
one.
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How long ago did you start training and how did you get into
Hapkido?
I started my “official” martial arts training at age 13 (summer
of 1984). I say officially because before training at the local
Taekwondo school, I was “instructed” at home by my mother who is
belted in Judo.
A year after opening my first school in October 1995, a young
boy named Matt Pape (now 23) joined my Taekwondo program. His
mother, Linda, was the first woman promoted to Black Belt in
Hapkido by Master JR West. Linda introduced me to Master West,
which started my Hapkido training.
What other martial arts have you done and what rank (if any) do
you hold?
Taekwondo (4th degree); Aikido for 2 years (no rank); Jeet Kune
Do/Kali (no rank); Krav Maga (Level 3 Instructor); Haganah/FIGHT
(Instructor); and BJJ (Blue Belt). What other martial arts do you
teach at your school and how did this come about?
In addition to Hapkido I also teach Krav Maga/FIGHT, BJJ and
MMA. I added Krav Maga because I enjoy the scenario-based training
of the Israeli systems. It does not have the depth of technique of
Hapkido by any means, but it has an efficiency and intensity in the
training that appeals to some people (mainly law enforcement). I
added BJJ because I like competing in submission grappling events.
I think BJJ is an excellent complement to Hapkido. MMA is the
fastest growing sport in the US. For too many years martial arts in
the US has been viewed as a kids-only activity. You would rarely
see top-notch athletes on the training floor. MMA has changed that.
I have several highly skilled, highly motivated fighters that enjoy
stepping into the cage and testing their abilities. I also have on
staff JKD instructor Ken and Kenpo instructor Jason. I brought them
on board to offer more variety and so I wouldn’t have to compete
with them, LOL. How did you first get involved with Grandmaster
Geoff?
Twice every year, Master West would hold a 3-day martial art
seminar in Mississippi. The first time that I attended the event in
February 1998, I met and trained with this crazy group of Aussies.
They just competed at the Arnold Martial Art Classic and their
demonstration was incredible. Though I was relatively new to
Hapkido, I knew that I witnessed something very different and very
special. A year later I was married and suggested we go downunda
for a couple of weeks for our honeymoon (no ulterior motives – I
promise). The first week we spent in Sydney. I got some training in
which didn’t go over too well with the new wife (she figured me
out). That’s when Grandmaster Geoff informed me that he was holding
the first-ever UHS later that year. I didn’t hesitate. October 1999
I left my school in the hands of my very capable staff and spent
the best month of training in Sydney.
What has been the highlight for you throughout all your years of
training?
Wow, so many great moments. UHS 1999 is definitely a highlight.
ITS 2009 with Grandmaster Geoff’s promotion, hosting DoJuNim,
April’s promotion to 3rd Degree, and my promotion to 4th Degree.
But I think the #1 highlight would be having the honor and
privilege of being one of the 8 Dragons (Spirit Test, October
2003). After achieving my 2nd Degree, Grandmaster Geoff asked me to
be a Representative in the US. I asked him if I could participate
in the Spirit Test since I never got the opportunity before (my 1st
Degree test was a technical test in the US). I thought that if I
was to represent the IHA, I should experience what all the IHA
Black Belts in Australia experience. He agreed. Thank you, Sir!
What do you like the most about Hapkido?
I like the fact that Hapkido offers training in a broad spectrum
of techniques. Many styles either offer “hard” techniques (kicks,
strikes, etc.) or “soft” techniques (joint
locks, throws, etc.) Hapkido trains people across the technique
spectrum, which gives them many more options. Eg: as a teenager
training in Taekwondo, I had little choice in dealing with bullying
at school. In the few altercations that I had, I was faced with a
dilemma: do I blast this guy and risk being reprimanded or do I
just take the abuse. Hapkido offers the practitioner the ability to
“injure to degree.” Do I take the joint lock to pain compliance or
joint destruction? Guess it depends on how the altercation
develops. Different situations require different responses. You
just can’t blast your way out of every situation. I guess you can,
but you’ll probably end up in legal trouble.
What is your favourite Hapkido technique?
S-Lock - maximum pain, minimal effort. Works on every-one,
unless your name is Nugget (ask Grandmaster Geoff).
As one of the few 4th Degrees in the organisation, what do you
consider to be the secret of sticking with Hapkido?
As a colored belt, it’s all about setting short, medium, and
long-term goals: getting to the next class, earning that next
signature/belt. Write down your goals and target dates. It’s easier
to stay focused when you’re training for a specific goal. As a
Black Belt, it gets more difficult. The goals are further apart.
The time between testings is measured in years, not months. Again
it’s important to write down goals, even more so. It’s easier to
get side-tracked when you’re not earning those incremental
promotions we call stripes. You really want to stay involved,
improve your understanding and development of Hapkido? TEACH. To
teach a Low Spinning Hook or a Tornado throw to a teenager and a
senior requires a deep understanding of technique – which in turn
improves your own. I discover new details to even the most basic of
techniques each time I step on the mats to teach. It keeps your
Hapkido polished.
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2009 in Lancaster Pennsylvania cemented this. Along with my love
for Hapkido it made me realise that what's tied around my waist
just keeps my pants up. It's what's inside that matters. If your
heart's not in it and you're not enjoying yourself, forget it. So,
while I am still enjoying Hapkido I'll keep at it. I must admit
there have been times when I've hit a wall in training and been
close to tears. I remember saying to Sir Jimmy "I can't do throws
and I'm never going to be able to do it". Sir Jimmy thanked me
(huh). Yes, he thanked me for telling him and said we would start
working on breaking down the infamous green wall together as a
team. Me, Sir Jimmy and all the other Black Belts. I was Ma'am
Tina's koala bear one night for what seemed like hours. She'd throw
me I'd hang on for dear life like a baby koala bear. Ma'am would
throw me again and I'd hang on for dear life again. What a
nightmare for her. But she never gave up on me. “Relax” and
“Breath” are words I hear a lot from Black Belts. Green belt throws
came with a sense of satisfaction and now a pretty blue belt holds
my pants up. I love it when Grandmaster Geoff asks us to do what we
think is a turning side fall. The raised eyebrow gives you away
Sir!
I’m going to finish up my story here for Hapkido Scrolls, but
the Hapkido training journey will continue for some time. In
closing I believe that most of you will agree that picking up your
bag and getting out the door is the hardest part of training but
once you are on the mats you wonder what all the hesitation was
about. Training with my family is fantastic because there’s always
at least one of the Price Clan standing at the door with the
Hapkido bag saying 'come on, it's time to go'. Hapkido also helps
me sleep like a baby and wake up feeling like a very old woman, all
stiff and sore!
Being part of the Hapkido Family - brilliant.
Monthly Fees – hey, nothing’s free these days.
S t r i k i n g , k i c k i n g a n d throwing my husband and
sons around without argument or comebacks – PRICELESS!
-Jane P
A few years back when Colin and I discussed joining martial arts
in the local area we got into the car and drove around looking at
places that could offer something for all of us. A Mum, a Dad and
two young boys. Walking into some places was
terrifying/embarrassing. Terrifying because of the shouting and
direct contact and embarrassing because a whole class would stop,
turn around and stare and then completely ignore us.
Until, that is, we walked into C o m p l e t e S e l f D e f e n
c e i n Moorebank. It wasn't a school hall or warehouse - good
start. A lesson was in progress at the time and there wasn’t any
shouting going on. By the time we reached the reception desk, which
was only a few short steps from the main door, a man in a martial
art uniform came from the front of the class and gave us his full
attention - impress ive . The c las s never stopped and no-one
stared at us like w e w e r e s p a c e c a d e t s -promising.
Then, after talking with the instructor we were offered a free
lesson to see if Hapkido was what we were looking for - cool! We
later discovered that the man in uniform was Master Geoff Booth
(now Grandmaster), the actual owner of the place. What a nice man.
And the rest, as you say, is history! The Price Clan journey had
begun.
Training as a family initially was different when we first
joined because Nick and Sean trained with the kids and Col in and I
wi th the adults. Sean’s class was first, then Nick’s, then ours.
Sean was nearly asleep by the time he’d sat around for a few hours
watching. Then, I went and changed jobs from a 9-5 Monday to Friday
to a rotating shift job at Virgin Blue, which is where I still am
today. It all became too hard and Hapkido took its toll on our one
car family. I needed the car for work and the rest of the family
couldn’t get to Hapkido. So, we had a break from Hapkido for a
couple of years only to return again when the kids were old enough
to train with us as adults.
Being back on the mats was great and we’ve all come a long way
since then. Today, Hapkido is a passion for the Price Clan. Most
people at Moorebank know who our family
members are. Colin, Jane, Nick and Sean. When we're on the mats
we could be complete strangers because there's no special treatment
or privileges for each other. In fact, it's great being told by
your husband or sons that your throw was awful and do it again, and
again. Okay! Bring it on. It's not often a Mum gets to kick, punch
and throw her teenage sons around while enjoying herself at the
same time. That’s something most Mums would only get to dream of
doing.
However, Hapkido does have its ups and downs, let me tell you
that for nothing. The upside is just when you think it's quiet
sitting watching telly or having dinner someone puts an arm-bar or
lock combination on you. The downside is just when you think it's
quiet sitting watching telly or having dinner someone puts an
armbar or lock combination on you! And don’t talk to me about how
many pressure points have been tried and tested over the years.
Mum, can I just try something on you? Does this work? Grab me a
minute – no, not same hand, cross hand! And so it goes on. It
sounds like I’m whinging doesn’t it? Well, you might be right. But,
I know how lucky I am to have 3 other people in my life who
motivate, encourage and train with me. There are many of you out
there who would give your right arm to have what we do. Watch that
right arm though because someone will give you an S Lock without
warning. Our dogs even join in. Chopper the Labrador is very
flexible and you can put a mean S Lock on him – seriously! Ask Sir
Corey from Minnesota. He used to S Lock Chopper all the time when
he was here for his Black Belt grading. Talking about Sir Corey
leads me into another part of our Hapkido journey. We were his
surrogate family during his stay in Australia two years ago.
Watching a Black Belt come from overseas to prepare for his grading
was special. He lived with us for a whole month and now we are firm
friends. In fact, when ITS Sydney 2011 was announced Sir Corey knew
he’d scored his old room back!
The feeling of belonging is important to me. Hapkido provides a
sense of family and community spirit. The ITS
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ThuyVy T Bernard B Darren W Nick S Manuel K Iraj M Ihsan K Terry
L H Youssef A S Mark L William T Alex L Prashan K Kerry-Anne T
Cassandra T Alex G Stuart G Dev C (Hawk) Darren F (Hawk) Paresh I
(Hawk) Alankar G (Hawk) Abyan K (Falcon) Paras J (Falcon) Shavan P
(Falcon) Jeevi M (Falcon) Zane G (Hawk) Alex C (Hawk) Elora G
(Hawk) Dante L (Falcon)
Hayden M (Hawk) Jordan L (Hawk) Caitlin L (Hawk) Joshua T
(Falcon) Leon V (Falcon) Vivian S (Falcon) Codey M (Falcon) Jayden
M (Falcon) Dominic S (Falcon) Daniel K (Falcon) James N (Hawk)
Taruia P (Hawk) Tayla W (Falcon) Shanna C (Falcon) Steven D
(Falcon)
Yossi W Ben S Steve M Amadeus H Georgia K (Falcon)
Daniel N Ben V Navid N Vivian P Callum J Neelab O Shadi B Daniel
N Ben V Navid N Vivian P Callum J Neelab O Shadi B Adam M Jun M
Nachi M Andy N Rosendo B Hannah R (Falcon) Karan G (Falcon) Angelo
T (Hawk)
Caitlin H (Hawk)
Luke D (Falcon) Paul D (Falcon) Michael L (Falcon) Tyler P
(Falcon)
Mira K
Talia M (Falcon)
Congratulations to the following students who recently
graded!
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Some new students walk into the Dojang for the first time and
immediately demonstrate a natural ability for Hapkido.
The rest of us unfortunately have about as much coordination as
a cat in a tumble drier. But that doesn't mean it won't get better.
You'll hear a lot of "relax, you're tensing up", "loosen your
hips", "remember to breathe", and my personal favourite, "you're
holding your breath again", but you won't hear it as often as time
goes by. It might take you longer than some people to grade, but so
what? You're not competing against them, just yourself.
I'm still the one in the Dojang who has the flexibility of
someone in a full body plaster cast, but after a bit of time,
patient Instructors, some stretching, and some yoga, things have
improved somewhat. I don't kick
as high as I would like, but maybe it just needs a little more
time.
So what have I leant from Hapkido? Never assume. Never assume a
mid-five foot, 50 year old man wearing wire rimmed glasses can't
move like lightning and hit you harder than you ever expected.
Never assume a 5 foot, 30-something woman can't knock you on your
back before you know what's happened.
And never assume you can't do it. You might not get it right the
first time, but you probably learn more about yourself if you fail
before you succeed. The key is effort and persistence. You'll only
get back what you put in, and you'll never know what you're capable
of if you give up straight away.
-Greg D
I was reading through last quarter’s “Hapkido Scrolls” and on
page 3 there was an article titled “Unwritten Rule #1” and upon
reflection of my Hapkido experience, this article was absolutely
true.
A little about my background:
At age 17, I joined the New Zealand Army and served for 5 years.
It was an experience, and not really one that I would wish to
repeat. After the 5 years I was fairly rebellious about titles of
“Sir” and “Ma’am”. Joining Hapkido quite a few years later I still
found this extremely difficult and it was almost the clincher
between me staying or leaving Hapkido. As you can tell, I chose to
stay.
As a White Belt, I was constantly in contact with Ma’am Tina via
phone and email. I asked her if I could call her by her first name
via email and phone as I just could not get my head around the
Ma’am /Sir thing. To me, it was not a sign of disrespect, it was
the “Westerner” way of thinking. She allowed it, but over time my
way of thinking changed, and my respect for her, even though was
extremely high at the beginning has been raised even higher. The
first name basis on emails, sms, or calls has been dropped and now
I would no more think of calling her by her first name, than I
would of swimming the Parramatta River! Just thinking of calling
her on a first name basis just doesn’t feel right.
So for all the Junior Belts who are in the same boat I was in a
few years ago, these instructors are here to help you. Show them
the respect they deserve, and the help that they are willing to
give is endless. Show them nothing… expect nothing back.
-Steve M
C S A X M K V K T S H D A Q T
J H S Q O N W Z J J C B K U W
P F A M M A H J H Y L G I W H
Z H A R N I H O O U Z N H W U
R N O N Y S N M O H R O A D M
G U Y G Y U P U N D H B P S L
V O T B L J H L B U C N T E N
M O L T U I Y T E H F A T B O
H E N G N U Y K E L A D L D K
G N A J O D Z A N H L S I L A
T A H S U H T U H O A K D U Z
D O B O K G J O Y S P N D T I
T B K C B N H J K A U G A B H
E E C L A P E Z H G J H J H S
Z Z S T F B M Y G M R D T U X
AHHOHP CHARYUHT DANBONG DOBOK DOJANG
HANAH HAPKIDO ILGOHP JHOONBEE KIHAP
KOMAN KWANNYOM KYUNGNEH NET SAHBUNIM
SET SHIZAK TAHSUHT TANJUN TUL
YAHSUHT YOL YUHDUHL
Find and circle the following words in the box above:
What The?: A Chinese Kung Fu artist who towed cars and cut paper
with her braided hair has given up her crowning glory to become a
Buddhist nun. Zhang Tingting shaved the hair that she says has
“Kung Fu power”.
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Before I started Hapkido in 2003, I was a dancer from the age of
three. When I was in year five, I realised that dancing was
definitely not for me, as I continually had a low self esteem. I
hesitantly joined Hapkido under the influence of my brother, Sir
Aaron. However, after my first kid’s class taken by Ma’am Gaye, I
can clearly remember walking off the mats with an unforgettable and
big smile on my face. After just one exciting and fun filled kid’s
class I knew I had found my new passion.
Each class built my self esteem; I was never put down but always
encouraged. The first great memory from the kids program was when I
asked Sir Ian to teach me how to cat roll from standing up opposed
to kneeling on one knee. After I finished my class, Sir Ian was
more than willing to teach a Falcon White Belt.
The other and most fond memory was just after I had broken my
arm. I came back to training and didn’t put all my effort into
class. Sir Jimmy realised and told me to pick up the pace. Ever
since that day Sir Jimmy has been there to motivate me, so I can’t
thank you enough Sir!
After I progressed from White to Red Belt in the Kids’ Program I
graded into the adults class. The adults’ class was a whole new
dimension. It was time to
Leonard M – Parramatta
Tara D – Parramatta
Jelena T – Parramatta
Jake R – Moorebank
Jesse R – Moorebank
Martin H – Moorebank
Brett S – Wagga
Christopher L – Wagga
Jay H – Wagga
Brett L – Moorebank
Teresa H – Moorebank
Peter M-Y – Parramatta
Yianni M – Moorebank
Kathleen M – Moorebank
Konstantino M – Moorebank
Dev C – Parramatta
Abyan K – Parramatta
Garry A – Hurstville
Nicholas K – Hurstville
Rick K – Hurstville
Liam R-F – Hurstville
Alankar G – Parramatta
Shirisha N – Moorebank
Tyler R – Moorebank
Jason R – Moorebank
Charles C – Parramatta
Wei H – Parramatta
Mahesh P – Parramatta
Yu-Ying L – Hurstville
YangJing L – Hurstville
Peter K – Moorebank
Tim D – Moorebank
Michael S – Parramatta
Marcus D – Parramatta
Brijesh J – Parramatta
Paras J – Parramatta
Joseph M-Y – Parramatta
Karam K – Parramatta
Monika S-M – Moorebank
Jacqueline B – Moorebank
Benjamin – Moorebank
Zac T – Parramatta
Tiv N – Moorebank
Alyssa L – Bayside
Serenade T-B – Bayside
Hannei K – Parramatta
Alisar K – Parramatta
Charbel S – Parramatta
get serious and put my head down. Each belt comes as a challenge
because I am smaller than the others in class. However, I
absolutely adore the challenge each belt brings. I d i scovered the
key for the accomplishment of each of my techniques was to use my
body motion.
I recently graded to Red belt and wouldn’t have been able to do
it without the inspiration of the Black Belts currently training.
Each Black Belt inspires and motivates me in a different way. I
look at the way they train and encourage coloured belts which
inspires me to be there with them one day training hard and
encouraging the colour belts of the future. I have the greatest
respect for each Black Belt. Without a doubt I know that if I have
a problem with my training I am able to seek help from any one of
the dedicated Black Belts.
I will never forget the opportunities Hapkido has allowed me to
experience. Without Hapkido I wouldn’t have been able to experience
travelling overseas for the ITS this year, travelling on the
numerous ‘On the Roads’, being able to learn a vast amount of extra
knowledge from Black belt Club Seminars and other
seminars, but most important finding out how far my body could
be pushed at Hell Camp III. The day of Hell Camp, I woke up with
the WORST respiratory infection. So getting out of bed and to the
Dojang was a challenge in itself. However, I think if I stayed in
bed all weekend, I would kick myself for being so silly. Hell Camp
was one of the BEST experiences I have ever undergone. Hell Camp
made me realise that just at the point where you want to give up,
you just have to think of how far you’ve come and it’s a motivation
in itself. By far the best Hell Camp memory was crawling through
the mud. I think I had about 5 metres to go and I wanted to just
get up onto my knees and knee walk to the end. However Sir Yash
came at the right time and yelled in my face and nothing in the
world would have stopped me.
Being a female, I think Hapkido has allowed me to feel as if I
am able to protect myself or loved ones if anything was to happen.
As I was disciplined in Hapkido from a young age it has helped in
shaping the mature young adult I am and finally it has allowed me
to believe in myself each and every single day.
Without a doubt Hapkido has shaped the person who I am
today!
-Sarah B “Being female, I think Hapkido has allowed me to feel
as if I am able to protect
myself or loved ones if anything was to happen”.
“Each class built my self esteem; I was never put down
but always encouraged”.
-
October 1st 2009 7pm the doors opened for the new CSD Hutch
Dojang.
October was a Special month for me.
1. My 10th anniversary of formal Martial Arts training
2. 1 year anniversary of the youth “Tiger” program in Hutch
3. 2 year anniversary of my visit to Australia and passing the
Hapkido Black Belt Spirit test as a “Black Tiger”
4.The opening of the new Dojang
5. The addition of the “CUBS” class youth ages 6-8 years
A bit of history… Up until now I have been contracting mat time
through a local Tae Kwon Do school in Hutch where I used to train
in TKD until I was introduced to Hapkido by Master Geoff (whom we
all know today as Grandmaster Geoff). Shortly after that I traded
in my white Dobok and put on my new black canvas Dobok and it has
been all about Hapkido ever since.
In the beginning the Dojang was slow growing and sometimes
seemed like I may never get to the headcount that I was hoping for.
This is where the perseverance pays off I kept the school going and
slowly added students one by one. A year ago in October 2008 I
added a youth class of 9-13 year olds and the word Hapkido started
to spread. This started to pose a new but good problem, I did not
have enough mat time available for expansion. This is when I made
the decision to start looking for a location of my own. I thought
back to one question that Grandmaster Geoff asked during the ITS
Hutch visit when we drove down Main Street on our way to the Coffee
Company.
“Why are you not located down here, as you would be much more
visible?”
My answer was there were no buildings available and if there was
I could not afford it. So as I started looking for a new location I
focused on Main Street as I knew there were a few businesses that
closed up due to the economy which had also brought down the cost
of leasing in Hutch.
I spent the next few weeks calling and meeting with the owners
of buildings and I found one I liked. I spent the next week doing a
thorough review of my finances as well as working out
the funding for set up. The decision was made and the lease was
signed.
The remodel and set up begins. Several weeks of laying tile,
building divider walls, desk, pad and weapon racks, and painting
walls etc, which was all done by me with some help from my wife
Kris.
Quickly arrives October 1st which was the first day the students
were allowed in the new Dojang. I arrive at the Dojang early to
finish some final touches and the students start arriving outside
waiting for me to unlock the doors. At 7pm I unlock the doors and
the students, parents and spouses enter and get the first look at
the new Dojang. I have everybody walk around and look everything
over before I start the opening ceremonies.
I start by having the students come out on the mat and open with
welcoming the students to our new Dojang. I mention that it takes
several things to make a Dojang, besides a roof over our head and
mats under out feet. It takes an Instructor who has a passion for
the Art they instruct, it takes students with the desire to train,
as well as a foundation like the IHA. I then re-emphasize the fact
that this is our Dojang and it is my gift to you as well as myself.
I was then presented with some gifts from my students a wall
plaque, a pen and clock set for my desk, a hand made Bonzai replica
and my 2nd Degree certificate from Grandmaster Ji Han Jae matted
and framed. I then handed presented my wife with diamond earrings
as she helped make all this possible.
This was followed by a question from me as to what was missing
in the Dojang? Several hands went up and I was given the answer
“the Flags”.
I then commented that everybody in the class worked hard and had
been improving throughout the year, but certain students had worked
extra
hard and shown a lot of development over the past year. I asked
John H and Kyle B to step forward as well as 2 youth students,
Madison S and Chase B. I have the adults lift the 2 youths as I
hand them the American flag to hang. I then have 2 more youths,
Cody A and Alexa S, do the same for the hanging of the Korean flag.
I then have Kyle and John hang a photo of Grandmaster Ji Han Jae
and a photo of Grandmaster Geoff Booth. With all this excitement
and adrenaline going I let the students know that it is time to
break the mats in with a Black Jack which up to this time only
senior students have done. I followed up with handing out student
ID cards that have a barcode on them and a trial scan of all the
badges. We finished up the evening with me cutting and serving
cake, ice cream, and punch.
The following Monday a Grading was held for both Youth and
Adults. Congratulations to Nick O and Mason N who were promoted to
Youth Orange Belt and Cody A, Alexa S, Chase B, Grant H, Colton A,
Kirsten H, Madison S, Casey B and Jackson B who were promoted to
Youth Green Belt. Congratulations also to Tim I and Paul N who were
promoted to Orange Belt and Kyle B promoted to Yellow Belt.
Trial Hapkido classes were held on the 6th and 8th as well. This
allowed individuals that have an interest in Martial Arts a chance
to get on the mats and find out what Hapkido is all about. We had a
fairly good turnout despite the down pouring rain we had all week.
With winter just around the corner I am expecting to see an
increase in new students.
Overall I would have to say the Opening was a success and am
looking forward to training in the new Dojang.
-Sir Corey
-
The first Finnish Hapkido Festivals included a variety of
seminars and competitions. The festival began with SBN Tapio
welcoming the gang and telling us briefly what was to come during
the seminars.
The first two exercises were run by a Brazilian BJJ / Judo Black
Belt, Francisco Júnior "Muricoca". Muricoca is a multiple champion
in their home country.
Muricoca had been asked to teach the BJJ type takedowns, ground
control and fast submissions in his seminar and expectations were
very high when he began the seminar. After all, BJJ and Hapkido are
not very different styles. The same logic applies to both
disciplines and Hapkido can be found in all the same elements of
what is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. After Muricoca’s seminar we were given
a half-hour break and then SBN Tapio’s seminar followed.
SBN Tapio’s seminar began with a theoretical discussion where
SBN Tapio told us how the human mind and body react when you are
under high pressure.
Then the exercises began with “crazy” multiple grabs practice,
and anyone who lasted through that exercise got to work harder at
the next level. Generally multiple grabs are carried out in a set
way, but SBN Tapio broke the pattern slightly, giving us push
up/squat exercise while we were being yelled at by the Instructor
and his assistants with life-threatening shouts at the same time.
As if this wasn’t enough, the assistants used batons and mitts. All
were jammed at the same time and were beaten when trying to do the
exercises. When the Instructor began the final round it was
aggressive as we were physically attacked by people in an
aggressive manner. You definitely needed considerable good practice
to be able to withstand this final round.
During the next part someone would be in the middle of the group
with their eyes closed and you had to think of something completely
different and think your way through how to do a technique. We were
allowed to open our eyes when you were able to do that
technique.
We all got a whole lot of ideas on the many features available
to us in multiple grabs. The exercises took a lot of Spirit.
On the Saturday evening Hapkido competitions were organised with
16 fights being run in total.
The Hapkido festivities continued on Sunday morning and the
Provisional Black Belt test was overseen by SBN Tapio and Sir Juha.
Both Ville A and Tommi V were successful.
After the Provisional Black Belt test we had a short Hapkido
festival and the last seminar was run by SBN Tapio. The seminar was
on knife defence and on situations where you were threatened with a
knife. A lot of the techniques taught were from our own system, but
we also got to practice techniques under stress. After all, the
recurring theme of the weekend’s training was to fit all the pieces
together so this seminar combined knife defence with high pressure
situations.
At the end of the weekend’s seminars people were happy, and as
expected, bruised all over. There were 50 active members from all
over Finland in attendance throughout the weekend. The seminars
were very successful and gave us positive feedback that these kind
of events are well worth the effort of organising.
All in all the Hapkido Festival was a good continuation of the
July "Hell Week” and as always, it was amazing to meet other fellow
Hapkidoists.
-Antti S
The Monday after the Opening of our new Dojang in Hutch, we held
a grading for both Youth and Adults.
Congratulations to the following Adults:
☯ Tim I and Paul N- Orange Belt.
☯ Kyle B - Yellow Belt.
And congratulations to the
following Youths:
☯ Nick O and Mason N - Orange Belt.
☯ Cody A, Alexa S, Chase B, Grant H, Colton A, Kirsten H,
Madison
S, Casey B and Jackson B - Green
Belt.
-
CMA - Hawks
Aidan L Artemis P Despina P Flora L George P Joshua K Nicholas Z
Savva A Tarron Z
DSD - Hawks
Alankar G Caitlin H Darren F Faigy W Iain D James N Peter M-Y
Rochel W Shneur W
CSD - Hawks
Angelo T Cory S Dylan H Evan H Jesse R Joshua P Linden B Owen M
Yianni M
Congratulations to our 2009 AHG Spirit Award Finalists:
DSD - Falcons
Anmol S Abyan K Hannah R Kassandra D Paras J Shavan P Tayla W
Tina W Zac T
CSD - Falcons
Bianca H Daniel K Elynor C Jacob D Lucas P Luke D Michael L Paul
D Tyler P
CMA - Falcons
Alex I Dylan G Edward O Jarvis W Jennifer G Jessica P Rachel P
Stella A Zeinab E-C
CSD - Adults
Brett W Colin P David Q Dion K Dylan V Jackson W Mira K Nick P
Robert L Robert Z Ros B Tara B
CMA - Adults
Alex G Anmar T Daniel S David C Grahame H Henry Y Jacob B
Kimberley G Leon Y Paul P Rodney T Solon H DSD - Adults
Adam M Andrew D Benjamin S Callum J Jeremy B Jun M Laura J Nachi
M Neelab O Shadi B Yossi W Youssef A-S
Since June this year, Queensland has just gotten that much
better. There is a new IHA school opened up in a little place
called Victoria Point. Stuck half-way between Brisbane and Gold
Coast along the Bay (some might know Morten Bay Bugs).
The school is being run by Sir Nathan. So far the school has 11
Hawks and Falcons and 6 Adults with little advertising.
It is currently open 1 night a week and soon to go to 2 nights.
Two of the Adults are Brown Belts, Andrew from Newcastle and Jean
from Parramatta who have defected to Queensland recently.
After visiting quite a few martial arts schools in Queensland,
it was very difficult to find a school that had the same
discipline, techniques and energy in class as training at an IHA
school. With a lot of e n erg y , I c a n fo re s ee Queensland
will grow at an amazing rate and looking forward to reaching 30
kids and 30 adults by mid 2010.
Class times for the new school are as follows:
Wednesday evenings
Kids: 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Adults: 7:30pm to 8:45pm
All students are welcome when they’re up in the great state of
QLD.
-Sir Nathan
Winners of the 2009 AHG Spirit Awards will be announced at the
AHG Christmas Party and Certificates and Trophies presented on the
day.
Good luck to everyone!
With the weather warming up now is the perfect time to order
your Dojang t-shirt just in time for Summer!
Each of the 3 Sydney Dojangs have their own t-shirt in their
school colours and with the name of their Dojang on the back!
CSD - black and yellow
DSD - blue and yellow
CMA - black and red
Speak to your Instructor about ordering yours today! RRP $45
-
Hit or Myth: The Australian Hapkido Group was founded in
1993.
The 2nd Dynamic Self Defence Kids’ Sleep Over was held on Friday
16 October 2009 and was great fun for all the kids and adults who
came along!
There were heaps of games, noodle fights, laughter, fun, we did
some Hapkido, did some Karaoke, we watched Antz and part of
Monsters v Aliens, ate yummy McDonald’s for dinner and managed to
have a good night’s sleep.
Of course we were up bright and early on the Saturday morning in
time for a healthy breakfast of Weet Bix and then the 9am Kids’
class.
A great time was had by all, thank you to the kids who came
along and to the adults (Sir Emmanuel, Laura J, Ben S and Neelab O)
who helped make it a memorable DSD event!
-Ma’am Tina
In the IHA and AHG we have written rules - the Student Code of
Conduct and The Dojang Rules (they’re in your syllabus!).
However, as a beginner you may find that there are some “secret”
rules, rules which typically get passed on from senior belts to
junior belts - Unwritten Rules.
As a student in Hapkido it is just as important to follow these
Unwritten Rules as it is to follow both the Student Code of Conduct
and The Dojang Rules.
So here’s the heads-up!
☯ Take your shoes off before entering the Dojang and place them
in the designated spot just outside the entrance. Everyone from the
newest student to the highest ranked Black Belt shows his or her
respect for the Dojang by taking off their shoes before
entering.
☯ If possible (and sometimes it may
not be if you rush to class straight from work), wash your feet
before you come to class. Black, dirty (and smelly) feet are
noticeable when we’re training bare-footed.
☯ Bow to the Dojang any time you enter or exit. A simple bow
from the waist (not the neck!) will do the trick.
☯ Arrive 15 minutes before class
starts. ☯ If you happen to arrive late for
some reason, bow upon entering the Dojang, very quickly get
changed if you are not in your Dobok already, bow as you get onto
the mats, bow to the flags, and then run to the designated area at
the front of class and wait in Jhoon Bee stance for the Instructor
to acknowledge you and bow you into class. Once bowed in you must
line up at the back of class regardless of your rank, and there you
remain until your Instructor asks the class to reform lines.
☯ Never address your Instructor by
their first name - they must always be addressed as Sir or
Ma’am.
☯ Do not question authority.
Hapkido is an Asian Martial Art and Asian customs prevail.
☯ Getting personal with your Instructor is considered to be a
major violation of accepted behavior. Don’t get personal. Don’t ask
your Instructor what they did on the weekend, or how work is.
Hapkido is not just about punching and kicking. A major part of
Hapkido is discipline and respect which is fundamental to your
training. Show your Instructor the respect they deserve.
☯ Always ask for permission before
leaving the training floor or exiting the Dojang irrespective of
the reason.
☯ If you’re going away on holidays
or know you won’t be training for any length of time more than a
week, let your Instructor know.
☯ Make an effort to learn the
Korean terms, particularly for bowing to your Instructor after
class.
☯ Show respect when you are
dealing with students of higher rank. They are where you want to
be and have worked hard to get there.
-
Hapkidoists will often sit with their backs to a wall or corner
in a restaurant so they can see what is going on in the room.
That way they can make a quick escape if trouble develops.
☯ 28 November 2009 - AHG Sydney Adults Grading @ Moorebank
☯ 5 December 2009 - AHG Christmas Party
☯ 12 December 2009 - BBC Seminar The Art of Fighting
☯ 19 December 2009 - AHG Sydney Pre-Test
☯ 23 January 2010 - AHG Sydney Adults Grading @ Parramatta
☯ 30 January 2010 - BBC Seminar “How To Be A Student!”
☯ 27 February 2010 - AHG Sydney Pre-Test
☯ 6 & 7 March 2010 - The Weekend of Masters
☯ 21 March 2010 - AHG Sydney Adults Grading @ Hurstville
☯ 27 March 2010 - BBC Seminar “How To Strike!”
For more information on upcoming Hapkido Events go to
hapkido.com.au/forum and click on Event Calendar
Parramatta dynamicselfdefence.com.au
Hurstville
conceptmartialarts.com.au
Croydon powerhapkido.com.au
Wagga Wagga
Bayside
Dojang: 4/1 Field Close
Moorebank, NSW
Australia
hapkido.com.au
Finland Netherlands
America
Thank you to everyone who contributed to Issue 4 of The Hapkido
Scrolls. Contributors: Grandmaster Geoff Ma’am Tina, AHG Parramatta
Sir Corey, IHA Hutchinson USA Sir Mike, IHA Lancaster USA Sarah B,
AHG Moorebank Steve M, AHG Parramatta Jane P, AHG Moorebank Sir
Nathan, AHG Brisbane Antti S, IHA Finland Greg D, AHG Wagga
The wait is finally over! The much-anticipated release of the
new “How To” Hapkido DVD series is almost upon us.
With over 7 hours of footage, the set includes 4 disks covering
White Belt through to 3rd Degree Black Belt techniques, special
bonus weaponry and variations, all in high definition, with
multi-camera angles, and all with detailed analysis of every
technique.
Yours to own on DVD from 8 December 2009. RRP $215
Contributions for The Hapkido Scrolls are always welcome!
If you would like to write an article or if you have something
you would like to share with fellow students eg: a martial arts
related cartoon or joke, please send to [email protected]