In only 14 days Moo Duk Kwan® members will be hosting the largest national gathering of Soo Bahk Do® practitioners in the USA at the La Toretta Lake Resort and Spa in Montgomery, Texas.
Click To Download 2017 National Festival Registration Form
Click To RSVP for 2017 National Festival
The 39th National Festival of 2017 continues an annual tradition of the United States Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation® that began in 1978.
2017 marks the introduction of exciting new demonstration divisions and Kwan Jang Nim's Moo Duk Kwan® Heritage & Preservation seminar plus a bit of Region 6 Southern hospitality.
2018 National Festival planning is already underway and the Technical Advisory Committee and the Board of Directors are currently requesting member feedback about the 2018 National Festival and you can share your thoughts by clicking the button below.
Click For 2018 National Festival Poll
The Moo Duk Kwan® Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa is a premiere training experience open to candidates who have been invited to test for Ko Dan Ja ranks as well as Dan and Ko Dan Ja Alumni who are all eligible to return to the annual event as visitors.
Variable length stays are available, a mature practitioner training track is offered and the one-of-a-kind Moment With The Masters experience await all who attend this exciting event scheduled for November 10-17 in Montgomery, Texas at the La Toretta Lake Resort and Spa.
More than 300 Federation members have been notified of their time eligibility to apply for Ko Dan Ja Rank promotions in 2017.
You can view the list of time eligible members here.
Members who submit their completed questionnaire before March 31st, 2017 will then be seeking recommendations from their personal instructor, regional officials and Technical Advisory Committee members in order to be invited as a testing candidate.
Invitations are scheduled for distribution in May, 2017.
Take a moment to check out the list of fellow members and extend your encouragement to anyone you know who is targeting this opportunity in 2017.
Early Festival Registration ends May 31st, 2017
As a member of the USA Federation, you have access to top Moo Duk Kwan instructors in the world and the finest training experiences available.
The Federation hosts A Moment With The Masters in conjunction with the 1st weekend of the Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa in order that fellow members have an opportunity to share a few moments with the wave of new Ko Dan Ja rank applicants and current Ko Dan Ja leaders and visiting Ko Dan Ja Alumni who are also participating in the week long Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa experience.
For a brief, fleeting moment every Federation member has the opportunity to share a moment with the masters and experience “Oneness” with the most senior practitioners and Ko Dan Ja in the entire U.S. Federation as well as international Ko Dan Ja.
The Moment With The Masters is a wonderful opportunity that literally calls for action… it calls for attendance.
It is calling you.
Good news for busy people who missed the 15% Early Registration Discount For The Moment With The Masters & Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa Visitor Tracks with flexible durations for Dans of all ranks!
You can still get a "Not-So-Early-Registration Discount" of 10% when you register before October 31st.
SAVE 10% WHEN REGISTERING
BEFORE OCTOBER 31, 2016
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Moment With The Masters training and KDJSS Visitor training tracks are exceptional opportunities that are unique to the Moo Duk Kwan® and the United States Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation.
The Moo Duk Kwan® USA masters test (Ko Dan J Shim Sa) only occurs once per year and lasts for eight days.
Dan members of all ranks can participate in one to eight days (Nov 11-18, 2016) of the highest level of Soo Bahk Do® training available anywhere in the world.
Gups and Dans of all ranks and all ages can participate in the Moment With The Masters weekend (Nov 11-13, 2016) and share an epic learning experience alongside the field of members testing for Moo Duk Kwan® master level ranks (Ko Dan Ja) and master level Instructor certification (Sa Bom) in the Soo Bahk Do® martial art.
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A Moment With The Masters Ramona, Ca
The Federation hosts A Moment With The Masters in conjunction with the 1st weekend of the Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa in order that fellow members have an opportunity to share a few moments with the wave of new Ko Dan Ja rank applicants and current Ko Dan Ja leaders and visiting Ko Dan Ja Alumni who are also participating in the week long Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa experience.
Each year the Annual Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa is accessible for individual members who are not yet Ko Dan Ja or Ko Dan Ja candidates.
Dan members of all ranks can even participate in specially designed high level visitor training tracks during the week of the Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa.
What an opportunity!
For a brief, fleeting moment every Federation member has the opportunity to share a moment with the masters and experience “Oneness” with the most senior practitioners and Ko Dan Ja in the entire U.S. Federation as well as international Ko Dan Ja.
This event is a brief, fleeting moment when every Federation member is given the opportunity to share a moment with some of the most senior practitioners and Ko Dan Ja in the world.
Think about it!
When you register before September 30
In a single trip, with one set of travel expenses and only one weekend away from home, you have the unique opportunity to experience so much!
For a limited time you can save 15% when you register before September 30!
2016 New Year’s greeting
I hope this message finds you and your family in the best of health and spirits as you are receiving a bright New Year.
There were many meaningful Moo Do events that took place worldwide throughout the year in 2015.
I would like to recognize some of them as we enter the New Year.
. 
The United States Federation successfully protected the identity of Moo Duk Kwan® which was built 70 years ago by the Founder Hwang Kee.
example that the US Federation will defend against trademark infringers as they have over the past 40 years, and they will prevail as they have in all cases.
.
In Seok Kim (Dan Bon 12) who was a student of the Founder Hwang Kee. He was an inspirational to his students by providing education about the uniqueness of Moo Duk Kwan
Vic Martinov (Dan Bon 10189) who was a role model for anyone wishing to be a true Martial Artist and to understand the value of “Neh Ghang Weh Yu”. He understood the Moo Do and its application in life. He further shared himself by Action as well as great stories with others. He is my friend.
Jong Kuk Hong (Dan Bon 15856) who I met mid 1960s in Korea and had served the Art. He shared many stories of the Moo Duk Kwan with his students.
Jack Helfgott (Dan Bon 26104) who studied at the Springfield Headquarters Do-Jang on September 1980 with me. He was a great leader for youngsters through his teaching career as well as volunteer for whoever needs help and support.
Carlos Schiavo (Dan Bon 34642) who was an excellent practitioner and was a role model for youngsters in Argentina. I have fond memories of training and personal time with him during his 5th Dan testing in Buenos Aires in 2014.
These dedicated practitioners passed in 2015. They will be remembered in the Moo Duk Kwan history as well as in our Vision Tour stories. They were great contributors for the PVT II efforts and supporting our future young leaders.
I am looking forward to your continuing participation in your Vision Tour and your support of our future leaders in 2016.
Moo Duk Kwan Global Standardization Demonstration at 70th
Finally, I would like to recognize and celebrate the Moo Duk Kwan standardization worldwide. We had very little time to rehearse for the 70th Demonstrations and we also encountered some technical and administrative challenges during our preparations; however, all participants felt good about the demonstrations and received positive feed back from the audience, especially from the other Martial arts practitioners who were in attendance.
Moo Duk Kwan® standardization worldwide was the key element for the grand success of the 70th Demonstrations. I am proud to be associated with this process.
Thanks to the Founder’s teaching, his vision and the support of Moo Duk Kwan practitioners worldwide, the success of the 70th celebration was made possible.
My family and I thank you and your family for the meaningful 2015. We are looking forward the 2016 with your active participation.
We trust you and your family had good holiday season and wish the best for the Happy New Year!
Yours in Moo Duk Kwan,
H. C. Hwang
Perry Araeipour, Sa Bom Nim captured an historical moment through the lens of his camera when for the first time in history, five members were awarded their 8th Dan rank certifications at the same time.
The members came from all across the United States Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation® and were awarded their Moo Duk Kwan® 8th Dan certificates by H.C. Hwang Kwan Jang Nim on November 21, 2014 in Ramona California at the 2014 Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa.
Left to right Fred Messersmith, Sa Bom Nim (Dan Bon 20729) from Torrance, California, Daymon Kenyon, Sa Bom Nim (Dan Bon 19839) from San Diego, California,Vic Martinov, Sa Bom Nim (Dan Bon 10189) from Santa Ynez, California, H.C. Hwang, Kwna Jang Nim,from Springfield, New Jersey, Larry seiberlich, Sa Bom Nim (Dan Bon 1815) from Maplewood, Minnesota, James Donnelly Sa Bom Nim (Dan Bon 14436) from Hampton Roads,Virginia, Kris Poole, Sa Bom Nim (Dan Bon 20632) from Longview, Texas and Bill Nelson, Sa Bom Nim (Dan Bon 21420) from St. Cloud Minnesota
November 9 is the anniversary of the founding of the Moo Duk Kwan® martial art school by Hwang Kee.
Learn about Moo Duk Kwan® history here.
Learn about how you can help preserve Hwang Kee's Moo Duk Kwan® martial art school legacy here.
Learn about the 2015 Moo Duk Kwan® 70th Anniversary celebration in Korea here.
Access the official Moo Duk Kwan martial art school Soo Bahk Do Institute here.
Please share this post with others and comment below and tell us how you are celebrating this event in your area.
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There Is Only One Moo Duk Kwan®
He has also prepared an online quiz that you can take to prepare for his visit here:
http://www.soobahkdoinstitute.com/videos/2631/personal-vision-tour-ii
If your region does not have a PVT II appearance booked, contact your elected Board Director and let them know that you would like the Kwan Jang Nim to visit your region.
Sam Dans and above are eligible to attend the Technical Advisory Committee's Moo Duk Kwan® Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa Preparation Seminar at the 2014 United States Soo Bahk Dop Moo Duk Kwan Federation® National Festival and Dan Leadership Convention.
If you are a Dan who has set a personal goal to achieve Ko Dan Ja rank in the future, then this is a great seminar to help you prepare for the seminal experience in your Soo Bahk Do® career which will be the annual Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa.
Check the 2014 Festival agenda for the date and time.
When you volunteer to serve as a scorekeeper or time keeper at the United States Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation National Festival® your really get up close and personal with all the exciting action because you have the best seats in the house at ringside!
Score keepers and time keepers are crucial to running the competition portion of the National Festival and your service will be greatly appreciated.
So Gups, Dans and parents who would like to have ringside seats for the competition can get them by serving as scorekeepers and timekeepers during Regional Team and Individual Dan competition.
Information about this important event coming soon from the Moo Duk Kwan 70th Anniversary Planning Committee.
When Spokane Soo Bahk Do® instructor Bud Bolan launched their Kick-a-thon for the Moo Duk Kwan®, he even recruited the parents of students to participate in the exciting event. He backed up his request for parents to join in by personally sponsoring each parent for $20.
Spokane Soo Bahk Do® parents and students kicked up their heels for a good cause and had a blast!
"Spokane Soo Bahk Do® students can only signup for 60 days at a time due to YMCA policies.
The classes were originally limited to 6-12 year olds, but at my request, the YMCA has now expanded the program to allow 5-16 years olds which provides those approaching age 12 with an opportunity to continue the program.
The Kick-a-thon participants include students with a wide range of abilities and special needs as well as parents.
I was extremely pleased with the strong and high energy response that took place with the invitation to participate in the Kick-A-Thon, by Federation Members and YMCA Members alike, as well as the parents.
Their combined participation in the program was incredible!"
-- Bud Bolan
It was 1992 and the Lubbock, Texas Community Center was beginning to empty as we showered and I finished quickly and waited in the lobby. The last two days had certainly been an experience. How else would you describe packing 14 people in a motorhome designed for eight and then heading 600 miles across West Texas with half a ton of bricks and boards to give a series of Demonstrations in multiple cities hundreds of miles apart in only two days? Officially, we were here to promote and unify Master Chu's remote schools, but it seemed that togetherness and cooperation were the real theme of this trip.
As I sat comfortably on a couch in the lobby, I remember seeing Master Chu coming out of the dressing room with a towel in one hand and his uniform in the other. Kris Poole and I noted that he looked somewhat tired and distracted, but we figured it was because of the tremendous amount of energy he had expended in his part of the demonstrations over the last few days. After all, jumping over four people and breaking six concrete blocks, sparring 2 people, doing several forms and numerous other board breaking feats three times today plus traveling three hundred miles and doing it all again could make anyone look tired. I thought no more about it.
It was about midnight when we arrived at the local Instructor's apartment where we were to spend the night. Everyone was exhausted and looked like walking zombies as we stumbled from the motorhome out onto the apartment complex parking lot. Master Chu called us into a circle and said he knew it would be crowded, but we should stay together and accept the Instructor's hospitality so we would not hurt his feelings. Last night in Abilene, Texas we had trouble finding places for 14 people to lie down at that instructor's home and tonight there was even less room in this apartment, but we were all willing to try. Everyone that is, except one Dan who insisted he would go to a hotel so there would be more room for those who wanted to stay.
Once more, Master Chu repeated his instructions and requested him to accept the inconvenience and stay with the group, but the Dan insisted he would go to the hotel and take a couple of people with him so it would be less crowded. We were all beginning to get uncomfortable because he was being requested, by his Instructor, to do something specific and he was absolutely refusing. He was our junior, but we said nothing to him thinking Master Chu could handle any discipline problem better than we. For the third time, Master Chu repeated his instructions and still the Dan insisted on departing. Master Chu just stood quietly as the Dan said his goodbyes and departed with three others who evidently decided comfort was more important than togetherness or did not understand what our Instructor was saying.
We were glad the tense situation was over and everyone started toward the apartment when Master Chu called Mr. Poole and I to return to the Motorhome with him.
We stepped up in the vehicle which had been our home for the past two days and sat across from our Instructor at the tiny table near the side window. He just sat silently, looking down at the tabletop for what seemed like an eternity until finally, he raised his head, and looked right through us with dark, tired eyes and in that instant, I had the strangest sensation I've ever experienced in my whole life. It felt as if he had already spoken a thousand words when he looked at us yet, the silence was broken by only one lonely question, which hung interminably in the night air.
We stared blankly, confused by his question. The silence screamed at us but we could not make out what it was saying and then the screams became respectfully silent as he spoke ". . . Earlier, when we finished the demonstration and everyone went to the showers, I had to get my own towel. In Korea, someone would have been waiting with my towel and clothes. Now, a junior Dan refuses to do as I ask and my senior students stand by and do not say a word . . ."
There was that question again, and with it the screaming started anew, but now it was beginning to become understandable. "Why had we not taken a more active role in assistance to our Instructor?" it shouted! Why could we not see our responsibility to help him in matters that need not command his personal attention? He was always there when we needed him, where were we when he needed us? How much had we actually helped him to spread our art's benefits to others? What real assistance had we been to him for all he had done for us? Without another word he disappeared out the door and into the darkness as we sat in awkward silence.
Master John Chu
Maybe somewhere in his being he already knew his death was approaching and maybe this whole trip was an attempt to bind us together to withstand his absence or maybe the years of teaching students who quit and the endless hours of sometimes seemingly thankless travel and dedication had just taken it's toll for him to choose this moment to make these remarks to us. Whatever the reason, we knew we had missed something very important that our teacher had tried to show us. For nearly ten years he had traveled hundreds of miles and conducted thousands of hours of classes. He had 16 schools and more than 600 students but apparently not even two senior students who could answer his question. How had this happened? Clearly, our responsibilities were more than we had realized. We had plenty to think about that sleepless night.
Not many months later, our Instructor was gone and we were left to ponder the question he posed that lonely night in West Texas.
The togetherness of that trip has been enjoyably replayed in our lives four times since then; multiple times in England at the Internationals, multiple times in Korea and multiple times at Ko Dan Ja Tests all over the country; however; I hope we do not ever cause the other part of that experience to be repeated.
The Founder has said that man is at his best when helping others and if we apply that concept to our training and the relationship we share with our Instructors we may better ourselves and come to understand togetherness, brotherhood, prevention of conflict and harmony in a way that few people ever have the opportunity to experience.
No one is an island and no one can carry the future of our art alone, it is up to the juniors to help and protect their seniors just as it is up to the seniors to help and protect their juniors. It is up to the juniors to learn the skills of our instructors and to emulate our instructor's tireless and unflagging pursuit of learning and of sharing our art. During his life Founder Hwang Kee requested that we make the U.S. a worldwide leader in human relationships and that goal can only be achieved when everyone does their part by improving their own personal relationships.
Take care of your Instructor, don't leave them to do all the work. Learn all you can from them. Ask for opportunities to assume new and challenging leadership roles and in doing so demonstrate your appreciation of them by your example. Dans and Red belts especially, learn all your responsibilities; ask if you are unsure. Trying and making a mistake is better than doing nothing. All students, see if there are tasks or projects you can do for them to free their valuable time. We never know how long our Instructor will be with us and it would be a shame to have wasted any of their priceless time on menial tasks. Pitch in and be the best you can be, take on a project beneficial to your studio, help run a new student recruitment activity for your studio, take on a project for your class, attend a special event and contribute your own unique energy to it, work hard and always be loyal to your Instructor just as they are loyal to theirs'. Be a part of our "Living Art," be active and contribute to it's growth.
We may already owe the Founder and our Kwan Jang Nim several haircuts, but in the future, lets not give them cause to ask . . .
--Phil Duncan
P.S. Some current opportunities to contribute that you may not have thought about:
SAVE THE DATE: 2017 National Festival August 10-12 Montgomery, TX
