Bong Soo Han

[Dahmanegi]

Hello everyone,

I just had a few questions that hopefully someone might be able to answer about GM Bong Soo Han. I've come to understand that GM Han has founded his own IHF which is a seperate organization. Is this federation recognized by any headquarters in Korea? Also what are your opinions on GM Han?

I have been wanting to take Hapkido, and most likely will eb joining GM Han's school and federation. I already have deep respect for the man and was just a little curious as to other people's thoughts on him.

Thanks for the time.

[kodanjaclay]

Mr. Bue,

I can assume that you and I are neighbors on some sort, since Master Han is in Santa Monica. This is my advice... go check him out, and see how you feel in the school. If you feel like this school can help you meet your goals, then irrespective of any other's opinion, train there.

I wish you the best of luck in your search.

Regards,

[WMKS Shogun]

Based on what i have known from indirect students (students of GM Bong Soo Han's organization, but not GM himself) and a nifty video that one of said students loaned me, i was rather impressed. some of the techniques are rather innovative when compared with other arts (not knocking anybody's art, just commenting). i was particularly impressed with techniques using a belt ( like the typical martial arts belt) as a self defense tool, as well as the cane techniques. Well, that is enough out of me. Good luck, and train hard.

[mateo]

Han Bong Soo, like most Seoul based hapkidoists of his generation was originally licensed under the original Korea Hapkido Association.

From the 1960s to its collapse the KHA could do little in the way to promote hapkido in North America and Europe so most Hapkido teachers who emigrated abroad started their own associations with other nearby instructors. As the KHA organization provided no real service to those abroad and many of the teachers who emigrated were quite senior in the organization most felt little compunction about doing so. So many senior hapkidoists have their own organizations today. Ji, the driving force behind the KHA, has his Sin Moo, Myung has his WHF, Han the IHF, Hwang In Shik the WHA, Kim Chong Sung etc.

The present day Korea Hapkido Federation under Oh Se-Lim is a resurrection of the original Republic of Korea Hapkido Association

All are legitimate hapkido treachers with real credentials one would be fortunate indeed to train under.

[Michael Tomlinson]

I second what Mattew posted. All of the older Korean GM's that are in America and were a part of the early KHA are the real deal and are the actual pioneers that spread Hapkido around the globe. I give these gentlemen nothing but my respect and appreciation.
Michael Tomlinson :bow:

[American HKD]

Greetings

Agree with Matthew.

GM Han IS a recognized senior by the KHF (himself only)!

His IHF is NOT nor would the KHF accept the certifications the IHF is Not a recognized Kwan of the KHF period.

[moksha]

Stuart,

Which in some cases might not be bad. Let us not forget that alot of people left the KHF, after the late 1970's because they could see where it was heading. Same thing happened with GM Chang. He recieved his 7th Dan under the KHF, but then he left hand started his IHF. So not being recognized by the KHF, is not necessarily a bad thing. Thoughts?

[Michael Tomlinson]

I've come to the realization that every big time organization will have some bad apples and some good...much like a real bushel of apples...I don't have a problem with the KHF, I am not a member but in the grand scheme of things their org would be considered a heck of a lot better than most...my only qualm..and again I'm not trying to start a bashfest on here are all of these guys training for a few years and then "creating" their own kwan, org, or brand of Hapkido. Most of these people don't even have the real credentials needed to be promoted by people like the KHF, old KHA or the IHF... not mentioning any names but you can boil most of them down to a couple of fly by night Hapkido orgs...it's like they sprout the same wings as their leaders from these unmentioned orgs... get in with the video's and some seminars... get promoted and show up in publications.. and then jettison all that and "create" their organization....it all about one thing....MONEY...and maybe ego... look at some of the guys on here like Hal Whalen...still with his original Hapkido teacher.. Jeff Allen..still with his teacher..Ali Alnasser..still with his teacher.. Brian Beach..still with his teacher...etc..etc... why haven't some of these folks created their new Hapkido??? I tell you why...it's because they took time to learn it right the first time so they understand what it truly IS..and because of that they won't sell it out or combine it with close quarter combat check cashing.....ok now I'm taking a deep breath and farting....ummmm I feel much better.....Hapki!!!
Michael Tomlinson :laugh:

[American HKD]

Stuart,

Which in some cases might not be bad. Let us not forget that alot of people left the KHF, after the late 1970's because they could see where it was heading. Same thing happened with GM Chang. He recieved his 7th Dan under the KHF, but then he left hand started his IHF. So not being recognized by the KHF, is not necessarily a bad thing. Thoughts?

Greetings,

I don't think not being recognized by the KHF is bad or anything, but the KHF is the farthest thing from Joe Shmoe's HKD rank. As far Traditional HKD goes the KHF rank is one of the most "legit rank" in the world by all accounts.

Regardless of thier politics which needs improvement I really respect their HKD it's the real thing.

I will say no more at the risk of getting into another political discussion.

[American HKD]

I've come to the realization that every big time organization will have some bad apples and some good...much like a real bushel of apples...I don't have a problem with the KHF, I am not a member but in the grand scheme of things their org would be considered a heck of a lot better than most...my only qualm..and again I'm not trying to start a bashfest on here are all of these guys training for a few years and then "creating" their own kwan, org, or brand of Hapkido. Most of these people don't even have the real credentials needed to be promoted by people like the KHF, old KHA or the IHF... not mentioning any names but you can boil most of them down to a couple of fly by night Hapkido orgs...it's like they sprout the same wings as their leaders from these unmentioned orgs... get in with the video's and some seminars... get promoted and show up in publications.. and then jettison all that and "create" their organization....it all about one thing....MONEY...and maybe ego... look at some of the guys on here like Hal Whalen...still with his original Hapkido teacher.. Jeff Allen..still with his teacher..Ali Alnasser..still with his teacher.. Brian Beach..still with his teacher...etc..etc... why haven't some of these folks created their new Hapkido??? I tell you why...it's because they took time to learn it right the first time so they understand what it truly IS..and because of that they won't sell it out or combine it with close quarter combat check cashing.....ok now I'm taking a deep breath and farting....ummmm I feel much better.....Hapki!!!
Michael Tomlinson :laugh:

Well Said & True

[moksha]

Stuart,

I understand. I wasen't trying to start an arguement or anything. It just seemed from your first post that it was a bad thing that Bong Soo-Han's IHF is not recognized by the KHF. That's all. But yes I agree that the KHF teaches good Hapkido, regardless of the administrative/political problems in the past. Take care.

p.s. Will you be attending the seminar?
I'm just wondering, I'm trying to get some
sort of idea how many people want to attend.
Thanks.