Hapkido Instructor

**dingodog1** · 10-18-2003, 02:45

Does anyone know of Master Kevin Wilbourn; He operated a school in Charlotte N.C.. He was an excellent Hapkido instructor and taught here in Charlotte for 10-15 years before closing Chang's Hapkido Academy. I would love to resume training with him or a Black belt of his.

**dingodog1** · 10-24-2003, 05:41

Since no one replied concerning Master Wilbourn, are there any Hapkidoist who ply their art in Charlotte, N.C.?

**riku** · 10-24-2003, 09:02

I must admit that I have no knowledge about schools there... have you tried to look from Yellow Pages or search from Internet?

On my behalf, welcome to Budoseek. Hope that you have good time here.

With respect,
Riku Ylönen

**dingodog1** · 10-25-2003, 07:23

Yes, it appears that despite the amount of time that the school was here that little remains in terms of it's legacy; no word of Master Wilbourn, no contacts as far as his more advanced students,no word from other stylists(jujitsu,judo,taekwondo) in this area. I routinely scan the various pulp and media sources and remain hopeful. Master Wilbourn is a great instructor and produced very good technical black belts.

**riku** · 10-25-2003, 09:02

Good luck for your search.

Riku Ylönen

**dingodog1** · 10-26-2003, 09:59

Originally posted by riku
Good luck for your search.

Riku Ylönen

Thank you, and thank you for the warm welcome.

**kodanjaclay** · 10-26-2003, 10:42

Donald,

Try this information:

Intructor: Kevin Wilbourn
600 Towne Centre Blvd.
Pineville, NC 28134
704-552-6888

He is listed as a Kyo sa under Gedo Chang. Same Guy?

**dingodog1** · 10-26-2003, 11:00

Yes sir, that was the location of the school when it closed. This was a more affluent location, more upscale. I suspect that the difference in rent was commensurate and probably contributed to the school's demise. The other location was on South Blvd., admittedly a little less "nice" but I'd prefer it was still there even if you were scanning the area as you approached. Actually a good habit to get into!

**kodanjaclay** · 10-26-2003, 11:02

Why don't you call the organization? If he is still actve, they will have records.

**dingodog1** · 10-26-2003, 11:22

Sometime ago, probably 4 or 5 months, I did e-mail one of the instructors, I believe his e-mail indicated he was at or of Clemson University. He told me that he was aware of the school closing however he wasn't aware of Master Wilbourn's immediate plans as far as further instruction. He indicated that he was not a personal acquaintance of his and that he may have been a student of a student of Grandmaster Chang for example.

**kodanjaclay** · 10-26-2003, 14:12

I would recommend you contact the head of the organization. If he is an active member, they will be able to track down information. If he is not, you have your answer.

**dingodog1** · 10-26-2003, 23:06

Thank you sir, I will do that and let everyone know what comes of it.

**dingodog1** · 10-29-2003, 01:42

I have contacted several of Grandmaster Chang's students who are inquiring of Grandmaster Chang and getting back to me! I'm standing by now; Thanks for the direction!

**kodanjaclay** · 10-29-2003, 08:16

Good luck Donald.

**dingodog1** · 11-11-2003, 18:09

I have contacted and heard from several of Grandmaster Chang's associated instructors listed on pages linked to him and am currently planning on attending a seminar he is hosting on November 22nd at Georgia State University. Hopefully I will learn of any plans for resumption of training in my area. Thank you, for all the help I received on this forum. The specifics concerning the seminar are listed on the announcements page of Budoseek under Hapkido seminar. Happy Veteran's Day, Thanks to you all and Semper Fidelis!

**kodanjaclay** · 11-11-2003, 18:35

I am so glad we were able to help a fellow hapkidoin. Good luck.

**dingodog1** · 12-13-2003, 02:48

Just thought I'd add that I wasn't able to attend the seminar and I haven't heard any more of Master Wilbourn so I guess I'll just add that I sincerely wanted to establish dialogue with him or one of his senior students to find out more about the state of Hapkido instruction here and for no other reason. Hope you and your family are well sir. Kham sa hap ni da Master Wilbourn!

**kodanjaclay** · 12-13-2003, 09:58

Donald,

I'm sorry to hear that. I hope you do find that path that you seek.

rustyrich · 03-30-2004, 14:29

Hello...I hope I'm not too late with this reply, I just stumbled onto this web through a search engine...

Mr. Wilbourn is currently teaching Hapkido at the Cornwell Center off Selwyn Ave (right across from Queens College -1931 Selwyn). Classes are as follows:

Mond 8:00-9:00 pm
Wed 8:00-9:00 pm
Sat 11:00am-12:30 pm

Directions to the Cornwell Center can be found at the following website:
http://www.mpbconline.org/CornwellCe...rnwellmain.htm

Tuition is $65/month and is paid directly to the Cornwell Center.

If you are interested in attended classes please feel free to contact me through my user account here (rustyrich) or at rich5673@hotmail.com if you need any additional information. I am working on obtaining extra uniforms from old students which I can provide you to use if you need.

Richard

**dingodog1** · 04-01-2004, 00:13

Thanks for the tip, rustyrich. I was beginning to give up hope of ever resuming legitimate Hapkido instruction here in Charlotte. Thank you also for the pm you sent me. I am looking forward to seeing Mr. Wilbourn again. I will try to get my weight and wind together somewhat as I remember all too well the vigorous workouts that his sessions were. Perhaps they only felt that way to me due to my poor conditioning. Are you a black belt or no? Please relay my greetings to Mr. Wilbourn and I will see him soon. Again, Thanks for replying to my thread. This is a much better way to end it!