Another Teacher Departs

**sidekick** · 09-09-2004, 15:17

Just read where Master Hal Whalen from Boston is closing his school/dojang and is looking to entertain a different path. Although I have only met the man once, his talent and the enthusiasm he showed for his art was admired and respected. Hopefully, this will be just a short vacation and he will be able to return to teaching and turning out very accomplished Hapkidoists.

With much respect
Mike Dunn

**robar1** · 09-09-2004, 15:56

What does this mean for the KHF? Is there more to this story? With Dr. H's dojang closed....... is the KHF totally melting down? I mean we haven't heard a word from Fabian since the event at his place.

Robert Barkus

**Mst Whalen** · 09-09-2004, 16:20

Originally Posted by sidekick

Just read where Master Hal Whalen from Boston is closing his school/dojang and is looking to entertain a different path. Although I have only met the man once, his talent and the enthusiasm he showed for his art was admired and respected. Hopefully, this will be just a short vacation and he will be able to return to teaching and turning out very accomplished Hapkidoists.

With much respect
Mike Dunn

mike,

I have a few things going on and I am not leaving Hapkido I am pursuing a few things and i assure you the KHF is doing fine and My dojang is in a transitional period so to speak but i will keep you informed about what is happening.

Hal

**Mst Whalen** · 09-09-2004, 16:30

Originally Posted by robar1

What does this mean for the KHF? Is there more to this story? With Dr. H's dojang closed....... is the KHF totally melting down? I mean we haven't heard a word from Fabian since the event at his place.

Robert Barkus

There is no story i assure you the KHF is doing fine. the closing of Mr H's Dojang has more to do with his actions.

No meltdown ,,,, And Fabian is doing fine I talked with yesterday and he has opened a second Dojang

**Mst Duque** · 09-09-2004, 19:36

Dear Friends,

It's been a while since my last post.

I just wanted to let you that everything is okay with me and my Dojang.
Is just that, I been in some kind of reorganization of my life as a teacher and head of family.
Things are a little confusing and not much information is coming out of the leadership.
Many things had happen and many changes has ocurred; But in reality no one really knows what is going on or what will happen in the future.
Some of my closest friends know of my desicion to continue my martial path as a Hapkido teacher but a way from the Organizational actions of the KHF.
My Family and students are more important and worth my time and dedication.

As for Master Whalen, we keep in contact and he is also taking some time to reestructure his life and priorities.
He has not leave Hapkido, he is just setting everything in place.
Hapkido is my life and always will be and I truly believe the same of master Harold Whalen.

If any one wants to write to me, please feel free to e-mail.
I'm in Ocala and my Dojang's are open to all sincere and dedicated Hapkidoin.

Sincerely,

Fabian Duque
www.hapkidokoreainternational.com

**sidekick** · 09-10-2004, 14:06

Master Duque, two questions if I may.

Based upon your post,"Some of my closest friends know of my desicion to continue my martial path as a Hapkido teacher but a way from the Organizational actions of the KHF".

Do you plan to affiliate with another Organization or just become an independent?

Since Master Whalen is in a restructure mode, is he still going to be affiliated with the KHF and act as their U.S. representitive?

Sorry for all the questions, but all these actions have hit at the same time and one can only assume that a serious meltdown has occured.

Thank you for reply
Respectfully
Mike Dunn

**robar1** · 09-10-2004, 14:20

Hi Mike,
Those are my feelings as well. It would seem that the "problem" child of the KHF (according to many) has been dealt with. The org. was poised for new leadership and growth. Fabian was in looking at moving forward with the KFH and Master Whalen at the (US) helm. Looking at the KHF site, nothing of interest posted there in weeks and weeks. Nothing really posted here on this site in weeks. Not that long ago there was plenty of banter here and elsewhere as to how the KHF was going to be this way, or that way. Now it seems that most KHF members don't want to talk about anything. Maybe, they just train now.

Robert Barkus

**Mst Duque** · 09-10-2004, 15:15

Dear Friends,

As you all may know the KHF is been experiencing a lot of events and changes in the last Year. This matter has become open to the public eye.

In the very begining of the year 2004, I was helping and working closely with the former director of the KHF, to expoand the KHF in Latin America. All of this plans changed when Director Bae, resigned to the Directorship of the KHF. After this happening I lost all of the support from the leadesrhip in Korea and have not way to help my fellow country Hapkidoin and all other Latin American Masters, interested on working with the KHF.
I put a lot of efforts to organize the KHF masters course in the USA, and everything was on schedule, until things changed. Because of this changes we decided to keep doing the seminar but as friendship seminar. The good thing of this is that the the seminar was a total sucess. We train for 4 days in a row, lots of fun, technique and sweet.

I think KHF in Korea is doing fine.
Here in the USA, we are to do Hapkido regardless of what the KHF plan or think of us.
I have not plans on going independent. And at this point of my life I don't even know if joining an other Hapkido Organization will help.
All I know is that I have a Dojang in which I teach every day, and train my self.
Probably my next step will be to name my own Kwan, even KHF does not endorse it. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE ? "IT WILL NOT CHANGE THE WAY I DO OR TEACH HAPKIDO. "They have not effect in my life as a teacher/ master. they do not care about my students or how hard I work to promote Hapkido.
Durant all of this years in Hapkido to be exact ( 25 ) I have learn an important lesson. ( THE TRUH IS INSIDE YOU, NOT OUTSIDE )
Also, a long this martial path I have learn about truh friendship; I met master Whalen, master Holcome, Master Bae, Master John Jhonson, Master Thomilson, and others. Who are real masters, real friends, real martial Taoists.
Friendship is the real treasure among all of us Hapkidoins; And not what an Organization think of us.
If you guys have any interest on what is going on in the KHF, you may contact the KHF headquartes. I have not authority to speak in their name.

The Question about master Whalen, please direct it to him. I know he will be happy to answer this and any other question.

Sincerely,

Fabian Duque
hapkidoin

**Mst Whalen** · 09-10-2004, 15:54

mike or anyone else whom is curious send me a private email and leave your phone mumber and I will call and explain what is or is not happening.

And Yes i am still The KHF representative within the U.S and NO i have not retired .

**sidekick** · 09-10-2004, 17:44

Master Whalen and Duque, I didn't mean to intrude or open something distasteful. I was just concerned about the status of people who I respect and consider new friends. My apology for causing any discomfort on your part.

Respectfully
Mike Dunn

**Mst Duque** · 09-10-2004, 22:36

Dear Master Mike,

Please, you have said nothing disturbing.

You don't have to apologize. There are goods and bads in every aspect of life and as long as we are part of life it is normal to go experience the ups and downs.
The things I wrote here are my personal opinion of the KHF and I take full responsability for that. " Any ways they know I have the courage to tell them the true in their very own face "What I do with my life is my free will. I know what is good for my family, my students and my self.
A hapkidoin is not made out of an Organization, but out of the teachings of his master and his dojang. the teaching traditon of his master and the discipline of his dojang.
" Be strong in your heart and spirit and then look out to help others."

Sincerely,

Fabian Duque
HAPKIDOIN

**kodanjaclay** · 09-11-2004, 10:44

Well said Master Fabian. I support you 100%. I think it is a shame that the situation has become like this. There was so much more that could have been done.

**Mst Duque** · 09-11-2004, 22:31

This is just my position on the current situation. Nothing more nothing less !
There are many issues that are the only interests of the KHF members.
I'm very sure master Whalen as the USA director of the KHF is helping and working to make sure all of this matters be resolved in the best interest of the KHF members.
In my case I'm done with the KHF and is not my priority to deal with them.
They lost my respect, they know why, and they know is their fault.
Rigth now, if they fire me from the Federation, will not make any difference on me.
Like I said before, my dojang, Family and students are my first priority and as far as they are Okay, I will be Okay.

Fabian Duque
Hapkidoin.

**Paul B** · 09-12-2004, 12:41

I just wanted to pop in and say good for you,Master Fabian! I really truly despise politics,and you have a great attitude concerning your situation.

I don't have a clue about different Hapkido org's,nor do I want one,but why is it that people choose to focus on politics instead of furthering their own training and that of their students? It just doesn't set well with me,and I think you have set a great example for your students and other Hapkidoin.

I wish you all the best!

Master Whalen--Are you still having the seminar in Chicago? My teacher just told me about it last week,and I would love to attend!

**Mst Whalen** · 09-12-2004, 18:55

Originally Posted by Paul B

I just wanted to pop in and say good for you,Master Fabian! I really truly despise politics,and you have a great attitude concerning your situation.

I don't have a clue about different Hapkido org's,nor do I want one,but why is it that people choose to focus on politics instead of furthering their own training and that of their students? It just doesn't set well with me,and I think you have set a great example for your students and other Hapkidoin.

I wish you all the best!

Master Whalen--Are you still having the seminar in Chicago? My teacher just told me about it last week,and I would love to attend!

Yes the seminar is on october 16th , contact jokido@comcast.net

I am looking forward to meeting you. Ask around or read prevoius posts you will not be disappointed.

Hal

**Mst Duque** · 09-12-2004, 19:09

Dear Master Whalen,

I will do my best to be there in October.
We can also have another weekend of training here in Ocala.
The weather wiil get better in the next few months.
All of my students were very pleased with the past friendship seminar and I now we all will enjoy the next get together for Hapkido.

Fabian Duque
Hapkidoin.

**Michael Tomlinson** · 09-23-2004, 15:10

I agree with my Hapkido brothers on here Master Whalen and Master Fabian. I have sweated, joked, and practiced Hapkido with these two gentlemen and what I love about it is that the PRACTICE of Hapkido is always the most important issue. I don't care about organizations, only friends, family, and good Hapkido, to me that is what makes the organization in the first place. If Master Whalen says I'm good,,, then that means more to me than someone from another country signing a piece of paper and selling it to me.... that's my opinion and belief. I respect these guys because I KNOW what they can do and it is quite awesome to see and FEEL!!
Michael Tomlinson

**kodanjaclay** · 09-23-2004, 15:22

Master Tomlinson,

Well said. I think that sometimes we work for a piece of paper, and forget that the actual reward is internal. A pat on the back from someone you know is worth so much more.

I know that in the past we have crossed swords. I have buried that hatchet with many others, and I realize that I had wanted to blame Hackworth for it. In reality, it was my own ignorance. I hope to be training with Master Whalen here shortly at a seminar he is conducting here. I offer you my sincerest apologies.

Off the topic, I have viewed your site, and must say you are very talented. Do you offer any of your art for purchase?

**Mst Whalen** · 09-23-2004, 16:06

Off the topic, I have viewed your site, and must say you are very talented. Do you offer any of your art for purchase?

I have a picture he drew of Choi. Yong Sool that was on the wall of my Dojang,

If there was a fire in my home Maureen will have to grab the cat and the birds i am going for the picture .

**Mst Whalen** · 09-23-2004, 16:22

Originally Posted by Michael Tomlinson

I agree with my Hapkido brothers on here Master Whalen and Master Fabian. I have sweated, joked, and practiced Hapkido with these two gentlemen and what I love about it is that the PRACTICE of Hapkido is always the most important issue. I don't care about organizations, only friends, family, and good Hapkido, to me that is what makes the organization in the first place. If Master Whalen says I'm good,,, then that means more to me than someone from another country signing a piece of paper and selling it to me.... that's my opinion and belief. I respect these guys because I KNOW what they can do and it is quite awesome to see and FEEL!!
Michael Tomlinson

Thanks Mike..

When you speak about family I know you mean it .

I just spent the afternoon at Mass General Hospital Burn Unit where a fellow IBEW Electrican was blown up because of a Arc Blast from a 480-volt 2000 amp switch and was rushed to the Hospital where he is under going skin Grafts to his arms all of the Skin is gone .

A visit there makes one reevaluate their life Real Fast as to what is important and what is BULL''''

To make matters worse he is Judo instructor and well known in this area his name is Jay Brooks of the Phoenix Judo club and His martial Arts career as well as Electrical is Questionable.

makes one think and all he says to me is Don't Forget My guys are looking forward to you coming back to judo and don't let this stop you .I'll be back once i find my shoes ha-ha..