Greetings

This was on another forum I saw today.

Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2005 13:39:56 -0800 (PST)
From: tkd net mailing list admin <tkdnet2003@yahoo.com>
Subject: tkd-net: Fw: Hapkido History Revealed by James Garrison

The following appears in the March 2005 issue of Taekwondo Times
Magazine:

*****

Hapkido History Revealed

Since "The Background of Hapkido" by Grandmaster Kwang Sik Myung
(September 2004 edition) was circulated, I have been inundated with
e-mail. It is clear that many students and instructors are confused
about Hapkido's history.

Having met Grandmaster Myung in the early 1970's in Korea, I found
him to be a very gracious individual. During our first meeting, he
presented me with an autographed copy of his then newly published
Hapkido text written in Korean. At that time, his book was used as a
test for many of the Hapkido programs in Seoul. In his book, he
outlines the history of Hapkido, which is significantly different
from that which is presented in the TKDT article.

For over thirty years, I have researched martial arts systems. The
majority of my research has been studying the origins of Hapkido. I
have been able to interview many of Yong Sool Choi's (the founder of
Hapkido) original students. I have also been granted access to
original documents that pertain to Hapkido during the years prior to
its final name designation. The accuess includes written documents by
the founder himself.

In addition to my research in Korea, I trained and received black
belt rank at the headquarters for Aikido and the Kodokan (Judo
Headquarters) as well as SJJK (Jujitsu system). It is well known that
the Japanese are precise in their record keeping. They keep records
on every aspect of training.

It is unclear why the Grandmaster would choose to ignore and discount
the Hapkido connection with the Takada family or with Aikido and its
founder Ueshiba Morihei. It is common knowledge, and well documented,
that when Yong Sool Choi decided on the name "Hapkido" for his art,
and present this art, he invited the founder of Aikido, Ueshiba
Morihei, to attend his demonstration in Korea. During this
demonstration, Choi publicly thanked Morihei for being his friend.

Authentic reporting of history is imperative. This is especially true
for martial arts sytem in order for student to understand the
philosopy and psychology of the system, and also to authentically
learn the technical aspects of the system.

Regardless of what cultural insecurities one might possess, the true
origins of martial arts systems must be reported accurately and
without bias. The preservation of any system depends on accurate
reporting. This is especially true since some charlatans are using
the name Hapkido as a "catch-all" term for something they have made
up. Hapkido is a truly complete martial art and its quality can only
be preserved by understanding its origins.

James R. Garrison, Ninth Dan
Vice President World Oriental Martial Arts Federation
Portland, OR