WHA Begins Tradition

El Capitan Canyon in Santa Barbara, California hosted the World Hapkido Association's first annual Instructors Seminar. Representatives from as far away as Norway, Sweden and Brazil attended as well as individuals from California, Florida, Illinios, Michigan, Washington, Colorado and Oregon.

Master Tae Jung, 8th Dan, President of the World Hapkido Association and Grandmaster Hwang In-Shik introduced seminar participants to the WHA philosophy and curriculum. The bulk of the seminar dealt with ki breathing exercises, wrist grabs, body grabs and punch and kick defenses. A great deal of time was spent discussing Hapkido theory and philosophy and how they related to the physical techniques presented. Proper movement and angular defense was stressed as well as many lectures that focused on how Hapkido philosophy parallels a persons character and the responsibilities we have as martial artists in society today.

The final day of the 3-day seminar ended with a 2-mile run with backpacks weighted with sandbags and later culminated in awards and presentations. Most notably, Mr. Dan Mullenix was appointed as the Western Regional Representative for the World Hapkido Association. A special thanks was given to Mr. Tom Reed, Executive Director of the WHA, for his hard work in organizing this year's event.

Master Jung and GM Hwang are truly skilled and accomplished martial-artists and did a wonderful job fostering a family environment. Many friendships were established and partyicipants are already busy planning next years seminar.

Jeff Hindley - WHA