The first ever, dual year, USA Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa has completed the training and evaluation of all candidates testing for Sa Dan and above, during the week of the 5th through the 12th of November 2021. The 2020 USA KDJSS was delayed last year because of the Pandemic. This year with precaution and excellent hotel protocols, the 2021 Shim Sa was combined with this year's KDJSS.
Another Moment with the Masters also took place during the weekend on the 5th of November, as you can see from the photo, there were numerous Ko Dan Ja and Masters to give visitors attending a great experience from Senior Ko Dan Ja Instructors in attendance. Including three Charter members who were in attendance, Kwan Jang Nim H.C. Hwang, Sa Bom Nim Bonsignore, and Sa Bom Nim Moonitz.
As a tradition, "Spirit Messages" are sent to candidates and visitors, as motivational statements, to encourage and to remind them that while they train, the World Moo Duk Kwan is wishing them success every step of the way. Some of those messages are personal, some are humorous, and some very uplifting to help them maintain their focus on their Weh, Neh, and Shim gung aspects of training. But, the most important thing is to remind them, they are not alone, and are connected to every past candidate who have experienced the uniqueness of a Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa. Most of these experiences are under the direct guidance of the Kwan Jang Nim H.C. Hwang and our World Moo Duk Kwan Technical Advisory Committee (World TAC).
Of course, the Shim Sa and MWM was held during the 76th Anniversary of the Moo Duk Kwan, and the remembrance of the Founder's Hwang Kee Birthday, on Nov 9 2021. There was a cake cutting celebration with KDJSS candidates and visitors, which was brief, but meaningful. Then it was back to training!
The Korean Soo Bahk Do shared their Remembrance of the Founder through this video below. Thank you to D. G. Lee SBN, and Uiwang Do Jang SBN group. Soo Bahk!
Many thanks to those who posted these photos on Facebook, and special thanks to Tony Le, Kyo Sa Nim, who was a candidate for Sa Dan and took many of these photos. Soo Bahk!
Just to remind everyone, the photo below is from the Charter Convention held at the JFK Hilton in NY in 1975. These practitioners were the foundation of the U.S. Federation.
The 1975 US Charter Convention clinic: Stand Rear; Robert Rondelli (17416), Psyche Smith (18143), James Lee (14317), Greg William (11695), Carl Jenkins (18983), Ron Savage (15879), Dennis Miller (18430), Peter Canciani (18911). Stand second row; CS Kim (2457), Paul Johnson , Warren Adams , Jeff Moonitz (17650), Andy Ahpo (10187), Joe Weeks (3596), Frank Bonsignore (15805), Arthur Pryor (16505)), Benjamin Cortese (11689), Larry Seiberlich (1815), HC Hwang (509). The 3rd row seated; Robert Fernandes, Jr.,(17927), Holly Whitehouse (18943), Robert Fernandez, Sr. (14464), The founder, James Rushton (4130), Victor Martinov (10189), Fred Kenyon (14345), Young Ki Hong (9193). Bottom row seated; Joyce Keyes (19448), Russ Hanke (4137), Robert Beaudoin (5661), Ki Yul Yu (5311), Frank Trojanowiz (13333), Robert Shipley (4825).
Hyung Evaluation, advanced Ko Dan Ja.