World Moo Duk Kwan USA 2020-2021 - - - Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa - Another Historical Moment for the WMDK.
2020-2021 KDJSS Candidates, Visitors, and Senior Leadership at Orlando, Florida.
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.
REGION 4 (HOST) MEMBERS PUTTING TOGETHER ANOTHER OUTSTANDING KO DAN JA SHIM SA IN ORLANDO, FLORIDA
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!
SPECIAL SESSION: History on Moo Yei Do Bo Tong Ji book, by Bonsignore Sa Bom Nim.
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!
Left to right: Frank Bonsignore, #15805, SBN, (Charter Member) Hu Kyun In, Master Dominick Giacobbe, 9th Dan, MDK# 18656, (Heritage Program Visitor and Member), H.C. Hwang, #509 (Charter Member) Kwan Jang Nim, Steven Diaz, #19461 SBN, and Jeff Moonitz, #17650, SBN (Charter Member), Hu Kyun In.
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).
Historically, this photo may not seem like much, three senior masters. But, its more than that, here are three practitioners who have known each other since the early 70s, close to or over 50 years. All three were involved in the support of creating the U.S, Federation. Master Giacobbe attended the 1974 organizing meeting, along with Bonsignore SBN in PA when the Founder asked all MDK dan members in the U.S. help him establish an organization that would standardize teaching of Tang Soo (Soo Bahk) Do in the U.S. The following year 1975 brought Bonsignore SBN and Moonitz SBN to NYC for the Charter Convention. So, 50 years later, these three lifetime practitioners meet again at the 2021 Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa. I would say that's a historic connection. And Moo Do is about connection.
Special time to remember Russ Hanke Sa Bom Nim during the Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa. I will miss his early morning Moo Pahl Dan Khum breathing exercise sessions. RIP.
Line of Sa Dan Candidates
O Dan Candidates line.
Yuk Dan Candidates line.
Sa Dan Candidates with Kwan Jang Nim at the banquet.
Candidates from Region 2 with Kwan Jang Nim.
And the banquet begins...
Founder of Scarecrow Chickenhead Philosophy Mr. Eoghan Knibbe
Nature Walk?
Getting ready for a week of sweat..
Hyung Evaluation, advanced Ko Dan Ja.
Again, congratulations to all the candidates, visitors, and senior leadership, and a grateful appreciation of his guidance, Kwan Jang Nim H.C. Hwang. Get home safe, be well, and stay safe. Until the next Shim Sa, continue to empty your cup, and your Moo Do Shim Gung will continue to get stronger.
Respectfully submitted, SOO BAHK !
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