Grandmaster Bong Soo Han's Legacy

Thirteen centuries ago, Korea was torn apart by insurrections and a great many wars. During the Silla Dynasty each king gathered an elite group of knights who were highly disciplined, adhered to a strict code of ethics and were exceptionally masterful in the art of killing with their bare hands. As violence ceased, these old ways were banished and thus practiced only in secret; this continued for another 500 years. Refinement and improvisation have contributed to the brilliance of what we know as general martial arts today. There are few true Masters that presently exist who have preserved the traditional luminosity of the old ways; one such individual is International Hapkido Federation Grand Master Bong Soo Han.

Hapkido is a martial art of great depth that does not rely on physical strength as much as a knowledge of body mechanics, movement and the basic laws of physics to subdue an aggressor. This art incorporates kicking, joint locking, throws, pressure points and most importantly the use of internal strength. Hap-ki-do translates into “the art of coordinated power (Hap is coordination, Ki denotes power and Do means the way).” The most important aspect in mastering the art of Hapkido is ki; the essence of power, which is achieved by joining the mind, body and spirit into one physical unit. The three basic principles to be learned are Non-resistance: meeting force with minimal force as to not clash with an adversary’s power – Circular Motion: countering and attacking – “Water Principle”: total penetration of an enemy’s defense. Of these three principles, Hapkido can be described best as the art of “Non-resistance.” Wait for your enemy to attack meeting force without force thus allowing your enemy’s energy flow to you, countering it by such acceptance, circling such energy back towards your enemy now combined with your own energy and penetrating not only the defense but also the soul of your adversary.

Grand Master Han’s strict adherence to the perfection of one’s character as the instrument in the ever continuing journey of martial arts has proven itself in the product of all his students since 1967. In that time less than 100 individuals have been promoted to the rank of black belt, less than 40 have been awarded the rank of 2nd Dan, just 13 have achieved 3rd Dan, only 2 have been honored as 6th Dan Masters. This is irrefutable confirmation that social belt promotions do not exists as they did not in the old days; you must convincingly earn your rank of knowledge and a great deal of time must be invested into this journey. Many study their entire lives and never achieve the rank of black belt, however the belt around your waist is an insignificant aspect of the journey to an enlightened mind.

Mr. Phillip Turner is one of only 13 individuals who have achieved the rank of 3rd Dan. The significance however is the swiftness in which he conquered this monumental ladder. Most students of Grand Master Han’s organization do not achieve the rank of black belt until 4-7 years of training has been invested where others never achieve it. Many do not attain the rank of 3rd Dan until at least 15 years of consistent and dedicated training have passed. Grand Master Han recognized Mr. Turner’s commitment, dedication and extraordinary talent in learning the ways of Hapkido; with the knowledge of Mr. Turner’s previous training and accomplishments in Hapkido and various other martial arts, and made the decision to allow him to excel as rapidly as he could convincingly learn and retain all aspects of Hapkido.