| Fellow Masters, Instructors and Students, |
It is with great sorrow that we mourn the passing of Grand Master Jae Joon Kim. We will all miss him, each in his / her own way. May his family and our extended Martial Arts family take solace in knowing that he was so well respected by all. |
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| The late Grandmaster Hwang Kee (right) and the late Grandmaster Jae Joon Kim |
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It is my belief that the Martial Arts are bigger than any of us. Even those as great as Grand Master Jae Joon Kim or Hwang Kee. They have given us a legacy to pass to future generations.
With this in mind, I announce that American Kwan Tang Soo Do Federation, Inc. will continue Traditional Korean Tang Soo Do, keeping the same forms and techniques for future generations. I invite you to join this organization. Please contact me for further information.
Sincerely,
James A. Saffold
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Traditional Korean Martial Arts
6959 Stonewood Place Drive
Clarkston, Michigan 48346 |
| 61st Promotional Testing and Seminar held March 8, 2008 at the Anderson Center Do Jang of Master Louis Soma, Grand Ledge, Michigan |
| EXCELLENT!!! |
| The day started with a seminar by Grand Master James Saffold starting with basic blocking, punching and kicking. We moved on to some advanced kicking techniques. Then, on to some very advanced kicking techniques. These were followed by "One-Step" techniques and some excellent sparring. |
| Several Hyungs were practiced in detail, including Geicho Sam Bu, Pyong Ahn Sam Dan, Nai Han Sam Dan, and Ship Soo. The Traditional Tang Soo Do method, as taught by Grand Master Jae Joon Kim, of doing these forms was stressed. |
| We all then practiced Choong Shim Cho Dan. This advanced balance form keys on kicks using the back foot. |
| Grand Master Saffold then introduced the senior level Hyung, Choong Shim Yi Dan. (Balance Form Two). This form works to develop the balance necessary to perform multiple kicks as well as kicking coupled with hand attacks. It's definitely not for beginners. This form keys on kicks using the front foot. |
| Grand Master plans to introduce the third Choong Shim Hyung in the future. |
| BO STAFF FORM DEMONSTRATED! |
| MASTER LISA DZIK honored us with a demonstration of her Bo Staff competition form. She was superb and dazzled all with her excellence. |
| Pictures will be posted in the photo galleries. |
| The promotional testing followed the seminar with exceptional demonstrations of proficiency by all. |
| Chris tested for 1st Gup, Red Belt. Chris' test was great and his kicking ability was fun to see. |
| Richard Sundeen and James Saffold, Jr. tested for Sam Dan. Their proficiency was excellent. |
| Master Louis Soma tested for Oh Dan. We were treated to excellence at the Master level. Master Soma is the first person to be required to perform a Choong Shim Hyung during a Dan test. He did great on this all other parts of his test. |
| Everyone testing was required to make multiple hand and foot breaking demonstrations. All of these were successfully done, demonstrating the power of focused Tang Soo Do. |
| This memorable day was made complete when we treated to a catered meal from Sophia's Restaurant. The food was perfect. A great job by a fine chef. The camaraderie was even better. |
| Congratulations to you all of those that participated in the seminar and those that tested! |
| PROMOTED! |
| Grand Master James Saffold had the honor to promote Master Dennis McHenry to Chil Dan February 23, 2008 at an excellent Seminar held by Grand Master J.R. West in Jackson, Mississippi. The seminar had sessions in Hap Ki Do, Tae Kwon Do and Tang Soo Do. Grand Master, Dr. He-Young Kimm was an honored guest and he presented an excellent session. Many other masters and instructors taught sessions, all of which were truly great! Grand Master West asked Grand Master Saffold to present two Tang Soo Do sessions, which were well attended. What a seminar, 250+ people attended this three day event. |
| It's not often that anyone reaches 7th Degree Black Belt, and Master McHenry has not only earned that rank, but is an excellent example of what we should all strive for in the Martial Arts. |
Congratulations Master Mac! |
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Traditional Korean Martial Arts
6959 Stonewood Place Drive
Clarkston, Michigan 48346 |
| 58th Promotional Testing and Seminar held September 8, 2007 |
AWESOME!!!
The American Kwan held its seminar and promotional testing Saturday, September 8, 2007. The day started with a two hour seminar by Grand Master James Saffold starting with basic blocking, punching and kicking. Then, we moved on to some advanced kicking techniques. These were followed by one-step techniques and some unique block-counter techniques.
Visiting Senior Master Jay Penfil (7th Dan) introduced an interesting and useful thrusting knife defense technique.
During the seminar several Hyungs were practiced, including Geicho Yi Bu, Pyong Ahn Cho Dan, Nai Han Chi Yi Dan, and Kong Sang Gun.
Grand Master Saffold then introduced the Master level Hyung, Choong Shim Cho Dan. (Balance Form One). This form works to develop the balance necessary to perform multiple kicks as well as kicking coupled with hand attacks. Its' definitely not for beginners and is even very difficult for junior Dan Members. The form is designed to push the Senior Dans and Masters.
Grand Master Saffold has been developing the Choong Shim Hyungs for the past 12 years. Originally he named them "Chu Mei Hyung" meaning "Fun Forms." They originated from his desire to improve his own personal workout and balance. He began teaching them at the "Master's Call" classes he holds for Masters.
Grand Master plans to introduce another of the Choong Shim Hyung in the near future.
Promotional testing followed the seminar with exceptional demonstrations of proficiency by Gups, Dans and Masters. (Don't miss the pictures in the photo gallery!)
Kameren tested for Green Belt. Chris tested for Red Belt. Rick and Gunner tested for Yi Dan. Masters Hayme Serrato and Gil Bazil tested for Yuk Dan. We were treated to excellence at all levels. Congratulations!
A number of distinguished guests observed the testing, including Grand Master Joe Sanders from Clarkston, Michigan. Thanks all for your honored presence!
This memorable day was made complete when we gathered at Leo's, the local restaurant, for dinner and Martial Arts Camaraderie. The food was very good, but the fellowship was Excellent!
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