My Eulogy for our Father
일평생 희생과 충성, 믿음과 신앙의 유산을 남겨 주신, 우리의 아버지-English Translatio
2nd Hella National Korean Sin Moo Hapkido Federation Seminar
As I prepared for the seminar, I originally planned to teach close to 200 techniques. I was prepared to do so. But, I also struggled with the fact that going over so many techniques, the reality was that most of it would be forgotten, quickly.
True Martial Artist
“A true martial art leader is not defined by the skills of the martial artist, nor the long and hard training, nor is it the experience of being a skilled diplomat. A true martial art leader is one who wholeheartedly embraces and acts with justice, righteousness, and virtue.”
Amazing Grace
I studied under one of the pioneers of Hapkido, GM Myung Kwang Sik, and continue that lineage with Chairman HWANG Deok-Kyu. I also was raised by the legacy of Korean Christianity, that started with my grandfather, who passed when my father was in his late teens. Both my grandfather and father served Christ, literally risking their lives at the hands of Japanese annexation and later, North Korean Communists. What a privilege to have been trained and raised by pioneers of martial arts and Christianity.
Teaching
My students have called me the "terminator" - heard that way after the fact. The fact is, I trained those that were serious, that wanted to learn, that put in the extra effort, I trained them harder, I pushed them harder, I treated them harsher. It was an investment of my time, and I invested in those that were not necessarily the best, they often were, but I invested in those that tried, that tried when others quit, that kept going when others did not, that did before asking, and learned by doing, not by talking.
Eulogy for My Father at Funeral Service June 2, 2012
Our Father
A Life of Sacrifice and Dedication, A Legacy of Faith and Belief
In Loving Memory of Our Loving Father - 우리의 아버지
Loving husband, loving father, and loving grandfather, Elder Benjamin Byung Iyun Hahn of the Korean Christian Reformed Church
The Classics - Enlightenment
Study the classics and one will find both simplicity and complexity, many layers of techniques that will come at times, like a zen moment, it will just be there. The names and "styles" that come and go, they are within and have been within the arts since the beginning, it is only immaturity that hides the truth.
Self Defense - The Skills Are Secondary To The Greatest Weapon Within
Your mind is the greatest weapon. Hope and pray the arts of war never have to be used, but be prepared to do so with conviction and commitment, without hesitation. It is not pleasant, but must be thought through before you have to take action, not waiver on if you are going to make a decision to act.
Choices
"Cannot do" is an excuse.