In This Issue:

☯ The Quarter That Was 2

☯ An Interview with Sah Bu Nim Mike 3

☯ The Price Clan 4

☯ Grading Congratulations 5

☯ Korean Word Search 6

☯ What Have I Learnt From Hapkido? 6

☯ Unwritten Rule 6

☯ New IHA/AHG Members 7

☯ Hapkido Has Shaped Who I Am 7

☯ CSD Hutch Gets A New Home 8

☯ Hapkido Festival At HMAC 9

☯ CSD Hutch Grading Results 9

☯ 2009 Spirit Award Finalists! 10

☯ Dojang T-Shirts! 10

☯ Queensland 10

☯ Sleep Over At DSD 11

☯ Unwritten Rules for Beginners 11

☯ Hapkido “How-To” DVDS Now Out! 12

☯ Upcoming Events 12

What a great year 2009 has been for Hapkido!

Every which way we have turned this year there has been some awesome event on, and the past 3 months have been no different with gradings galore and many awesome events.

We were all still coming down from the natural high that was Hell Camp 3 in August when we had the first of the “new” AHG Sydney gradings at Parramatta, designed to increase the already high-quality Hapkido we pride our organisation for. Under the new Grading System, students from all 3 Sydney Dojangs are tested together. This system further moved us in the direction of the 3 Sydney Dojangs working closer together on Hapkido events.

Also as part of the new Grading System, in August we had the first of the Pre-Tests for Blue, Brown and Red Belts. Run like a typical grading, Senior Belts were put through their paces and required to pass the Pre-Test in order to be able to go for grading. The Pre-Test in August was a huge success for the new Grading System, with most people passing and great feedback given to all the students involved.

September was a quiet month in the lead up to the famous Hapkido Month of Madness (October) yet for a quiet month it was still full of Hapkido events from Black Belt Club Seminars to gradings!

The end of September saw a number of students successfully grade to their next belt colour. This time the AHG Sydney Grading was hosted by Hurstville and all 10 students were awarded their new belt! From Sun Bae training for Red Belts and above to Hell Week where students got the opportunity to train with Grandmaster Geoff for 5 days straight, through to OTR

Sydney 4, October lived up to its name and was a Month of Madness jam-packed with Hapkido events. It was excellent to see students getting involved in all the extra events and wanting to learn more.

The OTR Sydney 4 weekend was a fantastic training opportunity for all students. The weekend included a Kids’ Seminar, at the end of which Grandmaster Geoff threw each kid, a seminar on Old School Techniques from a syllabus that dated back to 1986!, dinner at The Black Rose

Café for an All-You-Can-Eat Pizza and Pasta bonanza, and seminars by a Wing Tsun Instructor and Guro Floro who brought in his Kali Sticks and taught us all Sinawali.

With so many additional training and grading opportunities this past quarter, the last 3 months had something special for every one.

How long ago did you start training and how did you get into Hapkido?

I started my “official” martial arts training at age 13 (summer of 1984). I say officially because before training at the local Taekwondo school, I was “instructed” at home by my mother who is belted in Judo.

A year after opening my first school in October 1995, a young boy named Matt Pape (now 23) joined my Taekwondo program. His mother, Linda, was the first woman promoted to Black Belt in Hapkido by Master JR West. Linda introduced me to Master West, which started my Hapkido training.

What other martial arts have you done and what rank (if any) do you hold?

Taekwondo (4th degree); Aikido for 2 years (no rank); Jeet Kune Do/Kali (no rank); Krav Maga (Level 3 Instructor); Haganah/FIGHT (Instructor); and BJJ (Blue Belt). What other martial arts do you teach at your school and how did this come about?

In addition to Hapkido I also teach Krav Maga/FIGHT, BJJ and MMA. I added Krav Maga because I enjoy the scenario-based training of the Israeli systems. It does not have the depth of technique of Hapkido by any means, but it has an efficiency and intensity in the training that appeals to some people (mainly law enforcement). I added BJJ because I like competing in submission grappling events. I think BJJ is an excellent complement to Hapkido. MMA is the fastest growing sport in the US. For too many years martial arts in the US has been viewed as a kids-only activity. You would rarely see top-notch athletes on the training floor. MMA has changed that. I have several highly skilled, highly motivated fighters that enjoy stepping into the cage and testing their abilities. I also have on staff JKD instructor Ken and Kenpo instructor Jason. I brought them on board to offer more variety and so I wouldn’t have to compete with them, LOL. How did you first get involved with Grandmaster Geoff?

Twice every year, Master West would hold a 3-day martial art seminar in Mississippi. The first time that I attended the event in February 1998, I met and trained with this crazy group of Aussies. They just competed at the Arnold Martial Art Classic and their demonstration was incredible. Though I was relatively new to Hapkido, I knew that I witnessed something very different and very special. A year later I was married and suggested we go downunda for a couple of weeks for our honeymoon (no ulterior motives – I promise). The first week we spent in Sydney. I got some training in which didn’t go over too well with the new wife (she figured me out). That’s when Grandmaster Geoff informed me that he was holding the first-ever UHS later that year. I didn’t hesitate. October 1999 I left my school in the hands of my very capable staff and spent the best month of training in Sydney.

What has been the highlight for you throughout all your years of training?

Wow, so many great moments. UHS 1999 is definitely a highlight. ITS 2009 with Grandmaster Geoff’s promotion, hosting DoJuNim, April’s promotion to 3rd Degree, and my promotion to 4th Degree. But I think the #1 highlight would be having the honor and privilege of being one of the 8 Dragons (Spirit Test, October 2003). After achieving my 2nd Degree, Grandmaster Geoff asked me to be a Representative in the US. I asked him if I could participate in the Spirit Test since I never got the opportunity before (my 1st Degree test was a technical test in the US). I thought that if I was to represent the IHA, I should experience what all the IHA Black Belts in Australia experience. He agreed. Thank you, Sir!

What do you like the most about Hapkido?

I like the fact that Hapkido offers training in a broad spectrum of techniques. Many styles either offer “hard” techniques (kicks, strikes, etc.) or “soft” techniques (joint

locks, throws, etc.) Hapkido trains people across the technique spectrum, which gives them many more options. Eg: as a teenager training in Taekwondo, I had little choice in dealing with bullying at school. In the few altercations that I had, I was faced with a dilemma: do I blast this guy and risk being reprimanded or do I just take the abuse. Hapkido offers the practitioner the ability to “injure to degree.” Do I take the joint lock to pain compliance or joint destruction? Guess it depends on how the altercation develops. Different situations require different responses. You just can’t blast your way out of every situation. I guess you can, but you’ll probably end up in legal trouble.

What is your favourite Hapkido technique?

S-Lock - maximum pain, minimal effort. Works on every-one, unless your name is Nugget (ask Grandmaster Geoff).

As one of the few 4th Degrees in the organisation, what do you consider to be the secret of sticking with Hapkido?

As a colored belt, it’s all about setting short, medium, and long-term goals: getting to the next class, earning that next signature/belt. Write down your goals and target dates. It’s easier to stay focused when you’re training for a specific goal. As a Black Belt, it gets more difficult. The goals are further apart. The time between testings is measured in years, not months. Again it’s important to write down goals, even more so. It’s easier to get side-tracked when you’re not earning those incremental promotions we call stripes. You really want to stay involved, improve your understanding and development of Hapkido? TEACH. To teach a Low Spinning Hook or a Tornado throw to a teenager and a senior requires a deep understanding of technique – which in turn improves your own. I discover new details to even the most basic of techniques each time I step on the mats to teach. It keeps your Hapkido polished.

2009 in Lancaster Pennsylvania cemented this. Along with my love for Hapkido it made me realise that what's tied around my waist just keeps my pants up. It's what's inside that matters. If your heart's not in it and you're not enjoying yourself, forget it. So, while I am still enjoying Hapkido I'll keep at it. I must admit there have been times when I've hit a wall in training and been close to tears. I remember saying to Sir Jimmy "I can't do throws and I'm never going to be able to do it". Sir Jimmy thanked me (huh). Yes, he thanked me for telling him and said we would start working on breaking down the infamous green wall together as a team. Me, Sir Jimmy and all the other Black Belts. I was Ma'am Tina's koala bear one night for what seemed like hours. She'd throw me I'd hang on for dear life like a baby koala bear. Ma'am would throw me again and I'd hang on for dear life again. What a nightmare for her. But she never gave up on me. “Relax” and “Breath” are words I hear a lot from Black Belts. Green belt throws came with a sense of satisfaction and now a pretty blue belt holds my pants up. I love it when Grandmaster Geoff asks us to do what we think is a turning side fall. The raised eyebrow gives you away Sir!

I’m going to finish up my story here for Hapkido Scrolls, but the Hapkido training journey will continue for some time. In closing I believe that most of you will agree that picking up your bag and getting out the door is the hardest part of training but once you are on the mats you wonder what all the hesitation was about. Training with my family is fantastic because there’s always at least one of the Price Clan standing at the door with the Hapkido bag saying 'come on, it's time to go'. Hapkido also helps me sleep like a baby and wake up feeling like a very old woman, all stiff and sore!

Being part of the Hapkido Family - brilliant.

Monthly Fees – hey, nothing’s free these days.

S t r i k i n g , k i c k i n g a n d throwing my husband and sons around without argument or comebacks – PRICELESS!

-Jane P

A few years back when Colin and I discussed joining martial arts in the local area we got into the car and drove around looking at places that could offer something for all of us. A Mum, a Dad and two young boys. Walking into some places was terrifying/embarrassing. Terrifying because of the shouting and direct contact and embarrassing because a whole class would stop, turn around and stare and then completely ignore us.

Until, that is, we walked into C o m p l e t e S e l f D e f e n c e i n Moorebank. It wasn't a school hall or warehouse - good start. A lesson was in progress at the time and there wasn’t any shouting going on. By the time we reached the reception desk, which was only a few short steps from the main door, a man in a martial art uniform came from the front of the class and gave us his full attention - impress ive . The c las s never stopped and no-one stared at us like w e w e r e s p a c e c a d e t s -promising. Then, after talking with the instructor we were offered a free lesson to see if Hapkido was what we were looking for - cool! We later discovered that the man in uniform was Master Geoff Booth (now Grandmaster), the actual owner of the place. What a nice man. And the rest, as you say, is history! The Price Clan journey had begun.

Training as a family initially was different when we first joined because Nick and Sean trained with the kids and Col in and I wi th the adults. Sean’s class was first, then Nick’s, then ours. Sean was nearly asleep by the time he’d sat around for a few hours watching. Then, I went and changed jobs from a 9-5 Monday to Friday to a rotating shift job at Virgin Blue, which is where I still am today. It all became too hard and Hapkido took its toll on our one car family. I needed the car for work and the rest of the family couldn’t get to Hapkido. So, we had a break from Hapkido for a couple of years only to return again when the kids were old enough to train with us as adults.

Being back on the mats was great and we’ve all come a long way since then. Today, Hapkido is a passion for the Price Clan. Most people at Moorebank know who our family

members are. Colin, Jane, Nick and Sean. When we're on the mats we could be complete strangers because there's no special treatment or privileges for each other. In fact, it's great being told by your husband or sons that your throw was awful and do it again, and again. Okay! Bring it on. It's not often a Mum gets to kick, punch and throw her teenage sons around while enjoying herself at the same time. That’s something most Mums would only get to dream of doing.

However, Hapkido does have its ups and downs, let me tell you that for nothing. The upside is just when you think it's quiet sitting watching telly or having dinner someone puts an arm-bar or lock combination on you. The downside is just when you think it's quiet sitting watching telly or having dinner someone puts an armbar or lock combination on you! And don’t talk to me about how many pressure points have been tried and tested over the years. Mum, can I just try something on you? Does this work? Grab me a minute – no, not same hand, cross hand! And so it goes on. It sounds like I’m whinging doesn’t it? Well, you might be right. But, I know how lucky I am to have 3 other people in my life who motivate, encourage and train with me. There are many of you out there who would give your right arm to have what we do. Watch that right arm though because someone will give you an S Lock without warning. Our dogs even join in. Chopper the Labrador is very flexible and you can put a mean S Lock on him – seriously! Ask Sir Corey from Minnesota. He used to S Lock Chopper all the time when he was here for his Black Belt grading. Talking about Sir Corey leads me into another part of our Hapkido journey. We were his surrogate family during his stay in Australia two years ago. Watching a Black Belt come from overseas to prepare for his grading was special. He lived with us for a whole month and now we are firm friends. In fact, when ITS Sydney 2011 was announced Sir Corey knew he’d scored his old room back!

The feeling of belonging is important to me. Hapkido provides a sense of family and community spirit. The ITS

ThuyVy T Bernard B Darren W Nick S Manuel K Iraj M Ihsan K Terry L H Youssef A S Mark L William T Alex L Prashan K Kerry-Anne T Cassandra T Alex G Stuart G Dev C (Hawk) Darren F (Hawk) Paresh I (Hawk) Alankar G (Hawk) Abyan K (Falcon) Paras J (Falcon) Shavan P (Falcon) Jeevi M (Falcon) Zane G (Hawk) Alex C (Hawk) Elora G (Hawk) Dante L (Falcon)

Hayden M (Hawk) Jordan L (Hawk) Caitlin L (Hawk) Joshua T (Falcon) Leon V (Falcon) Vivian S (Falcon) Codey M (Falcon) Jayden M (Falcon) Dominic S (Falcon) Daniel K (Falcon) James N (Hawk) Taruia P (Hawk) Tayla W (Falcon) Shanna C (Falcon) Steven D (Falcon)

Yossi W Ben S Steve M Amadeus H Georgia K (Falcon)

Daniel N Ben V Navid N Vivian P Callum J Neelab O Shadi B Daniel N Ben V Navid N Vivian P Callum J Neelab O Shadi B Adam M Jun M Nachi M Andy N Rosendo B Hannah R (Falcon) Karan G (Falcon) Angelo T (Hawk)

Caitlin H (Hawk)

Luke D (Falcon) Paul D (Falcon) Michael L (Falcon) Tyler P (Falcon)

Mira K

Talia M (Falcon)

Congratulations to the following students who recently graded!

Some new students walk into the Dojang for the first time and immediately demonstrate a natural ability for Hapkido.

The rest of us unfortunately have about as much coordination as a cat in a tumble drier. But that doesn't mean it won't get better. You'll hear a lot of "relax, you're tensing up", "loosen your hips", "remember to breathe", and my personal favourite, "you're holding your breath again", but you won't hear it as often as time goes by. It might take you longer than some people to grade, but so what? You're not competing against them, just yourself.

I'm still the one in the Dojang who has the flexibility of someone in a full body plaster cast, but after a bit of time, patient Instructors, some stretching, and some yoga, things have improved somewhat. I don't kick

as high as I would like, but maybe it just needs a little more time.

So what have I leant from Hapkido? Never assume. Never assume a mid-five foot, 50 year old man wearing wire rimmed glasses can't move like lightning and hit you harder than you ever expected. Never assume a 5 foot, 30-something woman can't knock you on your back before you know what's happened.

And never assume you can't do it. You might not get it right the first time, but you probably learn more about yourself if you fail before you succeed. The key is effort and persistence. You'll only get back what you put in, and you'll never know what you're capable of if you give up straight away.

-Greg D

I was reading through last quarter’s “Hapkido Scrolls” and on page 3 there was an article titled “Unwritten Rule #1” and upon reflection of my Hapkido experience, this article was absolutely true.

A little about my background:

At age 17, I joined the New Zealand Army and served for 5 years. It was an experience, and not really one that I would wish to repeat. After the 5 years I was fairly rebellious about titles of “Sir” and “Ma’am”. Joining Hapkido quite a few years later I still found this extremely difficult and it was almost the clincher between me staying or leaving Hapkido. As you can tell, I chose to stay.

As a White Belt, I was constantly in contact with Ma’am Tina via phone and email. I asked her if I could call her by her first name via email and phone as I just could not get my head around the Ma’am /Sir thing. To me, it was not a sign of disrespect, it was the “Westerner” way of thinking. She allowed it, but over time my way of thinking changed, and my respect for her, even though was extremely high at the beginning has been raised even higher. The first name basis on emails, sms, or calls has been dropped and now I would no more think of calling her by her first name, than I would of swimming the Parramatta River! Just thinking of calling her on a first name basis just doesn’t feel right.

So for all the Junior Belts who are in the same boat I was in a few years ago, these instructors are here to help you. Show them the respect they deserve, and the help that they are willing to give is endless. Show them nothing… expect nothing back.

-Steve M

C S A X M K V K T S H D A Q T

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V O T B L J H L B U C N T E N

M O L T U I Y T E H F A T B O

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G N A J O D Z A N H L S I L A

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D O B O K G J O Y S P N D T I

T B K C B N H J K A U G A B H

E E C L A P E Z H G J H J H S

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AHHOHP CHARYUHT DANBONG DOBOK DOJANG

HANAH HAPKIDO ILGOHP JHOONBEE KIHAP

KOMAN KWANNYOM KYUNGNEH NET SAHBUNIM

SET SHIZAK TAHSUHT TANJUN TUL

YAHSUHT YOL YUHDUHL

Find and circle the following words in the box above:

What The?: A Chinese Kung Fu artist who towed cars and cut paper with her braided hair has given up her crowning glory to become a Buddhist nun. Zhang Tingting shaved the hair that she says has “Kung Fu power”.

Before I started Hapkido in 2003, I was a dancer from the age of three. When I was in year five, I realised that dancing was definitely not for me, as I continually had a low self esteem. I hesitantly joined Hapkido under the influence of my brother, Sir Aaron. However, after my first kid’s class taken by Ma’am Gaye, I can clearly remember walking off the mats with an unforgettable and big smile on my face. After just one exciting and fun filled kid’s class I knew I had found my new passion.

Each class built my self esteem; I was never put down but always encouraged. The first great memory from the kids program was when I asked Sir Ian to teach me how to cat roll from standing up opposed to kneeling on one knee. After I finished my class, Sir Ian was more than willing to teach a Falcon White Belt.

The other and most fond memory was just after I had broken my arm. I came back to training and didn’t put all my effort into class. Sir Jimmy realised and told me to pick up the pace. Ever since that day Sir Jimmy has been there to motivate me, so I can’t thank you enough Sir!

After I progressed from White to Red Belt in the Kids’ Program I graded into the adults class. The adults’ class was a whole new dimension. It was time to

Leonard M – Parramatta

Tara D – Parramatta

Jelena T – Parramatta

Jake R – Moorebank

Jesse R – Moorebank

Martin H – Moorebank

Brett S – Wagga

Christopher L – Wagga

Jay H – Wagga

Brett L – Moorebank

Teresa H – Moorebank

Peter M-Y – Parramatta

Yianni M – Moorebank

Kathleen M – Moorebank

Konstantino M – Moorebank

Dev C – Parramatta

Abyan K – Parramatta

Garry A – Hurstville

Nicholas K – Hurstville

Rick K – Hurstville

Liam R-F – Hurstville

Alankar G – Parramatta

Shirisha N – Moorebank

Tyler R – Moorebank

Jason R – Moorebank

Charles C – Parramatta

Wei H – Parramatta

Mahesh P – Parramatta

Yu-Ying L – Hurstville

YangJing L – Hurstville

Peter K – Moorebank

Tim D – Moorebank

Michael S – Parramatta

Marcus D – Parramatta

Brijesh J – Parramatta

Paras J – Parramatta

Joseph M-Y – Parramatta

Karam K – Parramatta

Monika S-M – Moorebank

Jacqueline B – Moorebank

Benjamin – Moorebank

Zac T – Parramatta

Tiv N – Moorebank

Alyssa L – Bayside

Serenade T-B – Bayside

Hannei K – Parramatta

Alisar K – Parramatta

Charbel S – Parramatta

get serious and put my head down. Each belt comes as a challenge because I am smaller than the others in class. However, I absolutely adore the challenge each belt brings. I d i scovered the key for the accomplishment of each of my techniques was to use my body motion.

I recently graded to Red belt and wouldn’t have been able to do it without the inspiration of the Black Belts currently training. Each Black Belt inspires and motivates me in a different way. I look at the way they train and encourage coloured belts which inspires me to be there with them one day training hard and encouraging the colour belts of the future. I have the greatest respect for each Black Belt. Without a doubt I know that if I have a problem with my training I am able to seek help from any one of the dedicated Black Belts.

I will never forget the opportunities Hapkido has allowed me to experience. Without Hapkido I wouldn’t have been able to experience travelling overseas for the ITS this year, travelling on the numerous ‘On the Roads’, being able to learn a vast amount of extra knowledge from Black belt Club Seminars and other

seminars, but most important finding out how far my body could be pushed at Hell Camp III. The day of Hell Camp, I woke up with the WORST respiratory infection. So getting out of bed and to the Dojang was a challenge in itself. However, I think if I stayed in bed all weekend, I would kick myself for being so silly. Hell Camp was one of the BEST experiences I have ever undergone. Hell Camp made me realise that just at the point where you want to give up, you just have to think of how far you’ve come and it’s a motivation in itself. By far the best Hell Camp memory was crawling through the mud. I think I had about 5 metres to go and I wanted to just get up onto my knees and knee walk to the end. However Sir Yash came at the right time and yelled in my face and nothing in the world would have stopped me.

Being a female, I think Hapkido has allowed me to feel as if I am able to protect myself or loved ones if anything was to happen. As I was disciplined in Hapkido from a young age it has helped in shaping the mature young adult I am and finally it has allowed me to believe in myself each and every single day.

Without a doubt Hapkido has shaped the person who I am today!

-Sarah B “Being female, I think Hapkido has allowed me to feel as if I am able to protect

myself or loved ones if anything was to happen”.

“Each class built my self esteem; I was never put down

but always encouraged”.

October 1st 2009 7pm the doors opened for the new CSD Hutch Dojang.

October was a Special month for me.

1. My 10th anniversary of formal Martial Arts training

2. 1 year anniversary of the youth “Tiger” program in Hutch

3. 2 year anniversary of my visit to Australia and passing the Hapkido Black Belt Spirit test as a “Black Tiger”

4.The opening of the new Dojang

5. The addition of the “CUBS” class youth ages 6-8 years

A bit of history… Up until now I have been contracting mat time through a local Tae Kwon Do school in Hutch where I used to train in TKD until I was introduced to Hapkido by Master Geoff (whom we all know today as Grandmaster Geoff). Shortly after that I traded in my white Dobok and put on my new black canvas Dobok and it has been all about Hapkido ever since.

In the beginning the Dojang was slow growing and sometimes seemed like I may never get to the headcount that I was hoping for. This is where the perseverance pays off I kept the school going and slowly added students one by one. A year ago in October 2008 I added a youth class of 9-13 year olds and the word Hapkido started to spread. This started to pose a new but good problem, I did not have enough mat time available for expansion. This is when I made the decision to start looking for a location of my own. I thought back to one question that Grandmaster Geoff asked during the ITS Hutch visit when we drove down Main Street on our way to the Coffee Company.

“Why are you not located down here, as you would be much more visible?”

My answer was there were no buildings available and if there was I could not afford it. So as I started looking for a new location I focused on Main Street as I knew there were a few businesses that closed up due to the economy which had also brought down the cost of leasing in Hutch.

I spent the next few weeks calling and meeting with the owners of buildings and I found one I liked. I spent the next week doing a thorough review of my finances as well as working out

the funding for set up. The decision was made and the lease was signed.

The remodel and set up begins. Several weeks of laying tile, building divider walls, desk, pad and weapon racks, and painting walls etc, which was all done by me with some help from my wife Kris.

Quickly arrives October 1st which was the first day the students were allowed in the new Dojang. I arrive at the Dojang early to finish some final touches and the students start arriving outside waiting for me to unlock the doors. At 7pm I unlock the doors and the students, parents and spouses enter and get the first look at the new Dojang. I have everybody walk around and look everything over before I start the opening ceremonies.

I start by having the students come out on the mat and open with welcoming the students to our new Dojang. I mention that it takes several things to make a Dojang, besides a roof over our head and mats under out feet. It takes an Instructor who has a passion for the Art they instruct, it takes students with the desire to train, as well as a foundation like the IHA. I then re-emphasize the fact that this is our Dojang and it is my gift to you as well as myself. I was then presented with some gifts from my students a wall plaque, a pen and clock set for my desk, a hand made Bonzai replica and my 2nd Degree certificate from Grandmaster Ji Han Jae matted and framed. I then handed presented my wife with diamond earrings as she helped make all this possible.

This was followed by a question from me as to what was missing in the Dojang? Several hands went up and I was given the answer “the Flags”.

I then commented that everybody in the class worked hard and had been improving throughout the year, but certain students had worked extra

hard and shown a lot of development over the past year. I asked John H and Kyle B to step forward as well as 2 youth students, Madison S and Chase B. I have the adults lift the 2 youths as I hand them the American flag to hang. I then have 2 more youths, Cody A and Alexa S, do the same for the hanging of the Korean flag. I then have Kyle and John hang a photo of Grandmaster Ji Han Jae and a photo of Grandmaster Geoff Booth. With all this excitement and adrenaline going I let the students know that it is time to break the mats in with a Black Jack which up to this time only senior students have done. I followed up with handing out student ID cards that have a barcode on them and a trial scan of all the badges. We finished up the evening with me cutting and serving cake, ice cream, and punch.

The following Monday a Grading was held for both Youth and Adults. Congratulations to Nick O and Mason N who were promoted to Youth Orange Belt and Cody A, Alexa S, Chase B, Grant H, Colton A, Kirsten H, Madison S, Casey B and Jackson B who were promoted to Youth Green Belt. Congratulations also to Tim I and Paul N who were promoted to Orange Belt and Kyle B promoted to Yellow Belt.

Trial Hapkido classes were held on the 6th and 8th as well. This allowed individuals that have an interest in Martial Arts a chance to get on the mats and find out what Hapkido is all about. We had a fairly good turnout despite the down pouring rain we had all week. With winter just around the corner I am expecting to see an increase in new students.

Overall I would have to say the Opening was a success and am looking forward to training in the new Dojang.

-Sir Corey

The first Finnish Hapkido Festivals included a variety of seminars and competitions. The festival began with SBN Tapio welcoming the gang and telling us briefly what was to come during the seminars.

The first two exercises were run by a Brazilian BJJ / Judo Black Belt, Francisco Júnior "Muricoca". Muricoca is a multiple champion in their home country.

Muricoca had been asked to teach the BJJ type takedowns, ground control and fast submissions in his seminar and expectations were very high when he began the seminar. After all, BJJ and Hapkido are not very different styles. The same logic applies to both disciplines and Hapkido can be found in all the same elements of what is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. After Muricoca’s seminar we were given a half-hour break and then SBN Tapio’s seminar followed.

SBN Tapio’s seminar began with a theoretical discussion where SBN Tapio told us how the human mind and body react when you are under high pressure.

Then the exercises began with “crazy” multiple grabs practice, and anyone who lasted through that exercise got to work harder at the next level. Generally multiple grabs are carried out in a set way, but SBN Tapio broke the pattern slightly, giving us push up/squat exercise while we were being yelled at by the Instructor and his assistants with life-threatening shouts at the same time. As if this wasn’t enough, the assistants used batons and mitts. All were jammed at the same time and were beaten when trying to do the exercises. When the Instructor began the final round it was aggressive as we were physically attacked by people in an aggressive manner. You definitely needed considerable good practice to be able to withstand this final round.

During the next part someone would be in the middle of the group with their eyes closed and you had to think of something completely different and think your way through how to do a technique. We were allowed to open our eyes when you were able to do that technique.

We all got a whole lot of ideas on the many features available to us in multiple grabs. The exercises took a lot of Spirit.

On the Saturday evening Hapkido competitions were organised with 16 fights being run in total.

The Hapkido festivities continued on Sunday morning and the Provisional Black Belt test was overseen by SBN Tapio and Sir Juha. Both Ville A and Tommi V were successful.

After the Provisional Black Belt test we had a short Hapkido festival and the last seminar was run by SBN Tapio. The seminar was on knife defence and on situations where you were threatened with a knife. A lot of the techniques taught were from our own system, but we also got to practice techniques under stress. After all, the recurring theme of the weekend’s training was to fit all the pieces together so this seminar combined knife defence with high pressure situations.

At the end of the weekend’s seminars people were happy, and as expected, bruised all over. There were 50 active members from all over Finland in attendance throughout the weekend. The seminars were very successful and gave us positive feedback that these kind of events are well worth the effort of organising.

All in all the Hapkido Festival was a good continuation of the July "Hell Week” and as always, it was amazing to meet other fellow Hapkidoists.

-Antti S

The Monday after the Opening of our new Dojang in Hutch, we held a grading for both Youth and Adults.

Congratulations to the following Adults:

☯ Tim I and Paul N- Orange Belt.

☯ Kyle B - Yellow Belt.

And congratulations to the

following Youths:

☯ Nick O and Mason N - Orange Belt.

☯ Cody A, Alexa S, Chase B, Grant H, Colton A, Kirsten H, Madison

S, Casey B and Jackson B - Green

Belt.

CMA - Hawks

Aidan L Artemis P Despina P Flora L George P Joshua K Nicholas Z Savva A Tarron Z

DSD - Hawks

Alankar G Caitlin H Darren F Faigy W Iain D James N Peter M-Y Rochel W Shneur W

CSD - Hawks

Angelo T Cory S Dylan H Evan H Jesse R Joshua P Linden B Owen M Yianni M

Congratulations to our 2009 AHG Spirit Award Finalists:

DSD - Falcons

Anmol S Abyan K Hannah R Kassandra D Paras J Shavan P Tayla W Tina W Zac T

CSD - Falcons

Bianca H Daniel K Elynor C Jacob D Lucas P Luke D Michael L Paul D Tyler P

CMA - Falcons

Alex I Dylan G Edward O Jarvis W Jennifer G Jessica P Rachel P Stella A Zeinab E-C

CSD - Adults

Brett W Colin P David Q Dion K Dylan V Jackson W Mira K Nick P Robert L Robert Z Ros B Tara B

CMA - Adults

Alex G Anmar T Daniel S David C Grahame H Henry Y Jacob B Kimberley G Leon Y Paul P Rodney T Solon H DSD - Adults

Adam M Andrew D Benjamin S Callum J Jeremy B Jun M Laura J Nachi M Neelab O Shadi B Yossi W Youssef A-S

Since June this year, Queensland has just gotten that much better. There is a new IHA school opened up in a little place called Victoria Point. Stuck half-way between Brisbane and Gold Coast along the Bay (some might know Morten Bay Bugs).

The school is being run by Sir Nathan. So far the school has 11 Hawks and Falcons and 6 Adults with little advertising.

It is currently open 1 night a week and soon to go to 2 nights. Two of the Adults are Brown Belts, Andrew from Newcastle and Jean from Parramatta who have defected to Queensland recently.

After visiting quite a few martial arts schools in Queensland, it was very difficult to find a school that had the same discipline, techniques and energy in class as training at an IHA school. With a lot of e n erg y , I c a n fo re s ee Queensland will grow at an amazing rate and looking forward to reaching 30 kids and 30 adults by mid 2010.

Class times for the new school are as follows:

Wednesday evenings

Kids: 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Adults: 7:30pm to 8:45pm

All students are welcome when they’re up in the great state of QLD.

-Sir Nathan

Winners of the 2009 AHG Spirit Awards will be announced at the AHG Christmas Party and Certificates and Trophies presented on the day.

Good luck to everyone!

With the weather warming up now is the perfect time to order your Dojang t-shirt just in time for Summer!

Each of the 3 Sydney Dojangs have their own t-shirt in their school colours and with the name of their Dojang on the back!

CSD - black and yellow

DSD - blue and yellow

CMA - black and red

Speak to your Instructor about ordering yours today! RRP $45

Hit or Myth: The Australian Hapkido Group was founded in 1993.

The 2nd Dynamic Self Defence Kids’ Sleep Over was held on Friday 16 October 2009 and was great fun for all the kids and adults who came along!

There were heaps of games, noodle fights, laughter, fun, we did some Hapkido, did some Karaoke, we watched Antz and part of Monsters v Aliens, ate yummy McDonald’s for dinner and managed to have a good night’s sleep.

Of course we were up bright and early on the Saturday morning in time for a healthy breakfast of Weet Bix and then the 9am Kids’ class.

A great time was had by all, thank you to the kids who came along and to the adults (Sir Emmanuel, Laura J, Ben S and Neelab O) who helped make it a memorable DSD event!

-Ma’am Tina

In the IHA and AHG we have written rules - the Student Code of Conduct and The Dojang Rules (they’re in your syllabus!).

However, as a beginner you may find that there are some “secret” rules, rules which typically get passed on from senior belts to junior belts - Unwritten Rules.

As a student in Hapkido it is just as important to follow these Unwritten Rules as it is to follow both the Student Code of Conduct and The Dojang Rules.

So here’s the heads-up!

☯ Take your shoes off before entering the Dojang and place them in the designated spot just outside the entrance. Everyone from the newest student to the highest ranked Black Belt shows his or her respect for the Dojang by taking off their shoes before entering.

☯ If possible (and sometimes it may

not be if you rush to class straight from work), wash your feet before you come to class. Black, dirty (and smelly) feet are noticeable when we’re training bare-footed.

☯ Bow to the Dojang any time you enter or exit. A simple bow from the waist (not the neck!) will do the trick.

☯ Arrive 15 minutes before class

starts. ☯ If you happen to arrive late for

some reason, bow upon entering the Dojang, very quickly get changed if you are not in your Dobok already, bow as you get onto the mats, bow to the flags, and then run to the designated area at the front of class and wait in Jhoon Bee stance for the Instructor to acknowledge you and bow you into class. Once bowed in you must line up at the back of class regardless of your rank, and there you remain until your Instructor asks the class to reform lines.

☯ Never address your Instructor by

their first name - they must always be addressed as Sir or Ma’am.

☯ Do not question authority.

Hapkido is an Asian Martial Art and Asian customs prevail.

☯ Getting personal with your Instructor is considered to be a major violation of accepted behavior. Don’t get personal. Don’t ask your Instructor what they did on the weekend, or how work is. Hapkido is not just about punching and kicking. A major part of Hapkido is discipline and respect which is fundamental to your training. Show your Instructor the respect they deserve.

☯ Always ask for permission before

leaving the training floor or exiting the Dojang irrespective of the reason.

☯ If you’re going away on holidays

or know you won’t be training for any length of time more than a week, let your Instructor know.

☯ Make an effort to learn the

Korean terms, particularly for bowing to your Instructor after class.

☯ Show respect when you are

dealing with students of higher rank. They are where you want to be and have worked hard to get there.

Hapkidoists will often sit with their backs to a wall or corner in a restaurant so they can see what is going on in the room.

That way they can make a quick escape if trouble develops.

☯ 28 November 2009 - AHG Sydney Adults Grading @ Moorebank

☯ 5 December 2009 - AHG Christmas Party

☯ 12 December 2009 - BBC Seminar The Art of Fighting

☯ 19 December 2009 - AHG Sydney Pre-Test

☯ 23 January 2010 - AHG Sydney Adults Grading @ Parramatta

☯ 30 January 2010 - BBC Seminar “How To Be A Student!”

☯ 27 February 2010 - AHG Sydney Pre-Test

☯ 6 & 7 March 2010 - The Weekend of Masters

☯ 21 March 2010 - AHG Sydney Adults Grading @ Hurstville

☯ 27 March 2010 - BBC Seminar “How To Strike!”

For more information on upcoming Hapkido Events go to

hapkido.com.au/forum and click on Event Calendar

Parramatta dynamicselfdefence.com.au

Hurstville

conceptmartialarts.com.au

Croydon powerhapkido.com.au

Wagga Wagga

Bayside

Dojang: 4/1 Field Close

Moorebank, NSW

Australia

hapkido.com.au

Finland Netherlands

America

Thank you to everyone who contributed to Issue 4 of The Hapkido Scrolls. Contributors: Grandmaster Geoff Ma’am Tina, AHG Parramatta Sir Corey, IHA Hutchinson USA Sir Mike, IHA Lancaster USA Sarah B, AHG Moorebank Steve M, AHG Parramatta Jane P, AHG Moorebank Sir Nathan, AHG Brisbane Antti S, IHA Finland Greg D, AHG Wagga

The wait is finally over! The much-anticipated release of the new “How To” Hapkido DVD series is almost upon us.

With over 7 hours of footage, the set includes 4 disks covering White Belt through to 3rd Degree Black Belt techniques, special bonus weaponry and variations, all in high definition, with multi-camera angles, and all with detailed analysis of every technique.

Yours to own on DVD from 8 December 2009. RRP $215

Contributions for The Hapkido Scrolls are always welcome!

If you would like to write an article or if you have something you would like to share with fellow students eg: a martial arts related cartoon or joke, please send to hapkido@dojang.com.au