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A Holiday Message from Master Garrison
As the holiday season progresses it is amazing how fast time goes by. It seems as though I just finished last years holiday message.
This past year has been one of pronounced changes. First, the most significant change was the sad loss of Grandmaster Thomas Wilson, Pennsylvania State Representative for WOMAF. His loss is felt throughout WOMAF and he is sorely missed.
In August, Pacific Rim Martial Arts Academy, WOMAF’s U.S. headquarters, was notified that after 20 years, the landlord was not going to renew our lease. Consequently, the students and instructors of Pacific Rim had 30 days to find a new space and move! Thanks to Mr. Martyn, who found the space, we were able to move on time. Everyone worked diligently with Mrs. G. tirelessly supervising the transition. With Mr. Martyn’s design and Mr. Jones’ assistance we have one of the best mats I have ever trained on.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of many, some not even students, the facility was ready for the Fall 2009 Instructor Seminar in October. The feedback that I received was that this seminar may have been the best.
Many students have been attending for years and each year they have improved. WOMAF is not a large organization it is a training organization. We have the most knowledgeable and capable instructors to teach our seminars and classes. Each member can be proud of the quality of these individuals, their skills and the federation.
2010 promises to be a strong year for WOMAF as well as Pacific Rim. In addition to our regular program, Mr. Martyn has agreed to be the coach for the PRMAA Judo Team. Last November he took his team to Washington state for their first tournament. Two of his students came home with medals! Congratulations to Mr. Martyn and the PRMAA judo competitors.
This is the year of new beginnings. Master Morgan’s book Warrior Mind is getting rave reviews. This is the first book about martial arts that contains authentic and accurate history about Hapkido. This book will provide a much needed foundation to those who practice Korean martial arts.
Congratulations to two of Pacific Rim’s students: Mr. Phillip Lam and Mr. Danny Vu who recently received their first DAN in Taekwondo and to Mr. Ron Jones and Officer Michael Stradley who received their third DAN in Hapkido.
Mrs. Garrison and I hope that your holidays are happy and filled with fun and laughter. We sincerely wish for all of you and happy and healthy 2010.
Grand Master James R. Garrison, 9th DAN
Vice-President, WOMAF
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