Happy Holidays

Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido, stated “True Budo is the working of love in the universe. It is the protector of all living things.”

During the past year as events with Pacific Rim and WOMAF have changed, the focus of our training has remained constant. However as a martial arts family we have experienced many changes.

Master Corey Underhill got married to a terrific woman who is also a fine martial artist. The good news for Pennsylvania is that the Underhill’s have decided to stay and start their new life together there. This is a mixed blessing since Pacific Rim lost a long time and exceptional student and teacher in Master Underhill. We miss him, but understand that he has been very active with our Pennsylvania State Representative Grand Master Thomas Wilson and the Black Belt Academy.

Mr. Ron Jones, one of the Pacific Rim black belt instructors, was out for a short time with a much needed hip replacement. Mr. Jones continued his dedicated practice by returning earlier than his doctor expected. He was back on the mat teaching forms and helping new students within a three month period.

Master Richard Morgan’s book “Warrior Mind” is completed and at the publisher’s office. Mr. Morgan has dedicated much of his life to not only writing this book, but also to getting it right. Martial arts have been a major focus of his life for over forty years. He started training at President Kim’s dojang in 1974. At that time I was President Kim’s second student after he opened his school in Portland. (The first student lasted for three practices and left in tears).  Prior to his Hapkido training with Mr. Kim, Master Morgan was a Kenpo Karate Black Belt. The day he started training with us he took off his black belt and wore a green belt until President Kim presented him with his Hapkido black belt.  Not only is Mr. Morgan a dedicated teacher and student he has his own Hapkido program at the N.E. Community Center of Portland.

President Kim is very encouraged and enthusiastic about Master Morgan’s book. President Kim stated that even though, over the years, there have been numerous books and articles written about Korean Martial Arts most of theses have unfortunately been historically inaccurate. It is unclear why, with so much historical information, authors would not get the history of Korean martial arts and its historical leaders correct.  Mr. Morgan’s book not only addresses correctly President Kim’s role in the development of Korean Martial Arts but also the philosophy of the Warrior Spirit. As soon as this book is available we will post the information on this web site.

The fall 2008 Instructor Seminar went well with many old friends attending as well as new students and instructors. Unfortunately, Grand Master Wilson was not able to attend due to health issues. The seminar was dedicated to him and a plaque so stating was presented to his senior student, Mr. John Yoder Jr., to take back to Pennsylvania. Master Wilson’s positive influence was truly missed and we hope he will be well enough to come out in the spring.

President Kim and the Administrative Board of WOMAF wish all readers a healthy and Happy New Year. Please let us know of special events at your school or in your lives so that we may share them with the rest of the members.

Grand Master James R. Garrison, 9^th DAN

Vice-President, WOMAF

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Previous Articles:

• Thank Goodness for Passion & Responsibility
• The Evolving Face of Martial Arts
• Holiday Season
• Warrior Nation
• W.O.M.A.F. Integrity