By: Zach Protzman (JTMS)

Dallas, TX - August 5th and 6th 2006: The Jun Tong Mu Sool Korean Martial Arts Group was honored to host a HanMinJok hapkido seminar for the presiding Grandmaster of the Korea Kuk Sool Association, and current president of the HanMinJok Hapkido Association and World Kido Federation, In Sun Seo (10th Dan). This event took place at the Grand Hotel in Dallas, Texas where Master John B. Murphy and his JTMS Korean Martial arts Group welcomed Korean martial arts practitioners from around the world. There were over one hundred attendees and a veritable who’s who of World Kido Federation Masters that included (just to name a few): Grandmaster George Petrotta (8th Dan), Grandmaster James McMurray (8th Dan), Master Billy Burchett (7th Dan), Master Steve Seo (6th Dan), Master Johnny Pak (5th Dan),and Master Louis Kim (5thDan), and Master John B. Murphy (6th Dan), who hosted this fantastic martial arts event and is the current director of the Jun Tong Mu Sool Korean Martial arts group.

Grandmaster In Sun Seo seminar was enjoyed and appreciated by all that attended. Whether studying Korean Martial Arts or another style, there is always something to be gained by watching the Grandmaster work his seemingly magical techniques. The basic dynamics of what he has to offer through his technique and sheer presence are unsurpassed. The demonstrations that he gives are so fluid and graceful that the feeling is almost as if one is watching a movie. If given the chance, speak to anyone who has seen Grandmaster Seo in action they will testify that the power and technique this man exhibits is second to none. Grandmaster Seo has done so much for Korean Martial Arts, self defense, and military/police training that it would be not be possible to list all of his achievements in one article.

Grandmaster In Sun Seo honored many of the World KIDO Federation Member present with of Dan (black belt level rank) and commendations for their achievements and contributions to the association. JTMS director and seminar host, Master John Murphy, was among them, receiving a commendation for his efforts to expand and promote traditional Korean Martial Arts in the state of Texas and nationally by hosting the event.

For those not quite familiar with Hapkido: Hapkido is a traditional martial art as handed down to the seminar practitioners by Grandmaster Seo. Hapkido is not a sport, nor is it simply another self-defense method. Hapkido is a complete martial art that is dedicated to the cultivation of physical and mental strength and well-being.

Hapkido, literally translated, means the way (do) of power (ki) and coordination (hap). Hapkido is a comprehensive martial art, emphasizing joint-locks, throws, chokes, takedowns, the use of pressure points, as well as kicking and punching. Its kicking and punching make it appear like traditional karate or Tae Kwon Do. Its many throwing techniques may appear like Judo. The wrist and joint locks look very similar to Aikido. Grappling and escapes appear similar to Jujitsu. A common comparison is that of flowing water because Hapkido allows the defender to flow around and through an aggressors attack while manipulating the aggressor's power to his or her own advantage.

Hapkido is unique in that it allows the defender to have complete control of the situation with a minimal amount of effort and without unnecessary aggression or injuries to the defender or attacker. The study of Hapkido develops: respect, discipline, character, coordination, flexibility, strength, agility, speed, sportsmanship, leadership, peace of mind, self-confidence, winning spirit, mind, body, and harmony. Hapkido is a versatile art, offering a suitable self-defense style for people of diverse sizes and proportions.

The techniques in Hapkido are both soft and hard. The soft techniques, which include throwing, twisting, paralyzing and choking, are only so-named in contrast to the hard techniques, which include punching, stabbing and kicking. Hapkido includes categories of tactics for pitting empty hands against empty hands, empty hands against a weapon, and weapon against weapons. Therefore, Hapkido is versatile in many ways, offering a style and tactics appropriate to the practitioner and the self-defense situation (the opponent, the opponent's intent and the constraints of the fighting space).

In conjunction with physical training Hapkido employs meditation, breathing and internal power training to reduce stress and slow down the aging process. Hapkido is a way of life and requires discipline, practice, patience and consistency.

The techniques demonstrated by the Grandmaster this year included several weapon techniques, as well as general HoSinSul (self defense). Other than general HoSinSul, one of the primary weapons that were covered this year was sword techniques. Master Steve Seo, the Grandmaster’s son, demonstrated sword techniques for the attendees, and then walked the attendees through the steps of Jun Gum Hyung, which is an black belt level sword form. In addition to sword training, the attendees received training in fighting fan techniques (Bu Chae Sool). To top off weapons techniques, Grandmaster Seo demonstrated belt/rope defense. This is very practical, as the belt or scarf is an accessory of regular dress. Grandmaster Seo demonstrated these techniques with delight, as he observed many of his students focusing on his instruction and gracefulness. He walked the floor, and helped all participants to understand the benefit of practice, wisdom, and perseverance.

Master J.B. Murphy is a distinguished Hapkido Practitioner recognized and certified by World KIDO Federation/HanMinJok Hapkdo Association. His career in Hapkido and Taekwondo span more than twenty-five years and this seminar marked an historical date for not only him and the Jun Tong Mu Sool Korean Martial Arts Group, but for Korean Martial Arts as a whole. Master Murphy was pleased to have hosted the Grandmaster In Sun Seo Hapkido seminar and is looking forward to hosting the World KIDO Federation Korean Martial Arts Grand Nationals Tournament in Dallas, TX on November 11th, as well as having the Grandmaster back in Dallas in 2008.