Photos, Speeches and Highlights of the 8th Dan Ceremony for Grandmaster Taejoon Lee...
On May 23rd, 2009 in front of over 100 friends, family and students, Taejoon Lee was promoted to 8th Dan Black Sash Grandmaster and given the title of Kuk Sa Nim.
Photo Highlights from the 8th Dan Gala
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During his speech, Grandmaster Taejoon Lee revealed the real reason for allowing his students to organize this beautiful and historic event -- to honor his father, master and founder of our beautiful art of Hwa Rang Do, Supreme Grandmaster Dr. Joo Bang Lee. In a speech, which was heard from as far as a mile away, Grandmaster Taejoon Lee used the entire time he was at the podium to share on the sacrifices and courage of Dojoonim, as he ventured off into the land of opportunity, the United States of America, from his home country of Korea - to spread Hwa Rang Do and provide his family the best possible life.
As Grandmaster Lee put it, his promotion to 8th Dan Hwa Rang Do Black Sash is not his achievement, but the achievement of his master, father and teacher - Dojoonim. Grandmaster Lee humbly delivered a heartfelt, yet thunderous homage to his father, for having made everything which took place that night possible.
At the end of his speech, Grandmaster Lee called Dojoonim to the podium and to demonstrate his gratitude for all he had done for him, presented Dojoonim with a handcrafted sword, made and imported directly from Japan, with an estimated market value of over $10,000. The construction of the sword included an beautiful handle made of gold, brass and stingray skin. The steel blade was forged completely by hand benefiting from Japan's centuries of rich tradition, science and art of sword making.
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Earlier in the evening, Dojoonim declared and announced to the world that Grandmaster Taejoon Lee in 20 years or at the time of Dojoonim's passing, would become Supreme Grandmaster Taejoon Lee and 59th generation "owner of the way", and pass the secret combat skills of the ancient Hwarang Warriors for yet another generation.
All whom were present, were in awe of this magical and powerful declaration, for it ensures the preservation of our ancient traditions, martial art and history. We thank you for sharing this very special night with us. It will never be forgotten!
Hwarang,
Grandmaster Taejoon Lee's 8th Dan Banquet Committee
More Comments from Industry Leaders & Students:
"Carrying on the traditions and teachings of those that have come before you is not an easy task. It requires an individual of a humble heart, unyielding dedication and a person who has great respect for his artform. The world is proud to have an individual like yourself, one that continues to make the art available to another generation and for generations to come. On behalf of the Martial Arts History Museum, I wish to congratulate Grandmaster Taejoon Lee for his extraordinary accomplishment and monumental task of 8th Dan."
-- Sifu Michael Matsuda,
President of the Martial Arts History Museum |
"Master Lee, congratulations on your rank --and what a great thing that your father is still here, still vital, and taking care of you! I first saw your father when I was 12? 1972 or thereabouts --he was in Salt Lake City and did a performance with swords and board and rice paper (and more). I can't tell you how many people (brother/sister) I nearly killed playing with knives after I saw that. All seriousness aside, what a thing! This aging thing! You and your family are an integral part of the village of senior martial arts people in the world. Let's blow the world's mind in 2010 and do "stuff" that shows what we're really capable of."
-- Tom Callos
6th Dan Black Belt
Creator of the Ultimate Black Belt Test |
"I have had the opportunity to see Taejoon Lee demonstrate Hwa Rang Do® and was thoroughly impressed by his range of technique, excellence of form and his centered and calm demeanor. Congratulations on his promotion to this exalted rank at such a young age.
His talent, dedication and high level of discipline are obviously what qualified him for this promotion. I have had the opportunity to travel the world and train with many of the worlds greatest contemporary martial artists. I have witnessed countless expert demonstrations, and yet have rarely seen anyone demonstrate their art as impressively as Taejoon Lee."
-- Robert H. Mason
Chief Instructor MuDoKai Martial Arts
President American Mugendo Association |
"Mis más sinceras felicitaciones para Chief Master Taejoon Lee, es un gran logro.
.......en verdad que emoción recibir esta noticia, no saben como me encantaría estar presente ese día, si tuviera los medios lo haría es algo extraordinario...... FELICITACIONES para él."
[Translated] "My sincere congratulations for Chief Master Taejoon Lee. It's a great achievement. Truthfully, I'm overwhelmed with emotion hearing this news. You don't know how much I would love to be present for that day, if I had the means to, for it is something extraordinary. Please send my most sincere congratulations to him"
-- Carolina Munoz |
"Dear Sir, On behalf of the British Wadokai Karate-do Federation, please convey my best respects and heartiest congratulations to Master Taejoon Lee for the fine achievement of his recent promotion to 8th Dan Grand Master. Best regards, respects & wishes." "
-- Gary E Swift, 7th Dan Kyoshi, Chief Instructor |
"I simply respect everything that Supreme Grandmaster Dr. Joo Bang Lee has accomplished and I even more so give my respect to his son for accomplishing the incredible journey that he has traveled... I wish nothing but the best for the future of Grandmaster Tae Joon Lee for he is a true Flowering Warrior!"
-- Chief Master Robert J. Ott |
"I wish to offer my congratulations on your upcoming promotion, sir. Your dedication is quite inspiring! It would be pretty easy to echo the thoughts of my fellow students. Every testimonial (regarding your skill and dedication) I have read recently has been right on the money, sir. I have been quite fortunate to study with many great teachers. In addition to providing thorough and detailed instruction of the curriculum, your particular influence on me has been quite special. When discussing certain issues with my university students (practice habits, life balance, the nature of learning, etc.), I find myself recalling many of your lessons. Truly your mastery of the skill set is amazing. However, I find equally amazing your ability to make lessons/concepts stick. I am also continually impressed with your ability to transform lives through Hwa Rang Do. Thank you, sir, for your continued passion and enthusiasm."
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Matt Pivec, Hwa Rang Do Black Sash |
"Congratulations to Master Lee for his outstanding achievement. My style Chua Fa Ssu Ren’ Martial Arts has curriculum through 6th Degree. I understand how difficult it is to achieve such a ranking."
- Master Gean Christiansen |
"My sincere congratulations to one who is doing what he should be doing and being rewarded for it. May God bless you and keep you humble"
- George Petrotta
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"GrandMaster Lee, Fantastic news regarding your successful completion of the 8th Degree promotion test!!! Looking forward to seeing you next month to celebrate--Hwarang!!!"
- Col. Richard J. Downie, Ph.D.
Commandant of the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation and Hwa Rang Do® Black Sash
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"My warmest congratulations to Grandmaster Taejoon Lee."
- Mark Liverio, Marshall Combatives, Tampa, Fl.
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"Master Lee, congratulations! I can only imagine the dedication and discipline it took for you to accomplish this high honor. I look forward to joining your school and following in your footsteps."
-Benjamin W. Nero II
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"Congratulations, to the newest Hwa Rang Do Grandmaster Taejoon Lee!!! With love & respect from the entire Cheng family!"
-Sifu Mark Cheng, Editor for Black Belt Magazine
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"Congratulations Grandmaster Lee on your promotion. It is well deserved. The road was long and touch, but knowing your spirit, I knew you would make that journey. I know your father is very proud of what you have accomplished and his legacy will live on through you. Give my best to him and the rest of the family."
- Jimm McMurray
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"Good morning, Grandmaster Lee! I can only image that this past week have been an incredible moment in your life. We are in awe with your achievement of 8th Dan and the accomplishments of a lifetime. We wish the winds bring the best of the world for you henceforth. With much affection. Hwarang, Sir!"
- Chy-Anh, Luis, and Ba Thanh
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"Congratulations master lee. You are an inspiration to us all!"
- Troy Stage
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"My son is 9 years old and he's always wanted do get involved in Martial Arts. It's all he's been talking about for years. I showed him your 7th Dan video and some of your other videos on Youtube. He was sooo excited. He asked if you could teach him and I had to explain to him that you live in LA. :) He needs discipline. I need to get him involved while he's still young. Congratulations!"
-Bilquis Sulaiman
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"Congratulations Grandmaster! What an honor for you, and an honor for those of us who know you. You are an inspiration to so many, and a good man!! Hwarang!!"
- Kristen Wege
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"Hwarang Sir, We would like to congratulateyou for the magnificent result you have achieved for the Hwa Rang Do's 8th Dan exam. We are very proud to have a Master like You Sir......an example for all of us. We can't wait to see you in June during Pisa's eropean seminars and championships. HWARANG FOREVER!"
- Giuseppe and Natascia from Italy
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