My journey (May 20-26) took me from Southern California to Washington State.  Along the way I came across a nice town called Arcata.  I knew the name!  Having seen Instructor Perez perform at the blues club in Santa Monica a few months ago, I learned that his school was in a place called Arcata -- but I had to make sure.

I asked around at a gas station mini-mart, and with the attendants' help we found the address in the phone book.  Before heading out I had an enthusiastic conversation with the young gentleman at the counter regarding Hwarangdo.  He was interested; I gave him my best encouragement, and left them my Hwarangdo information card (website and emails).  Opportunities arise in the strangest places, so I was glad I carry such cards with me.

When I arrived at the Arcata Academy, I was surprised to feel such a sense of comfort and familiarity.  After all, I had been on the road for days, alone and a stranger everywhere I stopped; not to mention that I had never even been there before or met anyone from there.  I especially found it interesting that it was a Sunday and I was in a deserted parking lot.  The school was not even open!  But as I peered into the window and gazed at the Hwarangdo symbols and the principles created by Won Kwon Bopsa, I knew I was in a place where I would not be a stranger.  I realized that it was a matter of being part of something that is as unique as Hwarangdo ¡V a sense of family exists beyond just the doors of one's own dojang.  I cannot believe this can ever be the case at generic dojangs running generic or self-created new-and-improved arts that proclaim to offer "more."  I believe that in their futile quest to offer "more" while requiring less, they have tragically thinned out all that is special and important.

My only regret was falling far behind schedule and not being able to stop by the Portland, Longview, and Olympia Academies.  Well, next time for sure!  

HWARANG!

Luis Santiago

Teuk Gong Team