Saturday 7th
Session I         Kid’s session (ages 5 to 11)
Session II        Defense Against Clothing Grabs
Session III       Quick Submit (From takedown to submission)
Session IV      Middle Stick Fighting Tactics

Saturday 7th
Session V        Tae Geuk (moving meditation similar to Tai Chi)
Session VI      Belt Defense (Utilizing your belt to defend yourself)
Session VII     Grappling Strategies and Tactics

Chief Master Taejoon Lee visited Madison October 7th and 8th for a weekend seminar. The timing coincided with the opening of the new Madison – East dojang and acted as the perfect inauguration. Chief Master Lee’s visit brought life into the dojang as students and instructors filled the floor, eager to acquire new knowledge, skills, and understanding. The two days were well-attended by Hwa Rang Do and Tae Soo Do students from all over the Midwest, as well as participants from other schools and people receiving their very first martial arts experience.

The weekend started with a seminar tailored just for the Little Tigers and Juniors. Master Lee worked on a variety of skills with the kids, including kicking, punching, rolling, and grappling. The rest of the weekend was filled with six adult sessions, all of them overflowing with step-by-step technical expertise, demonstrations, practice, and valuable feedback as well as life lessons.

The first day of seminars included defense against clothing grabs and quick submissions. Falling techniques, takedowns, and lockups were emphasized as students were shown a multitude of methods for submission. Master Lee emphasized that it is much more practical to move your own body than your opponent’s and showed students how to be more effective in their applications. Saturday afternoon’s session in middle stick fighting techniques was taken performed outside in the sun. The rhythmic sounds made by wood striking wood echoed throughout the entire shopping center. Students performed strikes, blocks, and chokes with their middle sticks as intrigued passersby stopped to watch. It was the perfect ending to a day of hard work, intense training, and enthusiasm.

Peacefulness crept across the dojang Sunday morning as students focused on their breathing and all sat in silent meditation. Lights were dimmed and a reassuring energy fell across the room. Master Lee masterfully directed students and offered his words of wisdom in how to become a master of mind, body, and spirit. Movement was then added to the meditation as students again took their training outdoors and followed Master Lee in the centering, mindful art of Tae Geuk.

Later in the day, participants learned how to use their belts for self-defense, chokes, strikes, blocks, takedowns, and lockouts. Sunday concluded with a grappling session. Students were given a plethora of joint-manipulation and submission techniques, one flowing naturally into the other. At the end of the session, students had an opportunity to do some free-grappling by using their newly acquired techniques in this exercise of practical application. One of the highlights of the session was Poboksul, the use of the belt as a defensive weapon. Everyone were amazed on how such a simple item can be used in so many ways as an effective defensive tool.

Everyone left the dojang Sunday with much to rethink, contemplate, review, and practice. Master Kijek says that taking a seminar with Master Lee is like trying to drink from a fire hydrant. These words were evident to all who attended. At the end of the day, many people were sitting off to the side frantically writing down notes, in an effort to capture as much of this new found knowledge as possible. Master Lee’s charismatic words of advice and wisdom also reverberated through our minds long after he had left. His words ring true for all who listen and force people to challenge their way of thinking. As students left the school, they were excited about the power of Master Lee's words, the incredible wealth of knowledge that is Hwa Rang Do, and the importance of maintaining its legacy.

Bonus Pics:

Chief Master Taejoon Lee in action at the Madison Seminar

Please Note: This article was to be displayed in the October HwaRangDo online news.