Testimonials

Having spent many of my formative years training under the instruction of Master Lee and his amazing staff off instructors and disciples, it has turned me not only into a morally aligned individual, but established within me a sense of direction in life and a drive to achieve every goal I pursue. The Hwarang values taught to me by Master Lee will forever be a part of my daily life. No one should ever miss an opportunity to train at the academy, as it just may change your life.

Kenny Suleimanagich

I find it truly amazing of what one is capable of learning in a very short amount of time when he or she is activately seeking knowledge. In nearly three years of training in the most complex art of TaeSooDo, I have noticed a change in the way I view the world, the way I view my life and the life of others. Most importantly I have noticed a great change in the way I handle various situations. I don\'t think anything or anyone has pushed and encouraged me so much physically, and mentally and has taught me the importance of knowing myself as much as Master Taejoon Lee. Before I go any further, I have to say thankyou Master Lee. You have shown me that the greatest battle lies within me. And in order to make me see such a thing, I understand that you are constantly fighting the same battle. But as a leader, as a teacher, and as a HwaRang Warrior, I realize that you face the most difficult challenges of all. Even through your own frustrations and and worries, you manage to show others the way, the solution. I consider training under you to be a great honor and the most trying, difficult, yet most beautiful experience of my life. Through training you have taught me that being skilled in the art of fight is meaningless if I am not fighting for a real cause. Knowing how to defend myself is meaningless if I do not know when I should defend myself, be it a physical fight, or a mental struggle. Thankfully, the skills I have learned in my years of training in this martial art have recently come in handy as I was forced to fight my way out of sudden situations where I have been outnumbered in combat. As these situations have tested my physical abilities, they have only reasurred me of the mental and physical training I\'ve gained over the years. You have taught me that the most challenging battles start within me even before an opponent challenges me. And the only thing that has allowed me to be victorious in my physical battles is that I have been trained to be victorious over myself first. The ways of TaeSooDo/HwaRangDo have influenced my life so much that I have changed even the smallest of my ways in trying to achieve a state of decent character. I seek to truly understand the true definition of what it is to be a warrior in all aspects of life, and what it means to reach a state of flowering manhood. I wish to find my way in this life, and I truly thank you for helping me to do so Master Lee. HwaRang

Kerris Seward

Hi Master Lee, I just want to thank you so much for helping us to make Andrea a strong person. Hwa Rang Do helps her to set up her goals with determination and makes her to believe in her own future. She was extremely happy last Sunday doing grappling and Kumdo. She feels proud of herself and she feels supported by so many good people in your HRD School. I also want to thank Mr. Kang, Mr. MacKnight and Olivia, all of you giving her so much support. Andrea just turned 14 years old, she is in this time of her life where everything have a big impact in her life. If kids at this time of their life are not surrounded by good role models, the determination of their future could be a big mistake for their adulthood. I always set my mind when my little princess, Andrea, had for the first time the chance to talk and ask what she wants to be for Halloween! As a my first daughter, and also she was my first real doll, I was expecting to tell me that she wants to be a Cinderella, or Snow White, or Belle. BUT to my surprise she told me that she wants to be a SUPERWOMAN! She was the only girl at her preschool dressing like a HERO... I always remember that, her real dream when she was 3 1/2 years old, she decided that she won't be like the others girls; she wants to be someone strong that help and looks for others. The most rewarding thing to me today, at this time of her life, is when I coming to pick her up at the Dojang she is waiting for me with a Big Smile. Then, I you know, that it is all what you want to have from your kids. Know that they are HAPPY. I love you all of you, and thank you for such a good support and a great respect that always giving to Andrea. ...And to Follow up... You are one of the person that being support me most that anybody else in my Journey with Andrea. I believe in your dreams, I admire what you do for the others life. I hope the people who are at the Dojang today, and the ones that are not there any more, still can recognize how much you make them to change in their life. In these past 9 years, that I am a witness of your School, I saw each of one who got into the Dojang make changes for their own good. I am still working on with Aldo, trying to make him to believe that he can come back to the Dojang, and be as happy as he was when he was a HRD student. It was his best time in his life, since I met him...26 years ago, he had it all together, he didn't had any limitations, any conflicts to succeed, any frustration that he can regret later... =) Thank you so much for taking care Andrea and taking care my family. LOVE YOU A LOT

Christina Bertolotto

If Master Henry Lee reads this personally, I would like to tell him that I am very happy to see the extent to which Hwa Rang Do continues to flourish, that I have very fond memories of my years of Hwa Rang Do training at USC (1987-1989), and that even though I was not the most naturally gifted martial artist, I learned so much from Master Lee--not just martial arts techniques--but important values, such as generosity, perseverance, encouragement, discipline...I am very grateful to him, and wish him every blessing and success. Respectfully, Hwarang! Laura Pirott

Laura Pirott

My name is Thomas Boegedal Soerensen. I have very recently started up Odense Hwa Rang Do School, Odense, Denmark and I currently hold a HRD 2nd Dan/TSD 3rd Dan. I recently graduated The School of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine and is settling down as an Licensed Acupuncturist and Hwa Rang Do Instructor (though ALWAYS the student) in Denmark. My first - and many following - steps on the Way were guided by SaBumNim Carsten Jorgensen of the Danish PonBu to whom I owe a great many things. I was first introduced to Hwa Rang Do when I met SaBumNim Carsten Jorgensen at the University of Copenhagen, Korean Studies Dept. in 1994 and was among his first four students at the Danish PonBu when it opened its doors in 1995. I 1996 I moved to Seoul, Korea to pursue my first "career" - Korean Studies. I was lucky enough to get a full scholarship from the Korean government to study at Seoul National University. In Korea I was introduced to KwanJangNim Lee Kwon of the Korean PonBu who became a mentor for me during my stays in Korea. His generousity knows no boundaries – he opened his house to me and treated me like his own kin teaching me techniques, meditation and a great many other things. I lived at his DoJang for a couple of months in 2000, before moving to Downey where I lived, studied Hwa Rang Do and Traditional Oriental Medicine for about nine months under the guidance of DoJooNim. DoJooNim propelled me out into my search for knowledge, wisdom and Traditional Oriental Medicine at my first BB test in Downey in 1998 where he invited me to come stay at HQ and learn acupuncture after a what-would-you-like-to-do-with-your-life-talk. Extremely moved by DoJooNim's wonderful offer I decided that this was the way to go and started, back in Denmark, to prepare for the move to Downey. The nine months at HQ was the most significant nine months of my entire life to this date – I just didn't realize this until little less than ago – 2 years or so after my return from Downey!!! I received more wisdom from DoJooNim and KwanJangNim TaeJoon Lee during my stay at HQ than I had gained through my life till that point. However I did not understand what DoJooNim and KwanJangNim TaeJoon Lee were doing for me at the time when I decided to leave Downey. I left before time (I was supposed to be there for four years – how long it takes to become an L.Ac.). distressed in my heart for various reasons I, mindlessly, ditched students and instructors running away with a hurt ego! I came back to Denmark and continued acupuncture studies, but for about two years I was going nowhere with Hwa Rang Do – I couldn't really bring myself to do anything with it still tormenting myself with my untimely departure from HQ. But then one cherry blossom blooming beautiful morning in Hiroshima, Japan on a visit with my wife and daughter to my parents-in-law I was reading a passage in a book (not a religious book) that made everything fall into place for me. In a split-second I realized all what DoJooNim and KwanJangNim TaeJoon Lee had been teaching me and I was struck by a sudden feeling of wellbeing, relief and clearmindedness about the whole thing that I had never experienced before. I suddenly saw everything clearly and understood the teachings of Hwa Rang Do that DoJooNim and KwanJangNim TaeJoon Lee had been passing on to me and, of course, all other students of Hwa Rang Do. I started realizing that Hwa Rang Do really is The Way – not just rethorically. I used to believe that Hwa Rang Do was the Way now I feel it and have gained a better understanding of The Way!!! So, ever since, I have tried to live by that realization drawing on my experience in from both Downey but also my studies of Shin Gong and In Sool that keeps me on track. Today I can honestly say that I am 100 percent committed to striving for betterment in the The Art and The Way I owe my understanding of life and my future to Hwa Rang Do and to DoJooNim who took me in as his son and never stopped giving me his support and love even though I failed to maintain my duties at the Downey PonBu and failed to realize what he, so selflessly, was trying to do for me and to KwanJangNim TaeJoon Lee for also taking me in as his family continually helping me and all other Rang Do guiding us not to stray The Way. I can never fully repay this gift I have received, but I dedicate my life to striving to live as a Hwa Rang continuously bettering myself and pass on both In Sool and Mu Sool aspects of our wonderful Art, The Way of the Hwa Rang in great respect and love for all instructors and masters that have given me a sense of direction in life and in appreciation of the hardships that all students of Hwa Rang Do must go through in order to realize that Hwa Rang Do truly is The Way and then start treading it. This letter cannot in anyway fully express my gratitude towards DoJooNim, KwanJangNim TaeJoon Lee, KwanJangNim Lee Kwon, SaBumNim Carsten Jorgensen and all other Hwa Rang that have taken me under their wings while teaching me to fly... I still don't get that much height.... icon_smile.gif Also I would like to thank students that I have met and taught in Denmark and not least in Downey and also JoKyoNim Scott Knox and JoKyoNim Jesus Hernandez for their support when I was at Downey! Every morning I wake up is another chance at further development – every day is simply beautiful! Hwa Rang forever! Humbly, Thomas Sorensen Odense Hwa Rang Do School, Denmark L.Ac. & Tui Na Massage Therapist http://www.mu-in.com

Thomas Soerensen

In my last 2 years in Hwa Rang Do, I've had my eyes openned up to new possibilities of Martial Arts. I trained sporatically until 1984 when I was finally mature enough to commit myself. Since then I've trained nonstop earning Cho Dan in a number arts from many instructors I respect very much as well as notables such as Master Min and Jimmy Kim at UC Berkeley in the early 90s. Unfortunately, moving around meant that I also had to find new schools each time. This along with an innate feeling that something was missing in my previous arts always urged me to look for new things to learn and new teachers to learn from. While I learned aspects of boxing, kicking, grappling, self-defense, ki control, various weapons, respect, discipline and tradition, not one art I've experienced was able to pull all these different aspects together under a global umbrella into a worldwide family that is the World Hwa Rang Do Association. I don't know where my training would be now if I didn't happen to be curious about going to see Dojoo Nim and Chiefmaster Lee in Wisconsin in 2002. Actually, that's not true. I DO know where I would be. I wouldn't be where I am now. Happy, satisfied, and eager to learn more. Having hit 30 a couple years back, and still affected by multiple knee surguries and other injuries, I thought I had peaked already, but through Hwa Rang Do, I can still see improvements! (Not that I was 'that' good, just that I am 'that' beaten-up. My primary care doctor calls me "his bread and butter" while my orthopedic doctor calls me a muscle-skeletal mess.^_^) Unforunately, I have had limited opportunies to learn techniques directly from Chiefmaster Lee or Dojoo Nim. But it is not just about physical techniques. What I believe is more important is that Chiefmaster Lee has taught me how to be a better student, a better teacher, a better person, and a better martial artist. You may wonder how is it possible to do that via email? I say it's probably all there in front of you already, through the Meng Sae, through your instructors, through our brothers and sisters. You just have to open your eyes, clear your ears, open your heart, empty your cup, and pay attention. So, Thank you Sir! For... Everything... Hwarang, Stephen Hsu P.S. For fellow students who feel that they need to be able to write something profound and may be slightly intimidated (as I was), I urge you to just write from the heart. You may think it's unnecessary to repeat what others have said, but I'm sure that Chiefmaster Lee has had a positive effect hundreds and thousands of students. Let's fill up this page and force them to get a bigger server! ;)

Stephen Hsu

Letter to Master Lee "Master Lee, I just wanted to take this time to say thank you. Thank you for your direction, guidance and wisdom. Thank you for YOUR dedication and loyalty to this art and your students even when we (myself included) frustrate you. I remember you saying that you were born in the "wrong time". I believe that although you would have been a extremely fierce warrior on the battlefield and surely your stories of victory and honor would have been amongst the great stories of the Hwarang Warriors we read about now, you are still that extremely fierce warrior except the battle that is fought is different. The bloody battlefields have been replaced with battlefields of the mind, on which we wage war with ourselves; selfishness vs. responsibility. The kingdoms and castle walls have been replaced with psychological strongholds and mental boundaries created by our fears and lack of understanding that restrict and confine us; limiting our abilities. Unlike physical battles, which usually last only a set amount of time, this battle is fought everyday of our lives. You have fought and continue to fight in this battle with an incredible amount of endurance, integrity, courage and honor as a true Hwarang warrior. Not only do you fight, you equip others with necessary weapons and tools to fight this battle and be triumphant. Everyday. You teach us and push us unlike anyone else could or would. You provide structure for a lot of us who, otherwise, would not have any or would not even know what structure looks like. You have planted seeds in people and pushed them to knock down mental blocks in their minds, that even if they do not stay to obtain their maximum potential, they are at least better than what they were when they started. I have heard numerous stories of how people were before they started training under you. How they used to act and behave and how they have matured and grown up. Due, in great part, to the lessons which you taught and challenges you presented. Again, I personally want to thank you for the influence you have had on me, for your time, your patience and for your words of wisdom. And I believe that this sentiment is echoed throughout the entire WCHRDA student body. I count it an honor to be your student. You have done more for me than you will ever know. Hwa Rang"

Antonio Goodwin

After 3 years now of Tae Soo Do I have begun to see who I am as a person, and what it is to be a man. The more I learn the more there is to learn. Marital Arts for me isn’t about fighting any more, it’s about knowing myself and what I am capable of; knowing my weaknesses and facing them, making them stronger. I have trained under a few different styles of martial arts and never been satisfied with them. After a lot of research I discovered the ways of Hwa Rang Do and Tae Soo Do and soon after realizing that it was what I was looking for, I happened to pass by the school even though I had never seen it there, or know that it was still in existence. I turned in right away, and from then my growth had begun. Master Lee has shown parts of me that I never knew were there; both good and bad, of which I’ve faced and have to face daily in order to conquer them and press on. Once you find things in yourself that hold you back, they don’t just go away, you have to always remember they are there and conquer them. You can accomplish anything you want if you have enough desire and commitment.

Mahdi Tehrani

In a way, my Hwa Rang Do experience actually began in Olympia, WA in 1994. I had to leave the area after 1-2 months -- but, I learned then that this art, being the most comprehensive and amazing style, was exactly what I sought. I did not want to start in another style, always having confidence that I would eventually land in a city with a certified HRD academy. I had no luck for many years, being sent to odd places. However, my wife and I eventually found ourselves living in Los Angeles. Only by accident was I riding on Pico and noticed a sign with Hwa Rang Do on it. I shook my head and dismissed it as another “fake” school misusing and abusing the Hwa Rang Do namesake – and, unfortunately, did not realize the actual truth to that school for years – it was Master Lee’s Dojang! We finally signed up and are completing our Tae Soo Do training right now. Over the years we have done various types of activities together –performing in orchestra, playing sports, dancing... However, training together in this challenging art has been the most special experience. Not only has it made us stronger, but it has brought us wonderful friendships with an eclectic bunch of amazing people. Our message for this testimonial is: if you have the opportunity, don’t wait – there is no time sooner than now. As the banner outside displays: “While you’re NOT training… someone else IS.” Thanks to Master Lee, and ALL the staff who are guiding us along this journey. Hwarang!

Luis & Chy-Anh

After about 5 years, 2 trial classes and countless anonymous appearances as a spectator, I finally joined Hwa Rang Do @ Los Angeles. I was excited and nervous about the months and years to come, not knowing what to expect yet knowing I would be better. It has not even been a year yet and I already see a great change. Known for being a 'Nomad' and not really sticking with anything I found myself committed and dedicated to this school and this art. Of course there was a change in my health (Greater stamina, more flexible, more muscle and greater definition) there is also a great change in my life. I find my myself more stable, more focused and more disciplined even at work and at home. This art has and continues to change my life more than I thought it would. I thank and give honor to Master Lee for his teachings and direction. I also thank the dynamic duo that is Ian MacIntyre and Olivia Vataate for their support and encouragement. - Antonio Goodwin

Antonio Goodwin

Starting from a young age, I have always had a fasination with the martial art forms. Perhaps I was influenced by the martial arts movies that I loved watching or by television shows such as "Kung-Fu". As a child it seemed 'AWESOME'!. Anyway, I grew to have great respect and admiration for the art form. As I grew older I studied philosophy and found my respect and admiration grew even deeper. I never, in my wildest dreams, would have ever thought that I too was capable and worthy of learning such an amazing and powerfull art. I was confused at first with all the different martial art forms in the market and then finally at the age of 41 I decided, thanks to master Lee, "what have I got to lose.....I have everything to gain, so I started. A few years and a knee injury later, I can sincerely say that joining 'Tae So Do' classes was one the best decisions I have ever made. It is an experience that is difficult to explain in words, its more of a feeling that the body, mind and inner self experience. It is of my highest recommendation that you try it for yourself (regardless of age,hieght, weight, body or strength....you've got nothing to lose) You will get a chance to strengthen not just your body but you will be exposed to aspects such as courage, character, discipline, teamwork, confidence and much more that will become asets in you daily life. Its amazing what you can accomplish if you just set your mind to it. On a last note I just want to give a very special thanks to my instructor, Mr. Macintire for all his help, encouragement, kindness and 'always available smile' :). I would like to thank Olivia for all the hard work and encouragement she gives. I thank all the assistants that give their time and effort for newer students. And last but not least I am very grateful to master Lee, I met him as a freind and now I look up to him as my guide, I love the philosophical guidance that he gives when we belt test and I appreciate the fact that he always has his students best interest at heart. The school makes one feel welcome and part of their honorable family!! Thanks.....Varsha

Varsha Patel

As of this writing I've been a student at the West Coast HRD Academy for about 3 1/2 years. I've had previous Martial Arts experience, but a neck injury in 1990 seemingly spelled the end of my aspirations until my wife and daughter began training, and I discarded my fears and started up again with what for me was a fresh art. I have to give my neck some leeway, of course, but I find there isn't anyone in training who doesn't have some limitation or another attend to and try to overcome. I have a great admiration for the school, the Hwa Rang Do training, and the philosophy espoused by the teaching. The Dojang is a place where high ideals and standards are welcomed and revered rather than ridiculed. The training is so vast and challenging, yet the curriculum so well organized, that my level of enjoyment and enthusiasm has never been higher. I don't think I can express in the written word how uplifting it is to train with my whole family. I think it has been especially important for my daughter and wife to have the martial arts experience, and the school has become a focal point for us. Finally, I have to express the appreciation I have for the opportunity to study under Master Lee, whose understanding of the art is second perhaps only to Do Joo Nim's.

Stephen Ginsburg

for over a year now, i have gained much knowledge, not only of hwarang-do/tae- soo do, but in general, any martial art in my entire lifetime. even though i have far more to go in terms of perfecting my skills and mental capacity, i feel i am going in the right direction to bettering my life. thank you chief master lee.

mike

The art of Tae Soo Do and Hwa Rang Do has opened up the opportunity for me to grow and improve as a woman, parent, student, friend and worker, both physically and spiritually. The physical aspect has challenged me and given me day-to-day increasing confidence in my abilities as well as awareness of my body, mind, and spirit. In these times with the increasing awareness of child and female crimes, I realize how important it is for me to continue training not only for my son, and myself, but most importantly for the betterment of humanity. Although, I have taken many falls and have found myself in very humbling scenarios, the never-ending dedication of Master Lee, Instructor McIntyre, Ms. Vaatate, the TGT instructors, and the rest of the Hwa Rang Do family has given me inspiration to continue, despite times of doubt. Their patience and confidence in me has spiritually enlightened me, and I have come to understand that surrounded by such wonderful people, there is no doubt I will keep improving in my challenges through life, as well as that of my son’s. I cannot express to all of you how much my son, Nicholas, loves Hwa Rang Do, and what a gift it is to know that he is being challenged with such a tremendous amount of knowledge at such a young age. It is a true pleasure that we both train at the West Coast Hwa Rang Do Academy, and we both look forward to growing with the Hwa Rang Do family. Dae Dan He Kam Sa Hap Ni Da, Juana Rodriguez and Nicholas Moreno

Juana Rodriguez

I don't think I can write all of the benefits I've gained from Tae Soo Do and Hwa Rang Do in one sitting, but I'll list those few most important to me. The testing and complexity of the techniques have exercised my ability to focus. When needed, I can divert all of my attention to the subject at hand in the mist of distractions. This has not only helped me in my training, but also in my professional career. This art has also reminded me of the value of being humble. There is so much to be learned by others when you allow them to teach you. And the last benefit I'll mention is my physical agility and awareness has improved ten-fold. I am much more aware of what I can - and cannot do - as well as my surroundings. In a city such as L.A., one must always be aware of their surroundings in order to avoid confrontation and injury. I have gained more out of this martial art than any other self-investment. It's far worth the time and money!

Eric Rufatt

My training in Tae Soo Do began a few months back. I was looking for a martial art that I could do with my 6 year old. After checking with several different martial arts schools in the neighboring town we found the Hanford, CA Academy run by the Sanchez

Jason Orton