We at American KARATE-KA thought it would be interesting to learn just when and how this Korean fighting art began, and who but Master Bong Soo Han, 7th Degree Hapkidoist would be more knowledgeable.

This is the first of a two-part article on this outstanding Martial Artist who will give us a glimpse into the history of Korean fighting arts, his feelings about today's karate, and what he sees for the future of the Martial Arts.

KARATE-KA: When and under whom did you start your Hapkido training?

MASTER HAN: I have spent 30 years with Hapkido, I started training Seoul, Korea - my home. My instructor is Master Young Shul Chi. Somehow through the years, Master Chi's name has been misquoted, and he is now known as Master Choi.

KARATE-KA: Have you ever studied any other Martial Art?

MASTER HAN: Not really, I believe you should stay with one art until you have master it, then you can look for another discipline. This way you don't have to spend years with another master, all you need are the basics and the philosophies to understand this new art.

KARATE-KA: Do you think that "control", the force of a punch or kick is important?

MASTER HAN: Oh it's a part of the art, but if you keep controlling, it effects your self discipline, and its going to effect your mental as well as your physical conditioning. What's most important is HOW YOU TRAIN! I believe if you go right through, you will build up your confidence in yourself as well as your speed and timing.

KARATE-KA: When did you start in the arts?

MASTER HAN: I started as a kid just after World War II, but it was difficult to find an instructor as most of the masters either went to monasteries; or left the country when Japan occupied the country and outlawed all Martial Arts. So it was hard to find an instructor, many people didn't even know what Martial Arts were, and after 36 years of occupation, those who did, weren't too quick to show other people just what they knew. As the Masters and teachers returned to Korea, things got better, until 1950 when the Korean War started. Then a lot of Tae Kwon Do came in. This was the only art taught by the military during the war, and that's why it's so popular in my country today, and in the world.

KARATE-KA: Tae Kwon Do was the only art Sanctioned by the government?

MASTER HAN: Yes

KARATE-KA: Was it considered the best art?

MASTER HAN: No. There just happened to be some very high ranking military men who had that training one of them General Choi that's why they began teaching this art to the public. Also, by now a lot of people had been studying Tae Kwon Do as their masters returned to the country mush faster than the others. After the way Yudo (Korean Judo) became very popular, and Hapkido was still almost unheard of.

KARATE-KA: How long has Hapkido been in existence, is it a new art?

MASTER HAN: The names fairly new, although Hapkido has been in our country for several thousands of years, just the name is not important. Back in 1300, our country was divided into three kingdoms, Silam, Kobio, and Ackchin, the queen of Silam gathered together her young people and taught them the way the European Knights were taught Culture, Literature, and the Martial Arts were all part of the training. Armed and unarmed self defense. These people then taught all of the Buddhist people, royal family and monks. As generations past, each instructor emphasized his favorite techniques and slowly as time passed, this one art became many. Their students became instructors; some even changed the name of the art. I know while I teach Hapkido, I too emphasize certain techniques while other instructors emphasize different techniques this makes both of our students somewhat different in the same art. This too is how the arts get different names. For instance, Tae Kwon Do got its present name in 1955, before that it was known by several other names.

KARATE-KA: Was Hapkido the original art, or is it just one of them?

MASTER HAN: Yes, they're all old arts, its just that some became more popular than others, and as I said before, more of one styles master returned after WW II to teach their art.

KARATE-KA: What were the Martial Arts like when you came to this country?

MASTER HAN: When I came here many people know the name "Karate" but no one knew what it looks like. All they knew was that it was a Japanese word for empty hands, and that it was a deadly art. I can't think that it was before 1960 that people got to know it, and then only in big cities. At that time most teachers were qualified instructors or masters who taught the traditional way and didn't change things. After that, tournaments started and students saw other arts (style of Karate), became friends and started to copy each other and use different techniques.

KARATE-KA: Yes I can remember when if a competitor used a lot of kicks he was Korean, Japanese students stood straight forward and counter punched, and if a guy fought from a side stance he was either Kenpo or Okanawan, each distinct by his style.

MASTER HAN: That's right, when I first came here Japanese Karate was very popular but the public couldn't distinguish one style from another. I know in time the public would recognize kicking techniques as best because the legs are longer, and a stronger way of attacking once you have trained your legs to be as fast as your hands you are better. Sure it takes longer to achieve these kicking techniques but then this is a life long study. When tournaments came along the kickers started winning and suddenly all styles began to blend their techniques with each other and I believe this is good, there are certain things we should share, after all, we keep learning until the day we die. My door is open to anyone who wants to learn my style, and if they have something good, I'm eager to learn I don't close my door to teach the traditional way good things I keep (techniques) bad things I throw away I'm continuously trying to develop new techniques hundreds or thousands of years ago old techniques were all right, but now days peoples way of thinking and learning are different and we have to change to things that fits us today. It isn't a matter of style, it's a matter of who's going to teach and develop new techniques. I believe this is the only way to continuously develop art that fits us!