Throughout my training, I've learned that the refinement and harmonization of these three elements is critical to becoming a complete and true warrior. The order in which these elements is developed is specific and logical. First, there is the body, which is the physical health and foundation of a warrior's technical skills. Then there is the mind, where the knowledge and protocol of a warrior are developed. And last, there is the spirit, which is a kin to the sun; it is the warrior's ability to radiate omnipotent and indomitable essence.

Grandmaster Han has taught me that the goal of a Hapkidoist is to develop these three elements with the utmost conviction and fervor. When the mind, body and spirit are in harmony there is almost nothing we cannot accomplish in this world. And within time, a strong and profound effect upon our mind will be evident, as we become increasingly conscious of ourselves as one with the spirit.

I have learned that to achieve these goals a true warrior must live by "Bushido". Bushido is a certain code of ethics including honor, high social behavior, and particular virtues such as courage, loyalty and most importantly sincerity of the heart. By following the way of Bushido, it is then that the true warrior will possess wisdom, benevolence and valor. As one of the Hapkido tenets states: "Spirit first; technique second."

We all have fears., I have learned that the biggest mistake people make, is the fear of making one. There are those of us who are intimidated by it and those who simply have a stronger will to overcome it. By challenging ourselves on an emotional and spiritual level, our true warrior spirit will meet and overcome our greatest fears. To stand up to the challenges that lay ahead of us will boost our confidence and our spirit will become more resilient. With confidence, fear is eliminated; Without confidence there is no hope.

I have learned to show no fear; for fear does not exist - if your techniques are solid and true. We may look very sharp from the outside, but if there is no structural foundation on the inside then the way is not true. We must maintain basic teclmiques always polishing and perfecting the true warrior skills to their ultimate level and nothing less. For when the spirit dies within the way of the warrior, there is no art.

In a confrontation between a strong mind and a strong technique, technique. will prevail. In a confrontation between a strong mind and a strong technique, mind will prevail because it will find the weak point. In reality, physical strength and strength of technique and mind are more or less equal. It is the warrior's spirit and determination that decides the fate of the battle. Every confrontation should be fought as if your life were, at stake, even when just practicing. Then our true warrior's spirit will find its rightful place and become the way of the warrior. Otherwise, it is only a game.

Grandmaster Han once asked me, "What would you do if you were confronted or attacked by a tiger? Honestly said, "My fear will defeat me before the tiger attacks me; but only if I allow it to happen. With the knowledge I had of the tiger, and the reputation that it possess. It's great speed, agility, stealth, strength and fierce presence, of which I only possess an diminutive amount in comparison to the tiger. To be face to face with this superior and magnificent adversary would be a terrifying sensation. Knowing at any given moment the tiger could slash and shred my flesh in less then a heart beat. To defeat the tiger I need to defeat his strategy. I would confront him in the now and not worry about what would happen in the next minute. To accept what happens for what is going to happen in the "now"... will happen. And if I turn and run, I will simply defeat myself regardless of the tiger's victory. Nevertheless, I wouldn't lose, for I still have my honor. Stood up against all odds and did not succumb myself nor did I lose respect from the tiger. Therefore, having respect for yourself and your adversary will lead to respect for all other things. In this case the tiger was the adversary. You will be the greatest weapon regardless of the adversary or outcome. I know I cannot control the tiger, yet I know I am able to control my own fear, which is my greatest and most powerful adversary. If we cannot control our inner tiger or fear, we will be defeated in each and every battle. Grandmaster Han says, "We must learn to live in the present, not in the future or the past... the time to live is now".

Throughout my years of experience, I have learned that a true warrior must live in the moment, he must live in the now. As a warrior, the moment we're confronted, our enemy becomes one with ourselves. In actuality we are confronting our own fears and the greatest and most powerful adversary ... ourselves. To know yourself is the warrior's true wisdom, but to master yourself is the warrior's true power.

We must be brave, strong, have no fear and always be ready to commit our life and be able to take life, we must also know when to give life. The mental element will overcome the physical. Through this we are now destined towards the martial spirit of the warrior.

The martial arts discipline is the way of the warrior. The warrior way enables our true spirit to transcend the boundaries that define this worldly life and destiny. With this ability, the most an enemy can ever take is our physical being, but not our spirit. For our spirit, lives eternally within one and the universe.

We must always strive toward higher goals, reaching as far as you can from all areas instead of defining ourselves within the boundaries of an arbitrary set of rules. The warrior is always finding a way to better the inner man as well as to protect the physical man. The way to, spiritual improvement is to strengthen, the path of truth, the truth of knowing one's mind and the truth of understanding other men. As Grandmaster Han would say: "To achieve something or, to take something; you must sacrifice or give something back".

A warrior is always searching endlessly for perfection through constant, refinement of oneself, I continue to train and study with Grandmaster Han. Being a reflection of this true master of the warrior arts has been a prestigious honor to be recognized with, Grandmaster Bong Soo Han, a distinguished and noble warrior in his time. In helping others and guiding them through the path which ultimately leads to the true "way"... the spirit of a warrior.

Recently, another warrior and dedicated student of Grandmaster Han's epitomized the warrior way by writing: "What I have learned and what I believe to be true is this. A true warrior or martial artist and the philosophy of Zen are, not things that you do, rather they are what you are! They are both journeys that have no end! They both require that you study them for your entire lifetime, until you die. Hapkido is one of these journeys that I have chosen". The International Hapkido Federation was established by Grandmaster Bong Soo Han. It was established to teach our students a way of life based upon the traditional Hapkido philosophy and training methods, as it has been passed down from master to student throughout the centuries by Grandmaster Bong Soo Han. Its mission is to be the world's leading Hapkido organization; And to unify the instruction and standardize the practices of Hapkido, so that many may benefit. The International Hapkido Federation doors will always remain open and welcome those who have the inner strength, courage and perseverance to learn, by contributing to the preservation of Hapkido tradition and its legacy.