GMBongSooHan

GrandMaster: Bong Soo Han

Harrison HAPKIDO Mission Systems/  

(H. HAPKIDO M. Systems), 

Institute of Urban HAPKIDO Systems, 

World Kido Federation and Hanminjok HapKiDo Association.

 (We are chartered by the Korean Goverment)

GrandMaster

Bong Soo Han

Dear Martial Arts Community,

It is with a heavy heart that we tell you that Grand Master Han passed away on January 8, 2007.  at 6:05 pm at his house. Grand Master Han was surrounded by his family, friends, and was joined world wide by thousands of people who have been sending their thoughts and prayers.

Grand Master Han had dedicated his life to the powerful art of Hapkido. Known as the Father of Hapkido in the United States, Grand Master Han's legacy and influence in the Martial Arts world is almost unsurpassed. More importantly, his philosophies, teachings, and compassionate guidance have touched thousands of people's lives within the Martial Arts world and beyond.

 All we request of you at this time is your thoughts and prayers. However, if you wish to donate to the impending services and memorial plaque for Grand Master Han, you can send checks payable to Bong Soo Han at 3201 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404.

 On behalf of Grand Master Bong Soo Han, his family, and the International Hapkido Federation, thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

Master Eric Friske & Master Danny Cruz

From 1962 to 1979, Master Ji was a bodyguard to Korean President Park in the Blue House. In 1969, Master Ji was brought to the United States to teach Hapkido to FBI and Secret Service agents, and other officials. In 1984, Grandmaster Ji moved to the United States and founded Sin Moo Hapkido. He later promoted his early students to the rank of ninth degree black belt -- Bong Soo Han in 1984 and Myung Kwan Sik in 1986. 

Grandmaster Bong Soo Han is credited with popularizing Hapkido in the West and bringing it the big screen. 
Grand Master Han first introduced Hapkido into the United States in 1967, although mass exposure did not come until the motion picture "Billy Jack" filled the nation's theaters in 1971. Master Han doubled for star Tom Laughlin and choreographed the film's fight scenes.
It is interesting to note, that Hapkido is not organized under the KTA, ITF or WTF, perhaps the only Korean art with this unique status. Hapkido in Korea is overseen by three organizations: The Korea Kido Association, The Korea Hapkido Association, and The International Hapkido Federation.

Master Bong Soo Han Karate Demo 1971 - BILLY JACK Classic Clips

BONG SOO HAN, 73
Grand Master of Hapkido Won Film Fans For Martial Arts