In June and July, our Grand Master, Kuk Sa Nim Suh In Hyuk travels the US and Canada on a Super Seminar tour. He and other Masters speak and teach at the schools along their route, and we here at Kuk Sool Won of St. Paul were honored again to host a Super Seminar.
For us, the excitement began on Thursday, when Steffen Pu Sa Bum Nim’s instructor, Tim Seitz Kwang Jahng Nim, arrived. Master Seitz and Steffen PSBN taught special classes all day on Friday to our most highly ranked students. The Dahn Bo Nims joined in a very exciting dahn bong (short stick) seminar, and most of them were introduced to this weapon for the first time. Kuk Sa Nim and Masters Suh and Harmon arrived Friday evening, ready to visit our close neighbor, Mirror of Korea, for dinner.
Saturday was packed. All black belts, including our frequent visitor, Mike Monahan Kyo Sa Nim, got a special practice time with the visiting Masters all morning. After lunch, it was test time. About a dozen black belts and black-belts-to-be sweated and pushed themselves in front of Master Suh, showing what they know and learning new and painful ways to do push-ups. For most of the testers, this was just one test during the year (or years) of their testing process, but for three students this was the final test, promoting them to the next level of black belt.
Remember when I mentioned the Seminar? That was Saturday afternoon. Every student, from white belt to black belt, was invited to come, and the crowd listened as Kuk Sa Nim spoke about his philosophy of martial arts training. Then, Master Harmon led the school through a kick-intensive seminar, focusing on safe, fast, and effective roundhouse kicks. It was a hot day, but the kicks kept coming, fast and furious, and our students showed their best etiquette and enthusiasm. Master Harmon later complimented Steffen PSBN on our students, especially the children, for their attention and focus.
By the end of the day on Saturday, everyone involved was exhausted and exhilarated. The weekend was a great success. Thanks to every student and instructor who was involved, especially those students who came for the Seminar. To continue to attract guests like this, we have to show our school’s best side, and every student who attended helped to show Kuk Sa Nim that we are a school of students eager to learn. Stay tuned to the blog for pictures, courtesy of our student Audrey Wiley, of the testing, promotions, and seminar.
