Korea/USA Simmudo Association From the USA Director
October 2003 Greetings: Welcome to this news and update on the 2003 Korean Masters Simmudo Seminar and related events. We emailed some of this information to many of you. However, due to the size of the files, we found it necessary to mail you a hard copy. In this update you'll find articles written by two of our association members, Professor John Chambers from Inverness FL, and Master Adrian St. Cyrien from Horley, England. GrandMaster Song himself has also written a letter to you. VIDEOS: We are still working on the Simmudo curriculum video containing the training and testing requirements for the 1st Dan black belt. We hope to have this available to you after the first of the year. The goal is to eventually have the complete training curriculum in video for 1st – 4th Dan black belt. KOREA 2004: We plan to have the dates finalized by the end of this year for the October 2004 trip to Shihung City, South Korea. It’s usually a round a 10 day trip for training and cultural experiences in the homeland of the Korean martial arts. We will be able to dine, train, and tour with GrandMaster Song and some of his associate masters and friends. SEMINAR 2003: It was a great pleasure to have met some of our new members at this year’s training with GrandMaster Song and Master Kim. We hope to see others of you next year. The 2004 seminar should be in May or June. We’ll be able to let you know after the first of the year. FUTURE NEWS UPDATES: Please send us any news regarding your school and/or organization that you would like to submit for future SMD Association newsletters. The news could be on seminars, promotions, special events, announcements, etc. Please send to: fgommels@rconnect.com I hope this letter finds you at peace and in good health. Although we are parted physically by distance our mutual love for the martial arts bonds us in oneness of spirit. Sincerely,
Fredrick J. Gommels – Director
Korea/USA Simmudo Association • Martial Art Fitness Centers, Inc. • Rochester, MN USA
KOREA/USA SIMM UDO ASSOCIATION
Korea Headquarters: Shihung City, Kyung Gi Do, South Korea PRESIDENT: PAN GON SONG USA Headquarters: 2849 S. Broadway • Rochester, MN 55904
NEWS / UPDATES
Masters Seminar and Promotions • June 23-29, 2003
The Korea/USA SimMuDo Association recently held its annual Korean martial arts seminar and promotion testing at the USA headquarters at the Martial Art Fitness Centers, Inc. of Rochester, MN. The training was provided by Grandmaster Song, Pan Gon, President of the Korea SimMuDo Association, assisted by Master Kim, Jong Gu. These outstanding seminar instructors traveled all the way from Shihung City South Korea to teach the practical elements of Simmudo: striking, throwing, joint locks, and weaponry. Over 150 people from Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Florida, and England attended. Master Kim, Jong Gu Kirby Strissel was appointed to the position Manager of General Affairs for the Korea/USA SimMuDo Association. He began his martial arts training in 1990 and has studied TaeKwonDo, GongSooDo, TangSooDo, Hapkido, Judo, and martial art weaponry. Master Adrian St. Cyrien was appointed the England Representative for the Korea SimMuDo Association. Master St. Cyrien has 30 years experience and has trained in Taekwondo, Hapkido, Karate, and Tai Boxing. He is the President of the World Chung Do Federation in Horley, England. Professor John Chambers, a 9th Dan black belt, is the President of Martial Arts USA. In his 50 plus years of ma rtial arts experience he has trained in Yudo/Judo, Jujitsu, Hapkido, and Taekwondo.
GrandMaster Song, Pan Gon
We were honored to have a special training session conducted by Professor John Chambers from Inverness, Florida. Professor Chambers taught a blend of practical Hoshinsul techniques from his wide range of background in the martial arts.
News Letter Update
Written by: GRANDMASTER PAN GON SONG
President - KOREA S IMMU DO ASSOCIATION Shihung City South Korea
English translation follows
TRANSLATION OF:
Original Letter Written by GRANDMASTER PAN GON SONG
Translated by: Fredrick J. Gommels Edited by: Kim, Hye Won
Dear: World Simmudo Association Members Greetings. Are you at peace? To all honorable Simmudo members! I am infinitely honored to have met many of you through Simmudo. Our country has a proverb: “Even with the touch of clothing between two passing strangers, a special relationship is meant to be.” Worldwide Simmudo masters, instructors, and students are connected through the sweat of training. I wish that we all everywhere feel as one family. I give my heart felt thanks to Master Fred Gommels for his continual contribution to the development of Simmudo. I sincerely welcome as new Simmudo members: Professor John Chambers from Florida, Master St. Cyrien from England, Masters Lance Schutjer and Francis Moore from Iowa. Although we are unfamiliar now with each other due to a language barrier, this will improve with diligent effort. I will always remember you. To all Simmudo members until we meet again, may you remain in peace. SIMMUDO SEMINAR: Your Simmudo technique has greatly developed. The Shihung City officials were very impressed with the Martial Art Fitness Center in Rochester. I compel the black belts to practice throwing techniques. Please train also in the Simmudo hyung (form). SIMMUDO ASSOCIATION OBJECTIVES: If I may say, I would largely like to promote worldwide fellowship through Simmudo as well as one day construct a World Simmudo Training Center. We also would like to expand the number of Simmudo schools by greatly increasing the individual membership worldwide. SIMMUDO AS PRACTICAL MARTIAL ART: There are great differences between martial sport, military art, martial dance, and martial art. Simmudo is a practical martial art. We use the mind to develop academically, however, both the mind and body are needed to develop proficiency in the martial arts. SHIHUNG CITY, SOUTH KOREA TOUR: We are planning on your visit to Shihung City in October of 2003. The Shihung Healthy Living Athletic Association President and members, the Shihung Taekwondo Association President and members, Shihung City Sports Association representatives will all do their utmost to see that your visit to Shihung is very pleasant. Lastly, I wish for the fullness of happiness and health for you and your family during this summer. August 2, 2003 From: Song, Pan Gon - Association President
K OREA / USA S IM MUD O ASSOCIATION
June 2003 - SEMINAR UPDATE
By Professor John Chambers – Inverness, FL
This past June 2003, I had the privilege of attending the annual Korea SimMuDo Seminar at Rochester, Minnesota. My good friend Master Fred Gommels of the Martial Arts Fitness Centers, Inc, hosted this seminar. What a great opportunity to work with Grandmaster Pan Gon Song, President/Founder of SimMuDo, Master Jong Gu Kim and Master Fred Gommels. The expertise instruction in a variety of martial arts was awesome! It was a great opportunity for everyone in attendance to cross-train and experience other arts and styles. The Korea SimMuDo Association is a non-political association open to all arts and styles. I was extended the invitation to teach a portion of the seminar in both Yudo and Jujitsu. Professor Chambers presenting GrandMaster Song with a certificate of appreciation
The hospitality, facilities and food were great. Fred Gommels and his staff spared no expense to make sure that the needs and comfort for everybody in attendance were well taken care of. The five-day seminar was filled with endless activity and fun. We knew to expect before arrival, a seminar free from martial arts politics. From past experience, we expected and received a family atmosphere of cooperation, sharing, love and respect. As a fifty plus year veteran and pioneer of the martial arts, I am always open to learn new techniques and to share my techniques. Nobody ever makes the full circle, and no man, regardless of his experience, even knows it all! I did learn, and I did share! I will absolutely be there for the 2004 seminar. Thank you Fred Gommels and thanks to the Korea SimMuDo Association, for a great seminar. I am proud to be a member!
GM Song looks on as Professor Chambers shares some insights on the Martial Arts.
Professor John E. Chambers President/Founder Martial Arts USA
Professor John Chambers , a 9th degree black belt, has trained in Yudo/Judo, Jujitsu, Hapkido, andTaekwondo. He is the President and founder of Martial Arts USA.
WEBSITE: www.martialartsusa.com EMAIL: johnmausa@aol.com
KOREA/USA SIMM UDO ASSOCIATION
Korea Headquarters: Shihung City, Kyung Gi Do, South Korea USA Headquarters: 2849 S. Broadway • Rochester, MN 55904 ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT: PAN GON SONG USA DIRECTOR: FREDRICK J. GOMMELS
June 2003
Martial Art Fitness Centers, Inc. • 2849 S. Braodway • Rochester, MN
SimMuDo MastersSeminar
School owners and association heads attending the June 2003 seminar. LEFT TO RIGHT: Instructor Ken Kingstrom: Master Barry Moszer: Master Lance Schutjer: Master Adrian St. Cyrien: GrandMaster Pan Gon Song: Master Fred Gommels: Professor John Chambers: Master Francis Moore: Instructor Jeff Day: Master Jong Gu Kim:
Co-owner of Martial Art Fitness Center - Austin, MN Owner of Karate Studio of Albert Lea, MN Owner of Midwest Academy – St. Ansgar, IA President of World Chung Do Federation - Horley, England President of Korea SimMuDo Association – Shihung, S. Korea Director of Korea/USA Simmudo Association – Rochester, MN President of Martial Arts USA – Inverness, FL Owner of Academy of Koran Martial Arts – Waterloo, IA Owner of Colfax Martial Arts – Colfax, IL Master instructor of SimMuDo – Shihung, S. Korea
Korea / USA SimMuDo Association June 2003 - SEMINAR UPDATE
By Master Adrian St. Cyrien - Horley, England We arrived in Rochester after a 13 1/2 hour trip from the UK, not sure how we where feeling, was it anticipation or apprehension that we would be learning the techniques of Sim Mu Do far away from the safety of our own dojang and amongst people that we did no know. Although I had spent the last 8 months sending emails to Master Gommels ( sure must have been a relief for him to answer my many questions directly and not having to spend time emailing me!) it was time to meet the man. We where kindly met at the airport by one of the studio`s Master Adrian St. Cyrien and black belts John Cruz and driven to our hotel. After checking GrandMaster Pan Gon Song in and freshening up, John returned to take us to the studio where GrandMaster Song, his assistant Master Kim and Master Gommels where conducting the first day of the seminar. On arrival at the studio we were met by Master Gommels and introduced to GM Song and Master Kim. The training was already in progress and GM Song insisted that we stayed and watched as he took the class through the Sim Mu Do techniques. GM Song taught in a clear and relaxed manner which put at us ease or was it the fact that it was 2:30 in the morning back home in the UK and tiredness had started to kick in. Our first day of training started on June 24th where we started to learn the principles of Sim Mu Do. It was quite refreshing for me to be taught in a relaxed and informal (all though etiquette was adhered to at all times ) manner, as previously many of the Korean masters I had studied under teach in a more regimental way ( you watch, you do and don`t ask questions ). At first the other Black belts seem to eye us with some apprehension ( who are these funny people with the strange accents ) but with British determination we eventually wore them down. We also started to understand their version of the English language (American version of course) and started to break the ice and make friendships along the way. Its funny how people from all walks of life who share
Philip Radley-Smith of Horley, England esecuting a wrist throw on Master Jong Gu Kim
a passion for something break down the barriers and become friends. The techniques of Sim Mu Do we learn`t, were techniques that you could use and had meaning, not like the techniques shown and taught in so many Taekwondo schools nowadays. Techniques used in sport Taekwondo have there purpose, but purely for the sport minded player ( players is what they have become, and what they are now referred to ) and those with the age to compete, sport Taekwondo or KukkiTaekwondo is for the younger person. So by the age of 30 your competition days are really over. As the week progressed and we continued to learn more of the Sim Mu Do requirements so did our friendships with the other members grow, it was nice to see all of the Black Belts with different capabilities all getting together, helping and sharing the various techniques taught by Gm Song, who at times laughed at the way we came to grips with the varying applications.
GM Song demonstrating basic joint locking techniques
Before we new it a week had passed ( all too quickly ) and it was time to pack our bags, we had learn`t a lot, made new friendships and hoped that we could remember all of the techniques, so when we returned we could pass them on to the other Black belts in the UK and hopefully spreading Sim Mu Do further. On closing, I would like to thank GM Song for sharing Sim Mu Do with us, Master Kim for the time he spent teaching ( Bali, Bali - meaning quickly! ), Master Gommels for his time and dedication, his translation ( it really helps if you can speak Korean and Master Gommels has taken the time and effort to learn this difficult language. Oh how I envy him and how lucky the MAFCI members are ). The Korean ladies who spent the time making the Korean food ( I could only manage 3 platefuls) and lastly Pam for the time she spent looking after us all. As the terminator said " I`ll be back " and hopefully with more UK black belts following me. Master Adrian St.Cyrien Sim Mu Do ( Now England )
Master Adrian St. Cyrien was appointed the England Representative for the Korea SimMuDo Association. Master St. Cyrien has 30 years martial arts experience and has trained in Taekwondo, Hapkido, Karate, and Tai Boxing. He is the President of the World Chung Do Federation in Horley, England.
KOREA/USA SIM MUDO ASSOCIATION
June 29, 2003 Black Belt Promotion Test
Rochester, Minnesota
During this seminar twenty-one people tested for 1st through 5th Degree Rank. Mr. Lance Schutjer of St. Ansgar, IA was promoted to 4th Dan and Master Adrian St. Cyrien of England was promoted to 5th Dan.
First Row – left to right Lance Schutjer, Master Fred Gommels, GM Song, Master Barry Moszer Second Row – left to right Master Kim, William Winter, James Lura, Jake Fair, Elizabeth Bloedel, Francis Moore, Niamh O’Connor, Heather Lee, Britta Simpson, Marissa Knodel Third Row – center to right Jeannie Pestorious, Mark Schilling, Richard Billmeyer, Lisa McTavish, Jeremy Anderson Back Row – left to right James Dunlap, Ryan Rhodes, Jeffrey Day, Phillip Radley-Smith, Nedzad Tricic, John Peterson, Ken Kingstrom
SATURDAY NIGHT KOREAN MARTIAL ARTS SHOW
Fred Gommels as MC presents GM Song with an award of appreciation
Introduction of Professor John Chambers
MAFCI black belts demonstrating form. GM Song addresses the crowd with Rochester Mayor Brede and secretary Donna Bussel in background left.
The Korean Martial Arts Show was the culmination of the weeklong martial arts seminar. This event was attended by more that 400 people and included martial arts performances by: • Taekwondo and Hapkido students • Blue Fire Demo Team • White Tiger Demo Team • MAFCI Black Belts • GM Song and Master Kim Speakers were: • MC Fred Gommels • GrandMaster Pan Gon Song • Rochester Mayor Brede We also presented awards of appreciation to GM Song and Master Kim Following the Show was a fun filled dance party.
Fred Gommels center, background teaching a martial art line dance