Feedback of 2025 Bulgarian HK Seminar by Ben.....

[HAEDONG]

Subject: Feedback of 2025 Bulgarian HK Seminar, written by Ben, a Representative of Belgian HK Association

Special thanks go out to Viktor for organizing the seminar. It is already the 6th time he has done it. The yearly event will be back in 2026, and I can’t wait for it! Also, in 2028 there will be the European Championships. At least 2 more years for me to go to Bulgaria and enjoy Haedong Kumdo!

To be honest, I am glad I convinced myself to go. At first I was hesitant, not sure I could make it. My personal life and work made it very difficult. I had to put myself on a very tight schedule to make it work, and boy did it pay off! I reconnected with people across the world and was delighted Belgium was represented! It was great to be part of that atmosphere again. I learned a lot, got some new things and insights, taught a bit myself and most important… I had a lot of fun! There is just some special chemistry in this group that I couldn’t describe if I wanted to; words fail me to do so. I had a really good time!

Haedong Kumdo is a martial art that never stops. It has an unlimited learning curve. I learned a lot of techniques and every single technique has on its own a thousand details. You can never say: “I know everything about Haedong Kumdo JSKR.” Even Grandmaster Kim is still learning about the ways of Martial Arts, how it affects us, helps us and even heals us. He is the walking definition of lifelong learning. He embodies Martial Arts in its finest and is such a role model. In and out of the dojang, he is filled with wisdom and likes to share it. He is the growth process of us all, the right person for making us see and understand.

What is really difficult to understand (at least for me) is the healing part of Martial Arts. He tries to make us feel, to not think but feel the energy. I am not ready yet to get that kind of connection. He can make something so abstract visible to us. A few students got some injuries and he could see it, he could feel it and in a brief moment he fixed it. He will say it is not true, that he still has a lot to learn. But for me, through my perspective, there is only one conclusion I can make: Master Kim IS Martial Arts. He lives Haedong Kumdo and Haedong Kumdo lives through him!

Thank you for your great teachings!

Ben De Busser
Belgian Haedong Kumdo JSKR representative
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Message to Ben

Dear Ben,

I truly appreciate the sincerity in your reflection. It is clear that you approached the seminar with an open heart and a strong will, even when life and work made it difficult. That is the spirit of a true practitioner.

You mentioned that the healing part of Haedong Kumdo is difficult to understand. This is very natural. Healing is not something to be grasped quickly by the mind — it is something that slowly unfolds through the body, through practice, and through experience. Just as your sword movements become more natural over time, so will the awareness of energy and healing reveal itself to you step by step.

What matters is that you already feel there is something special in this path. That awareness itself is the beginning of healing. With steady training, you will not only see it more clearly, but also carry it within you — and one day, share it with others.

You are doing very well, and I am proud of the way you represent Belgium and Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu. Continue with passion, and trust the process.

With respect and encouragement,
JS Kim