Feedback of Dominic's Participation to the 2025 Bulgarian Workshop

[HAEDONG]

Dominic Den Drijver, a representative of the Dutch HK Association

■ Hereby my story about Bulgaria

For the third time I was in Bulgaria. Now not alone, not with 3 but with 8 others from the Netherlands. What started as a lone adventure evolved into a friend's and family vacation. I was proud to bring so many people to Bulgaria this time and it felt like coming home. All thanks to Viktor, Filip and Alexander for organizing the seminars and also the wonderfull trip afterwards.

Now as a 3rd Dan coming here I feel 2 things. I feel proud being the representative of the Netherlands. Bringing knowledge from our Dutch haedong kumdo association. But also I was pretty nervous. For me personally being a 3rd Dan means something. I need to know things, being able to answer questions and teach when asked.

This time I have learned that those 2 really work together. I was nervous for the kimu workshop, but my insecurities were misplaced because I knew it by heart. (Not all of it but the one we did I knew). So my insecurities evolved into being proud.

But I also came here proud thinking I knew bonkuk 5 and 6. But that quickly turned into nerves when asked to display. Being humble about the things I dont know. Later on being proud again for knowing and being able to help all others with bonkuk 1-4.

I am also honored that i get the chance and trust to teach more often. Although i think i know a lot. I am also insecure about a lot of things. Small details and steps. But every time you look around you see that everyone has this. And when the Grand Master says "your basic stances are almost good" I can only smile and be proud. Sure details are important, but nobody will know all, and there is no reason to think otherwise.

It's more important to enjoy all the good things together. We smile and laugh a lot during training. And where the goal is to learn new things with the workshops. For me it's always about bonding and creating a martial arts family.

Out grandmaster is perfect for this. Always serious but never too serious so we can't get a laugh together. (Especially me and Ben from Belgium). I feel honoured to train Headong Kumdo JSKR. I truly believe we are creating a martial arts family internationally.

Major thanks again for the Bulgarian team for organising this wonderful event. I will do my best to be there again for the 7th or 8th international workshop in Sofia.

Haedong!
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Hi, Dominic,

I am truly glad to see how your journey has grown from walking alone to bringing many together.

Your pride and humility as the Netherlands representative are deeply impressive.

Walking with both the mind to learn and the heart to guide, you show the true spirit of building our international martial arts family.

I am always proud of you.

Haedong!
See you again at the next seminar.