2025 USA HDKD JSKR Seminar By Keith Fentress

[HAEDONG]

■ 2025 USA HDKD JSKR Seminar
By Keith Fentress

At the 2025 Seminar in Lorain, Ohio, USA 🇺🇸

It was a pleasure to have Grand Master Kim back in the United States for this year’s seminar, held in Lorain, Ohio, at Summit Academy. The event was hosted by Lisa Kozak and her dedicated students, who deserve a standing ovation — not just for their flawless organization, but for somehow getting sponsors and giveaways. (No one has ever made swords and freebies feel so compatible.)
From start to finish, the event ran smoother than a well-polished blade!
Day One: Ki Mu and the Art of Trying to Look Graceful in Mud
The seminar began on Friday evening, October 24, with a session on Ki Mu. Grand Master Kim reviewed Ki Mu 1 and introduced us to fundamental blocking patterns rooted in natural movement.
His movements were so fluid and effortless that I couldn’t help but feel like he was swimming through air while I was thrashing around neck-deep in mud. Inspiration is as humbling as it is motivating.
Day Two: Foam Swords and Sore Fingers
Saturday kicked off with more Ki Mu before we moved into single sword forms. Participants were divided by rank into three groups, each responsible for demonstrating what we learned. Nothing motivates precision like knowing a Grand Master is about to critique you.
Afterwards, we received double foam swords to learn 12 turning patterns. These were equal parts fun and finger-torture.
The day concluded with double sword sparring drills 1–5. My partner and I were the first to demonstrate. We began at a steady, composed pace — until Grand Master Kim interrupted with a firm “No good!” He demanded more speed and ferocity: “You must move and shout like you are going to kill each other!” Yikes!
Day Three: One-Handed Swords and Coordination
Sunday opened once again with Ki Mu before diving into one-handed sword drills 1–5. These were fast-paced and challenging — an excellent way to discover that your coordination is entirely optional under pressure.
During our demonstration, I momentarily choked, but thankfully my sparring partner kept things on track (thanks Jack). Teamwork makes the sword work.
Evenings: From Navy Diving to Energy Deflection
Both evenings after the seminar were full of laughter, storytelling, and camaraderie. Scott Frankovich, a retired 20+-year Navy diver, easily stole the show at dinner. He shared stories of underwater adventures and demonstrated how to “deflect energy” — particularly when the check arrived.
And then there was Grand Master Kim in a Cybertruck. Words cannot fully capture the joy of hearing him make a surprise little sound as I floored the accelerator. I’m fairly certain that sound was equal parts awe, terror, and the realization that electricity has Ki.
Ki Mu and the Geometry of the Universe
This seminar wasn’t all muscle memory — it was also a mental workout. Grand Master Kim took us deep into the philosophy of Ki Mu and natural movement. There were circles, triangles, and diagrams that made me nostalgic for high school geometry.
At one point, he used a whiteboard to explain the “visible versus invisible world.” I’m not sure I understood all of it. Is there a universal martial arts gesture for “my mind is blown?”
What I did gather is that Ki Mu follows the flow of energy:
Movement in your hand flows from your center
Your center flows from your mind
Your mind flows from nature’s mind
When done correctly, movement becomes effortless — relaxation in motion, like dancing with nature. When done incorrectly, you look like… well, me.
Connecting the Dots (and the Blocks)
The most meaningful part of the seminar for me was understanding how lower, middle, and upper blocking patterns connect with both empty-hand and sword techniques. It was the missing link between Ki Mu and form — the “aha” moment when theory and muscle memory finally met for coffee.
As someone who practiced aikido in the past, I was struck by the contrast. Aikido, which is based on sword movements, adapts to an opponent’s energy, while Ki Mu aligns with the energy around us — letting it flow through us. It’s a subtle but profound concept… and a lifelong puzzle I’m happy to keep solving.
Reflections: Energized, Enlightened, and Slightly Sore
By the end of the weekend, my body was tired, my fingers were stiff, and my brain was overflowing with triangles and Ki. But I felt inspired.
Each seminar brings me a little closer to understanding — or at least feeling — what Grand Master Kim is teaching. And if enlightenment happens somewhere between a perfect Ki Mu flow and tripping over my own feet, I’m here for it.
Can’t wait for the next one.

Cutting by Keith at the 2008 HK Seminar in NC, USA 🇺🇸

The 2008 HK Seminar was the first time event by JSKR-HK in NC, USA 🇺🇸