Comments to the article, "Real Change, Enduring Change".

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Real Change, Enduring Change, Happens One Step at a time

There were numerous comments on the article titled "Real Change, Enduring Change." This title was coined by Lisa Kozak, the chief instructor of Haedong Kumdo - JSKR in Ohio, shortly after our 2024 seminar in April in the United States. As the organizer of the seminar, I wrote an article centered around this theme.

The content consists of earnest and candid thoughts and opinions shared by many through comments. Each comment is rich with valuable insights and personal experiences. I aimed to compile these comments to share them with a wider audience.

You may read it all again as follows;

■ Robert Frankovich in the USA 🇺🇸

Thank you, Sir!
It was wonderful to hear words that led us to further growth! There is now SO much more work that we can do.

=> JSKR-HK answers;
Robert Frankovich, We stand with them until the last 👏 💪
"The true agents of constant innovation and development, the owners of Haedong Kumdo, are the practitioners who love it worldwide. I intend to stand with them until the end." excerpted from this article.

=> Robert Frankovich says again;
unfortunate part of martial arts is that change and development are seen as "that's NOT the way they did it." If we don't keep searching deeper into the principles and concepts that are being taught, then it will die.

Even class tonight, playing on the 2 finger/3 finger concept, had amazing growth! Hearing a student exclaim, "THIS IS SO COOL!" is an awesome feeling.

■ Rose Heisel in the USA 🇺🇸

These are very wise words in the article. It took me a long time of being in martial arts to see that the focus for me was getting the material, testing, and promotion, starting it again on the next belt. That was a focus point, and instead of making this a lifetime of wellness and learning material with deeper understanding to other elements within an art. If material is not presented, it takes a while to discover things on your own because of what your focus was and the way you learned your material. A frustrated journey. I discovered especially watching much older students, or students with health issues, memory recall, lack of good physical movements there is an underlying message its all about outward performance that tells everyone your skill level and what you think about yourself; always in comparison. I feel this is why martial arts for many are not a lifetime of healthy experiences because training was really never taught to me with a deeper awareness to other elements of how energy flows in you and how to use it. I tend to see it in Kung Fu where those concepts were trained early in China for some of my friends were awesome masters of their own systems that brought movements from let's say the praying mantis, the crane even fighting styles in dragon stances were coming out of deep culture practice and thinking. focusing on nature, medicine, and the abilities to protect the village and the family. That is why some of our martial arts we get involved in do not have deep roots in how it started, no lineage. It's good to start at the roots and grow with it, let it shape you and then as a teacher share these concepts so that the student reaches a fulfillment in training which keeps them engaged in a lifetime of being happy because they are part of a system which is a lifestyle with great benefits.Teachers have to present the material to students and have to be grounded themselves and just not teach material for belt rank. To do this you almost need to become a disciple of a master for many years always being the student first and then with great understandings is willing to share it and lives it openly to show it really works.

=> JSKR-HK answers;

Rose Heisel, these are indeed profound words stemming from your experiences of martial arts training and life. Thank you, Rose, for the opportunity to share such sincere and insightful writing with many people. Have a great day 😀 😊 ☺️

■ Bill Hedrick in the USA 🇺🇸

I was looking at sword videos and realized something important. Your master may be good, but if their students aren't progressing to be as good or better than them, your school is not working properly. Glory and greatness must be shared to be profitable.

=> JSKR-HK answers;

Wow, Bill, what you said is fascinating! You're so wise. Of course, as you have said above, the master being skilled is important, but it's even more important for students to get better. When we share what we know and celebrate each other's successes, we all improve together. That's what makes our training meaningful, and your viewpoint fits perfectly with that. Thank you for sharing it with us!

■ Pedro in Argentina 🇦🇷

Very nice words teacher, here in Argentina we started with HAEDONG gumdo which is and continues to be hidden for years, we or rather our family who today is HAEDONG KUMDO Argentina we want to show this beautiful martial art and disseminate it for this there is a great work that needs to be done, to add another grain of sand to your martial family. My students, I am always grateful to you teachers and the other teachers, professors, and instructors who are always there.

=> JSKR-HK answers;

Hola, Pedro, Como esta?
Your efforts to spread Haedong Kumdo are truly impressive. It's great to see your dedication to preserving and sharing this beautiful martial art in Argentina. Keep up the good work in growing the Haedong Kumdo community and helping your students embrace its teachings.
Un fuerte abrazo!!

=> Pedro says again;
Haedong Kumdo Jskr great teacher this is the idea of bringing the knowledge of HAEDONG KUMDO, my students and I were the first to enter the open tournaments in Argentina to spread the word and let them know us, this year we entered the world martial arts tournament where 18 countries will participate in the month of October from October 25 to 27 and we will do our best so that you can see what this beautiful martial art is and carry high the flag of the HK school, as always very grateful to you for letting us be the art of your school

■ Nick Barrett in the USA 🇺🇸

There is a lot in these 3 parts. I believe every student who trains in martial arts has a reason or a goal with their training. As a kid, I wanted to be like Chuck Norris. As I trained from white belt, to orange belt, green, red, my goals began to change, and I wanted to achieve a cho-dan level. I made it to E-dan with Soo Bahk Do and hit an age where I lost my passion for martial arts. I had trained for 10 years and was around 20-21 years old. At that point in my life, I was working on a career, then starting a family, I chose to leave my martial arts training. It wasn't until recently that I began training in Soo Bahk Do again and at the same time began training in Haedong Kumdo JSKR. This return to training has given me an entirely different set of goals. In Haedong Kumdo, I do have a goal of progressing thru the ranks, as I am currently a white belt, but I'm in no hurry as I want to gain experience, and the ability to understand the why's and the how's of each technique. In So Bahk Do, my passion is more of how I can help the Do-jang and my instructor. I want to make a difference in people and help to teach the art to others. I have seen the impacts that martial arts has on some people. I haven't seen anything negative. Only positive growth. In these articles, we are being asked to eval‎uate our instructor. Do I feel like my instructor is working on my personal growth? Absolutely. A funny example is recently, I had a conversation expressing my frustration on my delay in training as a result of recovery from a surgery that I had recently on my leg. Reminding me to focus on my patience. I know my instructor has shown patience with me as I am slowly regaining my memory of My Soo Bahk Do training, but it's not just about kicking, punching, and doing the movements. My instructor knows that I am not patient and that I want to get back to my 20 year old E-dan self, but it reminds me that I need to take time and ease into things. My impatience resulted in me injuring myself by doing a kick on the first class back, trying to rush back into training. Learning to be patient and easing into things and not forcing things is what I'm working on to be better. What I think makes a great instructor is one who doesn't just teach you moves or techniques. It's someone who uses martial art to strengthen the student to make them develop into their best self. Sometimes, we all need help finding the right focus. Finding the right direction. The best leaders can see what those focuses are and what direction we need to go. The best students are the ones who are accepting of change and not afraid to take risks/chances on the guidance offered by our instructors. If I could offer only one regret. I wish I never lost my passion for martial arts. I lost 20 years of experience with my martial arts family. I have only the future to look forward to.

=> JSKR-HK answers;

Hi, Nick
Your story really resonates with me.
Martial arts has a unique way of leading us on a path of self-discovery and personal growth. Thank you for inspiring us and sharing your experiences with all of us. Let's keep moving forward together! Looking forward to seeing you again there next time!! Bye 👋

■ Lisa Kozak in the USA 🇺🇸

If we follow the ENERGY, the nudges , prompts, insights, TEACHINGS, and not a person, life teaches us how to grow. Or uncomfortably moves us to grow. AS the saying goes “ Don’t mistake the finger pointing to the moon for the moon”An older, seasoned , wiser teacher speaks in ways that a younger teacher has not grown to know yet. That teachers finger points much closer to the moon. That is the teacher I seek.

=> JSKR-HK answers;

Hi 👋 Lisa
Yes, that's well said. Following the energy, the pushing force, insight, and guidance are crucial, which will guide people to grow according to their all-out endeavors.

Experienced teachers impart wisdom that younger ones may not yet understand.

Finding such a teacher isn't easy, as each has their own level and depth of ability.

Especially through Haedong Kumdo,
one must always ask ourselves how one can achieve "True Change or Real Change" for a better life and practice than the present.

One must spend a lifetime finding the answer within oneselves. Haedong Kumdo starts from the basics of martial arts, the 'flow of energy.'
Its foundation is to implant "Energy Flow" in the body. That's Kimu Practice.

Without such an educational system, martial arts training is akin to a castle in the sand. If you missed the training of energy flow yet through Haedong Kumdo training, you may be able to start doing it right now with the Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu Haedong Kumdo

JSKR-HK not only imparts skills but also emphasizes the philosophical and healing aspects of Haedong Kumdo training. Have a splendid day 😊 😀 ✨️

■ Javier Calvo Andueza in Italy 🇮🇹

For now, thank you for an article that allows us to reflect on the why and how of practicing martial arts as a way of life. Knowledge is power, and being able to know allows us to become and be able to know ourselves. It is not the goal but the path that takes us to the highest goal to understand that there are still other goals on our path. I like being able to think, feel, and live what I once thought was a dream, and by dreaming together that something becomes reality... beyond fear, there is the courage that allows us to carry out work through our actions as a teacher. ...he is the martial arts master, who reaches the top of the mountain and comes down to tell the story, hoping that someone else can understand how hard and easy are just two aspects of the same medal.

=> JSKR-HK answers;

Hi, Javier. Nice to read your comments here. Thank you for sharing it with us. Javier, your reflection on martial arts as a way of life is truly inspiring. Remember, it's the journey, not just the destination, that shapes us. Keep embracing the path with courage and dedication. Your passion for martial arts is making dreams a reality for you and others. Keep up the great work! See you soon again a couple of weeks later at the 2024 Italian Workshop in Bergamo, Italy 🇮🇹
Thank you again. Bye 👋

■ Brett Welland in Australia 🇦🇺

Haedong Kumdo is a discipline that requires dedication, practice, and patience to master. In order to become proficient in Haedong Kumdo, practitioners must be consistent in their training and be willing to put in the time and effort needed to improve.

Consistency is key when studying Haedong Kumdo. Like any martial art, practice makes perfect. By training regularly and consistently, you can improve your skills and technique. Consistency also helps to build muscle memory, allowing you to perform movements more fluidly and with greater efficiency. Without consistency, progress in anything can be slow and frustrating.

Patience is another important trait for students studying Haedong Kumdo. Learning a martial art takes time and perseverance. Progress may be slow at times, but with patience and dedication, you can continue to improve and grow in your practice. Patience is also important when facing challenges or setbacks in training. By remaining patient and persistent, you can overcome obstacles and continue to work towards your goals.

While there are many martial art styles to choose from, the instructor is perhaps the most important aspect of martial arts training. An experienced and knowledgeable instructor can make all the difference in your development. A good instructor can provide guidance, support, and motivation, helping you to reach your full potential. A skilled instructor can teach proper technique, help students understand the philosophy behind the art, and provide a safe and nurturing environment for learning.

Studying Haedong Kumdo requires consistency, patience, and a qualified instructor. By committing to regular practice and remaining patient in the face of challenges, you can improve your skills and make progress in their training. Finding a knowledgeable and supportive instructor is also crucial for success in martial arts. By embracing these principles, you can unlock the full potential of Haedong Kumdo.

=> JSKR-HK answers;

Hi, Brett. Your insights into the practice of Haedong Kumdo are invaluable. Your emphasis on dedication, consistency, and patience resonates deeply with all martial arts practitioners.
Keep up the great work in spreading the importance of these principles in martial arts training.
Your commitment and passion are truly inspiring to others on their martial arts journey. I expect, hopefully, we will see each other again next year at the 2025 Australian HK Seminar, organized by your endeavors and time. Have a great day 😀 😊 ☺️

■ Branko Funda in Australia 🇦🇺

Thank you for the article, GM Kim. I very much agree that lasting or enduring change happens gradually over the years. Often, students can become their own worst enemy buy becoming impatient with their own progress, and then struggling with themselves, trying to train harder, longer to achieve mastery of the martial arts.

Too much focus of technical proficiency and/or winning in competition can risk becoming more influenced by one's ego. As the father of modern karate,
Funakoshi said,'The ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of character.' It would be very important for Haedong Kumdo students to remember this too and to ask themselves, "Is my practice helping me to become a kinder, more compassionate person?" "Am I growing and developing my character?"

I have known those with the title of "Master" or "Grandmaster" to be more attached to their rank and title and still be influenced by their ego. I agree that Martial Arts is a continuing journey, and no matter how long one has been training, there is always more to learn and more growth to be done.

=> JSKR-HK answers;

Hello, Branko
Nice to see it!
Your thoughtful insights into the essence of martial arts are truly enlightening.

Your focus on gradual progress, humility, and character development resonates deeply with the core values of martial arts.

It's vital for students to prioritize personal growth and compassion on their journey, as you've emphasized.

Your wisdom shines as a beacon for all practitioners, reminding us that martial arts is more than just physical prowess, which is about nurturing the spirit.

Keep sharing your valuable perspectives with the community.

Thanks, Branko.
Hope to see you next year in Australia 🇦🇺 ❤️ 😘

■ Damian Adams in Australia 🇦🇺

For those who excel in business, including executive leadership, many will have mentors outside of their workplace (eg, not their boss). I believe that martial arts should be no different. We should all have mentors outside of our individual school and teacher/student relationship. This enables the greatest growth without having bias towards an individual person, organisation, or style.

=> JSKR-HK answers;

Hello, Damian.
Your perspective on mentorship in martial arts is truly insightful. Having mentors outside of our individual school and teacher-student relationships can indeed foster tremendous growth and development.
Keep embracing this mindset, as it will undoubtedly enrich your martial arts journey and lead to even greater achievements. Keep up the fantastic work, and may your training be filled with inspiration and motivation! Thank you, Damian.
Have a great day 😀 😊 ☺️

■ Victor Baytchev in Bulgaria 🇧🇬

I have read the article of GM Haedong Kumdo Jskr and in a way I was surprised to find out how it can describe in such a concise way, but in a small amount of words, all the martial arts essentials. It is this essence, which all true followers and students of martial arts have deep inside their soul as the sparkle, which keeps them evolving and flourishing in their spiritual and physical scope.
In JSKR it is not just learning how to handle swords, but my feel and understanding of it is how to utilise the swords as a natural extension of your body and use them as tools for concentrating and directing body energy in and out. This we do in harmony. A harmony between our physical body, the philosophy we follow, the energy we want to give out, as well as the one we receive, but also harmony with all the energy that surrounds us. My belief is that the driving force of this harmony can be called love. For some it might be difficult to combine the term love with a swords martial art, but through the understanding of the JSKR teachings and philosophy, it becomes clear that controlling love and energy is the glue which bonds these two opposites and puts them in harmony.
All the training practices we follow through HK are simply a guiding method for reaching the above goal. When the goal is reached, it is only a matter of following the energy and harmony that would then guide the HK practitioner into using all this knowledge for healing others or healing oneself from the inside. A crisp and clean mind that embraces the awareness of each present moment would certainly succeed in all said goals.
Then again, I may be wrong in my above understandings, but am I not still on my way?

=> JSKR-HK answers;

Hi, Victor Baytchev
Your profound understanding of the interconnection between love, martial arts, and healing through energy flow is truly enlightening. Your insight highlights the holistic nature of martial arts practice, where the cultivation of love serves as a guiding force for both personal and martial development. By recognizing the parallels between accumulating love in daily life and understanding the kimu-body through martial arts training, you illuminate the path towards self-acquirement and harmony. Your perspective underscores the transformative power of martial arts, not only as a physical discipline but also as a journey towards spiritual and emotional balance. Then, we still may be wrong now, but we need to try to do our best to find the correct way in both everyday workouts and daily life. Have a great weekend 😀 😊 😎 See you soon again in August in Bulgaria 🇧🇬

■ Flo Welch in Canada 🇨🇦

Yes, I think it is a privilege to be under the guidance & receiving the teachings of a Great Grand Master like Chong Jae Nim ,Kim Jeong Seong ! Therefore, it is our duty & responsibility to elevate to the highest standards our practice and techniques put into action ! This is the way to honor and give our respect to that privilege we receive, especially for the higher grades of this art ! We should teach what we preach and what we have been taught at the highest level of our capacities ! This is the way ! Give it all you have, and a little more... The results will not fail to come ! Haedong !

=> JSKR-HK answers;

Hi, Robert. Your recognition of the privilege of learning from the JSKR-HK is admirable.

Your commitment to elevating your practice and techniques to the highest standards reflects a deep sense of respect and honor for the teachings you receive.

By embodying the principles you've been taught and sharing them with others to the best of your abilities, you not only honor the lineage of this art but also contribute to its legacy.

Your dedication to giving your all and striving for excellence will undoubtedly yield positive results.

Wish you all the best all the way through your journey. Have a great trip!! See you soon again in Busan. Bye.

Haedong!!

■ Kabo Kolobe in Botswana 🇧🇼

Selecting the right instructor depends directly on one's perception. The world we have created in our minds acts as guides to see the world. So, I agree with GM that for one to grow, we need a nurturing and developmental environment, hence a knowledgeable teacher.

Martial arts is infinite. We train in order to purify and transcend our spirit into enlightenment.

The first step that we need to take is to continuously decide to seek the truth.
The second step is to maintain the first one.
Haedong. KK Botswana 🇧🇼.

=> JSKR-HK answers;

Good morning, Kabo

I completely agree with your sentiments.

To grow and evolve, we indeed require the guidance of knowledgeable instructors. Moreover, achieving spiritual purification and enlightenment through martial arts is a significant journey.

It's crucial to recognize the interconnectedness of martial arts techniques, philosophy, and healing to truly achieve our goals.

If one fails to grasp this essence, they may struggle to reach their intended destination.

In this pursuit, the Haedong Kumdo Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu will undoubtedly strive to uncover that essence and lead the way. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with all of us. Haedong!!


=> Kabo says again

GM, since we are universal and connected beings, I think if we could grasp that the universe provides the.... power: then our quality of lives will dramatically improve. By realizing that if we relax our inner minds, we connect to the source, which would speed up the growth we seek.

■ Dominic in the Netherlands 🇳🇱

The right instructor is so important! But only after years of experience might you switch and find a different instructor that fits you more. Or even after years, you long back to the first instructor you've had because he fits better. It is an ongoing progress for the instructor but also for the student. We need capable instructors that go with the flow and are humble as well. No one will know all himself, but together we will know more! Keep learning and experiencing!

=> JSKR-HK answers;

Hi, Dominic,
Your comment beautifully captures the essence of the learning journey. It emphasizes the importance of finding the right instructor while acknowledging that this relationship can evolve over time. Your emphasis on humility, adaptability, and the collaborative nature of learning resonates deeply with us all. Such a mindset of sharing knowledge and growing together is truly inspiring. Hope you will get more new HK students and wish you all the best all the time!! Donki Bell,
sharing your thoughts with all of us.
See you soon in October in the Netherlands 🇳🇱
Good day!!♡♡

■ Christoforos Christodoulou in Greece 🇬🇷

It is important to recognize the deeper meaning of martial arts beyond simple techniques and movements.
Developing character and enhancing mindset through the practice of martial arts are essential elements that provide comprehensive training and development.
This holistic approach is something we should encourage and adopt in our personal martial arts practice.
Also, seeking out a good teacher is vital to gaining the necessary guidance and developing a flexible mindset that enhances our understanding of the deeper principles of martial arts.
In my experience, when the student is ready, the teacher shows up! Blessed is he who finds the CJN Kim, J.S. on his way.
Concerning anyone’s choice… Haedong!

=> JSKR-HK answers;

Hello, Chris.

Your words are truly encouraging and stimulating for those of us passionate about martial arts.

Your emphasis on the deeper meaning of martial arts and the holistic approach to training reminds us of the rich rewards that come from dedication to the practice.

Your recognition of the importance of finding a good teacher resonates deeply, as they play a crucial role in guiding us along our journey.

Thank you for inspiring us to train more diligently and to embrace the profound aspects of martial arts practice.

Hope to see you again in Italy 🇮🇹
Please say hello to your family and HK members there!
Bye 👋!