Reflections from the Minnesota Seminar written by Nick Barrett

[HAEDONG]

■ A Journey of Growth and Connection: Reflections from the Minnesota Seminar

Dear Nick Barrett,

Your reflection on your experience at the Minnesota seminar is truly inspiring. It's heartwarming to hear about the welcoming and supportive community you encountered, and your willingness to embrace new experiences and learn from others is commendable.

Your journey of growth, both personally and within the group, reflects a deep commitment to Haedong Kumdo and its principles.

As you continue on this journey, remember to cherish every moment of learning and connection. Your openness to new experiences and dedication to growth will undoubtedly continue to enrich your practice and contribute to the growth of Haedong Kumdo as a whole.

Keep moving forward with determination and an open heart, and know that your contributions are valued and appreciated.

Best regards, JS Kim

As a newer practitioner to Haedong Kumdo, I have been lucky to meet a group of people so eager to welcome, help teach, and work with me to give me experiences that not everyone gets to experience.

My trip to Minnesota started with a 12 hour drive with a fellow student who trains with me in Haedong Kumdo, as well as Soo Bahk Do.

We know each other from class but not on a level of traveling in a car for 12 hours. Through conversation, it's found that we knew a lot of the same people that we hung around throughout the years.

We arrived in time to observe the Dan testing and get a sneak peak of what we will hope to achieve one day. We were able to meet Chongjae Nim at the testing, clinic, and even a couple of breakfasts as we were staying at the same hotel.

Chongjae Nim took time to talk to us about his philosophy with your body moving in poetry. Following the energy. I am still an infant when it comes to understanding everything, but one major thing I noticed was the first time the whole group did kimu, it was very individualized, and body's were moving in different directions.

By the end of the seminar, bodies were moving more in poetry. As I noticed the connection with moving in poetry, at the same time, the group became more communicative to myself and some of the others from our group in Ohio.

To clarify, everyone was nice from the beginning, but by the end, there were more interactions and people being more welcoming as if moving in poetry extends to everyday interactions around each and every person.

I only hope to see Haedong Kumdo continue to grow, and I'm happy to be a part of it.

Sincerely,
Nick Barrett Akron, Ohio