Grand Master Lee has left an indelible mark on the world of Hap Ki Do, and his work is far from over. With the founding of the Global Hap Ki Do Association, he has his sights set on the future of Hap Ki Do around the world, with the ultimate goal of making it as well known as any other system. In 2010, Lee hosted the 8th Triennial World Hap Ki Do Championship, marking the first time that the tri-yearly event has been held outside of Korea. Lee's dedication to promoting hap ki do has led him to the Korean-language Kyung Hyang Media Group, which is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Grand Master Lee has been appointed to the position of President of the U.S. Branch of Kyung Hyang Media Group, a partnership which is mutually beneficial to both KHMG and hap ki do. The Kyung Hyang Media Group operates cable and satellite television networks, news services and other media to the Korean-language audience around the world.
Grand Master Lee's philosophy is rooted in traditional, proven techniques that have been in use for decades, but his teaching methods suggest a modern twist on that traditional focus. Lee no longer forces each of his students to train to the breaking point every day. He trains his students in technique and application, but requires his students to be responsible for their own conditioning. Because KMA is home to students from all walks of life and all age groups, it is not practical to force every student to condition themselves to the same level. Belt testing focuses on knowledge and application, rather than intense physical endurance.
1961 - Began his training at the age of six in Seoul, South Korea in Tang Soo Do Mu Duk Kwan and Hap Ki Do, under the direction of Yong Man Kim and Young Chang Kim . In 1963, Young Man Kim established Moo Moo Kwan.
1974 - Head instructor of Moo Moo Kwan Hap Ki Do under Grand Master Young Chang Kim, Seoul, South Korea
1979 - Emigrated to US from South Korea to teach Tae Kwon Do and Hap Ki Do at the International Academy of Martial Arts, Kalamazoo, Michigan
07/14/1980 - Established Korean Martial Arts as Founder and President
1988 - Delegate to Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, and awarded citation in recognition of his contributions to the development and promotion of Tae Kwon Do
11/30/2003 - Awarded rank of 8th Degree Grand Master by the International Hap Ki Do Federation
07/2004 - Opened state-of-the-art Korean Martial Arts facility at 1600 West Goguac Street, Battle Creek, Michigan, U.S.A.
05/17/2006 - Named Executive Director of the USA Kum Do Federation by the World Sport Kum Do Federation
10/06/2006 - Established KMA Advisory Board, Michigan, U.S.A.
07/19/2007 - Plaque of Appreciation presented by the Korea Tourism Organization for his work to enhance Korean/American relations
11/08/2007 - Named Executive Director of the 8th Triennial World Hap Ki Do Championships in Battle Creek, MI, USA 2010 by the International Hap Ki Do Federation
11/09/2007 - Distinguished Service Award presented by the General Association of Korean Moo Moo Kwan
03/03/2008 - Awarded rank of 7th Degree Grand Master by the Ee Sheep Sah Bahn Moo Yea K'young Dahng Association
07/19/2008 - Named Vice Chairman of International Hap Ki Do Federation
07/19/2008 - Named Chairman of USA Moo Moo Kwan Association
07/19/2008 - Awarded rank of 9th Degree Grand Master by the Korean Moo Moo Kwan Hap Ki Do Association
09/25/2009 - Awarded key to the city of Battle Creek by Mayor Mark Behnke
11/06/2009 - Inducted into the Martial Arts World Hall of Fame – Grand Master of the Year
12/05/2009 - Appointed Chairman of the United States International Hap Ki Do Federation
01/16/2010 – Received International Referee class "A" certification
03/20/2010 – Awarded certificate of Outstanding Leadership by the World United Martial Arts Alliance
08/05/2010 - Awarded rank of 9th Degree Grand Master by the I.H.F.
12/02/2010 - Appointed U.S.A. Chairman of the Korean Traditional Equestrian Martial Arts & Gyeokgu Association in South Korea
9/30/2011 - Appointed to the position of President of the Kyung Hyang Media Group, U.S.A.
12/03/2011 - Named Executive Director to the 9th Triennial World Hap Ki Do Championship in Seoul, South Korea for 2013 by the International Hap Ki Do Federation - Letter of appointment
6/21/2012 - Appointed Senior Grand Master by the International Hap Ki Do Federation - Letter of appointment
8/3/2012 - Executive Director of World Martial Arts Championships at the Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek, Michigan, U.S.A.
7/20/2013 - Tournament Director for the 9th Triennial World HapKiDo Championships in Seoul, South Korea
4/7/2014 - The partnership between Myongji University and Global Hapkido Association with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in South Korea
7/26/2014 - Hosted the 1st Global HapKiDo Championship at Wings Stadium in Kalamazoo, Michigan, U.S.A.
8/29/2014 - Received the title of Doctor Honoris Causa in Martial Arts from Erich Fromn World University in Sao Paulo, Brazil
8/13/2016 - World Hapkido Championship Thailand Prime Minister Cup at colorful city of Pattaya, Thailand
12/17/2016 - The GHA 2016 Korean Open National Hapkido Championship at Songling Gymnasium in Incheon, South Korea
1/20/2017 - The partnership between Global Hapkido Association and University of Science in Security with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Mexico
3/23/2017 - The partnership between Global Hapkido Association and University of Tachira with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Venezuela
7/22/2017 - The GHA 2017 World Hapkido Championship Mexico in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
7/24/2017 - GHA held the International Seminar of Hapkido for Police Defense at the University of Science in Security in Monterrey, Mexico
12/9/2017 - The GHA 2017 Korean Open National Hapkido Championship at Seo-Hee Youth Training Center Indoor Gymnasium in Gueonggi-Do city of Icheon
4/26-28/2018 - GHA first time in Cuba. Did Hapkido seminar and open the doors for Cuban Hapkido schools to join GHA
7/23-30/2018 - GHA International Seminar and Championship at Seoul, South Korea
8/11/2018 - Awarded rank of 10th Dan by World All Martial Arts Federation in Seoul, South Korea
10/12/2018 - Sanction by GHA The Open European All-Style Tournament of the Sport of Hapkido in St. Petersburg, Russia
3/4-11/2019 - Hapkido & International Leadership Seminar in Seoul, South Korea
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