Welcome to the 2025 Kwan Nyom Hapkido world tour, the mission, lap the globe bringing gifts of locks to all the ‘nice’ people of the planet. Almost like being the Santa of S Locks. As always there is the last-minute running around getting all the items ready to be packed into my bags, it seems that all the local suppliers want to leave things to the last minute even though I order with more than enough time. Luckily, I get everything on time and the bags are locked and loaded for the tour.
This trip is a relatively short one, just 2 months, 18 flights and 7 countries. I had to be a little creative with planning with some of the timing and schedule, so I will be trying a couple of new airlines and Air BnB’s instead of hotels, so expect that feedback. The local Australian Black Belts had sent a challenge for the tour and that is to turn my new gift, into a weapon. For every picture showing them being used each Black Belt that is participating will do 10 kicks each leg. I am allowed one picture for each Dojang I visit. I decided to space up the challenge a bit and will pick a different kick for each picture captured.
Custom Gift (Slides/Slipper/Jandal/Thongs/?)
Technically the seminar I taught just before the world tour is included so the first picture is of a sleeper choke. Challenge Complete #1 (Front Kick)
Bags packed and weighed, I have a small hook scale to check my bag weights, good for frequent travels to make sure you meet the baggage requirements. Car dropped off and onwards to the airport for my first 2 flights of the tour, today I leave Sydney at 10am, fly into Dallas, then connect onwards for my first visit to Cancun, Mexico. As I am a platinum frequent flyer I get to spend a short time at the Qantas first class lounge before the flight, it is a nice place to start the tour from. I site the plane I am catching (Boeing 787) parked at the gate alongside a Thai Airways 787 (ITS Team Australia will catch that later this year) and in the background a Finnair A330 (Another plane I will catch on the tour).
Sydney Airport views.
The flight into Dallas is a comfortable hop, the Qantas team do a great inflight job and the 16hour flight goes smoothly. When I arrive, I use an app (MPC) to expedite entry into the US, basically going to a line with just one person ahead of me. I do notice that he is questioned in depth about his plans, Australian travelers have been warned to expect tighter border crossings into the US. When I approach the agent asks where I am going and when I reply to Cancun she simply hands back my passport. Maybe it was a code word to clear immigration quickly, nevertheless I am still entering the US after getting my bags and walking through Customs. That all goes well and my bags are rechecked for my American Airlines flight into Cancun. I enjoy lunch in the AA lounge before grabbing the flight. Normally when I arrive in Mexico there is a form to complete, and a random search machine that you hit a button to determine if your bags get scanned. Going to Cancun, there is neither, they have made it way too easy for Team USA to visit. However, you can’t be met at the exit, you need to clear the Taxi alley before getting to the car park where I meet up with BSBN Jonathan, the local Representative.
Flight #1 Qantas Boeing 787 Sydney – Dallas 16 hours
Flight #2 American Airlines Airbus A321 Dallas – Cancun 2 hours 30 minutes
We head into the city to drop off my bags at the hotel before starting the visit with a nice meal at a nearby Brazilian Barbeque restaurant. Cancun is broken into 2 zones, the hotel/resort/tourist zone which gives a very Miami type feel, and the older town which is far more a genuine authentic Mexican feel. The next day we meet up for a walk around the older part of downtown and BSBN turns up bearing gifts, Ma’am Arantxa (BSBN’s wife and a fellow Black Belt) had made some crepes, so off to Starbucks for a coffee and Crepe snack, now that is way to start a good visit to Cancun.
Gracias Ma’am Arantxa – Lemon/Sugar crepes my #1 favourite desert
Where was I again?
What Cancun is known for.
After looking around it was time to visit the new Dojang and a couple of seminar classes for the small but dedicated local students. BSBN Jonathan had just moved into the new location and was in the process of setting it up. I liked the space, it had a good feel, nice and clean and the design ideas will look great once it is set up. First up the kids with some basic bully defence, and then onto the adults for their first exposure to the concepts of Kwan Nyom Hapkido, as well as a taste of Flexible weaponry. It was a good evening, and a great beginning for the Hapkido part of the world tour.
IHA Cancun’s new Dojang
BSBN Jonathan enjoys the Shoe (S) Lock. Challenge Complete #2 (Turning Kick)
BSBN’s car, martial art style, a Nissan Kicks
The next day was a relaxed one where I got to enjoy lunch with the local hosts at a Yucatan restaurant. It was a short visit, but a good one and I was off the airport for my 2 flights, Cancun into Mexico City with a connection to Guadalajara. I use a couple of different apps to track my travels and they all ping to tell me that my flight out of Cancun will be delayed and my connection through Mexico City was now at risk. The original connection time was 55mins, and now it was showing 32mins. The Aeromexico staff were very helpful offering a later flight (which meant missing a meeting), rebooking the next day and including a hotel/transfers/meal, or letting me get on the flight, marking my bags as a tight connection and seeing what happened. I took that chance and handed over the bags, I did notice that they were using cable ties on all the locks of the checked in luggage.
The flight into Mexico City went smoothly and was pretty much on the delayed timing, luckily the flight was also carrying an extra Pilot who offered to show me where the connecting gate was. Walking quickly, I literally strolled straight onto the bus to the next flight, keeping an eye on my baggage tracker. When the bus arrived at the flight, I could see one bag getting ready to load, but the tracker showed the other one at the terminal. Next stop Guadalajara, and an expectation that one bag may have stayed to visit the Mexican capital. My luck held and Aeromexico did an excellent job in getting myself and both bags into Guadalajara. I met up with KJN Hugo for the drive to the hotel.
Flight #3 Aeromexico Boeing 737 Cancun – Mexico City 1 Hour 15 minutes
Flight #4 Aeromexico Boeing 737 Mexico City – Guadalajara 1 Hour 20 minutes
Karate Nuts, martial arts snacks…
A quick check in, bags dropped and time to head to the Dojang for a chat about the ITS with the team. So far it looks like there will be 15+ of the locals making the journey to be part of this historic event. I get a chance to answer their questions and give them more information about the event plans. While I am here in Mexico, I will be teaching the now normal split Hell Week with a morning session starting at 9am, and then a evening session starting at 7:30pm. There will also be a Sun Bae to focus on the senior team, and it looked like the Hell Week was going to be senior heavy, so the focus was more on those techniques.
Mexico Team #1
Cyber Truck – The fit and finish looks very bad to be honest, lots of panel gaps.
Each day I would get picked up by one of the seniors for the ride over to the Dojang, normally stopping at a nearby Starbucks on the way for a coffee. After the morning session it would be lunch with the local senior, and a break before the night sessions, followed by a late dinner. The schedule worked well for the local students. I got the chance to enjoy a range of local cuisine including some favourites. It is hard to sum up how different Tacos are here vs everywhere else, fresh tortilla quickly loaded with a variety of meats off the cooktop, then a stop to add the extras, guacamole, onions, sauces, etc. Each taco costing a dollar or less, and small enough that you have to 6 or more different mixes.
Mexico Team #2
I think some of us tick a couple of these boxes for parking
A hit of Australia wherever you go
Enjoying some excellent Seafood
I grabbed a haircut one day and the barber spoke no English, apparently my limited Spanish was enough for us to chat and get through the session. The weather stayed very nice sitting in the high 20’s Celsius (Mid 80’s F). The humidity wasn’t bad so it was good for the classes and just walking around. Over the week a couple of the local seniors got a chance to complete their instructor signatures, with promotions scheduled for the end of the Sun Bae.
Mexico Team #3
BSBN Saul receives the “Mexican Mother Missile”. Challenge Complete #3 (Side Kick)
Taco Time!
Beef Anyone?
Mexico Team #4
The Sun Bae Day wrapped up the visit and it was a very successful visit. I got the chance to recognise KJN Carlos with his Chief Instructor promotion, as well as KSN’s Angel & Citlalli to Senior Instructor. CGN Emilio was also presented with his IHA Certificate, Dobok and Belt. After the Sun Bae, I had the chance to finish the visit with a family meal, KJN Hugo on the BBQ and the girls cooking up the rest of the meal. A nice relaxing evening with my Mexican family before the travels back into the US.
Congratulations on your achievements
KJN Hugo on the Barbie!
Enjoying home cooking with the Mexican Familia
Back into the Friendly Skies, Aeromexico style
Flight #5 Aeromexico Boeing 737 Guadalajara – Mexico City 1 Hour 20 minutes
Flight #6 Delta Airbus A319 Mexico City – Minneapolis 4 Hours 20 minutes
The connection through Mexico City went smoothly and the flights the same, I don’t normally fly Delta, but it was the best price and connection. The in-flight service was quite good. This was the first time that I would be entering the USA through International Immigration in Minneapolis. The first thing that stands out is the almost ad hoc way it is put together, the entrance was through some dark walkways with pipers running down the roof. I used the MPC app to take the shorter line and was then asked about 20 questions on why I was entering the USA, even down to who I was seeing, when did I first meet them, what were we going to do together, etc. It was very clear that the border crossings were now a lot tougher than any previous ones I have taken. I was almost tempted to say I was only connecting to Cancun, not sure that would have worked in Minnesota.
I safely made it through, and Master Corey was on hand to welcome me officially into the USA with a coffee in hand. We headed off to a decent steakhouse for dinner before the drive back to his house. One of the food features of this trip was Master Corey’s new smoker and the meat avalanche that was coming.
Master Corey and the new smoker
Kids Class
Aussie themed stuff was everywhere
The weather was excellent for some deck time
Starbucks was the coffee fallback
The Hell Week kicked off with everyone working together and enjoying the learning. Over the week we had students on the mats from both the local Dojangs as well as North Carolina, Master Dave also helped by driving in from nearby St Cloud. I was also surprised by the most excellent gift from two of the local students. Kevin and Leanne run a custom jewelry business, and they created an awesome Kwan Nyom Hapkido ring. It is titanium with Kwan Nyom Hapkido etched in Hangul then sealed with IHA Blue enamel. Not knowing my exact size, they made 3 different ones, one fit perfectly, one went missing when Master Corey saw it and Master Dave (didn’t fit the 3rd one) went looking to get one made. I will be wearing the ring during the world tour if you want to see it, and I asked team Johan to make it available to IHA members, so if you would like to order a Kwan Nyom ring, reach out to them through their website! https://jewelrybyjohan.com/
The Rings of Power “Hapkido Style”
Hell Week Group #1
Home Smoked Ribs anyone?
Now being on the road for months at a time can mean issues with equipment and this time was not unlike any other. My trusty laptop had started to have issues in Mexico, and now it was clear that the time had come for it to move on to PC Heaven. Luckily, I was in the US where it is quite easy to sort a replacement, onto eBay to find a great deal on an almost exactly same spec as mine but many years younger with upgraded chips. It was at a great discount being a refurbished Dell laptop, including a year of warranty. Order placed, it turned up during the week, and as I had already backed up the old one, just had to go through the reinstallation and set up to be back on track.
Hell Week Group #2
Some interesting beverages, including ‘Kickapoo joy juice’
Hell Week Group #3
It is hard to complain about the sheer quantity of fine meats that Master Corey was making, smoked ribs, smoked pork belly, steaks, winter sausage and more. Both of us were having a minor meat coma by the end of the week. Added to the meat fest were asparagus grown on his farm, a lone morel, some foraged ramps (garlic/onion type local vegetable) and even grilled pineapple.
Hell Week Group #4
An excellent sunset on the farm
Congratulations on your new white jackets
CGN Bradford gets a Figure 4 Lock from Shoulder Grab. Challenge Complete #4 (Sliding Front Kick)
It was, as always an excellent week both on and off the mats, lots of Hapkido, lots of laughs and of course lots of food. The weather did yoyo some but overall, it was very pleasant 90% of the time. After the training wrapped it was time to drive into Minneapolis for a last meat hit at a Brazilian restaurant, before checking into my airport hotel ready for my flight across to Charlotte, North Carolina.
Flight #7 American Airlines Boeing 737 Minneapolis – Charlotte 1 Hour 20 minutes
BSBN Stephanie was at the airport for my arrival, and we headed out to grab a coffee on the way back to her house. The VIP room was set up for my arrival with a new air top mattress that not only changes softness settings, but it also tracks how long you take to get to sleep, breathing rate and more. Talk about a nightly challenge trying to beat the previous one.
It seems one of BSBN Stephanie’s cats likes my new laptop
Over the week there were a few different sessions, 3 for the kids (Bully busting, Koala Grappling and Little Ninja, big Powa), a Sun Bae, the regular Hell Week, a session for the Hapkido Youth group and a class for the Tang Soo Do students. Lots of mat time to make sure everyone got a little dose of Hapki Magic. Of course, the annual competition was happening, this year it was changed from the Australian art show to an Origami one.
Kids – Bully Busters
Hell Week Group #1
KSN Ben had set up a Funtivity, his word not mine as a surprise. It turned out it was a chance to take a friend of his fairly new Corvette for a spin, excellent indeed. We both had a chance to take it for a drive around some curves near the lake and were impressed by both the linear power delivery and handling.
Corvette Cruising
Kids – Koala Grappling
Hell Week Group #2
Congratulations Sir Steve
Ma’am and Sir Ben have a very large group of Tang Soo Do students and have created a Hapkido Youth program as an on ramp to help switch the kids across from TSD to Hapkido. My mission tonight was to teach the Arm Bar Palooza with at least 10 Arm Bar variations, I raised that to 15, the kids bid 16 so I covered 19. The last one might have launched my partner into the ground at terminal velocity, but he took the fall in good grace, even volunteering later in the evening for more crash dummy work.
Kids – Little Ninja, Big Powa
Kids Hapkido Youth Group
Tang Soo Do team gets Hapkido’d
Team Sun Bae
Hell Week Group #3
CGN Cameron takes a foot bar under. Challenge Complete #5 (Stepping Side Kick)
KSN Ben rolls out the Lemon/Sugar Crepes
Before we finished up the week, the local group got some ITS chat time, and we covered all the major points for this team that will be joining us in Thailand, several are testing for Black Belt and higher. The next day it was time to hit the road, literally, for the 5+ hour drive into Virginia. A good visit with the NC team, and I am looking forward to seeing them in force at the ITS. BSBN Stephanie took the driving duties, and we cruised down towards BSBN Brians Dojang arriving just on 10pm, time for a sleep before the training begins.
I am staying at a simple but comfortable motel called the Crown Inn, but with BSBN Brian’s enhancements: new mattress topper, new bedding, slippers, snacks, toiletries, and a stocked fridge, it most definitely pushed the motel up a level start wise. So the new nickname is the Crown Mahal (A nice Indian couple run the hotel).
Normally these signs list what’s on offer, around here, nadda
The Causby Cruiser, also known as Esteban.
The schedule for this visit was a full one, including a walk in the morning, got to get those steps in, then a senior class for a couple of hours, lunch, more senior time, then the afternoon and evening sessions running from 3:30 through to almost 8pm. The daytime sessions covered Black Belt concepts and topics, then the evenings included coloured belt syllabus as well as a couple of fun ones. Angry white belt got featured, along with some weaponry and a class for Nunchaku.
BSBN Brian talks to some of the group
Congratulations on your white jackets
Seminar Team #1
Enjoying the local scenery on a walk
Barbeque time – Fried Chicken
Barbeque time – Brisket, pulled pork and pulled Chicken
During the week there was a drive to try some of the different restaurants, and in some cases the time after the seminar did restrict choice. However, we did get to an authentic Barbeque place, as well as a new restaurant opened by one of the student’s parents that was on its way towards fine dining. That was the highlight of the meals, but the simpler ones were all tasty as well with the local team keeping me hydrated with an overdose of caffeine on offer.
Nunchaku seminar team
BSBN Ash receives a Foot lock. Challenge Complete #6 (Turning Back Kick)
Another new white jacket in the house
A quick side note, one of the culinary delights? That I had yet to truly enjoy whilst in America was the infamous PB&J sandwich, Peanut Butter & Jelly (Jam to an Aussie). Sir Ben did make one while I was in NC and I found it on the very sweet side, but he made it with both upgraded bread and stacked ingredients. After mentioning this in Virginia the local students decided to bring in their more ‘normal’ efforts. After a few had been brought in during the week, I concluded that my taste buds aren’t in tune for this legendary dish and must announce that it was a draw amongst all the submissions. Long live the PB&J in American at least.
Seminar team #2
Enjoying some good food – Tuna Tartare
The week went fast, lots of mat time, everyone working hard with lots of smiles all round. As with the other stops, there was an ITS meeting on the last evening so that many of the team could get the latest information and get their questions answered. So far there are very good teams from each of the North American dojangs, I am sure Team Europe will do as well. BSBN Brian did a good job on the hosting and made sure I was both looked after and kept busy.
Fried Oyster Sandwich anyone?
Today was one of those, what was I thinking travel days, 4 flights with over 28hours travelling. I am sure at some point it made sense, but with my first flight out after 3pm, there was time available to schedule in an instructor’s course first thing in the morning, followed by a quick walk around the Norfolk Botanical Garden which actually sits next to the airport.
Norfolk Botanical Gardens #1
Norfolk Botanical Gardens #2
Norfolk Botanical Gardens #3
Check in was smooth, and the first 2 flights were short ones, baggage was checked into New York – JFK, where I would have to collect it and recheck in for the international flights. People always ask about some of the flights I take and they are made due to a couple of factors, some airlines don’t fly direct or are too expensive, some I get a huge baggage allowance which in the US can mean hundreds of dollars saved, and some were free/included at no extra cost due to the Round the World ticket I bought. So, the crazy New York to Spain via Finland happened.
Flight #8 American Airlines Canadair CRJ700 Norfolk, VA – Washington, DC 1 Hour
Flight #9 American Airlines Embraer E175 Washington, DC – New York, NY 1 Hour
Flight #10 Finnair Airbus A330-300 New York, USA – Helsinki, Finland 8 Hours 5 minutes
Flight #11 Iberia (for Finnair) Airbus A321 Helsinki, Finland – Madrid, Spain 4 Hours 25 minutes
The first 2 flights went smoothly, if delayed slightly. I had enough time left for transfers with over an hour between regional flights and 3+ hours for the international ones. At JFK airport I collected my bags and rechecked them in for the trans-Atlantic. The security at JFK was a bit disorganised but with plenty of time I was through and enjoying the American Airlines Soho lounge for dinner. Finnair as always did a good job for the flight over and with enough time to connect I grabbed a shower in the Finnair lounge (one of the perks of flying too much and earning status). Then onto my last flight of the day into Madrid, I honestly was feeling the miles, the weariness was seeping into my bones. Still, I had booked a Michelin one star restaurant for the night so I had to keep moving.
Michelin food is art
Consistency is key
More food art
And still more food art
Madrid #1
Madrid #2
I slept well after the fine meal, and let my body catch up with the time zone. Another good meal for lunch and an afternoon updating the trip report. I walked briefly around downtown at lunch so a couple of pictures, but no real sightseeing. Another night’s sleep and it was back on the tour with my single flight today into Seville to meet up with KJN Jose and Team IHA Espana.
Flight #12 Air Nostrum (for Iberia) ERJ1000 Madrid, Spain – Seville, Spain 1 Hour
The flight goes smoothly and KJN Jose is at the airport with a café con leche (coffee with milk). We head into town so I can check into my Airbnb, it is tucked away not too far from the ITS hotel and central to all the tourist areas. A nice old-style home, comfortable and my base for the next week. The afternoon is free, so I head out for a walk and coffee, also enjoying the view from the nearby bridge over the river. The heat drives me back to the house and I spend the afternoon working on Black Belt video signatures, 78 of those later its time for a break before dinner with the local black belts at 9:30pm.