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
I sure the numbering sequence makes sense to some – Madrid Airport
Part of the joy of travelling, enjoying all types of planes
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.
Seville Air BnB
A reminder that this is Siesta land
Seville is orange land, these aren’t the eating type
Seville Black Belt dinner
One thing I notice is the change in weather and apparently the weather went from a nice 28 to high 30’s on the day I arrived and will stay there during the time I am on the ground. Literally only cooling as I head to the airport to leave, talk about bringing the heat! Over the week I have a bunch of different classes including the younger kids, the older kids, adults, parents and Black Belts. The seminars would be held over 3 different locations, 1 part time location and the 2 main Dojangs.
Aznalcollar kids’ group
Parents Q & A Seminar
Outside KJN Jose’s Dojang
Morning Seminar Class
The local kids and their notebooks (with a prepared list of their questions)
Kids Seminar Group
Adults Seminar Group
Most days I had the chance to enjoy lunch and dinner with KJN Jose and BSBN Eloy, trying out different restaurants around the area, some local, some in the centre. KJN had left me lunch free so I could try one of the local Michelin rated restaurants. Seville only has two Michelin starred restaurants, both at one star. I enjoyed one with the IHA family at the ITS here and this trip managed to get a booking at the other, Canabota which has a focus on Seafood. It was an excellent meal; all the seafood was incredibly fresh and prepared to enhance those flavours.
Canabota #1
Canabota #2
Black Belt Group
Adults Seminar Group
A local breakfast staple, Pate, not ice cream!
A view of the river from downtown Seville
The heat was adding an extra element to the seminars, any time parents were waiting they would have camp chairs outside where it was still a little cooler than inside. KJN Jose’s Dojang is a big industrial space and heated up quite well. The next seminars would be at BSBN Eloy’s and some AC, of course Karma kicked in and after the first couple of seminars the power went out and we lost the AC along with the lights, finishing up the seminar in the semi dark, ninja style.
Little Kids Group
Bigger Kids Group
Adults Ninja Group
One of the local youths enjoys a nose pressure point. Challenge Complete #7 (Jump Turning Kick)
The final seminar day started with a Black Belt group then onto the Adults. There was a break in the afternoon before returning to KJN Jose’s for the official presentation of the certificates and belts from the 2024 testing group. Afterwards the local students had put together some food for us to all enjoy. Making sure to bring in some local delicacies, which this time included some snails, apparently a local favourite. The snails themselves don’t have a lot of flavour but the sauce they are in was very tasty.
Black Belt Group
Adults Group
Congratulations, certified Black Belts
CGN Adrian gets an arresting technique. Challenge Complete #8 (Low Spinning Hook Kick)
Dinner Spread
Snails R Us
A unique airport walkway in Seville
In the morning, I met up with KJN and BSBN for a nice lunch at an old rebuilt train station that sits on the edge of a lake. Then back in the friendly skies, this time on a new airline. It was going to be my first time flying with Air France, and to be honest I was very impressed with the inflight service. There was a delay with my connection in Paris, and I arrived in Helsinki at midnight.
Flight #13 Air France Embraer E190 Seville, Spain – Paris, France 2 Hours 30 Min
Flight #14 Air France Airbus A220-300 Paris, France – Helsinki, Finland 3 Hours
Master Tapio was on hand to make sure I got to my hotel for the one-night stay near the airport. The next morning Master Tapio dropped in again for the transfer to my Air BnB in town as well as a chance for a good lunch. I get a free day so take the chance to get the trip report updated along with the Video signatures.
Helsinki Air BnB
GMG Mustang….
Authentic Japanese dinner
Helsinki at 10pm
It was early summer here in Finland, so the weather was overall quite nice, a couple of rainy days that cleared up and temperatures stayed around 15 degrees Celsius (60F). The Hell week ran from 10am to 4pm with some different topics each day and the nights were free to grab a meal with the locals or just enjoy the city. There was good energy on the mats and the numbers grew as the weekend got closer. There were members from a few of the local Dojangs, including the team from Lapland, some who drove over 11 hours to join the fun.
CGN Ollie gets a V Lock. Challenge Complete #9 (Step off Turning Kick)
Wednesday Warriors
“The Room” Michelin 1star #1
“The Room” Michelin 1star #2
“The Room” Michelin 1star #3
I had been recommended trying Helsinki’s hottest new Michelin star restaurant, The Room, and managed to secure a reservation, at 5pm for dinner. There were only 8 enjoying the experience the food was part of an overall story from the Chef’s life moving from the middle east to Finland. A good meal made more interesting with the Chef’s presentations and interesting stories. After dinner it was time to meet up with the latest seminar drop in, KSN Tony from Minnesota had made the long haul from Minneapolis to join the fun.
Team Thursday
I had a chuckle at this one
Ground and Pound was on the menu
Friday Fun seminar group
HMAC – Master Tapio’s Dojang 1
HMAC – Master Tapio’s Dojang 2
A tradition on Friday night is to grab a nice meal with the local federation board members and we again enjoyed a fine meal at Bistro le Coin. The Bistro is run by chef Eero, who is SBN Jaakko’s brother so there is a Hapkido connection, and it has become our go to for the dinner. Chef Eero didn’t disappoint, and we enjoyed a range of tasty dishes with a French flair.
Bistro le Coin – Scallops
The Saturday crew get in the ring – HMAC
Enjoying lunch Finnish style, lots of social distancing in operation here.
The final seminar day was at the sport centre in Myllypuro which was the very first place I taught on my initial visit some 24 years ago, it was the local Dojang’s 25th anniversary. SBN Hans had a speech prepared about the journey, Master Tapio presented Hans with an exquisite cane, and as part of the celebrations I got to unveil an Apple tree. For those who have yet to enjoy one of our Black Belt spirit tests, it is a big part of a story I give at the end before announcing those who have succeeded.
Over the week I also had the chance to talk/convince a few more Finns to join us at the ITS, and it looks like we are on track to have all the Kwan Nyom Masters in Thailand for this amazing event. Of course there is still plenty of time to join us for what will most definitely with a large part of IHA history.
Helsinki Hapkido celebrates 25 years.
Sunday Seminar Group
BSBN Risto gets a Figure 4 throw. Challenge Complete #10 (Step up Turning Back Kick)
Who turned the lights on – 4:30am in Finland
It was an excellent visit with the Finns and plans are already under way for the 2026 World Tour, which will also be the 25th Anniversary of Team Finland joining the IHA. Time to check out of the Air BnB, grab a haircut and then an Uber to the airport. A few hours in the lounge gives me the chance to update the trip report before flying into Norway.
Flight #15 Finnair Airbus A319 Helsinki, Finland – Oslo, Norway 1 Hour 20 Mins
A quick flight across to meet SBN Erik at the Airport for the cruise back to my Air BnB which is just a small walk away from the Dojang, nice and handy. SBN gives me the schedule for the next 2 weeks with lots of seminars, at 4 different locations, wrapping up with the TKD Camp in Sweden. Through in some meeting, chats with the Black Belts and planning for the next ETS + World Tour and it should be a fun packed visit. Weather wise it is cool and a little overcast with some slight rain. The Air BnB is quite large and comfortable, so I settled in for the night and get ready for the next couple of weeks of Mat time which will wrap up the main part of World Tour 2025.
Oslo Air BnB #1
Oslo Air BnB #2
Oslo Air BnB #3
As mentioned there will be a range of different training opportunities, which include being on the mats during the normally scheduled Hapkido classes to help students with their belt level requirements. Nicolai is part of the ITS Spirit test team, and he volunteers to be the crash dummy for the latest in the Hapki Slipper challenge.
Nicolai takes on a Ki Strike. Challenge Complete #11 (Double Crescent Kick)
$24 gets a ham and cheese roll plus coffee
On Wednesday it is time to hit the road for a relatively quick drive over the border into Sweden, just under 2 hours. SBN Erik takes me on a tour of the hotel where there weekend TKD camp will be held, it sits just on the Norway/Sweden border and has a large function room that is perfect for the event. Being out of town also means that it is far more cost effective than more centrally located places. I like the look of the place and consider it as a possible venue for the future ETS in Norway. There was more to the trip than just visiting the hotel, we catch up with Master Sigvald who is hosting the TKD weekend as well as stopping for a seminar class at one of the TKD clubs in this area.
TKD Seminar Group – Magnor, Norway
Max enjoys a leg bar. Challenge Complete #12 (Jumping Spinning Hook Kick)
The class went smoothly, I worked on circular releases and how they built into the syllabus, as well as covering belt and flex weapon concepts, the local students all enjoyed getting a taste of Kwan Nyom. SBN Erik takes the more scenic route back, and like Finland the sun doesn’t set until very late and only for a small time. This gives us the chance on the drive to enjoy much of the Nordic scenery, lots of forests and lakes.
One of the many serene Norwegian lakes
4:30am view from my Air BnB
The extra mirror is a requirement if you are teaching someone to drive
For a break we headed out to SBN Eriks Summer Cottage for a nice home prepared lunch, a chance to spend some time with the local senior team and chat about plans. It was a warm day for Norway and most of us got to enjoy the sun, read, slightly toasted. The guys made sure we stopped at a local ice cream institution on the drive back, and as I was prewarned about the sizes, I went for a small cup which probably could have fed 2-3 people.
The view from SBN Erik’s Summer Cottage
A tasty lunch at the Summer Cottage
They love their Fanta in Norway
A must stop Ice cream shop
That is a small one, the large one was the size of a small kid’s head.
It was time to hit the mats for the official weekend seminars, and it was IHA family only for 2 days, lots of topics on the list including: Dan Bong, Penkido, Caveman, Sparring entries, Multiple Grabs, Lock Flows, finishing techniques, Hook Punch Takedowns, and my current experimental 3 Direction Locking. Last year we had a couple of drop ins, with 2 of the American team stopping in, as a surprise this year SBN Pertsa (Finland) was on deck for most of the weekend.
Oslo Seminar Group Day 1
Oslo Seminar Group Day 2
Team Black Jacket
Most of the days have had some free time and with the weather staying quite nice (around 18-20c) I headed downtown to wander around. A good time enjoy the energy from the Norwegians celebrating the weather. The new week started, and my first class was to work with a BJJ group on punch defence into takedowns.
Enjoying the Sun, sunbathing in the park
The Royal Palace + tourists
BJJ Punch Defence Group
During the week I had another class with the local students, and of course a ITS update meeting, then another seminar with one of the local Taekwondo Dojangs. A good group who got to play with some Circular releases, Hand attacks and Flexible weaponry techniques.
Shrimp on bread a very Norwegian dish
Pork Knuckle, you just knew it had to be done
Team TKD Borgen
Amer takes one in the neck! Challenge Complete #13 (Flying Side Kick)
Norway is a wrap, next up the short drive back across the border to Sweden and checking into the Hotel Charlottenburg for the weekend Taekwondo seminar. Over the weekend there will be several TKD based seminars, as well as my classes, another guest teaching Krav Maga and Black Belt testing. This weekend is also Midsummer, which is a major holiday for this area. The carpark is almost full of Norwegian cars as they cross the border to stock up on far cheaper alcohol, cigarettes and general goods.
A typical Nordic hotel room
Aussie stuff turns up everywhere
We were over a day earlier so SBN Erik could do some shopping, and to help GM Sigvald (TKD GM), set up the mats and space for the training. Dinner was at a nearby restaurant which had a decent steak on the menu. On Friday it was time to start the classes, and I had some of the senior group, 4th Degree plus for a session on Hook Punch and Clinch defence. Then it was onto Krav Maga, the official opening and more classes that worked on TKD forms.
The floor is ready for the weekend’s fun
TKD senior seminar group
For dinner, there was a first, a new food experience with what the Norwegians call a Taco Buffet. Think Taco Mince, then all the separate parts of a non-Mexican Taco (Lettuce, tomato, sour cream, corn, etc.) in large trays along with some large tortillas as well as corn chips. Overall, it was tasty enough, as far as authentic, Norwegian indeed. The next morning, I was to kick off the day with a seminar for the entire group.
On the mats
Some of the camp enjoying the outside training
Over the day there were several seminar classes, I had mine (focusing on a new topic I called Goldilocks and the three Bears), the other topics included Krav Maga, TKD Forms, applications of forms, some weaponry and preparation for the Black Belt testing. In the afternoon there was a grading for ranks from Junior 1st degree through to senior 7th Degree, each candidate had components to demonstrate which included Forms, Self Defence, and Breaking. The results would be posted later in the evening on the noticeboard and presentations would take place the next afternoon.
Belt testing anyone.
Grading Time
The hotel and the surrounds
The day wrapped up with a dinner in the hotel and a chance to talk with the other seniors about the grading, adding some thoughts to the mix. After dinner it was time to call it a day, and upon settling into my room, the fire alarms started, and everyone was told to leave the building. We all gathered outside waiting for the firetruck to arrive and give the al clear, it turned out that DJ had a smoke machine and got extra excited during the song YMCA and cranked it up setting off the alarms. Everyone was pleased to be let back in and head off for some needed sleep.
So why are we all outside at 11pm with a fire truck?
The next morning, I had a group class and started with some handshake defence for fun along with an extension into more hand attacks. Of course, I took the time to catch what will probably be the last challenge picture with 2 of the local TKD seniors. After the mornings classes were wrapped it was time for the belt presentations, and of course the group shot to complete the weekend.
Double Trouble! Challenge Complete #14 (Jump 360 Spinning Hook Kick)
The Taekwondo camp group
The camp wraps up and SBN Erik takes over the Taxi job dropping me off at the Radisson Blue Oslo airport. Just a short 50metre walk to the terminal will ensure I get my early flight from Norway into Finland to catch the long haul to Thailand. The room is very comfortable, and I have enough time to get the trip report updated before some sleep and a long day of travelling heading south. Next stop the Land of Smiles!
Radisson Blu Oslo Airport
Flight #16 Finnair Airbus A321 Neo Oslo, Norway – Helsinki, Finland 1 Hour 20 mins
Flight #17 Finnair Airbus A350-900 Helsinki, Finland – Bangkok, Thailand 12 Hours 15 mins
Of course, I had filled in my new TDAC as required for any travel into Thailand, I was asked to see if by the check in lady at Oslo, but at no point afterwards was it referenced. No matter how much you fly the long-haul stuff still drags and takes its toll on the body. There was a large amount of turbulence (sorry rough air is the new term I heard on a flight in the USA). So, sleep was lacking at best. The flight was 30mins early and I met my booked car for the early cruise into town, one benefit of arriving just after 5am is the reduced traffic.
A quick pro tip on dealing with travel (jet) lag, I got to the hotel just before 6am, set my alarm for just after 9am which gave me 3 hours of sleep, or 2 sleep cycles which is enough to function on. Less is ok for those who like napping, but more will not help you to reset the clock, after getting up the mission is to get out and get some sunlight to help the body understand that it is in a new time zone. I will be adding some pictures here that will also be posted on the ITS Facebook page so consider the Thailand part of my trip report as a combination of what I get up to and ITS stuff.
Vasu – Always the best Exchange rate in Bangkok
Southeast Pharmacy – 600mg Ibuprofen + more,
The arrival day still sucks no matter what you do to mitigate it, keeping both the mind and body busy helps, so I made sure to change some money, top up my travel bag of Ibuprofen, grab a foot massage, and had a booking at the Michelin 1 starred Potong for an early dinner. I was very lucky getting that a couple of months ago, as the new worlds top 100 list just came out and Potong is now #13 in the world!
Potong – Entry
Potong – Dining Room
Potong – A version of Pad Thai
Potong – Choose your weapons
Potong – The main course
Potong was an excellent dining experience that took place with a welcome drink on the ground floor, a small amuse bouche on the roof and then the rest of the meal in the dining room. It seems many fine dining restaurants are doing a similar type of multi room experience, Frantzen (Sweden), Maaemo (Norway) and here. Being on the road for so long means having to do some mundane things like doing laundry. On this trip I have used several different solutions and in Bangkok they are amongst the easiest and best at it. Drop off the bag, weigh it, pay and the perfectly washed laundry is dropped off at your hotel the next day. If you have 2 uniforms, this will work perfectly for the ITS.
Laundry is so easy
A meaty favourite (near the ITS Hotel)
Laundry (near the ITS Hotel)
Laundry 2 (near the ITS Hotel)
Tailoring (near the ITS Hotel)
The ITS Hotel at night from Soi 11
Emquartier shopping centre (more pictures coming to the ITS page)
BTS anyone? (Skytrain)
Emsphere shopping centre
Tucked away in Emsphere
Where else do you car shop but inside a shopping centre
Some of the choices
A brief but productive stop in Bangkok, a few more boxes ticked for the ITS, a few more leg massages, and of course a few more excellent meals. As I have now checked in for my last flight heading home, this will wrap up the 2025 World Tour report.
Flight #18 Finnair for Qantas Airbus A330-300 Bangkok, Thailand – Sydney, Australia 10 hours 35 mins
A big thank you to all the IHA family for being part of this lap of the globe, a special thanks to the team at home who kept the Dojang thriving!
Next up the amazing ITS 2025!
Welcome to the Kwan Nyom Tour!
Yes, folks this intrepid Hapkido instructor is back on the world path for a quick lap of the globe! Today I head off to the airport for my first flight an easy hop from Sydney into Bangkok Thailand, the home of the 2025 ITS event. I am not sure if I am getting the hang of this travelling thing, you would hope so by now, it just seemed so much easier to pack my bags this time. Probably a combination of things, the bags got packed smoothly and I am ready to bring some Hapkido to the IHA family. Compared to some of my previous trips this is a smaller one with 16 flights and 9 countries.
Flight #1 – Sydney to Bangkok on QF295 (a Finnair wet leased A330-300) – 7536km
With most of my world tours the current Black Belt test group set a challenge for me to complete, and this year is the same, it is a rather easy one. Every time I eat a different ethnic type of food the spirit test group will do 50 pushups. Now to be fair I will only count each country type once, but have added a bonus system around Michelin stars, a 1-star restaurant gets 10% more pushups, 2-star 20% and the amazing 3-star 30%. This challenge applies to all Spirit test candidates for this year. I have also created an open challenge for all other IHA members (Coloured Belts and Black Belts), it is the Badge quest. Each time I post an interesting picture featuring my ID badge there are 10 Hap Ki Do’s to be done. The Challenge is open for students to accept and be part of whilst I travel. I will keep a running tally of both quests as I lap the globe.
The flight into Bangkok went smoothly and I had to remark on how excellent the inflight team from Finnair were. I take a lot of flights, and this team had to be in the top 10 of the hundreds of flights I have taken. Proactive service with a smile, always happy to help, friendly and professionally, exactly the way to make a flight so much better. To make sure they get some recognition I made sure to send positive feedback to Finnair and Qantas, excellent efforts need to be celebrated.
Badge Pic #1 – 10 Hapkidos
What was the agenda for my brief break in Thailand, it actually turned out to be quite busy. A meeting and visit to the ITS hotel, hotel reservations will be open from November team. I dropped in on my dentist, that turned out to be a little more work than planned but done smoothly as always. In the name of completing my challenge tasks I enjoyed some very nice meals, pictures and challenge count coming up.
Suhring Restaurant (German 2 Michelin Stars) = 60 Pushups
Badge Pic #2 – 10 Hapkidos (Total 20)
ITS Training Centre Entrance
ITS Hotel Check In Area
Badge Pic #3 – 10 Hapkidos (Total 30)
Is your Dim Sum stronger than my Dim Sum?
Villa Frantzen (Swedish) = 50 Pushups (Total 110)
Le Du (Thai 1 Michelin Star) = 55 Pushups (Total 165)
Badge Pic #4 – 10 Hapkidos (Total 40)
Affordable airport hotel.
Isao (Japanese) = 50 Pushups (Total 215)
It was an early morning leaving Bangkok with a 7am flight, this time on Finnair into Helsinki. I chuckled when the Finnish pilot had to humble brag a couple of times about how we were going to be a hour early on our arrival. The flight was a smooth 11+ hours and the service was good, a quick clearing of customs and my bags came off early so I was out the door to meet a couple of the local Black Belts for the ride into town and my AirBnB for this visit. I am not normally in Finland at this time of year so the first thing I noticed was the extra greenery and the weather, a very pleasant 21 degrees Celsius. Tomorrow I have a free day, signatures, trip report, and a nice meal before the fun begins.
Flight #2 – Bangkok to Helsinki on AY142 (a Finnair A350-900) – 7887km
Helsinki 9pm at night
I enjoyed the day around Helsinki, and especially the warm weather. Finland is experiencing a unusually warm period and this is the first time I have ever been able to wear shorts. It makes for a good time to walk around and enjoy the sights. Dinner tonight is in one of the finer Finnish restaurants that was recommended to me by SBN Jaakko’s Chef brother Eero. It was an excellent meal and of course I enjoyed it even more knowing that the Spirit test teams would be celebrating this fine meal.
Finnjavel (Finnish 1Michelin Star) = 55 Pushups (Total 270)
Now it was time to hit the mats, and we had 3 days of training at the Sisu Gym (Sisu basically translates to Spirit/will/determination). Testing for the senior Black Belts would be on the last day here and then we would move to Myllypuro for the final 2 days of the seminar series.
The plans for the week of training, there might have been some fine tuning!
On the mats @ Sisu
I was walking around the neighbourhood near my Airbnb and spotted a Vietnamese restaurant, so of course I had to enjoy that as part of the challenge, some fresh rolls and a Pho later it was another 50 pushups in the bank. It was also time to add a badge picture to the collection, for those who might be a bit confused, Burana is the well-known Finnish brand of Ibuprofen.
Nom Vietnamese Kitchen (Vietnamese) = 50 Pushups (Total 320)
Badge Pic #5 – 10 Hapkidos (Total 50)
The testing was held on Friday morning and we had Teemu, Heikki and Ville testing for 2nd Degree as well as Tommi testing for his 4th Degree. It went smoothly and the candidates would find out their results on the Saturday afternoon at the end of the seminar day. That afternoon it was more seminar time.
The Senior test group at Sisu
Helsinki weather was excellent
I had picked up some supplies from the local supermarket and had noticed that all the drink bottles now came with an annoying new feature. The EU had decided that all drink bottle caps must be connected to the bottles, so if you just want to screw off the cap and drink you need to dodge the cap as its going to be in the way. I imagine I will be enjoying some crushed lips as I continue my travels across Europe.
Connected in the all the wrong places
It was time for the weekend seminars, and we moved to Myllypuro and the sport centre there, which actually was the very first place I taught in 2001. Lots of memories here. The room was basically the same, but at least there were new mat covers. KSN Eija actually brought in an old newspaper article from my first visit, she was very careful to make sure I didn’t pilfer it for the IHA library, at least I got a photo.
On the Myllypuro Mats
Visit #1
At the end of the day I had the pleasure of presenting some promotions and welcomed our 3 new 2nd Degree Black Belts, KSN’s Teemu, Ville and Heikki as well as our newest 4th Degree SBN Tommi. I also had a surprise in hand with Head Instructor recognition for SBN Pertsa, who said Finns don’t show emotion?
Congratulations Team Finland
That night we headed off to a Viking restaurant to celebrate and as I wasn’t actually sure where the food originated from it didn’t go into the Challenge list. It was a good time to relax with the local seniors and of course grab another Badge picture.
Badge Pic #6 – 10 Hapkidos (Total 60)
Sunday was the final seminar day for Finland this trip and lots of pain was shared as I wrapped up the day with a couple of my most favourite locks. It was also a chance to get yet another badge picture and recognise KSN Heikki on earning his IHA Senior Instructor promotion.
Finland Seminar Group
Senior Instructor – KSN Heikki
Badge Pic #7 – 10 Hapkidos (Total 70)
Another excellent visit with Team Finland and I was off to the airport for a short hop across to Norway.
Hmm, is that a restaurant I should try?
Flight #3 – Helsinki to Oslo on AY913 (Finnair Embraer E90) – 765km
An easy flight into Norway and SBN Erik picked me up for the ride into town, a smooth check in to what is now the official Hapkido hotel the Thon Opera and all was good. I had the night spare so a chance to wander around, get my steps done and soak up some Oslo, it was raining, and I told SBN Erik that I brought good weather, amazingly it cleared up until the day I left. Now I do get to have some amazing meals on my travels but of course more than not I am trying to find local places that are open at times that work with classes and seminars, so this trip will include some of those along with my first visit to the 3 Michelin starred Maaemo as a guest of SBN Erik.
Oslo #1 – A touch cloudy but it will clear up with some GM powers
Oslo #2 – Definitely not fine dining
Oslo #3 – Lots of the E scooters available here, but also a range of E bikes, all charging and ready
Oslo #4 – Looks like a clear day in Oslo
Monday was a free evening, and Tuesday I was on the mats with KJN Carlos and SBN Erik working on his requirements for the Instructors Course. We got a number of techniques locked down (pardon the pun) and wrapped up in the early afternoon with plans to meet for the 3 Michelin star dinner
Oslo #5 – Maaemo (Norwegian 3 Michelin Star) = 65 Pushups (Total 385)
Badge Pic #8 – 10 Hapkidos (Total 80)
The food was excellent, the service over the 16 courses was on point as you would expect in a 3-star restaurant. A surprise was that the head chef Jay was Australian, so we got a few chances to chat. We also noticed that we got a lot of extra wine during the evening, hey, there are times it is good to bump into a fellow Aussie. Needless to say, it was a great night, and I am very thankful that SBN Erik wanted to drag me along and tick this off his bucket list.
Mamma Pizza (Italian) = 50 Pushups (Total 435)
Oslo #6 – Fresh baked heart attacks at the petrol/e-charge station
Oslo #7 – A night view of Oslo
So during the week I got to enjoy some mat time with the local students during their normal classes on Tuesday/Thursday and spend mat time with the seniors on Wednesday/Friday with KSN Satu from Finland dropping in for the Friday class. It was a surprise to hear that the ITS Ghost KSN Tony from Minnesota was also going to be in town for 3 days as well. He planned to do 1 day of sight seeing and 2 days of Hapkido, good to see he had his priorities right. So with 2 seniors dropping in for some training it was a surprise when that number went to 3, CGN Brad was actually visiting nearby Sweden and also made the track over to join the fun, so it truly became an International weekend.
Oslo #8 – Looks like a seminar is happening
Oslo #9 – The IHA Black Belt team (4.5 countries)
Oslo #10 – One of the seminar groups
It was a good couple of days on the mats, not only with the IHA team but with the random other Hapkido and Taekwondo people who dropped in. A whole host of topics and everyone enjoyed the range of pain. SBN Erik made sure to keep everyone fed during the lunches and even put on a home cooked dinner for a casual gathering after the seminar on Saturday.
Oslo #11 – The Harbour at night
Oslo #12 – Looking across the Harbour
Oslo #13 – Evening wanderings
Badge Pic #9 – 10 Hapkidos (Total 90)
On the Sunday after the seminar wrapped up, I got the chance to present SBN Erik with his official IHA Instructor recognition. He had been working on the signatures over the last year and managed to complete them during the week. Excellent work sir!
Instructor – SBN Erik
Oslo #14 – Interesting offerings on the Breakfast buffet
Oslo #15 – A chuckle before leaving Norway
SBN Erik picked CGN Brad and I up for the early run into the airport, a smooth ride to finish up another good visit with the Vikings. Plans are already underway for 2025 as I have been invited to teach at a couple of different summer camps here. I will be working on those over the coming months to see if we can make the travels fit in with ITS #10.
Flight #4 – Oslo to Riga on BT152 (Baltic A220-300) – 1000km
The flight was smooth with Air Baltic who only fly the A220 and the service on the flight was good. My bags came out quickly and I used the local Car hire app Bolt to get into the old town for my hotel. Luckily they checked me in early, so I dropped my bags and did what you always do when arriving into a new country. Found a nearby laundromat and got some washing done. Over the next day and half I got the chance to enjoy some good meals, see some of the old town sights and get a feel for Riga. A quick but enjoyable visit. Overall Riga had a mix of old school Europe but also with tints of the Russian time, still a little of that dark cloud showing in the buildings, etc.
Riga #1 – I was looking for a coffee…
Riga #2 – Maybe they have coffee?
Riga #3 – Hmm Bacon!
Riga #4 – National Art Museum
Riga #5 – Freedom Monument
Riga #6 – I am going with its a Church
Riga #7 – Yup a church, many here, this one has a cool story, ask me about it.
Riga #8 – In case you forgot where I was.
Riga #9 – Wandering around old town
Lido (Latvian) = 50 Pushups (Total 485)
Badge Pic #10 – 10 Hapkidos (Total 100)
I am enjoying flying with a new airline Air Baltic
Flight #5 – Riga to Vilnius on BT343 (Baltic A220-300) – 275km
The flight was smooth and short, just 40 minutes in the air. Even in that small window I watched the flight attendants give business class a meal, coffee and tea as well as drinks for everyone else, as well as clean up before landing. Very efficient, all while staying friendly to the normal Airline dementia that happens when people travel. I got my bags but noticed both had dents, someone must have been tossing them around, luckily being made of the Cosmolite they simply popped back into shape no worse for wear. I quick Bolt (Uber) into my hotel and the travelling for the day was a wrap.
Dinged Bags
Vilnius #1 – The hotel was once a monastery
Vilnius #2 – I had to chuckle at the coffee brand
Nineteen18 (Baltic) = 50 Pushups (Total 535)
Vilnius #3 – Gothic church around the corner from my hotel
Vilnius #4 – Another church across the street from my hotel
Vilnius #5 – Sight Seeing, and guess what, another church!
Vilnius #6 – The main square
Vilnius #7 – A look from the old town tower 1
Vilnius #8 – A look from the old town tower 2
Vilnius #9 – A look from the old town tower 3
Vilnius #10 – A totally automatic store, the ultimate self-service market
Challenge Combo! – Calo do Porto (Portuguese) = 50 Pushups (Total 585) & Badge Pic #11 – 10 Hapkidos (Total 110)
Vilnius #11 – The KGB Museum
Dziaugsmas (Lithuanian) = 50 Pushups (Total 635)
Vilnius #12 – Too early to be going to the airport, but the hotel grounds look good
Vilnius #13 – Dyson, the integrated water/dryer is smart – Vilnius Airport
I enjoyed Lithuania, the style was a little more on the Baroque style and felt quite different to Latvia. The people seemed friendly that I dealt with, the food that I had was all good and walking around to check out the sights was easy and felt safe. Like Latvia it is a small country, Latvia has less than 2M population and Lithuania just under 3M. So time to wave goodbye and grab the somewhat early Bolt to the airport for my next flight into Amsterdam. Back on the Hapkido road this weekend with Team IHA Netherlands.
Flight #6 –Vilnius to Amsterdam on BT961 (Baltic A220-300) – 1370k
Netherlands #1 – It is always easy to know when you are flying over the Netherlands, Windmills galore
Netherlands #2 – The sign seemed to show efficiency in how they handled baggage
Another good flight with Baltic, the last one for this trip, and I take the walk to baggage claim where the sign tells me the waiting time, one bag pops up very early and then, then, then… Well then the conveyor belt stops and the sign says all bags delivered. I load up the Samsung Smart Tag tracker and my bag is in the country sitting somewhere near the tarmac, after talking to the lost luggage lady and having her forward my tracking picture, the bag is located, and I meet up with CGN’s Ron and Jelle for the drive to Eindhoven.
Bombay Street food (Indian) = 50 Pushups (Total 685)
Netherlands #3 – Another nice day, this time in Eindhoven in the south of The Netherlands
I grab lunch with the local Black Belts before we meet up for the night’s Sun Bae training and I get a chance to spend some time with the local senior-coloured belts. In the morning I found a nearby café that purported to have stolen/learnt how to make good coffee in Australia, it was also my chance see if I could find some good Freakin’hell (Fikandel), well that was my nickname after some previous attempts. I was pleasantly surprised, the coffee was some of the best I have had in Europe and the Dutch snack, quite tasty, a good start to the day.
Zwartwit Koffie (Dutch) = 50 Pushups (Total 735)
After a good start to the morning it was the turn of the local kids and they get a chance to play with some of the Flex weaponry skills (Belt). I think some like being launched across the Dojang into the crash pad, not sure the parents watching did, or maybe they wanted to do the launching. In the afternoon I had the chance to visit a nearby Army Museum, this weekend was also the local anniversary of liberation when the American paratroopers had helped the locals get liberated from the German occupation during World War 2. During the whole visit there were different planes flying over and lots of shows, light displays and people dressed up.
Netherlands #4 – Some of the local kids who survived the launchings
Badge Pic #12 – 10 Hapkidos (Total 120)
Netherlands #5 – Army Museum 1
Netherlands #6 – Army Museum 2
Netherlands #7 – Army Museum 3
Netherlands #8 – Army Museum 4
Badge Pic #13 – 10 Hapkidos (Total 130)
Netherlands #9 – The Dutch team found some cheap no frill flights to the ITS!
Netherlands #10 – The signs say no bikes, but it is a purpose build bike lane = confused Dutch
After the museum and a walk around the area, I have been dragging the locals into my stepping, with a mission to do 10k steps every day, which can be challenging with travelling. I was also surprised by SBN Marcel and CGN Ron as they had planned a very nice meal for the evening at a local Michelin level restaurant, even better that it was a food type I had yet to use for the Challenge. It was a very nice meal combined with good company for an excellent evening.
Odille (French) = 50 Pushups (Total 785)
The next morning it was the seminar day, and we had some of SBN Marcel’s students along with a visit from Master Henrie, BSBN Andre and one of their students. On the topic list was an overview of how weapon concepts work across all types, adding strikes to locks using the release motion, how to kick, kicking and striking reflex drills and reversals. It was a small group, but they all worked hard, wrapping up the day with a nice meal at a local restaurant. During my visit I also got the chance to talk with a few of the locals about the ITS and it looks like a team of about 10 will be joining us from The Netherlands. The next morning I grabbed the Intercity train from Eindhoven to Amsterdam airport for my first flight into Madrid, with a 5 hour layover I got the chance to get the trip report up to date before the Spanish visit.
Flights #7 & #8 –Amsterdam to Madrid on I2 3723 (Iberia Express A320) and Madrid to Seville on IB 3948 (Iberia A320) – 1858km
The flights were smooth, my luggage arrived, and I headed out to be met by the Spanish contingent, it was good to see a few Black Belts at the airport to say hello, it always kicks off the visit well, especially when one is holding a fresh coffee. Sometimes it is the smaller things that make a difference and yes, I realise Coffee is not one of the smaller things, it is simply a requirement of life, lol.
Seville #1 – Airport team
From the airport we headed into the city to grab a team dinner and catch up. This trip I was getting a treat with a much nicer hotel, staying in the Eurostars Torre, for those who went to the ITS it is the tallest building in Seville near the mall where we all met at Starbucks.
Seville #2 – Eurostars Torre Hotel
Seville #3 – The view from my room on the 28th floor
The next morning it was time to enjoy some original Spanish food with Churros from Breakfast, there are a couple of types here, we tried both, of course dipped in thick Hot Chocolate. Not sure it is what I would normally have for breakfast, but as a change it was worth the visit. This shop is a local institution being in the same family for 80+ years. After breakfast it was time for some walking and a chance to visit another tourist spot I hadn’t before. The Torre del Oro or Golden tower of Seville, built in the 13th century it sits on the river’s edge.
Kiosko de Churros de la Macarena (Spanish) = 50 Pushups (Total 835)
Seville #4 – A view from the Torro del Oro
Seville #5 – Another view from the Torro del Oro
Restaurant Moon (Korean) = 50 Pushups (Total 885)
Lunch was at what is the only real Korean restaurant in the city, before the drive out to start the seminar training. Over the next week I would be teaching several classes in 4 different Dojangs, the little kids, the middle kids, the senior kids/adults and eventually a class for the parents. It met some driving time in between as sometimes the classes would be at different locations on each night, still a good way to meet as many of the local students as possible. Some of the provisional testing group would be tagging along to complete their pushup challenge as well as help out with coffees and being crash dummies. KJN Jose had asked the parents what topic for the little kids and Belt self defence beat Mediation by 1 vote, so a Poh Bak Sul it was for the younger kids. On the first night after the Sun Bae I also had the change to run a senior test for CGN Julian as he tested for 2nd Degree, he will get to enjoy the wait over the week and find out his results at the final dinner.
Badge Pic #14 – 10 Hapkidos (Total 140)
Seville #6 – Colourful kids’ group
Seville #7 – A view of the wonderful weather and river
Now being on the road means dealing with all types of challenges but today I was faced with a new one. Local café con leche (coffee with milk) can be hit or miss, so I resort to Starbucks for my morning hit, well I got that hit in spades this time. As I stepped out of the door sipping my coffee I was rudely interrupted by a young local on an E-scooter doing about 20kmh. Let’s just say my coffee tried to go into orbit, my face met the earth, and a moment later as I stood up the local left the area as fast as he could. A few abrasions, knee, chin, nose and a quick check to see if anything was bleeding before quickly walking to meet KJN Jose for seminars, no time to enjoy the injuries.
We interrupt our normally scheduled trip report transmission for the following short story:
Some heroes are born as the last son of their planet, some of the loss of their parents, others through scientific experiments! But the little known El Scootaro seems to be borne of a unique trauma, changed forever, a lonely vigilante, prowling the nights streets looking for retribution on all those miscreant E scooter riders. His powers are vast but unknown, his identity a closely guarded secret but what little we know is that he is powered by caffeine. So wherever there are E Scooters be aware of the mark of Scootaro (something like Zorro) but more like an S!
Seville #8 – El Scootaro!
It seemed like my scooter incident got some traction (pardon the pun) with the locals and developed a life of its own. Now back to our normal trip report. I did have a window open for a nice lunch and whilst unable to secure a booking at either of the local Michelin 1-star restaurants did manage to enjoy the tasting menu at one of the others that were listed in the Michelin Guide. There are only 2 restaurants locally with 1 star, we enjoyed one as a special event at the ITS here. I will endeavour to visit the other one on a future visit. The seminars continued with 3-4 each day and everyone was working hard, it was a good time to visit as the weather also hovered around the low 20’s (Celsius) and it was enjoyable not just doing classes but walking around the area.
12 Tapas (Andalucian) = 50 Pushups (Total 935)
Seville #9 – The local area is known for growing Oranges & Olives, now they grow solar panels instead
Seville #10 – Simply Seville
Seville #11 – A view from the Hotel
Seville #12 – KJN Jose’s new Dojang
Seville #13 – Seminar Group
Seville #14 – Seminar Group
One of the nights after class the local students all brought in some food to share, I was lucky as not only did I get to try some amazing home cooking, Mucho Gracias to KSN Paula’s Gran, best dish I have had in Spain, I also got to enjoy my favourite desert. One of the local Provisionals has some cooking skills as well and had found out I like Lemon/Sugar crepes, so I had the chance to enjoy those on a couple of occasions, converting some of the locals as well after they tried them, Gracias CGN Toni.
Seville #15 – Parents Seminar Group
It was time to wrap up the week on a high and the last night featured the spirit test, tonight there were 4 candidates “The Four Pillars”. I am very pleased to welcome 4 new first degree Black Belts into the IHA family, and later that evening at the Celebration dinner also to promote our newest 2nd Degree KSN Julian. It was a great way to cap off an excellent week with Team Espana, and plans should see them bringing a team of 10+ to the ITS next year. The UNO challenge might return.
Seville #16 – Congratulations to the new Black Belts
Seville #17 – Congratulations KSN Julian
It was an early morning for the drive to the airport and today I get to try out a new airline, Transavia, which is the low coast offshoot of the Dutch flag carrier KLM. At the airport I was met again by a group of the local Black Belts to make sure I left, oops, I mean say bon voyage.
Seville #18 – Transavia, I read it as Transylvania…
Seville #19 – Zone 1 gets on first, maybe Zone 99 has to chase the plane down the runway to board..
Flights #9 & #10 – Seville to Amsterdam on HV 6732 (Transavia A321neo) and Amsterdam to Helsinki on KL 1253 (KLM A320) – 3353km
It was a smooth flight on Transavia, I was in the 2nd last row and ended up with a spare seat between me the next guy so a change to spread out on the 2.5-hour flight. A short connection in Amsterdam for my next flight on the totally full KLM flight into Helsinki, this flight made up for the good luck, I had one of the worlds larger human beings sitting in the centre seat next to me this time. I checked into a hotel near the airport for 2 nights to eventually meet my Finnair flight into the USA.
Finland #1 – Coffee anyone?
Finland #2 – How do you like your steak’s doneness?
Finland #3 – The Airbus A350 a joy to fly on
What to do with 1 free day at an Airport Hotel in Finland? Well, that equals lunch with Master Tapio, Video signatures for the team testing in Mexico, this trip report update and then dinner with Master Adrian and BSBN Mira. A night’s sleep before the long haul across the Atlantic into Dallas and the connection into Charlotte, North Carolina. All went smoothly with the flight; Finnair did a good job with their in-flight service, and it was a good flight. I tried a new app to speed up the US entry and that went very easily, so a couple of hours in Dallas before the last flight of the day into Charlotte, we caught a 100kmh tail wind so ended up getting in 10min early even after we left a little late.
Flights #11 & #12 – Helsinki to Dallas on AY 19 (Finnair A350) and Dallas to Charlotte on AA 522 (American Airlines A321neo) – 9901km
A good arrival into the US, BSBN Stephanie, KSN Ben and 2 of the Provisionals were on hand to welcome me to Charlotte and the short drive back to Casa de Causby. Over the next week I was going to be on the mats working with several different groups that train here, the little ones, the Tang Soo Do youth, the Tang Soo Do seniors, the Hapkido Youth and of course the main Hapkido team. There would be a range of topics including Bully Defence, Bag Fu, Pressure Points, Angry White Belt, Nunchaku, and IHA curriculum. I might have sprinkled in some variations, and extra topics along the way.
North Carolina #1 – Bully Defence
North Carolina #2 – The now famous welcome sign
North Carolina #3 – A cyber truck in the wild, umm nah
Stacy’s Restaurant (American) = 50 Pushups (Total 985)
North Carolina #4 – I had to slip at least one VW Golf picture in
North Carolina #5 – Bag Fu
North Carolina #6 – Tang Soo Do Youth
North Carolina #7 – Tang Soo Do Senior
North Carolina #8 – IHA Sun Bae
During the week both the local kids and adults brought in their submissions for the Australia Art show. Predominantly lots of Australian based animals, but a few creative ones as well, Including one ‘live’ exhibit. The winners would be chosen later in the week and receive a gift voucher for one of the local Ice cream or similar stores. I will say that some of the colouring in was actually quite good, and the adult’s submissions were all worthy of a prize.
North Carolina #9 – Live art show submission
North Carolina #10 – Pressure Points
North Carolina #11 – Hapkido Youth and Angry White Belt
North Carolina #12 – Pressure Points
North Carolina #13 – Adults Group
North Carolina #14 – KSN Ben’s new GMC Denali
North Carolina #15 – Adults in Action with Multiple Grabs
North Carolina #16 – Adults Group
North Carolina #17 – Some of the Australian Art Show
I did get to enjoy riding around in KSN Ben’s new GMC truck, very spacious and appointed, but also enjoyed the ride through the curves in his older Corvette. During the week I had a chance to not only enjoy some local restaurants but also a few home cooked meals. Apparently, someone had also ordered crumpets online, so breakfasts were a little Aussie style. Both BSBN and KSN were only too happy to make sure I got my steps done each day, keeping me company on the walking around the neighbourhood as well as some different tracks. Since I walk 7+km a day Ma’am Stephanie thought it would be fun to have me join them on a local fun run/race which featured both a 15km and 5km course. I would be taking the 5km with Ma’am while Sir Ben did the 15km. Once we finished, Ma’am wanted some more steps so ran off to join up with Ben to complete the 15km.
North Carolina #18 – Classic Muscle
Chima (Brazilian) = 50 Pushups (Total 1035)
North Carolina #19 – Halloween is coming
Badge Pic #15 – 10 Hapkidos (Total 150)
North Carolina #20 – Adults Group
Over the many years of coming to America I have slowly checked off some events I wanted to see/experience like professional football (last trip), baseball, ice hockey, etc. This trip Sir Ben made sure I had the chance to finish the last of the majors and see a NBL preseason game between the Charlotte Hornets and the New York Nicks. It was a relatively close game and interesting to see not only the action but all the other aspects of the entertainment, yes the hotdog here was just as good… as the one at the Football last year. As we were cruising around a lot during the week in Sir Ben’s new truck I do have to mention one of the new features (Super Cruise) which basically drives itself. It will stay in its lane, and even overtake by itself, returning to the lane afterwards. When it is enabled, you can take your hands off the wheel as well as your feet off the pedals and let it drive. The only requirement is to keep your eyes on the road, if you focus too long to one side for example it warns you to take back control. It is an interesting feeling being in the car while it drives itself.
North Carolina #21 – NBL Hornets V Nicks
Badge Pic #16 – 10 Hapkidos (Total 160)
North Carolina #22 – Guns for sale at Walmart of course
North Carolina #23 – Nunchaku
North Carolina #24 – Final Adults Group
It was another excellent visit with Team North Carolina, both Ma’am Stephanie and Sir Ben made sure it was a great success, lots of different students on the mats over the week, I think we had over 120 different students involved. Lots of laughs, some good meals and of course a little shopping to wrap up my visit. Time to hit the road for a 5-and-a-half-hour drive into Virginia and my next week of seminars with BSBN Brian and his team.
Drive #1 – North Carolina to Virginia on Causby 1 (GMC Denali) – 570km
Virginia #1 – BSBN Stephanie actually driving with Super Cruise, who needs hands on the wheel?
Virginia #2 – Looks like Halloween is coming
The drive was smooth, the super cruise didn’t kill us and we made good time in Yorktown, Virginia. Straight to my regular Motel for the check in before the first class of the night, BSBN Brian and the testing group had gone above and beyond to ensure a good first impression. The hotel room had been ‘enhanced’ for my stay, new IHA coloured bedding, pillows, blanket, towels, snacks, candle, ITS slippers, and more. Even a Halloween touch with a Pumpkin from his garden, and of course some Hapkido touches with a Whiteboard containing the Black Belt grading flowchart and a Lucky 8 ball to help with my decision making.
Virginia #3 – Can you see which bed has had the IHA makeover?
Virginia #4 – More IHA touches in the Bathroom as well as a full complement of toiletries
Virginia #5 – Time to check what the 8 Ball predicts
Virginia #6 – U Hok Saeng group #1
The first class went well with good numbers on the mats, the older kids were invited to join the full week of training and many of them did just that, a good effort from everyone during my visit, including the little Hapkidoists. Each day had a range of sessions, including U Hok Saeng training, Black Belt classes, as well as some Junior seminars (Nunchaku + Board Breaks). BSBN Brian was aware of my drive to do 10,000 steps each day, so the schedule included morning walks in the surrounding parklands, historical areas and similar.
Virginia #7 – Morning Walking #1
Virginia #8 – Morning Walking #2
Virginia #9 – The visit Flow Chart
Virginia #10 – Kids Chucks seminar
Virginia #11 – U Hok Saeng group #2
Virginia #12 – U Hok Saeng group #3
Badge Pic #17 – 10 Hapkidos (Total 170)
Over the week some of BSBN Stephanies team dropped in to join the fun as well as CGN Mary flying in for her senior testing. Both CGN Juan and CGN Mary would be testing for their 2nd Degree, CGN Juan would find out at the Black Belt after party, and as CGN Mary still had some requirements to complete she would find out during the U Hok Saeng in Minnesota. The week was going smoothly with the morning walks, and then onto the different training sessions. BSBN Brian had the older kids join the U Hok Saeng sessions and that made for interesting questions at times.
Virginia #13 – Morning Walk #3
Virginia #14 – Sun Bae group
Virginia #15 – Seminar in Action with Weapon Defence
Virginia #16 – U Hok Saeng group #4
Badge Pic #18 – 10 Hapkidos (Total 180)
Virginia #17 – Kids Wood Breaking seminar
Virginia #18 – U Hok Saeng group #5
Of course, the highlight of the week had to be the Spirit Test and there were 3 candidates in team Ascend: Tony, Silas and Abby. BSBN Brian had maximized seating so there were almost 70 people in the Dojang to cheer on the candidates. Due to the Dojang size and seating locations it had to be one of the louder tests. I am very pleased to say that the 3 candidates were all successful and I was happy to welcome 3 new 1st Degrees into the IHA Black Belt family. The after party was next door at a Italian restaurant where we not only celebrated our new Black Belts but also to promote CGN Juan to KSN and 2nd Degree Black Belt. A great night for our Black Belt family.
Virginia #19 – Welcome to the IHA Black Belt family
Virginia #21 – Congratulations KSN Juan 2nd Degree
Virginia #21 – Yup its Halloween season for sure
Virginia #22 – The morning walk and talk group
Virginia #23 – Morning Walk #4
Virginia #24 – Morning Walk #5
Virginia #25 – U Hok Saeng group #6
That wraps up an excellent visit with BSBN Brian and Team Wolf, time to say goodbye to the IHA Suite and hit the road for the 5-6hour drive back to BSBN Stephanie’s house in North Carolina for the night. Just enough time to repack the bags, have a night’s rest and then hit the friendly skies for my next flight, this time into Minneapolis to meet up with Master Corey.
Virginia #26 – KSN Ben a pro with the Super Cruise
Virginia #27 – Luggage transfers gone wrong
Badge Pic #19 – 10 Hapkidos (Total 190)
Drive #1 – North Carolina to Virginia on Causby 1 (GMC Denali) – 570km + Flight #13 – Charlotte to Minneapolis on AA 2140 (American Airlines 737-800) – 1496km
Another easy flight, just over 2 hours into the colder Minnesota weather, looks like its back in Jeans for this stop. Master Corey was at the bag area with a coffee in hand, always a good start to the visit. My bags were some of the first off, so we grabbed them up and headed out to meet Master Dave for a good steak dinner at a nearby restaurant before the drive to Hutchinson. Checking into my VIP Suite at Master Coreys I was surprised to see the legend of Scootaro had already arrived here.
Minnesota #1 – The Scootaro legend reaches Hutchinson
Minnesota #2 – A visit to where the old Dojang was located
Minnesota #3 – It seems spelling is still an issue at Starbucks
Minnesota #4 – Master Corey’s new Dojang looks great
Badge Pic #20 – 10 Hapkidos (Total 200)
Like the other stops there would be some time each day hitting the pavement so I can log some steps, Master Corey was coming along to keep me company and help with suggestions on some nicer areas to walk. This time of year, was very nice, good temperature, a lot of the leaves changing colours, good for enjoying the scenery during the walking.
Minnesota #5 – Hutchinson wanders 1
Minnesota #6 – A couple of the local lads hanging out at the Sanctuary
This was my first visit to Master Corey’s new Dojang and as much as I liked the old one and its history, this was a step up. Larger than the old one with the possibility of adding a second training area with more space overall, it already felt like a new home for team IHA in Hutch. First up this visit was a class with the little Hapkidoists, Bag Fu was on the schedule and the team enjoying flinging each other around the Dojang. I was lucky this trip as Master Corey had dialled in his Smoker and I got to enjoy quite a few home cooked meals including, smoked pork ribs, smoked pork belly, summer sausage, and smoked salmon.
Minnesota #8 – Kids Bag Fu Seminar Group
Minnesota #9 – Home cooking + Amazing Smoked Ribs from Master Corey
Minnesota #10 – Smoking some Salmon for later in the week
Badge Pic #21 – 10 Hapkidos (Total 210)
Minnesota #11 – Hutchinson wanders 2
Minnesota #12 – Hutchinson wanders 3
Minnesota #13 – U Hok Saeng 1
Minnesota #14 – Bluey is in the house (Australian Reference)
Minnesota #15 – It isn’t Halloween yet, but Santa is on his way
Badge Pic #22 – 10 Hapkidos (Total 220)
Minnesota #16 – Hutchinson wanders 4 (Autumn/Fall indeed)
Minnesota #17 – U Hok Saeng 2
Minnesota #18 – Hmm Pie! Sour cream what?
Minnesota #19 – A budget roller coaster
Minnesota #20 – Election season signs everywhere
Minnesota #21 – Maybe my new belt?
Minnesota #22 – U Hok Saeng 3
I enjoyed the walking; timing was perfect for the Autumn leaves and the temperate was just right for the strolls. The U Hok Saeng was going very well with Students from 4 different Dojangs joining the fun, Hutchinson MN, Minneapolis MN, Denver NC and Buffalo MN. It was shaping up to be one of my best visits to Hutch, of course we still had some testing to do and tonight’s session would complete the requirements for CGN Mary’s testing and I was pleased to be able to promote her to 2nd Degree as well as Senior Instructor, good work KSN.
Minnesota #23 – Congratulations KSN Mary
Minnesota #24 – Master Corey home cooking, Smoked pork belly
Minnesota #25 – U Hok Saeng 4
The next day was filled with the smell of Black Belt testing in the air, well at least the nervousness of the candidates as they prepared. We wrapped up the U Hok Saeng morning session with a break to allow them to clean the Dojang for the afternoons testing. Team Tri City Gladiators was on deck for the spirit test, and I am pleased to say that we welcomed 3 new 1st Degree Black Belts into the IHA family. For those thinking it is too late to achieve this level, CGN Steve is well into his 60’s, and still showed how it can be done. Good work team and congratulations on an excellent test.
Minnesota #26 – Welcome to the Black Belt Family!
Minnesota #27 – Hutchinson wanders 5
Minnesota #28 – The night walking crew
Minnesota #29 – U Hok Saeng 5
Minnesota #30 – Hutchinson wanders 5 (Bald Eagles in flight)
Minnesota #31 – Master Corey snake wrangler
Minnesota #32 – Hutchinson wanders 6
It was an excellent week, the training was great, the testing all successful, the mix of Dojangs and IHA family was good to see, the walks enjoyable with many joining my strolls, tasty food from Master Corey and as always wonderful hospitality, possibly my best visit to Hutch so far. After wrapping the training on Sunday afternoon, it was time for the drive into Minneapolis, a final dinner with Master Corey and a hotel near the airport for my flights to the final stop on the World Tour. Goodbye USA, Hola Mexico!
Flights #14 and #15 – Minneapolis to Dallas on AA 362 (American Airlines 737-800) and Dallas to Guadalajara on AA 2313 (American Airlines 737-800) – 2877km
The flights were only relatively short at a couple of hours each, and apart from the landing into Guadalajara, which is always a little bouncy, went smoothly. KJN Hugo and some of the local seniors were at the airport to start the visit off well. A quick drive into the hotel were another group of seniors waited to say hola! There was even a coffee in hand, so my final stop on the world tour was off to a good start.
Guadalajara #1 – Always a light show when flying into Guadalajara
Guadalajara #2 – Some of the local team on Arrival to the hotel
The training schedule for the week includes a morning U Hok Saeng session, then an evening one, with a Sun Bae towards the end of the week. The weekend would see testing for both the senior black belts as well as a spirit test. The focus over the week was on higher level material, starting off the first session with the 3rd Degree weaponry requirements using Belt. The week gave me a chance to cover most of the 1st-3rd Degree requirements as well as some of the 4th Degree tools, and a sprinkling of miscellaneous material thrown in.
Guadalajara #3 – U Hok Saeng 1 (Belted)
Toks (Mexican) = 50 Pushups (Total 1085)
Guadalajara #4 – U Hok Saeng 2 (Ready for action)
Guadalajara #5 – Enjoying some Seafood with KJN Hugo
Guadalajara #6 – Cruising with SBN Luis
Guadalajara #7 – U Hok Saeng 3 (Staunch)
Guadalajara #8 – U Hok Saeng 4 (Dan Bong Multiple Grabs)
Guadalajara #9 – U Hok Saeng 5 (All locked up)
I mentioned that there was a spirit test this week, and after going through the preparation training, we ended up with just 1 man standing, in this case Emilio who was to be known as the ‘Raccoon’. This of course caused much mirth over the week, but it was clear that this Raccoon was on a mission. Surprisingly it seemed even Starbucks was coming out in support of our lone warrior.
Guadalajara #10 – Starbucks supports the Raccoon
Guadalajara #11 – U Hok Saeng 6
Guadalajara #12 – U Hok Saeng 7 (Lying down on the job)
The week was going well, I was getting a chance to spend some time with different seniors on the drives to and from the Dojang as well as for lunch each day. It was clear that preparations were underway for Mexico’s Halloween equivalent celebration the ‘Day of the Dead’. It is held on November 1st with lots of the locals donning face paint and different costumes. One of the features of the celebration is the cake like bread of the dead which only becomes available at this time of year.
Guadalajara #14 – U Hok Saeng 9 (Pan de Muerte)
Guadalajara #15 – The Minerva, one of the symbols of Guadalajara
Friday rolled around and we had some visitors join us from North Carolina, BSBN Stephanie and KSN Ben. They joined the fun with a class for the local kids, followed by a head lock escape seminar for the adults. That night also wrapped up the Hell Week for the local team, now we moved onto the Sun Bae and testing parts of the visit.
Guadalajara #16 – Kids class with BSBN Stephanie
Guadalajara #17 – U Hok Saeng 10 (Cheering the Hell Week)
Guadalajara #18 – Sun Bae (Canes R Us)
Guadalajara #19 – Sun Bae
After the Sun Bae was complete, it was time for the senior testing, and we had record numbers working towards their next level. 9 candidates were tested for ranks as high as 6th Degree. As a part of the testing process all the candidates are back in the students’ standard black dobok for the month leading up to the actual technical review. This is reminder of being a student and helps focus the Black Belt towards their goals. 4 students for 2nd Degree, 2 for 3rd Degree, 3 for 5th Degree and 1 for 6th Degree. They will find out their results at the Celebration dinner the next day.
Guadalajara #20 – Senior Black Belt Review
Guadalajara #21 – The Nissan Rhinestone special edition
Badge Pic #23 – 10 Hapkidos (Total 230)
Guadalajara #22 – No crossing at the crossing lines
Badge Pic #24 – 10 Hapkidos (Total 240)
After a nice dinner at one of my favourite Brazilian restaurants it was time for the final Hapkido in Mexico and indeed for this World Tour. The Raccoon was on deck for this spirit test, a solo test is a hard feat at any time, but even more so when a tidal wave of local Black Belts shows up to help. It seemed Raccoon hunting season was a big hit here. I am pleased to say that the Raccoon was up to the task and we welcome a new 1st Degree into the Kwan Nyom Black Belt family, CGN Emilio.
Guadalajara #23 – Welcome to the Black Belt Family!
Guadalajara #24 – One Raccoon
After the test it was time to head off to the celebration lunch, time to give our new Black Belt a chance to recover, enjoy some good company and finish my visit on a high. I was pleased to be able to present promotions to the following team IHA Mexico Black Belts: 6th Degree, KJN Rosa, 2 5th Degrees, KJN’s Roger & Jose Luis, 2 3rd Degrees, BSBN’s Arturo & Julio as well as 4 2nd Degrees, KSN’s Ixtlaxochitl, Javier, Yadira and Veronica. Congratulations to both you and team Mexico for making this testing cycle run so well.
Guadalajara #25 – Congratulations senior team!
Guadalajara #26 – Day of the Dead is coming
Cortazar Signature Grill (Argentinian) = 50 Pushups (Total 1135)
I wrapped up an excellent week with my now traditional family dinner, this time at a good Argentinian steak house. The week went smoothly, all the students worked hard, the testing was on point and KJN Hugo was as always, an amazing host. Mucho Gracias Team Mexico! Now it was time to finish the world tour with the long-haul home, first a quick hop into the USA to grab the flying kangaroo for the long pacific crossing. I will post up some final thoughts and statistics when I get home.
Flights #16 and #17 – Guadalajara to Dallas on AA 387 (American Airlines 737-800) and Dallas to Sydney on QF 8 (Qantas 787 Dreamliner) – 15314km
2024 ITS World Tour Stats
1 – Scootaro
1 – 4th Degree Black Belt
1 – 6th Degree Black Belt
1 – Kwan Nyom Head Instructor
1 – Platinum Frequent Flyer Status Earned (Qantas)
2 – 3rd Degree Black Belt
2 – 5th Degree Black Belts
5 – Currencies (USD, MXN, NOK, EUR, THB)
7 – Airlines Flown (Qantas, American Airlines, Iberia, Finnair, Baltic, KLM, Transavia)
9 – Countries (USA, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Finland, Thailand, Latvia, Lithuania)
10 – 2nd Degree Black Belts
11 – 1st Degree Black Belts
17 – Flights
65 – Days long
240 – Hapkido’s awarded in the Badge Challenge
1000 – Qantas Status Credits Earned
1135 – Pushups awarded in the Food Challenge
53632 – Kilometres Flown
65525 – Qantas Points Earned
On the World Path again!
It has been a few years since I have done a world tour, the last one was 2019 with the 2020 tour ending abruptly at my first stop in Spain. The world has changed a lot since then, so it will be interesting to see first hand as I lap the planet. I have already mentally prepared for travel hiccups with airlines being challenged as much as they are now. That all being said, the world tour kicks off and this is a relatively short one, 15 flights, 9 Countries and 7 weeks. Packing the bags was a challenge, normally there is a much bigger ITS Team to help out as pack mules, this time just the 4 of us to get all the Hapkido goodies across the pacific. Anyway we seem to make it work and I am on the road to Sydney Airport for what will be the longest flight I have taken, the almost 16hr flight from Sydney through to Dallas, it is one of the longer commercial flights you can take.
Flights #1 & #2 – Sydney to Dallas on QF7 & Dallas to Guadalajara on AA2313
The flight was smooth and with the connection being Qantas onto American Airlines I didn’t need to actually clear customs in the USA, the bags simply went through. Immigration was quick with no forms needed and the only questions I got was where I was going (transit) and how much USD was I carrying. So through into the USA for a moment before heading to departures, clearing security and into the AA lounge. When you travel a lot having the lounge access is a big plus, a chance to shower, Wi-Fi, a comfortable chair and usually some snacks to help pass the time. Since I was going to be here for around 4 hours it helped. I checked my SmartThings app and my bag trackers showed both bags safely crossing the airport, just in time to grab my flight in Guadalajara. The flight was a touch bumpy but arrival into Mexico just fine, no paperwork for immigration and a small form to complete for Customs after clearing Immigration. I grabbed my bags, did the custom roulette, got a green and was out the door to meet KJN Hugo. A quick drive to the hotel and a catch up with KJN Hugo about the plans, and that wrapped up just over 24 hours of travelling door to door. It was now 1am here and time to crash.
A view over Mexico on the flight in from Dallas
An easy start to the World tour with just 2 seminars today, SBN Luis and BSBN Saul picked me up for a good Brazilian style BBQ lunch, then off for coffee only to find the one we stopped at had run out of Leche Normal (Normal Milk), well light milk is really water with colouring, at least it tasted like that. Onto the seminars the topics for the night were self defence variations for kids, then street self defence for the adults. A smooth first night and some sushi for dinner to wrap up Day #1 on the road.
Kids Group
Adults Group
Today it was another chance to catch up with some of the seniors, KJN Ernesto and Erik (Provisional) picked me up and we headed off for an excellent steak restaurant at an Argentinian restaurant near my hotel. Many of those who went to the Mexican ITS might have visited it as well, the steak was huge, but as a true road warrior it had to be defeated. After the meat fest it was a drive over to Tlaquepaque for a decent coffee and wander through the tourist area before heading the to Dojang for another seminar focusing on Street Defence.
The locals always chuckle at the Aussie pronunciation of the name
Seminar group
Dinner after the seminar was at a local Black Belts new restaurant venture, called Garage Cuisine, Chicken Wings and a Prawn (Shrimp) Burger for me. The next day I caught up with KJN Hugo for lunch and in the afternoon headed out for a celebration evening, today was Mexican Independence Day and KJN had some things planned for the night. One of the common things here in Mexico is to rent a house that has been set up for parties, then you add some food, maybe a Mariachi and you are good for a celebration. KJN Hugo had done that but this house was something special with huge open grounds, a pool, and an open space that would suit training. This trip was also a chance to celebrate 10 years of Kwan Nyom in Mexico so KJN combined both for an excellent evening. His students performed a great demonstration showcasing Kwan Nyom, then onto some presentations, of course tacos and a Mariachi band. BSBN Stephanie and CGN Ben who are hosting the ITS also flew into Mexico for the weekend’s fun and got to join me for the evenings celebrations.
Party House indeed
Demonstration Team
10 Years of Excellence
Party Group
Apparently even after I had called it quits for the night the local group kept on partying, getting the mariachi to stay longer and adding in some dancing to celebrate in true fashion! The next day was a return to the mats with the Sun Bae (Senior Student training) and a focus on the senior level techniques including a break down of the Aspect: Settled vs Unsettled Weight which included some new ideas for people to work on. After the Sun Bae KJN Hugo took all of us out for a traditional Mexican meal and some site seeing downtown.
Sun Bae Group
Guadalajara @ Night #1
Guadalajara @ Night #2
Guadalajara @ Night #3
Guadalajara @ Night #4
Early the next morning Team USA grabbed the early flight home to keep working on the ITS preparations and I got a chance to visit Bosque Los Colomos which is a large park located nearby to KJN’s dojang. All the international representatives know that I try to walk a set number of steps each day, so they end up getting dragged into rain, snow, heat, etc. In this case KJN Hugo picked out a rather beautiful park for my daily stroll. The park, which is home to a number of animals, mostly tree rats (A KJN Corey term for Squirrels, that I rather like), lots of birds including on this day a Peregrine Falcon and in the Japanese themed section Koi.
Bosque Los Colomos – Japanese Section
Over the next week it was time to hit the mats for what I call a double Hell Week, a session in the morning starting at 9am, and then another session in the evening starting at 6pm. The focus was on Black Belt material and the attendees where about 80% Black Belt ranks, a few Provisional and a lonely Green Belt who toughed out the week. Enjoy a few pictures of the excellent week spent on the mats
Hell Week Group
What could go wrong wearing a Blue Dobok….
Ki Dae Dojang signage
Hell Week Ground and Pound
The Hell Week squad represents
Hell Week locking on
Hell Week – Weapons in the house!
Hell Week is certifiable
All packaging now has to state Calories and Sugar content, apparently even tonic water is excessive…
The flavoured water stand, where I got to try a new one Mamey
Instructor promotion – Congrats CGN Yunuen
2nd Degree promotion – Congrats KSN Angel
I still get a kick out of being on a poster!
Fuel here is more expensive than Australia, even with far far lower wages
Welcome to ‘Not’ food
That wrapped up another good trip to Mexico, a special congratulations to KJN Hugo on the 10th anniversary of Kwan Nyom here. It was a good overall visit and I look forward to returning and helping build the next 10 years. An easy check in for my 2 flights today, firstly into Dallas with a 4 hour layover and then onto Charlotte and the ITS. The first flight was smooth, US immigration was its normal dour self and my bags were picked up for the walk through an empty customs before being transferred to my next flight. I then had to re clear security and the line was impressive with the sign giving us a 30min wait. That abruptly changed when they got the dogs involved and we were allowed to clear security with our shoes on and everything in our bags if the dog let us pass.
Got to love the waiting times.
So being a frequent flyer has its perks and one that one I am grateful for is lounge access, a place to relax, get Wi-Fi, access to a power socket, clean toilets and some food is always welcomed. As I was entering the American Airlines lounge (Partner with Qantas) they told me that with my status I could use the better Flagship lounge, well who is say no, and off I go. I was still a little amazed I was let in, but as I entered a lady offered a glass of champagne, this is a change. The lounge was impressive, a greater range of food, a impressive open self-serve bar, and even a cook on hand making fresh Texas Chili.
The open bar in the Flagship lounge
An interesting choice of places on the pull down menu in the lounge
A view over Texas on the flight to Charlotte, very different to the Mexican one.
Flights #3 & #4 – Guadalajara to Dallas on AA1174 & Dallas to Charlotte on AA522
Now that I am back in the ‘South’, well it may be north of Mexico but it is still called the South in the US, I got a chance to grab some local BBQ with Master Dave, BSBN Stephanie and CGN Ben. I also had to have another drink of one of the local Soft Drinks – Cheerwine. Checking into the hotel was easy and the rooms where spacious and comfortable, it was also the hub of activity where you were guaranteed to bump into members of team IHA from all over the world. Team Spain started up the Uno challenge and managed to get most of the group into some dubious gameplay, there are rumours of one of the seniors seen in a pink onesie around the hotel after playing against Team Spain. Needless to say the energy was high and the camaraderie was excellent.
Team Spain and the Uno challenge
Cheerwine a local delicacy
First on the schedule for the ITS was the Sun Bae or Senior Belt training which is open for all Red Belts and above. All the standard events are being held at Ma’am Stephanie and Sir Ben’s Dojang, with the Masters training happening at a nearby venue where the celebration dinner will also be held. One corner of the Dojang has been turned into a ‘Merch’ shop with items from all the international locations attending. It was a good start to the week with some senior Aspects covered as well as most of the Kwan Nyom Tools. It was around now that the whispers of what would become the ‘Bag Saga’ were heard in the Dojang. Apparently Julian (part of team pack mule Australia), well it was a bit like that, with such a small Team Australia, I needed all their help in getting the sheer number of items to the ITS so each member was travelling with extra bags or gear to help. Julian had one of my spare bags and it seems it failed to make the trip to Charlotte along with his bag as well. He headed to the hotel to make some calls and the Saga was underway, luckily his Dobok was in his carry on so he could still enjoy the training. CGN Katherine had brought in some Australian Snacks and everyone liked the Caramello Koalas and Chicken Parmesan Shapes.
The Hapkido Outlets
Sun Bae Group
Thirsty Anyone?
Now it was day #1 of Hell Week and kick day. We covered all the kicking requirements through the syllabus and then had a bonus guest seminar with SBN Erik from Norway. It was a good day on the mats, students were picking up their ITS gear, T-shirts, temporary tattoos, wrist bands, IHA Pin and more. Of course the Bag Saga continued, Julians flight details showed the bag was in Boston but amongst a few more calls it was determined that the bag was indeed enjoying a holiday in Hawaii. Hopefully it would be joining us sometime later today and on the mats for day #2.
Hell Week Day #1 – Standing Room Only
Hell Week Day #1 – Complete
After each days training Team IHA would head out for dinner at different restaurants or do some local sightseeing, many using the nearby running trails for some extra exercise. The small town near the hotel was called Birkdale and it was one of those quiet, picturesque and affluent type places. Of course everyone would end up in the hotel foyer for the nights gaming challenges. A late update was received, Julian had indeed recovered the missing bags and the local students cheered, well at least those waiting on the goodies he had carried for them. He was going to bring it to the training in the morning.
Birkdale @ Night
The ITS is in Town!
Day #2 of Hell Week and the focus shifted from the legs to the hands with Striking being on the agenda. Of course, we stood by waiting on a Bag update, and we were not surprised when we heard there was an issue, the bag had been locked in one of the local students cars along with their key. Could the bag be cursed, will it ever actually make it to the ITS? Eventually it did, and their was peace again at the ITS, needless to say we hope it is more successful on the way home as it will be bringing the ITS T-shirts back to Australia. As well as a mat filled with strikes, the guest seminar today was covered by SBN Sherri from Minnesota, USA.
Is the Bag Saga over finally?
Hell Week Day #2 – Keeping the mats filled
Hell Week Day #2 – Complete
I hope they do better maths on the inside
Wednesday was an open day with no mat time on the schedule, it would allow many of the internationals to experience some of the local attractions, one team heading off into nature at Chimney Rock and another doing the NASCAR Hall of Fame and Charlotte tour. A chance for me to get some work done before returning to the mats for more excellent Hapkido.
The new Corvette, only a cool 100k and not the top model!
Day #3 of Hell Week, the focus was now hands on with Basic self defence and a guest instructor session from SBN Pertsa. It was unknown to most but SBN ‘Hey Man’ Pertsa was indeed an under cover Finnish showman and his session brought the house down. It is always fun to see how instructors do when thrown onto the mats to take classes and SBN did an excellent job. To make sure the day wasn’t full enough I ran an IHA Instructors course in the afternoon/early evening.
The ITS energy was contagious
Hell Week Day #3 – Complete
Day #4 and it was time to wrap up the self defence, it was lucky we had no guest instructor locked as we needed the time to finish all the coloured belt material. Whilst taking the day off mid week was a great break and a chance for many to do some local sight seeing it also put pressure on covering the material, some lessons learnt for the next ITS.
Could there be a hint of Halloween in the air?
Hell Week Day #4 – Complete
It was an excellent week and the numbers were just perfect for the space, the right body heat, still room to work and the energy was great. Everything ran smoothly and the ITS component being held at Team Causby’s Dojang was now wrapped with a shift to a nearby venue for the Master’s Day and Celebration Dinner. We dropped by the venue to make sure all was ready and who else can say they did a Hapkido seminar with drapes and a chandelier?
The Calm before the storm but in style
The Masters day kicked off and were running 3 sessions at once with the adults inside and the kids split up outside by age. The instructors rotated between the 3 mats and everyone got a chance to try some training from the seniors, having the 5th Degree’s and above teaching on the adults mat. There were a lot of laughs with the instructors being a little creative, whether it was the plethora of throat striking techniques, well at one point all 3 mats were teaching a version of them, or having the parents join in with their kids hitting them, of course the question about whether the 4yr olds were up to back-falling on the concrete summed it up. No Hapkidoists were harmed during the Masters day, and everyone got their posters signed and left with big smiles if also tired bodies.
Team ITS
Team ITS Black Belts
Autograph anyone?
A brief break for everyone to freshen up and then return for the Celebration dinner. On the menu tonight was some Southern BBQ with Pulled Pork, BBQ Chicken and all the trimmings. The noise seemed to reflect the camaraderie gained from a good week and the night went smoothly. Of course there were some announcements, as well as a chance to thank all those in front and behind the scenes. I also had the chance to give out the grading results with Master Dave earning his 6th Degree and BSBN Kris her 3rd , with CGN Satu also completing her Instructors course. It was then over to the screening of my somewhat short Thai Boxing career and the announcement of the final ITS, #10! We are off to Thailand for ITS10 which should put an amazing finish to this series of events. Of course, the night wasn’t over yet and my final announcement was to recognise KJN Corey as a Master of Kwan Nyom Hapkido.
Caking it up in Style
Congratulations Master Dave, CGN Satu and BSBN Kris
Congratulations Master Corey!
The next day started with a busy morning as teams and students headed home, a few travelling onwards for some extra sightseeing. Ma’am Stephanie and Sir Ben arranged to me to tick off a bucket list item with a NFL game, surprisingly with Minnesota playing North Carolina. It was a spectacle indeed, with the stadium able to seat up to 75,000. I was lucky that I sun screened up as well as a thankful gesture from someone in the crowd giving me a hat to help with the sun.
Minnesota Vikings vs The Carolina Panthers @ the Bank of America stadium
NFL Hotdog
The next day It was time to get back on the road with 2 flights, from Charlotte into London, a 5 hour stopover and then London to Amsterdam. The first flight went well, too little sleep on the red eye, and of course the 5 hours in London was dragging on until I noticed that my transatlantic flight had pushed me into Platinum status. Time to try the British Airways first class lounge, where most of it was the same, but the food and drink selections were far superior. The flight into Amsterdam was delayed and then we sat on the tarmac for almost an hour, but finally touchdown Europe. I had to chuckle as I queued for immigration as numerous English people kept getting pushed out of the Eu line and back into the general one, ahh the fall out of Brexit continues.
Flights #5 & #6 – Charlotte to London on AA 732 & London to Amsterdam on BA 432
Hello Europe and The Netherlands
Amsterdam
I find my hotel and the steps of doom, when you are dragging along 2 large 20kg plus bags you don’t enjoy steps or narrow halls, so of course this hotel had both. I need to bring a Sherpa with me for challenges like this, needless to say after all the travelling this was the perfect way to guarantee a good night’s sleep. The next day was free so a chance to get the trip report up to date, complete some signatures and enjoy an excellent Michelin starred restaurant.
Steps of Doom
The Dutch at the Tallest by average height in the world, and have the smallest cars
My short stop in the Amsterdam complete and Master Ron and BSBN Marcel dropped by the hotel to pick me up, it was good to have the assistance getting the bags down the steps, I think both of them appreciated the challenge. A smooth drive south to Tilburg and I checked into my next Hotel, unpacked my bags, handed off some more goodies I was carrying (Passports, badges, pins, shirts, etc) and got ready for the evenings testing. Tonight we had a Spirit test for 4 of the local students and following that BSBN Marcel would be testing for his 4th Degree. The spirit test went well and team “Fantastic Four” were successful in joining the IHA Black Belt family.
Team Fantastic Four Spirit Test
The next day was open, and Master Ron had arranged some sight seeing at a local exhibition, a journey to the Retro Future, Evolution. The building started off the experience being almost like a flying saucer in shape, that continued inside with several exhibits and included a DeLorean (Back to Future car) parked out back. As part of the visit, we also got a chance to take the time travel VR tour which included harnesses and being lifted into the air as part of the show. I will say though the building and displays were interesting, but the onsite café was lacking.
Spaceship Earth
Retro Future
Step Back Citizen
For dinner Master Ron had organized a schnitty, well they might not call it that here, but we were off to a local pub for a Schnitzel that didn’t fully fit on the plate, I took the one with Satay sauce and it was a thumbs up. After dinner we headed over to the Dojang for the Sun Bae which included some Concept linking between Dan Bong and Penkido, as well as a celebration of the IHA’s 30th Anniversary, including some local Dutch treats included the Chocolate Ball of Death, well that’s not its Dutch name, more like a round chocolate éclair filled with cream and almost the size of a small babies head.
Dutch Schnitty
Master Ron’s Dojang
Dojang ala 30th Anniversary
Team Sun Bae
30th Anniversary Gift
The next day was the first full day of training with the seminar at BSBN Marcel’s Dojang, there was a good group and we worked on the S Lock family, Clinch Defence, Close Range Kicking, Amplified locks and more. We had some guests from Judo/Jiu Jitsu as well as another Hapkido school and Master Henrie joined us for the day. At the end of the session, I was pleased to welcome our newest SBN with Sir Marcel being promoted to 4th Degree.
Day #1 Seminar Group
Congratulations SBN Marcel
Dinner included some fire
Onto the second day and we were back to the Sport Hall for round of seminars, this time we had some external guests join us from Krav Maga and now SBN Marcel got a chance to try out the new Black Jacket. On the mats we covered easy way to overcome strength, choke defences, hand attacks and then coverage of all the updated techniques in the curriculum. A couple of non-martial art things I noticed; the idea of self service has gone even further in shopping here. I entered a grocery type store in Amsterdam, and it had auto gates to enter, and no clear way out except through some other gates that only opened after you scanned your purchase receipt, since I didn’t buy anything, I was basically trapped, apparently there is normally a staff member to scan you out, it took me a while to find one and escape… They also have a small scanner you pick up on entry and you can pre scan your items as you collect them to save time at the check out, ahh the future is here. Another interesting note, the petrol/gas station near Master Ron’s house has a happy hour where fuel is 5% or more cheaper.
Day #2 Seminar Group
Self Service
Happy Hour
Back on the road after a very successful visit with Team IHA Netherlands, today I was calling it Planes. Trains and Automobiles Day. Master Ron drove me to the Train station, where I caught 3 trains, well the middle one broke down, then a flight to Sweden and another car to my hotel. I had been to Sweden before but only briefly so this time I have a couple of days to look around as well as a booking at one of the World’s top restaurants.
Hitting the Tracks
Flight #7 – Amsterdam to Stockholm on SAS SK556
Stockholm at Night
Stockholm by day 1
Stockholm – Palace #1 (IHA Blue)
Stockholm – Palace #2
Stockholm – Palace #3
Stockholm – Palace #4
Stockholm – Palace #5
Stockholm – Palace #6 (New Rep meeting room?)
The Evilness of Pumpkin Spice has reached Sweden
Stockholm by day 2
A taste of Sushi – Otoro (Tuna Belly) and Caviar
Must be Meatballs time
Is it a fighting school or drug dispensary?
The night arrived for what was to be a culinary journey to remember. Some of the Representatives had decided to give me the excellent 30th Anniversary gift of an amazing meal. So, I was off to enjoy Frantzen, a 3 Michelin starred restaurant and one of the world’s absolute best. The Booking was made over 2 months ago and the restaurant is 523sq metres (5,600 sq foot) over 3 floors and only takes 23 people for dinner each evening. It would be hard to use words to sum up this evening, but the meal easily makes it onto my top 10 of all time, from the beginning to the end it was excellent, the food, the environment, service and experience was all amazing. It starts on one floor with a number of small bites before being shown what is on the menu in box, then a visit to the test kitchen and wine cellar before heading to the dinner room which sits around an open kitchen where the chefs craft the main portion of the meal. I will be adding most of the pictures to a folder on my Facebook so as not to spam the trip report. But here are a couple from the evening. Thank you for such a memorable gift!
Frantzen #1 – What’s for Dinner?
Frantzen #2 – Chefs at work, or Artists Crafting?
Frantzen #3 – Food or Art?
A very nice visit to Stockholm, I made sure to visit the Australian Consulate and postal vote, looked around the city, sampled the food, it is a clean, organized city, with lots of electric cars, people were polite and the place had a relaxed vibe. Still time to move onwards with the short hop across to Norway and Team IHA Vikings.
Flight #8 – Stockholm to Oslo on SAS SK495
SBN Erik picked me up from the airport in his Tesla, and yes there are probably even more Electric cars in Oslo than anywhere else in Europe. Silent death for those crossing the wrong way, but overall, it makes for a quieter city, it does seem a little strange with the quieter traffic hum. A quick check in to the hotel, and it was time to do a drop in at the normal Hapkido class for an appearance. Dinner was late the option was some street hot dogs from the central train station, for those imagining I only frequent the Michelin restaurants of the world, I imagine I celebrate more meals at places like the Hot Dog stand than at a Fine dining establishment, I just don’t share all those pictures….
Michelin 3* one night, Street Hot Dogs the next
Interesting sculpture
IsBeef is strong in Norway
The next day was free, so I got stuck into the signatures and updated the trip report, SBN Erik dropped in and we enjoyed a very nice lunch at a Norwegian restaurant together. Shihan Anthony and some of the Romanian students were heading in later in the day so I was aiming to catch up with him for dinner. I met up with Shihan and we walked a bit looking for dinner, I had chosen a Vietnamese place as I was aware that he had limited options for any Asian Cuisines in Brasov.
Where else would you find a Giant Hammer?
The next day kicked off the seminars and I worked on basic concepts as a refresher for the local students then took them into variations and some ‘fun’ stuff. Always makes me chuckle when we use fun stuff to talk about techniques that invariably hurt more… Just another one of those unique to Hapkido states of mind.
Norway Seminar Group
Norwegian Palace
A view across Oslo
A touch of Australiana
Oslo wanderings #1
Hmm, oat?
Oslo wanderings #2
It was a good visit to Oslo, the students worked hard and it was good to have some of Team Romania visiting. As always SBN Erik and KJN Carlos made sure it was a smooth and enjoyable visit. I also got the chance to grab a home cooked meal with KJN Carlos and we talked about how he was going with his fight against Cancer (An update, he was officially declared cancer free the following week). The visit wrapped up and SBN Erik dropped me at the airport for my next flight, this time into the deep South of Europe and Team Espana (Spain).
Flight #9 & #10 – Oslo to Madrid on IB3497 and Madrid to Seville on IB3948
Now it looks straight forward with 2 flights on Iberia, but they weren’t on the same booking as the main flight is part of my round the world ticket and the smaller leg a separate purchase, of course you would imagine that they could link them. Well, no, collect your bags in Madrid, hoof it up to departures and check back in. Sometimes you think we have access to modern technology, other times we are rechecking in. I made the change and got my flight into Seville to meet up with KJN Jose and BSBN Eloy at the now partially renovated Seville airport (featuring a Starbucks, no less).
Old School Markets #1
Old School Markets #2
Each morning KJN Jose and BSBN Eloy would pick me up for breakfast before some running around, lunch a break and nightly seminars. The kids seminars included some basic material, and for a laugh I had them working on some weaponry concepts. Overall, the little maggots, ahh kids, did well and seemed to enjoy the mat time. With the adults we ran a split curriculum, by teaching White belt self defence and having the White to Green work that, then running through the Blue and having the Blue+ work those. Each day I went up a grade and split the class accordingly.
Little Maggots, oops smaller kids group
Could there be a Black Belt grading in the air?
The best Churros in Seville
Churros
On one of the mornings instead of a standard Spanish breakfast we had to try the ‘best’ Churros in town, run by the same family for almost a 100 years and over 4 generations. I will say the actual Churros are on the plainer side but the combination with the Chocolate worked really well. Not sure it is what I would have for breakfast normally though. A representative from the local Government also stopped into present me with the official town flag in recognition of my seminars and the 30th anniversary world tour.
Recognition from the local Government
Would you buy Hapkido from these men?
Bigger kids group
Ground and Pound
Adults Group
Where else do you put an IHA pin?
Along with the normal seminars there was a Sun Bae and a separate seminar just for the parents. It was a full week with lots of different events happening each day, including a visit to a possible new Dojang location for KJN Jose. One evening after class I was surprised with a 30th Anniversary party which included some home cooked 30th themed food as well as a cool banner. The local students are very community minded, setting up tables in the Dojang and everyone bringing in home cooked foods.
Parents group
Sun Bae Group
Possible new Dojang
30th Anniversary party #1
30th Anniversary party #2
During the week there was also a slight hiccup with some stormy weather, couple of of the nights the winds were quite severe, and thousands of tree branches were torn off and spread all over the city, coupled with more rain than normal had a few of the locals worried. KJN was fielding questions about whether the seminars would continue, of course. If a Typhoon at the Mexican ITS couldn’t stop us neither would some puny storm.
Seville is storming.
Seville @ night
Literal translation – Punch on Face street
Following the rules!
Things you see around Seville
Black Soul 50%
Black Soul other 50%
Alcala del Rio wanderings
That’s how they spelt Geoff
Over the week the Black Belt candidate team “Black Souls”, no idea why that name, were on deck training hard. Running Black Jacks between the seminars with the other local students urging them on. It definitely felt like a Spirit test was coming to town. The test itself was split into 2 groups as there wasn’t enough space or Black Belts on hand to test 10 at once, the first group on deck whilst the other group enjoyed some time in a nearby park, swapping over once the first team completed their test. As we were doing a split group, the decision was made to do the presentations the following night with all the candidates together at the same time. A big night for IHA Spain with the promotion of 10 new first degree black belts. I also had the chance to recognise KSN Paula on her promotion to Senior Instructor.
Congratulations Team Black Soul
Congratulations KSN Paula – Senior Instructor
A new type of Black Belt celebration
The visit was a good one for the IHA, both with the energy and the quality of the students. The Spirit test was a big step up on past testing and the candidates definitely prepared well for it. A thank you to KJN Jose and BSBN Eloy for their great work here in Spain. I know they are already working towards taking a record Spanish team to ITS #10. The morning rolled around too soon and I was again on the road, today was a long day, leaving the hotel at 7am with a projected arrival into Helsinki around 11pm. The silly Seville to Madrid flight with baggage collection in Madrid to recheck in before my flight into London to connect to a Finnair flight into Helsinki. At least some time in the Iberia lounge to get the trip report up to date!
Flights #11, #12 & #13 – Seville to Madrid on IB3947, Madrid to London on IB3172 and London to Helsinki on AY1338
The flight into London went smoothly and the connection time was ok if on the slightly tight side, no need to worry as the Finnair flight was going to be delayed. As mentioned previously I had earned enough status credits to get Platinum with Qantas which also carried with it Emerald (highest) status within the One World Alliance. This meant that I had a choice of lounges to visit and after checking out a quick guide on the best ones, I headed off to the Cathay Pacific First lounge, very nice, a ala carte dining area with some nice food, then to make sure I sampled all the good options, I took a walk through the Business class section and then onto the Qantas lounge for some of the world famous Salt and Pepper Squid in their Ala carte restaurant section. I could get used to this level of travelling. The Finnair flight eventually departed, and I arrived into Helsinki to meet Master Tapio just before midnight. A long day on the road. It was 1:30am by the time I was checked in and ready for some sleep, the morning arrived far to early and I was in the Dojang for day one on the mats in Helsinki.
Hotel or Castle?
I had 4 days on the mats here in Finland with a number of missions, first up to go over the coloured belt requirements covering the new updates and to refresh everyone on the techniques. It had been four and a half years since I had been on the ground in Finland. During the visit I also had a Senior Black Belt test as well as a Spirit test to run. Apart from those I was also booked for the evenings with a Dinner with Master Adrian, the Federation members and a celebration dinner. A full plate here in Helsinki.
Autumn in Finland
The White Church
One of the teams from the Day training
Duck @ Le Coin
There federation dinner was planned to be held at Le Coin which is a new restaurant headed up by Chef Eero Suhonen who happens to be SBN Jaakko’s brother. It was a good evening with lots of good food and laughter, mainly coming from Chef Eero who kept us all entertained during the meal. I was keeping up the walking steps but I have to confess the somewhat cold weather with wind chill was making it a challenge, Master Tapio helped out with a ‘Bad Boy’ Beanie to keep my head warm at least.
Team Sisu
Finns on the ground
Someone was checking up on the techniques.
The Black Belt test day rolled around and first up was the senior testing with 3 candidates working towards their 2nd Degree. The test went smoothly and the candidates would get the news on Sunday after the final seminar. A brief break and then another seminar before moving onto the afternoon’s Spirit test where Team ‘Sisu’ would be attempting to earn their Kwan Nyom 1st Degree’s. Talk about a Hapkido packed day. I am pleased to announce that team Sisu all earned their Black Belts, welcome to the Black Belt family, CGN’s Petri, Aake and Petri. That evening we headed off to a nearby restaurant to celebrate.
The seminar group from before the Black Belt test
The after-test group
The next day the seminar was on street weaponry featuring Penkido, Card Sul and Bag Fu. Everyone enjoyed the weaponry concepts and took away some new material for their personal Hapkido tool boxes. I know many of the Black Belts were adding to their variations throughout the seminar. At the end I had the pleasure of promoting 3 new KSN’s Ansi, Marko, and Satu. Ansi also completed his requirements to be recognised as a Senior Instructor and CGN Teemu earned his Instructor Certification. A very successful way to wrap up an excellent return to Finland. Plans are already being put in place to make next year even more successful.
Congratulations to the new 2nd Degrees, Senior Instructor and Instructor promotions.
The mats are quiet as the Hapkido portion of the 2023 World Tour is complete.
Finland was just sneaking in some snow as I left
Of course, there is no rest for the wicked as I was up early on Monday morning to head to a print shop to get all the Black Belt certificates printed before heading to the airport. Master Tapio picked me up and dropped me off for my next flight. This would be my second flight with Finnair and the first long haul so I was looking forward to seeing what that was like. I did of course enjoy visiting the “Platinum Wing” part of the lounge and ordered a Reindeer Burger for lunch.
Reindeer Burger
Pizza vending machine…..
Business Class for sale, I am sure its cheap
The flight went smoothly and the service from Team Finnair was good. I would have no problems flying with them again, touchdown Thailand and it was straight into the pre-arranged car for the 3 hours drive south to Hua Hin. Now that is a bit wearing to say the least, still it went relatively well apart from some torrential rain on the way, and of course arriving to the hotel to find out my room was yet ready, so I set up the laptop near the pool, connected to the Wi-Fi and wrapped up the Trip report.
Flight #14 – Helsinki to Bangkok on AY141
Good morning Thailand
Trip report update Thai style
So Hua Hin is a beach side town so I needed to make sure to visit the beach at least once for a photo, sadly the trip had taken its toll on this road warrior and I got to enjoy a bout of the travel flu, Hua Hin and Bangkok became more than just a ITS 2025 preparation stop, they became a chance to spend some down time in my hotel rooms. I did sneak out for a nice meal one evening as well as a meeting with a possible ITS hotel location.
Hua Hin Beach
What do they grow in the Thai Boxing Garden?
Lots of Martial Art based signage around here
Some tasty scallops
A most excellent steak
So, after spending the much-needed quiet time recovering from the Travel Flu it was time to jump on my last flight of the 2023 World Tour. It was an action-packed return to the road with the ITS and lots of testing across the Dojangs. Overall, a good tour and plans are already locked in for the 2024 World Tour. As always, a thank you to all the hosts, Instructors, Black Belts and IHA Students for making such a thing possible let alone so enjoyable. To the team at home, you are all the A-Team making sure that the Dojang kept running well. Some statistics below give you a final snapshot of this relatively quick lap of the globe.
Flight #15 – Bangkok to Sydney on QF 24
– 2023 ITS World Tour Stats –
1 – 3rd Degree Black Belt
1 – 4th Degree Black Belt
1 – 6th Degree Black Belt
1 – Kwan Nyom Master
1 – Platinum Frequent Flyer Status Earning (Qantas)
4 – 2nd Degree Black Belts
6 – Currencies (USD, MXN, SEK, NOK, EUR, THB)
6 – Airlines Flown (Qantas, American Airlines, British Airways, Scandinavian, Iberia, Finnair)
9 – Countries (USA, MEX, UK, NL, SWE, NOR, SPN, FIN, TH)
15 – Flights
17 – 1st Degree Black Belts
57 – Days long
67 – Hours spent in the Air Flying
965 – Qantas Status Credits Earned
61250 – Qantas Points Earned
On the Road Again!
It has been sometime since I looked at my bags and went through the process of loading them up for a Seminar Tour. Something I did with so little effort is now taking a moments planning. After all it will be over 3 years since I have been to visit with the IHA family in North America. Still the bags get packed, and I get ready to saddle up for my first flights this trip. I used some hard-earned Air NZ frequent flyer points for this trip and actually booked the tickets in December last year. The flights I paid around $6k in Points Value, (Air NZ points are 1 point = 1$) for are selling today for $15k, jeez, moments pause, maybe I should just sell my ticket.
Still it was only a moments pause, and this trip starts with 3 flights, Air New Zealand from Sydney to Los Angeles via Auckland and then a change over onto United for the LA to Houston flight. Firstly it was a smooth ride to the airport, thank you BSBN Brett, and there was no waiting to check in at Air NZ, the only Covid change was to sign a attestation form for the US stating I was Vaccinated. Straight through security and though there feels like there is quite a lot of people here everything is moving quickly. The first sign of Covid is the number of shops that are still closed or showing coming soon signage. There was one huge difference though, everyone seemed to be happy to be at the airport, unlike pre Covid and the typical stressed out grumpy traveler. I hope that stays true as I journey on, happy airports…
I am going to add some Travel Notes with the report, sharing some of the tools of the Road Warrior trade, they might come in handy for those that travel often, or indeed for those who want to make their travels a little easier.
So the flight across the ditch (Australia to New Zealand) went smoothly, excellent service from Air New Zealand as normal. I had a couple of hours in Auckland so off to the lounge to chill, before the wheels fell off. I get to the gate for my US flight and its delayed based on a later arrival, which becomes an engineering issue, which then turns into a we need to swap planes problem. That changes the 8:15pm flight to something closer to 11 which means its time to check my onward United flight and change that as well. Everyone is picking on the Australian airlines for having issues, but in reality it is a world wide issue, a lack of staff for planes and airports means less planes in the air, and when issues occur less ability to deal with it. So back to the lounge to chill some more.
Travel Note #1. For those that wear belts, get a carbon fibre belt buckle, my preference is Grip 6. I have worn this belt through countless X-ray, Body Scan and so many variations of machines without an issue. Adding the ease of never having to remove your belt saves so much time and effort.
So they eventually repair what was a leaking valve in the engine that was stopping the pilot turning it off, hmmm, that definitely sounds like something I would want fixed. We then board just over 3 hours late and get underway, 12 hours in the air to the USA. The flight was uneventful afterwards, decent service, some sleep that is at best described as time passing rather than replenishing. Touchdown Los Angeles, and there have been some changes, the walk from the plane to immigration was well over a kilometre (Half Mile), at least no queue and after the ‘interview’ I was able to enter the US, grab my bags and take the walk to get my United flight. Just as the United flight was airborne I realised I had been on the go for well over 24 hours, so from leaving home to arriving to the first hotel the overall time was going to over 30 hours, that’s a travel day, well plus. Little was I to know about the car rental fiasco to come.
You see a Mini and think all is well. Let me take you on the journey to get that mini, so I booked a car almost a year ago and the rates were impressively cheap, so I got a bargain on a Dodge Challenger. I arrived into Houston airport just before Midnight and managed to get to the car rental before it closed at Midnight to be told, no US Credit Card no ‘Sports Car’, apparently now they do a credit check to rent certain vehicles, and with an Aussie card they wouldn’t allow it. So she offered a replacement vehicle, sounds find, expect the price almost doubled. Even in my travel addled brain I thought I am not paying that and told her politely no thanks. Upon trying the other car rentals that were open I found out they were out of cars, except one had tesla’s for $150US ($239AU) per day. Yeah, nah, so I head off to get an Uber to my hotel except there are none. A helpful shuttle bus driver suggests I get a ride to the airport and try from there, that works, and I am in the hotel by 2am…
I am up in the morn and after some calls, book and pay for a car through Budget with a sort of close location, an Uber later I am there and then told um nope, can’t hire you a car without a physical credit card to insert in the machine, what? Mine are all in my Google wallet, except a US Debit Card, which they wont take. So cancel that booking, and I walk a couple of kilometres to the Enterprise that I know accepts Debit and that I have used before, they have cars….. Yeah nope, the rules changed and they need a physical Credit Card now, except for at Airports, A moments pause while I yell internally, he helps out by ringing the Enterprise at the airport and they tell him they have no cars, they have 1400 bookings and 1000 cars coming in, argh. I call back Budget to confirm that I can use a US Debit card at the airport location and that they have a normal car, yes and yes. Uber back out to airport to see there is a line with over 100 people there, so while I am in line I call Budget to confirm my booking as I noticed the payment hadn’t gone through. Ahh its missing, so the helpful guy makes me another one, and an hour later at the desk they say……. No Debit card, and must be a physical car not on phone… About now the US trip is off to a [ ] start, you fill in the blanks.
They recommend another rental company that 100% accepts Debit, and there they have no cars, Hertz, Nope, Avis, Nope, Budget Nope, etc. I see that almost every place now has no Queues except Enterprise, so I get online and see if I might be able to actually sneakily book one, tick, car booked, I am in the Queue, 30 minutes later I am off to get a full size sedan, yeah, nah, they are out and apparently it was an upgrade into the Mini, about now who cares, give me the key, I am hitting the road… So what happened, well the World Series is on this weekend in Houston, who could have planned that a year ago, and there are no cars to rent, added to the Credit Card issue. So new pro tip, make sure to have a physical CC on you if you are like me and only use your phone at home.
So, car on the road, I took the chance to hit the outlets. Typically, US pricing on clothing is a less than Australia, it is the economy of scale, however sales at outlets can make it ridiculous. For example, the polo’s I bought here for $19US ($34AU), those are on special sale in Australia for over double, normally 3-4x more. Taking the pricing into account, even with a less than favourable exchange rate I took advantage of being close to some outlets, throw in some visits to TJ Maxx, Ross and Marshalls (places that have even better sales on overstock and end of season brand names) and I was stocked up for a year. Apart from some shopping, I grabbed some nice meals and of course worked on the Video signatures for those grading this trip, one day everyone will get them done early and I won’t know what to do with my spare time.
A side note, it is a small world indeed. I was chatting with one of the Uber drivers during the car hire issues, and it turned out he was a Cuban who had travelled to a number of countries, upon talking the reason was due to his Judo competitions. Once he knew I did Hapkido he went on to talk about his good friend who did Hapkido in Mexico, who I had met at a DJN’s event in Korea. So, the story goes like this, an Australian in America talks to a Cuban who knows a Mexican that met the Australian in Korea, jeez it almost sounds like the set up for a Joke. But really, how small is the world getting?
An interesting Tattoo shop in downtown Houston, it would make a nice Dojang.
Well, the Houston Astros won the World Series, I must have been good luck. Time to wrap up my brief break and get back on the road for some Hapkido. A smooth drive out to the car rental, before the shuttle to the airport and my next flight with United, this time from Houston into Charlotte, North Carolina. The home of the 2023 ITS event!
Travel Note #2. Another must have item in my travel arsenal is my Bellroy passport wallet. T fits in a normal jeans pocket, has space for my passport, a small pen, is big enough for boarding passes, and a number of cards. Everything you need to get around the world tucked away in one place. Of course I also recommend you taking paper copies of each item in your wallet separately in case it is ever lost, much easier to replace a passport and/or cards if you have pictures.
Now they have self-serve kiosks at airports, grab what overpriced items you want, scan and pay without having to talk to anyone.
Ma’am Stephanie’s Hapkido Mobile!
Welcome to Denver, North Carolina.
It was good to catch up with KSN Stephanie and Ben (Provisional testing for Black Belt this trip in Minnesota), even if it ended up around 2am the first night. Both are not only members of the IHA but also Masters of Tang Soo Do and Purple Belts in BJJ. It was looking like a busy trip with mornings open for some training with them as well as some ITS scouting around. The afternoons included time on the mats with different groups, including the Ankle biters, Knee Huggers and Teens, wrapping up with Hell Week sessions working on syllabus.
One of the many Adult Groups
Over the week I got to cover the adults curriculum, an open self defence seminar, and for the wee folk, Staff (that was interesting 30 – 5 year old’s swinging sticks), Bully defence, Bag Fu and Falling. In the spare time an adults grading for 4 of the local students, and we locked in the official hotel for the ITS!
Open Self Defence Seminar
I survived, um I meant one of the kids groups
Sensing a Theme here?
Home of ITS #10
The infamous Australian Art Competition
The Blue Ringed Octopus takes out the prize
A most honourable mention for the scene under the sea
The Theme continues
But wait there is more!
Oh, ok, one last one.
It was an excellent week, lots of students working hard, some excellent meals including the team dinner at Chima and some long walks at night. Well, I have committed myself to a daily step count so each night I was dragging Ma’am Stephanie or Sir Ben along for company. Of course, that included the “night of wet death” when it started raining torrentially the second we left and stopped the second we returned. Talk about a pair of Drowned Rats. For those at home, it is Autumn moving into Winter, so some chilly steps were part of the challenge. Did I see the word challenge? As normal I have been challenged to complete a task during my travels and this time it is a Pain Face from each Dojang. So unto our guest pain facer from IHA Denver, NC.
Pain Face #1 – Welcome to the club Rigo
With the ITS plans shaping up well, expect early bird registrations to open an day, it was time to bid farewell to Team Denver and hit the road towards the state for Lovers, Virginia.
Indeed – Lovers of Hapkido maybe?
On the road for this leg from Denver, NC to Yorktown, VA
KSN Stephanie offered to drive down to Yorktown so we hit the road in the Dojang F150 for a comfortable cruise of just under 6 hours. A brief stop at my hotel to drop off the luggage then over to BSBN Brian’s house for a home cooked meal. Of course, we need to maximise the time on the ground, so after dinner we headed to the Dojang for a 30min seminar on Angry White Belt and a chat the local Black Belts on the plans.
Enjoying a walk
Training started early the next day and BSBN Brian had a full schedule in mind for my visit, adding in my steps and a few meals to make sure every moment I was kept busy. It was good though to enjoy some walking through the local parks and BSBN knew many of the better trails.
Enjoying more walking
To give you an idea of the schedule in mind, I am posting up a screenshot of one of my travel apps, more information in that in the next Travel note below.
A day on the road – TripIt Screenshot
Travel Note #3. Apps, apps and more apps are all an important part of the Travel Warrior arsenal. Of course, there are many standard ones for international warriors, XE for currency, Google Translate, for those who like Fine Dining – Laliste is a must. You should also have any of the apps for the airlines you are flying this is a basic need. Beyond that I have one I heartily recommend and use the most, TripIt. IT allows me to keep track of not only my flights, but all transportation, meetings, hotels, meals and more. If you pay for the Pro version you get live updates on your flights, gate changes, luggage, etc.
Each morning I got to spend time on the mats with BSBN Brian as well as a group of his seniors working on different concepts as well as preparation work for testing in Minnesota. Mary was aiming for her Spirit test and KSN Ashton was preparing for 3rd Degree along with KSN Stephanie. Several of the other local Red and Provisional Black Belts dropped in to be crash dummies. A lot of people would wonder why they volunteered so much time and effort, well to be honest you learn as well. They were able to be on the mats when I was covering senior concepts and techniques and I am sure picked up some Gems along the way. KSN Ashton was excited about a new Fast-Food restaurant opening nearby so for lunch one day we joined the throng of people queued up for the opening. The restaurant specialises in Chicken fingers, only really selling those, fries and Texas Toast, since it was called Raising Cane, both KSN’s brought theirs. We did then find out it the name was from one of the owners pet hound.
Raising Cane, sort of
So, each day it was onto the mats for seniors in the morning, and then onto mixed classes, seminars and Hell Week sessions each evening. Ma’am Mary made sure that the team had snacks for the brief breaks during sessions, and had also provided me with a care package for my stay, some vegemite, nuts, trail mix as well as a ruby duck (longer story), and some Dinosaur Black Belt socks, expect those to make an appearance sometime later in the trip report.
Seminar Snacks
Some of the local students joining the Training
During the week I had the chance to officially present CGN Juan with his official IHA Dobok, Black Belt and Certificate. Congratulations sir, I look forward to working with you on your continuing journey on the Hapkido path.
Congratulations CGN Juan
One of the highlights from the week was when Moriah on the local Orange Belt students (who is blind) not only spent the week on the mats working hard with everyone else but also broke wood during the breaking session, incredible. So many students struggle to find motivation to train, but Ma’am Moriah showed how to overcome adversity and still follow the Hapkido path, you have my respect. It was a filled week with many mat hours, lots of sweat and laughs as the local students worked hard. To wrap up the week BSBN Brian set up a team visit to Busch Gardens (A local Amusement Park) which was featuring a Christmas Theme.
Busch Gardens 1
Busch Gardens 2
Busch Gardens 3
More Hapkido on the Road
Pain Face #2 – BSBN Brian gets his membership card
An early morning trip to the airport and I am boarded for Guadalajara via Houston. The transit is 43 minutes (United booked this transfer) and according to one of my travel apps, it takes on average 22 mins to do the walk/sky train. No stress at all, should be easy, the only hiccups occur with bags making it. The arrival was slightly delayed and I am off and running, I keep an eye on the boarding indicator as well as my Samsung Bag tag to see if my bag is moving. I literally arrive and walk straight on the plane, and watch as the Bag Tag slowly makes it way across the airport to the plane. Ok, all is together and we are off.
Yorktown – Houston – Guadalajara
I win the customs lottery (if you come to GDL you will understand) and notice no usual form to enter, just one for Customs. KJN Hugo is on hand to pick me up and we hit the road to my hotel for the next 9 days.
The Riu is a true 5 star hotel and the tallest building in Guadalajara (GDL), and even better I booked it including breakfast for less than a standard Chain hotel in the USA. A small travel hack, even if flying solo book for 2 so you get an extra breakfast, KJN Hugo would drop in each morning to make good use of the hotel’s impressive Buffet.
Just outside the RIU Hotel
So the plans are for a different seminar each day, visiting 3 of the local Dojangs, throw in a Sun Bae (Senior Training), Senior Black Belt test, Black Belt Spirit Test, Police Training and a Kodanja class(4th Degree plus). Just to make sure I don’t get board this visit, of course wrap the events in lots of excellent local dining, good company and many trips to one of the ok local coffee shops. If I had to rate them, La Borra, Black Gallery then Starbucks.
An old school Hapkidoist with their Cane
First seminar off the rank was Bag Fu with the local kids at MHA Ki Won, followed by some junior belt revision for the adults, I decided to throw in some Angry White Belt as well as the Lock/Striking concept to sweeten the deal, of course a pain face as well.
MHA Ki Won Dojang
Survived the Ki Won Kids, the picture sums it up
Ki Won Adults Seminar
Pain Face #3 – CGN Erika joins the Hall of Fame
I had done some culinary research before this trip and sent off a list of possible restaurants on my interested list. It seems KJN Hugo took it as a challenge and went ahead and managed to book them all over the visit. Even funnier was that the first one on the list was managed by the father of one of his Black Belts, well French for lunch it is.
Pate, Cheese and KJN went Snails, so Parisian
Flambe anyone?
Next up was the Police seminar, and KJN Hugo did let some other students sneak in. Slam and Jam was the order of the day, with some Ground locking to keep them Jammed. Add a pain face and you have a rather good day on the road.
Police Seminar @ Ki Dae Hapkido
Pain Face #4 – KSN Aldo went old school
Even a Mexican Hotel surrounded to some Thanksgiving
Literal translations are always worth a chuckle (it means Cheese wrapped Ham)
Next up a visit to Tlaquepaque and KJN Ernesto’s Dojang the MHA. A stop on the way though to get a good lunch and coffee whilst enjoying part of the tourist section of GDL.
Very Vibrant Tlaquepaque
MHA Dojang
MHA Seminar Group
Pain Face #5 – BSBN Johnathan drops in from Cancun and drops out in pain
Smart Car Parks all over GDL
Time to return to KJN Hugo’s Dojang – Ki Dae for the evening. I also had the pleasure of presenting some Black Belt certificates and Doboks for the team that graded earlier in the year. Team USA with Ma’am Stephanie and Sir Ben had joined the south of border fun flying in today from North Carolina. Apparently they won the Customs lottery but still got searched, oh well, it sometime works. For those still stumped, when you go to clear customs here you push a button and it either lights up Red (X Ray machine) or Green (Pass Go). Never the less they made it and joined us on the mats for the seminar, then joined KJN Hugo and I for a Brazilian meat fest afterwards.
Sparkling new Black Belt Doboks
Ki Dae Seminar
I found my Signatures Sign
Next up was a return visit to the MHA Dojang for the Sun Bae session, open to all Red Belts and above. On the list was Dan Bong, Cane, and Flex Weapon techniques along with some Weapon Multiple Grabs. That was followed by the Senior Black Belt testing, CGN Citlalli for 2nd, BSBN’s Selene and Ernesto Jnr for 4th and KJN Ernesto for 7th. A sleepless night for them I am sure as the results will be given the next day at the presentation lunch.
Sun Bae Group
After the busy day it was time to enjoy some fine dining this time with KJN Hugo, BSBN Selene, BSBN Stephanie and Sir Ben. It was a very pleasant meal in a art gallery that was repurposed from a row of houses.
Scallops
Desert – Black Truffle Ice Cream
The morning View from my room
Daylight View
An Apt Name for a local Car
The next morning it was back on the mats at MHA for the Spirit Test, on deck were 3 candidates. On this occasion we welcomed 1 new 1st Degree into the family and will be working with the other 2 to make sure they are ready in future.
Welcome CGN Edwin
Kiwi wrapped Sushi with Cheese as well, that’s just a NO.
After the testing there was time for a local Representative meeting, focusing on steps to improve our Hapkido here in Mexico, some new systems to be implemented and the excitement of a good group coming to the ITS next year. The it was time to head out for a celebration/commiseration lunch as well as a chance to give out any promotions from the previous days testing. Congratulations to our new 2nd Degree KSN Citlalli, 2 new SBN’s Selene and Ernesto Jnr, then it was time for the big news and only the 2nd time I have promoted someone to 7th Degree, congratulations KJN Ernesto!
KJN Ernesto – KSN Citlalli – SBN Selene – SBN Ernesto Jnr
With those promotions it is clear that Team Mexico has some powerhouse families on the mats with KJN Ernesto’s family being (7th, 5th and a 4th Degree) and KJN Hugo’s family (6th, 4th, 2nd and 1st Degree). I talk about the IHA family, but here it is taken literally. That evening we took Team USA out for some legit street taco’s at KJN Hugo’s favourite Taco stand. It is hard to describe the difference between tacos here and outside Mexico, but never the less I love them hear and don’t like them elsewhere.
Taco Wizards at Work.
The last day on the mats was for the Kodanja (4th Degree+) and we covered the new 4th Degree Black Belt requirements with a focus on the knife techniques, also some Multiples grabs with knife and a brief exposure to the first 5th Degree Sword form.
SBN Selene and SBN Ernesto with their Jackets and Certificates
7th Degree #2 KJN Ernesto with his Jacket and Certificate
Local Kodanja – Now that is some Bench strength
A brief wave goodbye to KJN Hugo’s dojang
To wrap up another excellent visit to GDL I took my local family out for a very nice Steak Dinner, apparently this restaurant was voted #54 best steakhouse in the world this year, regardless it was an great meal with my Mexican familia.
Brick Steakhouse, looks amazing and the food is as well
Mexican Familia
A relatively quick drive out to Guadalajara airport for the just over 1-hour flight into Mexico City for a break in the travels. Expect some food pictures as I have a host of dining lined up.
Guadalajara – Mexico City
Travel Note #4. Power. Always carry an old plastic hotel card or similar. Many hotels require one for the room power and having a spare always helps. Many rooms turn off the socket power as well without that card, so while you are out, the laptop, etc. isn’t charging. For international travel, spend a moment researching the power adaptor you will need. A good multi adaptor is a investment, but also take into account how many devices you want to charge, one adapter might not be enough.
Hola Mexico City
An easy flight into Mexico City, and after collecting my bags I checked out the Taxi offerings. One good thing is you pay at the Taxi booth, and they call up the taxi so less scamming is on offer. The ride was smooth, and the traffic wasn’t bad, more on that to come. I was pleasantly surprised with my hotel, it was part of an incredibly cheap Expedia package, 5 nights (4*) and a First-Class flight for just on $400. Sometimes the packages are well worth a peak. Beyond that the hotel offered something I had never come across before, free food 24 hours a day from a small café up front. I was upgraded to a larger very spacious room due to my Expedia Status, and there was a personal note to welcome me, this hotel ticks a lot of boxes. Over my stay I found all the staff helpful, the breakfast choice decent, the café a bonus (mainly coffee, but for those beer drinkers it was free too). So if you are ever going to visit Mexico City give the Hotel Historico a look, it also sits within walking distance of all the major city sites.
Hotel Historico
Comfortable Room
Nice Welcome
All Free 24/7
So why Mexico you ask well it turns out 5 of the top 100 restaurants in the world are located here and with some skill and planning I had booked them all. Beyond that it was also a good deal as most were priced lower due to being in Mexico. Over the break I tried Pujol #5, Quintonil #9, Sud #52, Rosetta #60 and Maximo #89. The only draw back was how horrific the traffic can be, most restaurants were in the 5-9km distance from the hotel and Uber on every occasion took at least 30mins, in one case 90mins. Actually on 2 of the trips, I gave the driver a wave and walked back, it was quicker. I did wander the streets and enjoy the history, but in general I was here for the food coma.
Wandering the Zocalo
Food #1
Food #2
Palace of Fine Arts
Food #3
Food #4
The lost tribe of the Mayan Tourist Hunters
I do have to admit that tracking down some postcards took some hours, they seem to be a dying breed in many places now. Still, I did finally get some and can report they are in the post, it is anyone’s guess on when they make it home though. The hotel arranged a smooth transfer to the airport, and I am back into the friendly skies, this time with American Airlines as part of my switch from Star Alliance to One World. I have 90 minutes to clear US immigrations and make my connecting flight to Minneapolis, in Road Warrior speak that is an eternity.
Mexico City – Dallas – Minneapolis
Well in fact it turned out to be quite close, clearing customs which was surprisingly quick for a US entry then collecting my bags, re-checking them, changing terminals, hitting the Queue to redo security meant I basically walked on last to my Minnesota bound flight. Still it worked and I was off into the frozen north to meet up with KJN Corey and a good steak dinner to catch up before the drive to Hutchinson.
Queues R Us
The next day it was time to also catch up with Master Dave and to visit his brand new Dojang, it looks ready for some excellent Hapkido classes. I also had the chance to spend some time on the mats with him and KJN Corey covering the 4th Degree Knife Techniques and a chunk of the 5th Degree Sword material. After the training we headed back to KJN Corey’s Dojang for a class on Bag Fu with his kids group.
Complete Self Defence Buffalo, MN
CSD Hutch Kids Group
Typically when I visit with KJN Corey one of the dinners is a home cooked Barbeque or similar, this visit it was to be a highlight. I had found a supplier in the US of a very rare type of meat that is imported directly from Japan, not only is it A5 Wagyu grade but specifically Olive Wagyu. The meat was shipped to KJN Corey specially frozen, and even came with certificates of authenticity. Due to its incredible richness we managed to make 2 evenings meals from it, hmmm this sounds like a Annual event to me.
Olive Wagyu
Oh, I must have forgotten to mention its cold up here in the Tundra North. The temperature did range and hovered around 0 to -5 most days, quite fine actually, except for the odd -17 with some wind and moisture. I know the Finns and Vikings laugh but to an Aussie that’s a wee bit chilly. Still beautiful to see some of the snow capped fields and surrounds.
The view from KJN Corey’s front door.
Onto the training and the first full day was the Sun Bae (Senior Students Red Belt +) followed by the Senior Black Belt test, on deck were CGN Justin for 2nd, KSN Ashton and Stephanie for 3rd Degree and BSBN Sherri for 4th Degree. The testing went smoothly, so much easier than zoom, and the Black Belts will get their results the following Sunday during the final seminar sessions.
Sun Bae Group
Wal Mart Wanderings #1
Wal Mart Wanderings #2
The next morning was an early one and a chance to enjoy the sun rise as we headed to a specialised law enforcement training centre shared by the FBI, Sheriffs and Correctional officers. KJN Corey has been running regular training for the Correctional Officers and I was asked to step in as a guest teacher for this session. It was a nice facility and the group seemed to enjoy the training, one of the local FBI Tactical officers like it enough to offer us some time on the shooting range, how can you say no to that.
On the morning road
Correctional Officers seminar
Shooting time
A touch of Finland
After the training it was back to KJN Corey’s Dojang for another round of Hell Week, by this stage most of the visiting teams from the other US dojangs had arrived with BSBN Brian + Team Yorktown, KSN Stephanie + Team Denver and Master Dave representing Team Buffalo. During the evening I was also happy to present CGN Sam and CGN Marc with their official IHA Black Belt Certificate, Doboks and Belts.
Congrats on your new Doboks, Belts and Certificates
Almost like a Finnish Sauna
Hell Week Team
The next day was another day on the mats with Hell Week, and I then had the chance to recognize KSN Kris on earning her promotion to Senior Instructor. The evening continued with a USA Representative meeting over some Sushi with a discussion about Black Belt testing next year, along with the ITS plans. There are lots of exciting events and plans coming for Team USA over the next couple of years. On the somewhat late drive home I got the chance to enjoy some of the local wildlife, even if the Vampire Deer did seem to be giving us the stare down.
Congrats KSN Kris
Battleship Sushi Style
Vampire Deer
Day 3 of the Hell week on the mats, and in a break before the evenings Spirit test we took the chance to walk on water, well to stroll across the nearby river that had frozen over in the cooler weather. Even though it was downtown, there was already one ice fishing hut set up and a enterprising local hard at work. Back into the warmth of the Dojang, where the heat was truly turned up for the evenings Spirit testing, 2 candidates on the mats with Ben from Denver and Mary from Yorktown. We were proud to welcome 2 new 1st Degree Black Belts into the IHA family.
Hell Week Team
Ice Walkers
Congratulations CGN Ben and CGN Mary
A final day on the mats and a chance to welcome our 2 new Black Belts, as well as reveal the senior promotions. Congratulations KSN Justin ‘Bluie’ 2nd Degree, BSBN’s Ashton and Stephanie 3rd Degree and our new SBN Sherri 4th Degree, also with the promotions, both BSBN’s were recognised as Chief Instructors. This was truly a record breaking visit for rank testing and instructor promotions, after a 3.5 year break it was a good way to get Hapkido in the USA back on track.
Congratulations Team USA
Hell Week Survivors
Time to hit the road, for the drive to Minneapolis for the celebratory Brazilian feast at Fogo’s with Master Dave and KJN Corey, before grabbing my hotel near the airport for the short night. Up at 4am to catch the first of 4 flights home, first up Minneapolis to Dallas, then onto Los Angeles. I broke up the trip briefly to catch up with Master Ali for lunch before a quick return to the airport for the long haul home via New Zealand. The Road Warrior returns.
Minneapolis – Dallas – Los Angeles – Auckland – Sydney
So you Study the Martial Arts?
The question then becomes are you a Student of the Martial Arts or a Martial Artist? Is there a difference, what is it if there is one and why does it matter anyway?
Well actually there a lot of differences between the two and in this case we will call one person a Student and the other a Martial Artist. Let me break down some of the principles or ideas that differentiate between the two and you can then take a look at your training and decide which one you are.
We all start training in one of the Martial Way’s for our own reasons and that in some ways can affect straight away whether you are heading towards being a Student or Martial Artist. Some schools are focused on attracting students, whilst others are on creating Martial Artists. This is not style dependant but more a focus that the Instructor or School wants to follow.
So what is the difference? Well most if not all of us start as Students and becoming a Martial Artist is a time based change as we progress through our training. Lets start with breaking down what makes each unique.
A student is someone who makes an average commitment to training 2 or 3 days a week and they will tend to allow other events to come in the way of their attendance. They put in the effort required or demanded of them during class, follow instructions and work towards attaining their next technique, belt, sash or level. They enjoy the atmosphere as a whole and are relatively easy to teach. The school becomes a service provider in that they pay their fees and expect classes, a relatively normal type of existence for today’s society.
This is not a bad thing and in most cases it is the standard. In fact having students is something that larger schools need, in able to support themselves. In some situations it is the number of Student members that help support a schools desire to maintain a program based purely on Martial Artists. It is symbiotic in that without students there would not be the progression for most into becoming a martial Artist.
A Martial Artist is someone who decides that their training is important and attendance at class 3 or more days a week is the norm, they are more likely to be at the training hall before class and are almost always around after class talking about different aspects of training. They are more interested in the history of the art, the progression of the art and show these traits by participating in more outside martial arts type events. In class they are more focused on achieving excellence within a technique over achieving a belt, they are a harsher personal critic in most cases than the instructor and are willing to put in more work before or after class to achieve. When it comes time to help the School they are always first to volunteer and enjoy being able to help ‘their’ school. With this added effort there becomes a feeling of being apart of the school, they are proud to train here and they want the school to succeed, whether this is by keeping the school clean, promoting the school to friends or working towards representing the school in tournaments or events. The school is no longer a place they go to train it becomes a place where they feel like they are a part of the family. Training and the related activities become something that they are passionate about; it is this passion that can be the major difference between them and a Student.
The other changes within a school that has a clear path for students to become Martial Artists, is that not only does the level of respect shown increase but the energy and focus on the training floor does as well.
Historically when someone walked into a school they were pretty much give a choice of adopting a Martial Artist type mentality to survive training or quit. However these days marketing has created more of a focus on attracting Students first and in too many occasions the school loses its ability to create Martial Artists. If we look back 15 years or more a Black Belt was someone of status and regardless of style or Dan rank someone who was respected. These days the belt has to a large extent lost its credibility and I credit this to schools that award Black Belts to Students, whereas our focus should be to maintain the tradition of making Martial Artists earn them. The secret of course is a simple one and that is to educate students why they should put in the extra effort.
For some examples from my Dojang (Dojo/Kwoon/Training Hall) I decided that I would not allow shoes inside the Dojang this included parents/friends/etc. All it took was to explain how it was a way of showing respect for the Dojang and now our students take pride in telling their friends to take their shoes off when bringing them along. At the same time we also implemented a system where our students are responsible for cleaning the Dojang which started with me cleaning the Dojang and asking for anyone who wanted to help, and over the following weeks it became a standard for everyone to give the school a clean after class, we have even implemented a process were testing candidates have to clean the Dojang before their physical test to show their humility and respect for the School.
Again I am not against the idea of Students I firmly believe that it is our job as Instructors to be able to show them the path to becoming Martial Artists, to be the guide and to be the support they need to choose to follow the same path we have. After all it is good to be passionate about something, but to be able to share that passion with others is even better. Are you a Student or a Martial Artist?
Grandmaster Geoff J. Booth
“Shaken or Stirred – Blended or Mixed”
What flavour Martial Art do you do?
Are modern Martial Arts signalling the end of an era? Are the days of the true Master numbered? Well probably not, but realistically the current direction so many martial artists are taking will have a large affect. The current trend is to Mix and Match styles, take what is useful and discard what is not, hmm where has that been said before? It seems every corner now has a Mixed Martial Arts school promoting the current trend. While there are most definitely some very good instructors who have chosen the MMA route it seems that everyone else has decided to jump on this band wagon.
The Martial Arts like so many other activities or hobbies goes through phases or trends, whether it was the Kung Fu years, the Ninja Time or the whole Cardio/Tai Bo Karate get fit period. So what makes the current MMA direction any different? In some ways it is far more powerful than those and truly far more dangerous as well.
MMA by itself is a positive idea, the general thought of ensuring that through your martial arts training you cover each of the ranges is positive. By that I mean having techniques which can include stand up, ground and in close fighting to cover all the possibilities of self defence. After all haven’t a number of the Martial Arts fathers in their own way done some of this when they created the mainstream martial arts we learn today? So where is the danger in the current trend?
The danger is in the loss of the true Master, the person who chooses to follow the path of his style over enough time to truly understand and master it. The person who lives their style, brings to it life and through years of experience adds in their own way to its uniqueness. If we lose these people, we lose so much more than just the history of a style, we also lose the future. So why is this happening?
The martial arts reflect society and its current drive to take the path of least resistance. Why study one style for 20, 30 or 40 years to mastery when you can learn 5 or 6 styles in a shorter period. It is common for instructors to start in one style, then grab a little bit of this and a little bit of that. A few seminars here and there, added to an intensive course and viola’ you are a MMA stylist. This might take 5-10 years and you now have some experience in each range or area of self defence. At this stage another path opens up, the instructor with his newly found skills chooses to create his own new MMA type style or system. So we end up with students leaving their original systems to create others without ever learning where they came from.
Now it was common in the past for Martial Artists to cross train and in Korea it was quite common for seniors to be ranked in a number of styles e.g. Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido and Judo. So how was that any different to today? Well if you look back at those very same seniors you will see that they still have a main style and most definitely a higher rank in that one. The other styles will be of a lower rank and regarded as not their main focus. This allows them to go on to Master their style while having had the experience of the others.
So if we look at the old ways and compare them to the new are they really that different? Well the focus today is more on purely stripping out of a style what works and discarding the rest, how can someone who does this ever truly master that style? The more this happens the more we end up with one singular blended or mixed system. Now from a pure Self Defence position this is a good thing, having defined what works and what doesn’t. However it is a sad day for the loss of the tradition, the loss of those attributes that make each individual style just that.
Are all Mixed Martial Artists doing this? No of course not there are some very well known MMA instructors who also have a very strong background in a single art or style. There are also those who have taken the MMA path as a means to simple self defence or for the competition aspects as well. The danger lies in those students/instructors who fail understand at least some core basics before blending or mixing what little they know with more. With the growth in popularity of the Mixed Martial Arts so to will be the longer term effects felt from the loss of those instructors who decided to change their path.
Only time will tell if the current trend to Blend or Mix will be a positive one or detrimental. However the respect for those martial artists who commit to their style, those who truly master a path will always be there. Learning different ideas and adding to your skill set is a positive direction to take, but why not do that from a solid background in one system. Take the path a little less trodden and possibly far greater rewards will come. Blended or Mixed, Shaken or Stirred it really comes to down to your taste, choose wisely.
Grandmaster Geoff J. Booth
“Real Training!”
Do you train for real, or do you train for reality? The difference is a lot larger than you think regardless of style.
The idea of a difference between real or reality training is more focused on those arts that have a combat focus or combat based history. It is less true with those arts that are predominantly philosophical or health related. And in using the term reality I am not referring to the more recent crop of ‘reality’ fighting styles.
If we go back in time to the foundation of our arts it was common for them to have come from times of trouble, times of war or times when conflict was a general way of life. As such they were designed to be used; it was common for the techniques to be tested in actual battle. Even in times when there was no actual war or fighting it was well known that the seniors would go out and test their skills. This is evident in Korea where many instructors would challenge others to fight, or they would test their skills on the streets in the more criminal parts of the cities.
When it became less accepted to ‘test’ skills this way, some instructors came up with other ways to check that their training was based in reality. Mas Oyama was one these, not only did he test his skills against bulls, he also created the 100 man kumite as a test of ability and spirit. Society has changed and with it the ways we can test our skills. That being said the option for the Kyokushin 100 person kumite still exists if attempted rarely.
Where does this put us today? The first step is to train for reality as opposed to just real training. The difference comes from the intent and the way you train. I define training for real as someone who attends classes and follows the directions they are given. They train reasonably hard 2-3 times a week and put in a decent effort. Does this translate to being ready for reality? Will their training support the ability to be able use those skills in a real situation? This is really dependent on the person, not on their training.
In training for reality the focus in the training needs to shift. For example kicking skills need to not only be trained in the air but in a real context. Firstly you have to be able to develop power from the kick on a target or bag. Then the kick needs to be put into a reality focus through training the kick the way it may be required. Try kicking when the opponent rushes in randomly, try kicking when the target is off centre and also try kicking when you need to shift your weight or balance first. When you are able to kick with power in each of these situations the kick then becomes a tool that would be more likely to work in reality.
The same goes for those arts that use a locking, throwing or grappling. The locking should be trained against grabs that include resistance, different angles and different force. Try using the lock while blind folded and try using the lock while your balance is disrupted. These training tools will help prepare the skill for use in the ever changing environment that is reality. A combination of training your skills to be usable and effective in as many variable situations is most definitely the first step.
The next one is to work on intent and focus. When you kick or lock, make the technique the focus; make the goal to complete the technique regardless of the variables. One good drill is to have a partner Kiyap/Kiai loudly and randomly during a drill to disrupt your focus. When you are confident of your skill, test it in the class. This does not mean taking out your opponent, more that you get your opponent to push your limits. As an example if the technique is a kick defence, get a skilled kicker to be your opponent and ask them to hit you with that kick. You still are aware that a X Kick is coming but now you are facing an opponent who has the skill to hit you with it. This will bring into play an adrenal reaction which is another way to be ready for the street.
The idea’s here are not style based more a way to train skills so that they are more likely to be practical in reality. Taking your training up to this level will not only provide better martial art tools but also a greater sense of confidence. Really train and train for Reality!
Grandmaster Geoff J. Booth
“Pass or Fail?”
Is earning a belt now a given or is it something to be protected?
Society is changing. This is a given but how does that affect the martial arts? The simple answer is in everyway but more importantly is it positive or negative in how. Lets take a look at just one aspect that in most ways is being affected negatively. The idea of belts as a measurement of rank is a relatively modern one and accredited to Jigoro Kano. The idea was to give us recognition as well as a sense of achievement of where we were on the path. That in its self seems to be positive. Most styles use a ranking system whether its belt, sash, badge or other. This then raises the question of how to award them.
This is one of the major areas where society has indeed influenced the martial arts. Most of us understand the degradation of the level or respect of Black Belt and it’s a point I have covered here previously. However this all begins within the coloured belt ranks and not only the way we award them but how we use this system for the good of the student. The question is should an instructor fail a student for being below par? The answer should be a resounding yes however that point is changing. Let’s look in little more detail at the idea of Pass or Fail.
Psychology tells us that positive reinforcement is better than negative. So that would lead that it is better overall to have students pass belt testing. The attitude becomes one of the calm as students work towards a belt that in some ways is a given. This is simplistic and I have heard the analogy of high school used here, where a student is in school for a set time and graduates as a class. If this idea is used, students that start at the same time should progress together and pass/earn their belts together. There are of course some problems with this as we all know that students don’t indeed have the same skills, desire or attitude, let alone work ethic. But still a regular promoting student is a happy one and many successful schools use this model to ensure a positive training environment and good student numbers. This idea was for a long time a backbone of a management companies success path, 1/3rd of all students should be testing each month.
As society becomes more of a gimme ideal or fast food mentality students expect to dot the I and cross the T to get their belts. There is a simple expectation that if they follow the minimum requirements for belt testing that they will get their belt. How many times have parents been instrumental in assisting instructor’s grade their children? Parent’s join the band wagon here as they too expect that their children will indeed get a new belt when they test. This combination of factors does increase the pressure on the instructor to use the above idea’s to pass more students.
Then why is failing a better way? It is of course a hard path to take and can indeed cost you students. However I have always been a fan of more education and more discipline. As long as students understand why steps are taken, in this case a fail, they are in most cases fine. The idea is simple, you are undertaking a test and as in life we sometimes fail tests. A true martial artist takes a step back reassess the challenge and then conquers it. This approach teaches a better focus, a better attitude and in the end produces a better martial artist. A story I like to use when preparing to fail students is The Apple. When you look at an apple tree you pick the ones that are ripe, you leave the ones that aren’t. Those apples didn’t fail, they weren’t quite ready. A little more time and those apples will be picked as well. Training for a test is the same, sometimes you aren’t quite ready and some extra time is all it takes.
I would say that approximately 20% of students within my Dojang fail testing at one point or another in their progression through the belts and so far 99% have continued. The key has always been to educate that failing is simply another part of the test and another part to work through. As long as students understand this and know that this system is in place from the beginning there are no issues.
So realistically speaking it is still far easier to pass than fail. It makes for less stress, less aggravation and a better atmosphere. But I feel it makes for a lower overall standard and in its way a lessening of what the Martial Arts stands for. Educate students on why belts are something to be earnt and not a give. Why at times they may need to take that one step back to go two forward. A student who can take a fail and then work towards a pass is indeed one destined to become a better martial artist, the one who quits….
Grandmaster Geoff J. Booth
“What is it about Rank?”
Rank, what is rank and why in the whole scheme of things does it truly not matter?
Rank seems to be such a focus within the martial arts and because of that it will always provoke a spirited response. However when it comes down to it, your rank doesn’t matter from one style or from one organisation to another.
Let us start with the idea of rank. Rank is a way of determining who has seniority within the school and this is primarily important to give an indication of which students have more knowledge. The story of the white belt becoming darker as a student trains, ending up as a Black Belt, is a good story, but it is also only that a story. The idea however reflects the process of a new student putting time into their training and gaining knowledge. Ranking was implemented to give those students an idea of where they were along the path. Of course it only reflects where they are along the path that relates to that style, and to that school. Therefore a Green belt in one school may have no relationship to a Green belt in a nearby school. So how can we judge one to the other?
Looking a little deeper into the structure of ranking, coloured belts are accepted as being stepping stones to Black belt or its equivalent. In my school a Red belt is the first level of senior belt, however in some Karate schools it can represent 5th Degree. This shows that the colour can become meaningless, so should we just compare black belts with black belts. This will only make the process even harder as some schools have 5th Degree as their highest rank, some 15th degree. Is a 4th degree in both schools the same? Have they travelled the same distance through their respective curriculums, achieved the same level of knowledge, of course not.
Then we also have the fact that in some organisations rank has to be physically tested for regardless of level, but in others it is awarded, or earnt through many non physical methods. Most tend to have a level of physical requirements which then change as the rank increases to recognition for time and effort. That too is also very dependant on style and organisation, so here again we see how comparing a 4th degree from one organisation with another is a moot point.
So why is rank important? To many it is external recognition, it is the yardstick however flawed that others see the practitioner by. When truly it only represents one schools internal level of recognition and this can change even within a single organisation. How many times have we seen Black Belts of the same rank from the same organisation perform at wholly different levels? However flawed the system is due to the fact there can be no real standard, rank still is needed.
Rank becomes a way for the school or organisation to set goals, recognise achievements and to create leadership. It structures how the student progresses within your style and also gives them a guide to who has been training longer and can assist with knowledge.
Every organisation has its own requirements for rank and I am sure that most have their merits. However it is not our place to directly judge those merits unless we fully understand them and how they apply. In my school black belt ranking is broken down in clear steps that include time in rank, an amount of training hours, an amount of specific black belt training hours and a technical requirement. This ensures that the student has learnt the technical requirements and at the same time has put them into practice sufficiently to attain their next level. This also gives each student a clear understanding of what each rank above them entails and what that student has had to achieve to earn that rank. This makes sure that respect for those attainments is always held at the highest level, and that everyone on that level has worked to the same standards.
So Rank becomes an individual recognition of attainment that in an effort to compare we need to understand all the elements that were required for that schools and their organisation. This is why in the scheme of things rank doesn’t truly matter, only the knowledge and effort it reflects does. The easiest way to determine if someone is worthy of their ‘rank’ is to train with them and only then will the knowledge that it should reflect be evident.
Grandmaster Geoff J. Booth
“My Martial ART is better than yours!”
Right about now you are thinking what style does this punk do?
Really that question can only be answered truthfully, by the individual, as it is a personal opinion. It becomes more a question of why do you do a martial art? Some of the key factors for undertaking the study of martial arts are self defence, health/fitness, social and personal achievement. These reasons will cover over 90% of people and why they decided to study a martial art. Let’s look at these factors a little more closely so we can understand why people study the martial arts. Then we can look at what styles are obviously the better ones.
It is common knowledge that people look to martial arts for self defence, after all that is what they are all about, right? Well if we go back far enough to that monk on a mountain in 3AD, it was probably why he first decided to categorise some ways to hurt someone in defence and viola’ we have a martial art. So we all turn up at the nearby Dojang/Dojo/Kwoon or Gym to learn how to “kick butt” and defend ourselves, but realistically is this why we stay training? For most the reason changes over time with maturity and it either becomes the health/fitness benefits, the social gathering of like minds or even the personal achievement they realise, be it from improving their self esteem, their confidence or from a sport aspect from winning or being a leader in their style.
When we understand the fact that we are all individuals and we realise that we are all studying the martial arts for ourselves, and then taking into account the aspects above, it then becomes which style is the best? Now this is where we need to realise that there is no one perfect or ultimate style, regardless of how passionate you feel about the one you are studying right now. Today it seems every style promises to cover all the aspects we are looking for and in reality most martial arts do touch upon each of them; however they also focus or prioritise one aspect above others. This is an efficient approach; after all we have heard the term “Jack of all trades – Master of none”. Styles have a focus be it Tradition, Sport/Competition, Health, Self Defence or even Performance.
Does that mean that one is better than another? Yes, after all if you desire to win gold at the Olympics your choices for a martial art are limited. If you want to compete against others for glory and recognition the styles you can choose from grows. This shows that depending on what each person wants to get from their study of the martial arts, a style or styles will be better suited to help them achieve those goals. If we follow this logic it becomes a personal journey in finding and learning a style that is going to give you the best path to your personal goals, the style that achieves this is in fact the best one, at least for you.
This leads onto the problem that students will undertake a style and then later on change styles. Is this a bad thing? Really this depends on why they left. If we realise that styles have focuses and we know that students mature in a style, and what they want to achieve in life can change. It becomes more of a question will this style continue to give me what I want or do I need to look somewhere else to achieve my goals. This has in some way been a driving force behind the eclectic or blending of styles, as people grow and realise that they need more from their style. Instead of changing styles they are adding or enhancing the one they currently study by adding attributes from another.
We step onto the path that is martial arts for a very personal journey and we seek to grow through our studies. We all have personal wants and needs and that is where a particular style can be the best. So this is the reason each style is the Best for someone.
When it comes down to it the martial arts have a wide variety of appeal and a wide variety of benefits. As an instructor the best way to grow your style is to understand and be true to what aspects your style specialises in. This ensures that if you are a style that focuses on competition then you attract people who are or want to be competitors. You have to remember that not everyone is suited to your style, however by being true and attracting the right people each student will know that they are studying the best martial art.
“My Martial ART is better than yours!”
Grandmaster Geoff J. Booth