If you want to learn anything...

You must admit you don't know everything...

This was a great quote I came across on a T-shirt site of all things. But, despite it's origination, it has value in its meaning. I'm always in search of knowledge. The insatiable need to know more, to understand why, to comprehend something well enough I can make an informed decision about whether to integrate it or reject it. In my 35+ years of being associated to martial arts I've had the opportunity to study with a great deal many instructors who among many attributes increased my thirst for more knowledge. 

Take for instance, the Kukkiwon-sponsored Poomsae seminar held recently in Dallas, Texas. Sponsored by the United States Taekwondo Committee (USTC) Taught by Grandmaster HWANG, In Sik. Watching this gentleman, who turned out to be 59 years young, brought to mind another saying. Whatever you can do I can do better. 

There were a couple of highlights of this seminar. Besides hanging out with my Korea-Masters tour group and being around so many great people and Grandmasters, my wife received a Letter of Appreciation from the Kukkiwon/World Taekwondo Academy for her hard work at the seminar. Apparently she stood out among her peers in the 3rd DAN group with her work ethic and determination. Not to shabby for someone recovering from pneumonia. Way to go!

The following information was part of a press released found in Dojang Digest written by David Martin 

On December 6-7, 2008, the United States Taekwondo Committee hosted an International Taekwondo Poomsae Seminar given by the Kukkiwon (World Taekwondo Headquarters) at the Holiday Inn Hotel, 2645 Lyndon B Johnson Freeway in Dallas, TX. This event was also sponsored by the Korean Cultural Center of Los Angeles.  132 Taekwondo Black Belts attended.  In spite of the Holiday Season, as well as the ailing economy, only 30 of the participants were from the Dallas area, and over 100 traveled from the rest of the United States and Canada to take advantage of this opportunity.

Kukkiwon Director General Hyun Sup Park, and Chairman of Kukkiwon's Education Committee Grand Master In Sik Hwang attended and were impressed by the leadership of the US Taekwondo Committee and the ability to have such strong support for this event in the face of our weak economy.  Director General Park said "I have traveled all around the world for Kukkiwon International Poomsae Seminars, and I was very touched by the enthusiasm and sincerity of the participants in Dallas.  After the turnout of this International Poomsae Seminar, the Kukkiwon will plan more events like this in the United States."

With a big room for all participants to warm up together as a group, individual groups were also broken down according to rank and rank appropriate material was reviewed.  Participants were so impressed with the information and knowledge presented that Chairman Hwang received an unexpected token of appreciation from the seminar participants at the seminar's Closing Ceremonies.

The US Taekwondo Committee would like to thank the following for their hard work and dedication in making this event a success: Mr. Sung Woo Park (Korean Cultural Center), Mr. Bruce Harris (Captain, 2000 Olympic Taekwondo Referees), Mr. Sergio Chavez (USTC Referee Committee Chairman), Mr. Richard Saks (USTC Referee Chairman Vice Chairman), Mr. Song Hon Cha (former US National Team Member) and Mr. Julian Vazquez.