Yong Sool Chae, In The Eyes Of Byung Don
Yoo
Kyu Gyung Hwang, Translation by James Kim (2007/03/15)
This
is a report by Kyu Kyung Hwang after an interview with president of Hap Ki Do
Federation, Byung Don Yoo. Kyu currently is active in many studies through such
forums as Hap Ki Do Studies Cafe (http://cafe.daum.net/daitoryu). President
Byung Don Yoo is one of the top students of Yong Sool Chae. His book about his
teachings and theory of Hap Ki Do was published in 1990, upon his graduate
studies in physical education at Dae Koo University.
He currently resides in Canada where he makes appearance in giving seminars, one
of which took place in the city of Kyung Book in Korea on January 6th. This is
where Byung was interviewed by Kyu to learn more about Yong Sool Chae.
Kyu Kyung Hwang’s Interview With
Byung Don Yoo
I
had a visit with president of Hap Ki Do Federation, Byung Don Yoo.
Byung was an honest man who gave a sincere answer to all my questions asked
during the interview. The fact that he was a graduate student with a degree in
physical education and to have a book published was very impressive and
deserving of respect. Also, his care for his students and his passion in
teaching his students the correct principals of physical education was admirable.
After his seminar there was a tournament. After the tournament has ended
president Byung walked over to one of his students and gave him advise on what
he can work on to be better next time around. President Byung corrected him on
his stands as well as his unbalanced kicks by showing him the moves himself.
When I asked him what type of teacher Yong has been to his students, he told me
that Yong always treated his students with respect and put them before himself.
Byung told me that Yong never followed what was popular to teach to his students
but the correct way even when he was criticized for it.
I asked him about the progress in exposing the arts of Hap Ki Do in Canada where
he currently resides. Byung says even if there’s a language barrier, foreign
martial artist often try to imitate what we teach them with their body and
sometimes it’s very impressive.
After interviewing president Byung Don Yoo, I got the better sense of what the
martial arts is all about and how hard he and others have worked to improve the
art. I would like to thank president Byung for giving me an opportunity to
interview him.
