Grand Master Kirk Koskella has implemented a system of training that incorporates immersion training by guest Korean Grandmasters as well as those of the United States. This System of Training is known as “Seowon Training” or the “Seowon System.” Superior instruction in a proprietary curriculum that eclipses any individual system of martial arts training.
The American Song Moo Kwan’s Instructor Base includes Grand Master Koskella and adds three Korean Grandmasters to training at the NEW National Training Center in Mesa, Arizona.
- Grand Master Koskella, 8th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo, Hapkido and Yu Shin Gumdo (including Ki Bon Moo Gi weapons mastery);
- 7th Degree Korean Grandmaster, recognized as a senior technician of the Korea Song Moo Association, and World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) Kukkiwon Black Belt Training Center;
- 7th Degree Korean Grandmaster from the Korean International Hapkido Federation (K-IHF), with specialized training of techniques taught to Grand Master Koskella by his long-time friend and surrogate father, Grand Master Bong Soo Han (Bong Soo Han’s International Hapkido Federation (BSH-IHF));
- 7th Degree Korean Grandmaster of Koryo Gumdo, Yu Shin Gumdo and Ki Bon Moo Gi, techniques of Muye Dobo Tongji.
Each Grandmaster has agreed to live, train and teach here in the United States for the next three to five years under Grand Master Koskella.
The assurance of integration between the three systems of martial arts under the American Song Moo Kwan Association will be supervised by International Master R. Raymond Smith and, Chief Master Christoper Zasa. Grand Master Koskella will provide 5 essential stages/phases of training necessary for successful certification.
This is where the American Song Moo Kwan’s year-long immersion training program provides an absolute guarantee of success for those willing to seek the path less traveled. Training, teaching, and application become a daily part of the student’s routine. The student will either succeed, or fail on their own merits.
Proprietary Curriculum
As the American Song Moo Kwan Association deploys this proprietary curriculum of cross-training (e.g., Taekwondo, Hapkido or Gumdo), a senior core of Masters will also be on-hand to assure the “martial” theme of training necessary for practical application, while providing a solid platform for Olympic level competition at the earliest stages of student competence. Such curriculum enhances the student’s skill-set from the onset of training and provides a superior framework when viewed by the average martial artist, or the Grand Master privileged to witness the performance.
Defining the elements required for rank advancement in specific terms can be difficult at the onset of individualized training. A student with skill-sets in Taekwondo may have an accelerated learning curve in that particular system, however, find training in certain aspects of Gumdo, or Hapkido more difficult to implement. The staff will individualize and refine curriculum parameters based upon the overall goals and objectives of the student. Thereafter, that specified training program, by properly incorporating prior experience, physical strengths, and system weaknesses, will define the end goal of that individual student, in accordance with the high standards set for American Song Moo Kwan Association membership.
Ranking
Rank is earned. No matter the “professed” rank of the student seeking instruction, all black belts are “Black Belts” at the onset of training. Past membership does not assure current rank recognition. In cases where seals were awarded, the membership committee must look to consistency, honorable actions, and maintained technical prowess. Superior or outstanding achievements earned in one of the systems will not provide the member with recognition of rank where the “whole” of training does not define and endorse a “complete” martial artist.
If a student comes to train as a 4th Degree Black Belt, that rank will be sustained upon successful graduation at the end term of training. Note: Black Belt ranking in the American Song Moo Kwan Association is recognized as superior to most martial arts training programs. Students and Instructors having earned rank from the American Song Moo Kwan Association often are recognized as two to three ranks higher in other schools and associations. Therefore, this integrated cross-training was developed to provide a “stand-alone” recognition. No student or instructor will ever be able to successfully integrate into other systems when graduation has been achieved. The division between skill-sets is just too great.
Students graduating will perform in Korea and the United States before the governing heads of each of the organizations and Universities partnering with the American Song Moo Kwan Association.
The American Song Moo Kwan Association recognizes and receives guidance from Grand Master Ro, Hee Sang of the World Song Moo Kwan Association in honor and tribute to the furtherance of the vision established by Supreme Grand Master Ro, Byung Jick. As such, formalized ranking will be achieved by demonstration and testing under the highest ranking Black Belt in the world.
Create your legacy
Gather your values, memories, experience and accomplishments from those who walked the path before us. Pass on what you will. Plan to have an inheritance of great value — your fingerprint to be left on the world. Understand and fulfill your purpose.
An old Mari (Finnish) saying; “The most your enemies can do is kill you. The worst your friends can do is betray you. Fear only the indifferent, because at their silent consent, treachery and death flourish.” You walk this path alone.
No one can do for you what must be done in the name of Honor, Character and Integrity. Do not rest on what you might have been. Nor what you used to be. And, as you train, remember; “Idealism is a rare virtue.” This is the time for greatness to be achieved. Where your efforts are showcased and set apart.
We invite you to contact us now to reserve your place in “Immersion Training.” As always, it’s not easy – but it is worth it… and, the ASMKA “Never Leads From Behind.”
WELCOME!
First Published on The American Song Moo Kwan Association Official Website