Jon Mahmat

Self defense is an important thing to know when it comes to being alone in the dark of night. The place to learn self defense is Hee Kwan Lee's Hap Ki Do School. Hap Ki Do has taught me so many things like self defense, but more importantly the attributes of responsibililty, respect, discipline, and self-respect. All of my instructors have taught me how to acquire these things as well as patience. The instructors also taught me that these attributes need to carry over into the real world and not just stay in the world of Hap Ki Do.
I would personally like to thank Grand Master Lee for all of his advice and all the help he has been to me. Master Lee has always told me that I need to have patience with everyone and I'll admit that I may not have had much at times and I apologize for that. But, with a lot of work and help from Master Lee, I believe I am getting better. Another way Master Lee has helped me is by getting me more used to talking in front of a large group of people. I have always had trouble doing this and Hap Ki Do has helped break me out of my fear.
In addition to Grand Master Lee's advice, I received advice from Master Schreiner. It seems like every time I come to Hap Ki Do when Master Schreiner is there, I hear him talking about showing respect to everyone you encounter, so you will receive respect in return. I now realize how right he is and I thank him for all of the advice he has given to me and the many classes. Another thing Master Schreiner gave advice on is discipline. He always said that if you stay disciplined in everything you do, you will do well at the things you do.
Hap Ki Do has also helped me learn some skills on defending myself in the world around me. For example, I once had a football buddy getting picked on by a bigger football player. I stepped in and stopped the bigger one, but he wrapped his arm around me and I did a basic judo throw and he ran from me and never bothered me again.
I remember when I was younger, how I was a stinker and interrupted the class with weird remarks. Now, thanks to Master Lee and Master Schreiner, I don't do that and they have taught me to have patience with the new little students. I also remember that when I was younger, sometimes I wanted to stay home and watch Saturday morning cartoons. Now I am very grateful I didn't because I never would have gotten my black belt.
Again, I would like to thank all of my instructors for all they have done for me. Also I would like to thank my parents for helping me get to where I am now. I would encourage all of you participating in Hap Ki Do to stick with it and never forget what you have learned.