2010 World Championships Committee Meetings

December, 2009

Grand Master Hee Kwan Lee, founder and president of Korean Martial Arts, LLC, returned home to Battle Creek from yet another fruitful trip to South Korea last Saturday. Lee, who is executive director of the 8th Triennial World Hap Ki Do Championships, traveled to Korea to meet with members of the board of directors of the International Hap Ki Do Federation, as well as to meet with several high profile members of the South Korean Government.

The meetings were about various topics, all of them having to do in one way or another with bringing the World Hap Ki Do Championships, and its 2,000 or more international competitors, to Kellogg Arena next August.

On Dec. 3, Lee, along with IHF Chairman Hong Kee Li and IHF President Sung Kwang Myung, met with members of the Korean Tourism Organization, including V.P. for Global Marketing Bong Ki Kim, to discuss the organization’s sponsorship of the 2010 Championships. The meeting was held at the headquarters of the Tourism Organization in downtown Seoul. “We got a lot accomplished,” Lee said, “The Korean Tourism Organization agreed to promote the Championships, and they are even going to donate financially to cover the cost of some promotional items.”

On Dec. 5, Lee attended the annual IHF board meeting, which was also attended by over 80 Hap Ki Do Masters from around the world. The board expressed its happiness with Lee’s work to promote Hap Ki Do around the world and thanked him for organizing the meetings with the Korean Tourism Organization and the Seoul Cultural Assets Division. The board honored Lee’s dedication and hard work by awarding him the title of Chairman of the International Hap Ki Do Federation, U.S.A., effectively making him the overseer of all IHF affiliated Hap Ki Do schools in the United States.

In addition to Lee’s promotion, the board also discussed the logistical elements of the 2010 World Championships, including the size of the participating Korean team, at this point estimated at about 400 martial artists.

On Dec. 7, Lee met with Byung Woo Kang of the Cultural Assets Division of the Seoul Metropolitan Government. Among the many exciting topics discussed at this meeting was a demonstration at the 2010 World Championships by over 20 Korean ceremonial royal guards. The team will travel to Battle Creek to perform, at a cost of Thousands $, with the Seoul city government graciously picking up the tab. “They are very excited to be a part of it”, Lee said. “This thing will be awesome to see on the street outside Kellogg Arena.”

In Korea, there are three Hap Ki Do organizations which are recognized by the Korean government as official – the Korean Hap Ki Do Association, the Ki Do Hae, and the International Hap Ki Do Federation (IHF), of which Grand Master Lee is a member.

On Dec. 8, Lee met with seven of the highest-ranked Hap Ki Do masters in Korea to discuss the coalescence of all Hap Ki Do organizations, of which there are over 40, into one body that would govern the teaching of Hap Ki Do throughout the world, and issue all the associated certifications of rank and title to it’s members.

According to Lee, the meeting was very positive, and the organization is excited to become involved with the World Championships.

Now that Lee has returned from what he hopes will be his last trip to Korea before the World Championships, he warning all involved with this huge undertaking that it is time to buckle down. “We have less than a year left,” he says, “it is time to prepare in earnest.” Grand Master Lee and his staff of black belt instructors are working diligently with local business and government staff, as well as martial artists, instructors, and government agencies from around country and the world to make the 2010 World Hap Ki Do Championships a success. “Calls and emails have been flooding in,” Lee exclaims, “people from all over want to come to Battle Creek and participate in this event!”

Already the list of confirmed teams encompasses over 15 countries, with more inquiries coming in every day. Grand Master Lee is extending an open invitation to individuals and businesses around the local area to get involved and support the 2010 World Hap Ki Do Championships in any way possible.

For information about the 2010 World Championships, contact Korean Martial Arts, LLC at 269-963-5425, or visit www.ihfusa.com.

November 7, 2009

Grand Master Lee was inducted into the Martial Arts World Hall of Fame on Saturday, November 6, 2009, in Las Vegas. GM Lee and Master Ormstead traveled to Las Vegas to attend the 2009 Martial Arts Expo, the largest annual gathering of professional martial artists anywhere in the world. In addition to his induction while at the Expo, GM Lee and Master Ormstead met with other business professionals of the martial arts world to promote the 8th Triennial World Hap Ki Do Championships in Battle Creek next August. Lee worked closely with International Hap Ki Do Federation Vice Chairman Jeon Yang Jae, Grand Master Marshall Gagne from South Carolina, and Master Cheon Gyu Choi from South Korea, to spread word of the World Hap Ki Do Championships to the assemblage and to gather support for the event. Many of the biggest names in the martial arts industry were in attendance at the black tie Hall of Fame Awards Banquet, including Grand Master Y. K. Kim, founder and chairman of Martial Arts World Magazine.

Grand Master Lee with Dr. Un Yong Kim


Grand Master Lee and Master Ormstead Advertising the 2010 World H.K.D. Championships at the 2009 Martial Arts Expo.
For more pictures of the Hall of Fame awards in Las Vegas click here.

October 23, 2009

Grand Master Lee and Master Ormstead meet with Grand Master Ji Han Jae. Grand Master Ji Han Jae gives his support to the 2010 World H.K.D. Championships.

October 21, 2009

Battle Creek City Mayor Mark Behnke received an honorary Black Belt from GM Lee and the International Hap Ki Do Federation on October 20. The honorary position was given to recognize the Mayor’s support of the 8th Triennial World Hap Ki Do Championships. GM Lee wanted to acknowledge Behnke for his support of the tournament and willingness to lend his time and talents to help make it a success.

September 25, 2009

On September 25, 2009. The official press conference announcing the 8th Triennial World Hap Ki Do Championships in 2010 was held at the McCamly Plaza Hotel, 16th floor, Hamblin Room. the announcement was well received by the community, and they pledged there support. At the press conference it was announced the Senior Grandmaster Choi, will be serving as honorary Chairmen of the Championship. Grand Master Lee was given the key to the city of Battle Creek by Mayor Mark Behnke, Brenda Hunt BCCF president and CEO, was also given an award of recognition by Grand Master Lee. After the press conference a 2010 Board meeting was held to take care of Board business, and meet with Senior Grandmaster Choi. some of the things addressed setting up subcommittees, activities, the planning software to be used, sending out school invitation, website changes, and registration.

Grand Master Lee being given the key to the city of Battle Creek by Mayor Mark Behnke

Senior Grandmaster Choi the Honorary Chairmen 8th Triennial World Hap Ki Do Championships
receiving an award of recognition from the IHF by Grand Master Lee.

Brenda Hunt BCCF president and CEO being given an award of recognition from the IHF by Grand Master Lee.

Grand Master Lee and Brenda Hunt BCCF president and CEO.

8th Triennial World Hap Ki Do Championships Comittee Members.
Senior Grandmaster Choi 4th from left, Grand Master Lee 5th from left.

8th Triennial World Hap Ki Do Championships press conference.

Master Ormstead, Master Brown, Master Schreiner, Grand Master Lee, Master Wainwright, Master Wainwright.

August 22, 2009

On August 22, 2009 Grand Master Lee and Master Ormstead met with Senior Grand Master, 9th Dan, Hall of Fame coach Joon Pyo Choi. Senior Grand Master Choi has a lot of experience with Championships(USA Olympic Coach, Chairman of Arnold World Martial Arts Games, National Governerning Body Member of United States Olympic Committee). Grand Master Lee and Master Ormstead had a very productive meeting discussing the many items that are needed for the 2010 Hap Ki Do World Championships.

August 15, 2009

The KMA Advisory Board met on August 15, 2009 to plan the 2010 World Championships. Some items discussed were: 1) Accomplishments at the Korean Open, Gold/silver/bronze medals 2) Built connections with Korean counterparts while in Korea 3) Grand Master Lees meeting with the IHF Board 3) IHFUSA Website is up and running 4) Also, many items were assigned to the board members for competition as we move forward to the 2010 Championship.

• David Walters, Director of Public Relations
• Rob Gillson, Director of Finance/Treasurer
• Rick Brown, Director of Information Technology (IT)
• Jason Ricker, Director of Publishing
• Barbara Engelhart, Community Liaison

For her hard work on the fundraisers, the 2009 Korea trip and her dedication to KMA. Cindy Wagner has been appointed to the KMA Advisory Board as the Director of Public Relations

July 2009

In July 2009, at the 8th Korea open in Korea, Grand Master Lee and Master Ormstead attended three meetings with IHF Board Members to discuss plans for the 2010 Hap Ki Do Championships. The IHF Board is very happy with the progress to date and they have pledged their full support to ensure this is a successful event.with the IHF Federation Board to discuss the upcoming 2010 World Championship. The IHF Board was pleased with the planning of the competition, the website, DVD, and poster. Pamphlets, DVD's, and posters were handed out at the Korean open, they were received with much excitement and many are planning on coming to the completion.

IHF Board Members thanking GM Lee and Master Ormstead for their hard work in the U.S. on behalf of the IHF

May 8, 2009

The KMA Advisory Board met on May 8, 2009 to plan the 2010 World Championships. There was a lot accomplished in such a short time. Some of the items discussed were: 1) Poster Printing status Three languages are completely done. They will be available online for download. Official logo is also done. 2) DVD is done. Waiting for Grand Master Lee’s approval before mass production. 3) Website Design has been completed. Template was shown to the Board, and approved. Remaining items needed to get website live were detailed, and are being completed and delivered to the developers. 4) Work done on Sponsorships was outlined for the board by Stephen Jessup.
A reporter from the BC Shopper was also present doing a story on the 2010 Championships.

The board also welcomed newcomers Grand Master Gagne from Greenville, South Carolina; Master Choi (pronounced Chay) from Seoul, South Korea; and, Noe’ Rizo, from KMA as 2010 World Championships Committee members.

Several other 2010 World Championships Committee Appointments were made, they included.

• Master Alex Lee, Assistant Executive Director (Administrative)
• Master Robert Schreiner, Assistant Executive Director (Technical)
• Master Mike Ormstead, Assistant Executive Director (Finance)
• Stephen Jessup, Assistant Executive Director (Community Liaison)
• Master Marshall Gagne, Regional Director, Southeast U.S.A.
• Master Choi Cheon Gyu, Regional Director, Seoul, South Korea
• Master Caron Wainwright, Championships Coordinator
• Master Dean Wainwright, Referee Director
• Noe’ Rizo, Regional Director, Latino Countries
• Tony Spahr, Championships Webmaster and Liaison (English-Speaking Countries)

KMA Board and Committee Members, with their Certificates of Appointments. They are left to right: Barbara Engelhart, Master Dean Wainwright, Tony Spahr, Master Ormstead, Master Schreiner, Master Choi Cheon Gyu, Grand Master Lee, Grand Master Gagne, Katie Lee, Master Caron Wainwright, Steve Jessup, Master Alex Lee, Noe’ Rizo, Dave Walters, Master Rob Gillson, III,

Grand Master Hee Kwan Lee with Grand Master Marshall Gagne, Regional Director, Southeast U.S.A.

March 6, 2009

The KMA Advisory Board met on March 6, to discuss the 2010 World Championships and to welcome the newest board member, Barbara Engelhart, who will serve the board sharing her consultant and grant writing skills for our non-profit organization, KMA Community Project Fund, which is through the Battle Creek Community Foundation. Welcome, Barbara Engelhart!

The board also welcomed Dean and Caron Wainwright as 2010 World Championships Committee members. Master Dean Wainwright is working with Master Schreiner to teach KMA Black Belts proper referee training. Master Caron Wainwright is working with Larry Wegener as Tournament Coordinator.

Three hot topics were discussed - the official website (www.ihfusa.com), posters, and DVDs. Everyone agreed these topics are a priority and our target completion date for the website is the end of April. Posters and DVDs will follow.

Katie Lee, Rob Gillson, III, Barbara Engelhart, Master Schreiner, Grand Master Lee, Master Ormstead, Steve Jessup, Tony Spahr, Master Dean Wainwright, Master Caron Wainwright

November 26, 2008

On November 26, 2008, the KMA Advisory Board pressed forward with the planning of the 2010 Championships including hiring the Kempton Group for promoting the event. The Kempton Group was highly recommended to KMA by the Kellogg and Disney companies. We are also using the consulting services of Larry Wegener. KMA is very grateful that the Battle Creek Community Foundation is taking an active role in oversight efforts for this event. KMA board members continue to volunteer their time and efforts to ensure the event is a success.

Grand Master Hee Kwan Lee, Brenda L. Hunt (President and CEO of Battle Creek Community Foundation), Thomas E. Kempton (CEO/President of The Kempton Group), Kelly Boles Chapman (Vice President-Programs, Battle Creek Community Foundation), Master Mike Ormstead (Vice President of KMA)

July 2008 Korea

In July 2008 Grand Master Lee went to Korea for a IHF Board Meeting, and to be presented with a letter of Appointment as Vice Chairmen.

IHF Board

IHF Chairmen Hong Kee Lee

Grand Master Hee Kwan Lee's Vice Chairmen Appointment Certificate

Grand Master Baek Yong Ko, President Sung Kwang, Grand Master Hee Kwan Lee

April 18th, 2008

On April 14th, 2008, KMA had a Board meeting. We discussed many things relating to the school, 2010 triennial championship, and the 2008 tournament. Some of the topics included. Changes to the 2010 Tournament poster, Non-profit organization and setup, Event sponsorship and setup for a meeting with a promoter in Lansing, 2008 budget for the tournament on August 18th, Tournament Scoring system and software, satellite school roles in 2010.

March 7th, 2008

On March 7th, 2008, KMA had a Board meeting with a visitor from Korea; Grand Master Jae Hwan Kim and Masters from satellite schools. Masters Dean and Caron Wainwright from Dexter, Master Juan Rangel from Grand Rapids, Master Connie Brown from Flint and Mrs. Engelhart. We discussed the championships poster and the sponsorship categories for financial contributions. Dave Walters also made a presentation on corporate sponsorship. After the 2010 championships, the following Tuesday or Wednesday, we will possibly hold a golf tournament at Battle Creek Country Club for the Masters, Korean Board Members, City Fathers, State Representatives, the State Senator and/or other Dignitaries. We will put Masters/Korean Board Members with the delegate’s foursomes.

December 3, 2007

On December 3, 2007 the board meet to discuss the Budget for the 2010 competition. Grand Master Lee also presented to the board a wealth of information from his recent Korea trip. Discussions were also held to as were to proceed next, and a plan was made. Board Members were also presented with Plaques of Appreciation from Korean Martial Arts.

Board Members with Certificates of Appreciation from KMA.

November 2007

Grand Master Hee Kwan received a recognition award, and a letter of appointment from the International HKD Federation. Grand Master Lee received these honors at the Hap Ki Do Federation Board Meeting in Seoul, South Korea. The objective of the meeting was to discuss the eight Tri-Annual World Hap Ki Do Championships that will be hosted in Battle Creek in 2010.

Grand Master Lee Receiving Award from Mr. Hong Kee Lee Chairman of International H.K.D. Federation at board meeting in Korea.

Grand Master Lee Receiving Letter of Appointment as the Executive Director of the 8th World Hap Ki Do Championships from Mr. Hong Kee Lee Chairman of International H.K.D. Federation at board meeting in Korea.

Grand Master Hee Kwan Lee With Myung Sung Kwang, President of the International H.K.D. Federation and Mr. Hong Kee Lee Chairman of International H.K.D. Federation.

Grand Master Lee speaking at Kumdo Tournament in Korea as a guest of Honor.

October 18 2007 Meeting

The KMA Advisory board had a meeting with The Battle Creek/Calhoun County Visitor and Convention Bureau on October 18 2007. We met with Dwight Butt President Battle Creek/Calhoun County Visitor and Convention Bureau and Greg Deau the Director of Sports Promotion. This was an initial meeting with the board and the CVB. We reviewed the plan for the 2010 International HKD Championships to be held in Battle Creek with them. We also discussed roles and areas of responsibilities, and the outsourcing of certain tasks. Overall it was a very productive meeting. We ended with plans to meet in the future when Grand Master Lee gets back from Korea.

September 28 2007 Meeting

This meeting built on the September 6 and 13 meetings for the 2010 International HKD Championships to be held in Battle Creek. We started out with a business dinner. Then moved to McCamly place to hold the Board Meeting.
We discussed many things pertaining to the 2010 Championships and the school.

1. Worked on the revised Mission Statement.
2. Assigned areas of Responsibility for the 2010 games.
3. Assigned possible tasks to outside vendors/organizations(outsourced to) and then assigned who that vendors/organizations would be managed by for 2010.
4. Prioritized milestones in the 2010 plan.
5. Talked about meetings with Dwight Butt of the Battle Creek/Calhoun County Visitor and Convention Bureau and other organizations in Battle Creek.

September 6 and 13, 2007 Meetings

These meetings were the start of a series of planning meetings for the 2010 International HKD Championships to be held in Battle Creek. This was a very productive start to a very complicated process. With Stephen Jessup as our facilitator, and using project management process software to capture our ideas. We accomplished several things on our agenda.

1. Review and share a common vocabulary for the project management process.
2. We worked to Clarify the goals for 2010 and get a consensus on a workable plan for a successful competition.
3. Capture the landscape view of the competition.
4. Created a basic workable Vision Statement.
5. Worked on the plan map.

Meeting with Battle Creek Unlimited

Grand Master Hee Kwan Lee, Jim Hettinger, and Master Ormstead

Meeting with The Battle Creek/Calhoun County Visitor and Convention Bureau

Master Ormstead, Dwight Butt, and Grand Master Hee Kwan Lee.

August 2007 Meeting

The August 2007 KMA Board Meeting was a very busy one, with many topics covered. An overview of the International 2007 HKD Competition was given by all the board members that attend. There was very positive feedback of the competition, and South Korea in general, especially the hospitality of everyone we met. Followed by a lengthy brainstorming session on the 2010 Competition. Future planning sessions for the 2010 competition were also discussed, and are also in the works. As this will require a great deal of planning to provide the very best competition that we can. We also discussed how we can improve the school, and how best to serve our students and their needs.

January 2007 Meeting

Our January 2007 meeting was very busy and productive. We met with our very capable grant writer Mindy Kulasa. Listened to her presentation, and asked questions. Discussions were held on how to make the school better for the students while retaining the traditional values; we also discussed numerous other topics about the school, some of which were student concerns. We do listen to your input, and take it into consideration.