June, 2003

Hello Everyone,

For this installment, we are going to focus on our recent Europe trip. On many levels, this one has to go down as one of the best trips yet. We managed to accomplish so much, and still have such a wonderful time. This year it was Germany and Portugal, where Master Klaus Wachsmann, and Inst. Nelson Pinto, respectively, had several exciting events planned.

Inst. John Stenson from our WHQ here in San Francisco, joined me on this trip. This was his first time in Germany and Portugal. Actually, it was my first time in Portugal as well. We were set up to make pit-stops in London's Heathrow on all phases of this trip, but it turned out to be a very fortunate thing. I'll explain later, but let's start with the Germany leg of the trip.

To view a complete series of pictures, go to:

http://www.dsystem.com/images/Germany2003index.html

As I said, Master Wachsmann had many things planned, and literally, as soon as we arrived, we went to the site in Gelsenkirchen where the Crossfighting Seminar was to be held on the next morning. We did some last minute set up, and I met several of the Instructors of the event, as well as Sifu Sejoscha "Joshi" Agiri (the events' sponsor). He proved not only to be a gifted martial artist with a great vision, but also a fine host and excellent person. Inst. Furdyna and Andre came from Wroclaw, Poland to join in on the fun, so it was that much more special of a visit for us. The Crossfighting Seminar was a huge event which not only had a mixture of Instructors from various arts, but the focus of the event was not so much anyone's particular system, as much as it was about searching for common threads in the arts, and to view the various concepts necessary for all around combat. Therefore, using the myriad of arts to accomplish this broad picture. I believe that it was a great success. Mainly because everyone came with the best attitude, and work ethic, so it was all about: TRAINING.

We also managed to do seminars and testing in Köln, and in the lovely Winterberg. Asst. Inst. Klockner and Asst. Inst. Hohne coordinated these events respectively. We also had plenty of time to work on Black Belt material (forms, techniques and drills). As I mentioned earlier, we also managed to do some sightseeing as well as have some great fun. Master Wachsmann, Asst. Inst. Klockner and Asst. Inst. Hohne are to commended on doing such a fabulous job of making this trip, for sure, one of the best trips to Germany yet.

Next on our list was to visit Inst. Nelson Pinto and the Modern Farang Mu Sul® family in Portugal. Boy, were we in for a pleasant surprise. The weather was just gorgeous, the people were wonderful and the country was enchanting. Big thank you to Inst. Pinto's father and mother for taking such good care of us.

To view a full series of pictures, go to:

http://www.dsystem.com/images/Portugal2003index.html

Again we did an awesome seminar in Torres Vedras, testing, training and even did an interview on the Radio Station 94.2 FM. We visited many castles and beaches. We were also fortunate to meet Sensei Couto and Sensei Moreira (Jujitsu - Kobujutsu) , who took us all around Lisbon, supported our events and were fantastic hosts. Also Sensei Porem (Kosho Ryu) who supported our seminar, and brought many others, as well as the most important ingredient: The Perfect Attitude: Humble, yet Strong. We have a saying in Korean which exemplifies this spirit. It goes:

WAE - YU - NAE - GONG , which translates to mean "Outside Soft - Inside Hard".

Thank you all very much. This is what true martial arts, and true brotherhood are all about. Also of great note was on our last day, we did training at the HQ Dojang in Vilar, and at the conclusion, we did a special ceremony to ALL of the Portugal students as they received their IDSC passports and certificates. Congratulations! That was so wonderful. Inst. Stenson and myself can't wait to visit again, and we look forward to the plans we made for a special trip next year, that should include Black Sash Testing in Europe. (I'm VERY excited!!)

As, I mentioned earlier, Inst. Stenson and I had to use London as our hub, for all phases of our travel. We were very privileged to meet Sir Donald H. Coombe, MBE, JP and his lovely wife, during our last stay. He was indeed a gentleman and a scholar, and was apparently very impressed with us and our art. In particular was our code of conduct, the ancient "Korean knights" history and just our behavior that he inducted us into the Order Of The Medieval Knights Of London.

I can't begin to express how honored we are. It is always such an amazing adventure whenever we travel and spread this wonderful art, and true brotherhood.

One last note: It is with genuine sadness and a great deal of disappointment that we must report that we no longer have a representative for Modern Farang Mu Sul® in Puerto Rico. The individual that we had on long distance training is no longer a part pf our organization, and has not completed his training. Due to excessive serious errors and grave acts against this art, the last of which was to claim false ranks in this system, he has been expelled. We were hoping that his apparent previous knowledge of Tae Kwon Do and Tang Soo Do would have helped him to learn this art in a rapid fashion, but despite the fact that he was provided all of the materials needed to reach his Black Sash in our system, and a personal trip by myself to PR, he was never able to progress beyond his honorary Half Black Belt level, and he never received his Official Black Belt / Black Sash. We made numerous attempts to work through any and all issues, but were not successful. Tisk, tisk, what a shame. Instead, he has chosen to go on his own path and is creating his own "martial art, and martial art organization". We wish him success on his new path. We welcome serious inquiries from anyone interested in truly learning this art, and helping to spread it in Puerto Rico. Please contact us via this email link:

Grand Master De Alba

OK, that's all for now. With brotherhood,

Kuk Sa – De Alba

Modern Farang Mu Sul® World HQ – SF

PS - Once again, on a last note, for those that haven't checked out the new Europe / German FMS links on our site, go to:

http://www.farangmusul.com/Instructors05.htm

http://www.farangmusul.com/GermanyInfoa.htm

There is tons of information and great pictures with a timeline that describes the introduction and evolution of Hwa Rang Do and Modern Farang Mu Sul® into Europe and Germany in particular.

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