Grand Master Bong Soo Han was a distinguished and illustrious practitioner of Hapkido, widely regarded as the "Father of Hapkido" in the Western world, a title that reflects his profound impact and enduring influence on the martial art. As one of the original senior students of the Founder of Hapkido, Yong Sul Choi, he occupied a position of great importance and played a pivotal role in the development of Hapkido as we know it today, his contributions to the art's evolution and growth leaving a lasting legacy.
Grand Master Han's pivotal moment in American martial arts history unfolded in 1967, as he took the first steps in introducing Hapkido to the United States, paving the way for its eventual widespread recognition. However, it wasn't until the cinematic masterpiece "Billy Jack" burst onto the big screen in 1971 that Hapkido truly gained mainstream acceptance.
Grand Master Han's exceptional skills and creative vision earned him widespread critical acclaim for crafting and choreographing some of the most awe-inspiring and realistic fight sequences ever witnessed in a motion picture. Prior to this groundbreaking moment, brief allusions to martial arts were often relegated to actors rather than trained martial artists.
Grand Master Han's remarkable demonstration of exceptional martial arts prowess not only redefined but also revolutionized Hollywood's understanding of martial arts, leaving audiences enthralled and electrified.
Grand Master Han's impressive achievements have been meticulously chronicled, with a plethora of publications, including numerous magazine and newspaper articles, meticulously detailing his remarkable accomplishments. As a testament to his exceptional status, he has been honored with membership in the esteemed Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame, established in 1978, as well as the Martial Arts History Museum Hall of Fame, founded in 1999, and the Taekwondo Times Magazine Hall of Fame, established in 2003.
Furthermore, Grand Master Han has been featured in a variety of documentaries, including "The Martial Arts" and "Master of the Martial Arts," which have showcased his remarkable skills and contributions to the world of martial arts. In addition, he has been profiled on various radio, Internet, and television platforms, solidifying his status as a renowned figure in the martial arts community.
Grand Master Han, a renowned martial artist, has made significant contributions to the world of martial arts beyond his impressive skillset. He is also a prolific writer, having authored numerous articles that delve into the intricacies of the Way of martial arts. Furthermore, he has written a comprehensive book, "HAPKIDO: The Korean Art of Self Defense", which was first published in 1974 by Ohara Publications. This seminal work has stood the test of time, remaining in print for over four decades and undergoing a remarkable 23 printings. In addition to his written works, Grand Master Han has also created a series of instructional Hapkido DVD's, which have been distributed globally, providing valuable insights and guidance to practitioners worldwide.
Grand Master Bong Soo Han's enduring legacy is inextricably linked to his unwavering commitment to imparting the intricacies of Hapkido to a vast and diverse array of students, whose lives were forever transformed by his boundless enthusiasm and expertise.
