In Memory of Ben Oude Louttikhuis

Grandmaster Ben Oude Louttikhuis of The Netherlands passed away Aug 27, 2011.

Grandmaster Suggs and I met Grandmaster Louttikhuis in Chicago in 2009 and we quickly became friends. Grandmaster Suggs and I have run into many people over the years in Taekwondo but Grandmaster Louttikhuis was someone special. A man of dignity and character with a warm heart. His contribution to Taekwondo has been huge and he has touched the lives of many people. He will be missed.

In the photo: Henk Boese, Oscar (Columbia), Ben Oude Loutikhuis, Ronald Suggs, Charles Dingman.

The World Taekwondo Federation posted this note In Memory of Ben Oude Loutiikhuis.

Condolences to his family, friends and taekwondo family.

Founders Day Seminar - United Hapkido Federation

On June 26th, Master Henk Boese and Master John McCrackin attended the Founders Day Seminar hosted by Grandmaster Ron Suggs and the United Hapkido Federation in Swisshome, Oregon.  The event was well attended by martial artists near and far, and representing multiple disciplines  A special thank you to GM Suggs and his wife Deborah for their hospitality and organizing such an event.  We appreciate the time spent and showing us the sites of west coast Oregon!


Here is a brief itinerary of the program:

• Warmups led by GM Suggs including meditation and ki development exercises
• Breakfalls and rolling competition
• Judo throws
• 3 - Step Sparring
• 3 Basic Forms
• Hapkido defense against clothing grabs
• Sword demonstration and forms taught by Master Mark Hino
• Hapkido defense against wrist grabs
• Nunchaku demonstration and training by Master Charles Podzaline
• Rope defense training by Master Charles Podzaline
• Testing and closing ceremonies

On Friday, June 25th 2011 Master Henk Boese successfully tested to Kukkiwon 7th Dan.  The examination was overseen by GM Suggs, GM Scott Rohr, and Master Jack Fennessy.

On Saturday, June 26th Master John McCrackin successfully tested to Hapkido 1st Dan.  Testing and certification awarded by GM Suggs.  A special thanks to Master Mike Town for assisting in the test.

Congratulations also go out to Master Mark Hino and Master Gary Martin on their successful tests!

Classes Canceled Over Memorial Day Weekend

There will be no TKD classes on Saturday, May 28th or Monday, May 30th.

May TKD Testing

Testing will be held:

Friday, May 6th at 6:00pm

Be there at least 10 minutes early
Please fill out the testing form prior to the testing date.