Our Instructors

It was the late Grand Master Sung Hong Park, 9th Dan, who taught us hapki-do. At Delaware Hapkido we believe we can make a difference by changing the lives of those around us.  Grandmaster Park’s vision is still with us.

Who was Grand Master Sung Hong Park?

To his peers, students and those who knew him best Grand Master Park was a Master's Master. He was a deeply spiritual and moral man who remained loyal and devoted to his faith, family, friends, students and to the philosophy of martial arts as a complete way-of-life. He faithfully honored his teachers and lineage but also recognized modern needs and trends. He did his best to uphold the core attributes of true martial arts training, demonstrating what skills and values mattered most and how they could be effectively implemented in ones daily life.

Grand Master Park's martial arts roots began after the Japanese occupation of Korea in 1953. At that time only a few Kong Soo Do, (later to be known as Taekwondo) martial arts schools were opened. His first lessons began at the Kong Soo Do - Chang Moo Kwan school (dojang). During this time, his training was not exclusively Chang Moo Kwan. Eventually he was chosen by his teacher to study other martial arts and complimentary healing arts/sciences.

What did Grand Master Park mean by "true martial arts"?

We have come to understand that the references of "true martial arts" revolved around teaching the art along with the science of self-defense as a balanced way-of-life. It can be observed that his well-balanced philosophy covers the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual attributes. Such an approach can be applicably sub-divided into a Um/Yang (Yin/Yang) paradigm consisting of balancing opposites.  The martial expressions being divided into empty hand and weapon self defense which utilizes both the linear and circular approaches also combining internal attributes found in Ki and Son (Zen) training. Further, he included knowledge of both western and eastern healing practices; along with the important connection to tradition and lineage, which recognizes the time-tested validation of techniques and teacher-to-student connection so necessary for proper maturity and character cultivation. We are indeed fortunate to have him as our founder.

Various Martial Arts/ Educational Degrees and Certifications:

1952
Began studies in Chang-Moo-Kwan

11/9/58
In School Teachers Certificate from Great Grand Master Ki Soon Lee

8/19/69
B.S. Degree in Civil Engineering Hanyang University

10/19/71
5th Dan, International Taekwondo Federation Instructor (ITF)

9/19/73
Certification in Ji-Ap Therapy, Ji-Ap Therapy Association

1/19/74
Korea Acupuncture Certificate, Korea Acupuncture Association

12/19/78
D.R.E. Degree in Theology, Full Gospel Theological College

3/15/79
7th Dan , Korea Ki Do Association (KKA)

11/19/81
Certification of Appointment, Full Gospel World Mission Incorporated

5/19/82
World Taekwondo Federation International Referee

5/19/88
M.A. Degree in Theology, Faith Theological Seminary

5/19/94
D.R.E. Degree in theology, Faith Theological Seminary

9/19/97
9th Dan, The World Taekwondo Federation (WTF)

10/27/99
9th Dan Black Belt, Chang Moo Kwan (CMK)

8/13/00
7th Dan, The World Haidong Gumdo Federation (HDGD)

11/4/01
Tai Chi Instructors License

Recognitions:

1/14/96
Citation, The World Taekwondo Federation

1/19/96
Appreciation Award, Ministry of Culture and Sports, Korea

4/26/97
Mayor's Citation, City of Baltimore

10/25/97
Citation, Governor of Maryland

5/1/99
Citation, Senate of Maryland

Occupation:

3/1981-7/25/03
Minister - Full Gospel Salisbury Church

9/1981-7/25/03
Grand Master/ Founder - Park's Martial Arts
(Taekwondo, Hapkido, Kumdo/Gumdo, Tai Chi)

Source: Park's Martial Arts

Photograph of our Black Belts - Back Row, Left to Right: Penny Carmack, Michael Boyle, Elyse Carmack, and Katharine Phillips. Front Row, Left to Right: Chad Carmack and Jason Phillips

Qualifications of our lead instructors: