The Master Departs

Bong Soo Han (born August 25, 1933 in On Chun, South Korea - January 8, 2007 in Santa Monica, California) was a Hapkido instructor and author.

Bong Soo Han was one of the world's foremost practitioners of the Korean martial art of Hapkido. He is often referred to as the "Father of Hapkido in America".

Han was one of the early senior students to the founder of Hapkido, Choi Yong Sul. He studied and refined this powerful Korean martial art for more than 50 years. He held the rank of 9th Dan Black Belt, awarded to him by Ji Han Jae. He was the founder of the International Hapkido FederationTM, and was its president until his death.

Throughout his life, Han led a dedicated effort in the ongoing development of Hapkido. Bong Soo Han died on January 8, 2007.