Yesterday Dinoto Karate students and instructors had the pleasure to work/train with Chief Master John Godwin.
[Read TKD Times Martial Arts Magazine Article]
Some Background, History & Info
Chief Master John Godwin began his Tang Soo Do studies under Master Ki Yun Yi when he wanted to learn how to defend himself against multiple opponents. Master Yi is a charter member of the World Tang Soo Do association, and served as the Technical Advisory Committee Chairman. A special master/student relationship developed between the two of them. Master Yi gave him the finest instruction in leadership and teaching. It was as a result of this relationship, Master Godwin was introduced to someone very special, Grandmaster Jae C. Shin.
It was at a tournament that Grandmaster Shin first saw Master Yi’s student and soon after asked Master Godwin to work at Shin Karate. That was in 1984. “It was quite an honor to be asked to serve as the instructor at headquarters,” said Master Godwin.
While working at Headquarters, Master Godwin was encouraged by Grandmaster Shin to study other martial arts to broaden his understanding. He became involved in Hapkido, where he is also a master instructor under Grandmaster Ji Han Jae. He also practiced kickboxing under the instruction of Master Steven Chambliss.
John Godwin was inducted into the Tae Kwon Do Hall of Fame as the 1990 Forms Competitor of the Year. He became a World Champion in fighting, forms, weapons, and demo team competitions at the World Tang Soo Do Championships in 1986, 1988, and 1990. In 1999 he won 2 gold medals and 1 silver medal at the Hapkido World Championships in Korea. He now dedicates his time to training future leaders with his instructor training and leadership program.
John Godwin has 1,500 active students at the Korean Martial Arts Institute, including his 2 children: John, an 11 year-old E Dan, and Ali, a 7 year-old red belt.
My Take-away From Experience
– Principles of Hapkido: three principles is known as “Yu Won Hwa.” Yu is the first principle, Won is the second principle, and Hwa is the third principle.
– Rolls, break falls, Wrist locks, arm locks and arm bars.
Dinoto Karate students and instructors (including yours truly) had the pleasure of doing drills and experiencing the power of Hapkido.
I was fortunate enough to be chosen by Master Godwin to be one of the demonstration “dummies” — along with Mr. Cline and Master Pagurek :-)
Thank you Master Godwin for an incredible experience! It will not soon be forgotten.