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The SVT-HUMILITY ceremony took place on February 26th in Okoboji, Iowa during the Region 114 Black Belt Leadership Camp held at Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp hosted by Chief Masters Robert Jager and Larry Hoover. This annual weekend-long camp was host to over 150 black belts from the mid-west region. Participants of all ages trained through the midnight hours on Friday and woke early to begin workouts at 6:00AM on Saturday. The rest of the day they continued to train in traditional forms, sparring, weapons with quick breaks for meals and camaraderie. Although the workout rooms was filled with warm Songahm Spirit, just outside the door, the ground was covered in beautiful white snow and a temperature of 4 degrees!
On Saturday afternoon - before the ceremonial components of the Songahm Vision Tour began, Grand Master Lee trained all of the participants to a workout that none of the black belts will soon forget! This workout included the traditional performance of Songahm One in all 4 directions of the Earth.
After dinner, the Songahm Vision Tour ceremony officially began with bow-in, video presentation, and official welcome by the Grand Master.
Following a video presentation of the Scrolls of Songahm. Chief Master In Ho Lee then lit his candle from the flame of Grand Master Soon Ho Lee, the ceremonial transfer of knowledge from an instructor to a student. As part of this Black Belt Camp’s tradition, all Masters and black belts lit their candle from the flame of the Grand Master in the traditional soap and candle ceremony.
Following the soap and candle ceremony, the Master Ceremony component of humility was performed. Chief Master In Ho Lee reaffirmed his commitment to the Grand Master. The following oath was recited during the 2010 World Championships and on February 26th:
Do you swear to continue to train your mind, body, and spirit in the quest to uphold the highest-ranking position in Songahm Taekwondo? And that by doing so, you will follow in the path that the Eternal Grand Master Haeng Ung Lee and Grand Master Soon Ho Lee have forged for you by sacrificing themselves for the betterment of Songahm’s students, instructors, and Masters? In the remaining days, you must fulfill the training requirements established by the Grand Masters of Songahm Taekwondo. Only in accomplishing these requirements will you be inaugurated in the year two-thousand-eleven at the 3rd Inauguration of Songahm Taekwondo history. If you will continue with this responsibility of sacrifice to become the supreme example of Songahm Taekwondo, please say, "I do."
Chief Master In Ho Lee said with conviction "I do, sir!". He then took the podium to thank the Grand Master for leading him through the Songahm Vision Tour. The following is an excerpt from his speech:
"During this last year - on my journey to obtain the highest rank in Songahm Taekwondo – Grand Master Lee has always kept me in-check and reminded me that Humility is essential to good leadership. It is my great honor and privilege to follow him as he teaches me the way of the Grand Master. I will always remember this lesson and should I fulfill the duties to earn the title, I promise to practice leadership with humility."
Following the Humility ceremony, Chief Master Robert Jager presented a piece of the Songahm Star to show his support to the Grand Master Nominee – Chief Master In Ho Lee. The green piece was presented by Chief Master Jager on behalf of the black belts, instructors, and Masters of Region 114. A Masters Council Delegate, Chief Master Jager has been a model of strength and loyalty in his region and beyond since the early days of Songahm.
Grand Master Soon Ho Lee then took the podium to present a special calligraphy art piece to Chief Master Jager. In hand drawn calligraphy by the Grand Master, "dragon" was illustrated and presented to Chief Master Jager as a sign of success and leadership.
To conclude the black belt camp, regional awards were presented along with a very special presentation of a song written and performed by Mike, a student of Chief Master Jager. The song "I believe" is a special adaptation of the popular song, "I Owe You". This adaptation incorporated the tenets and life skills of Songahm Taekwondo and the ATA, and is dedicated to the family of Eternal Grand Master H. U. Lee.
The high-ranking instructors in attendance then signed the Scrolls of Songahm, and a petition endorsing Chief Master In Ho Lee as their next Grand Master.
All students and instructors may express their appreciation to Grand Master Soon Ho Lee at www.SongahmVisionTour.com. You may also send a message of support to the Grand Master Nominee – Chief Master In Ho Lee online as well. Instructors will also find a printable copy of the petition to officially support the Grand Master Nominee. The petition along with instructions and a unique guest pass are all downloadable at www.ATASuccessKit.com.
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