The SVT-NOBILITY ceremony took place on March 4th during the 2011 Spring Nationals in Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Grand Master Soon Ho Lee welcomed more than 200 local and international students and Masters recognizing the Master Ceremony element of Nobility. All in attendance followed Grand Master Lee in the traditional workout of Songahm One in 4 directions of the Earth.
Chief Master In Ho Lee led all in attendance to an energy driven workout and then lit his candle from the flame of Grand Master Soon Ho Lee, the ceremonial transfer of knowledge from an instructor to a student.
Following the soap and candle ceremony, the Master Ceremony component of nobility was recognized. The following is an excerpt from the actual ceremony:
Today, the component of NOBILITY will be recognized. During the traditional Master Ceremony, NOBILITY is the final step before a nominee is introduced as a Master. As it was with the warriors of ancient times, titles and positions were bestowed upon a recipient by dubbing him with a sword or scepter. In Songahm Taekwondo, the Grand Master dubs the Nominees with the Beeryong Bong, or the Staff of the Flying Dragon. On Saturday, June 25th during the Inaugural ceremony of Songahm's 3rd Grand Master, Grand Master Soon Ho Lee will dub the Grand Master Nominee with the BeeRyongBong. The BeeryongBong, which is only to be touched by the hands of the Grand Master, is the most precious artifact in Songahm. At the very top of the staff is the Turtle, the gold stamp of the Grand Master's seal. In Korean culture, the turtle symbolizes long life and wisdom.
Today, The gold turtle stamp is on display. At the end of today's ceremony, you will be invited to meet the Grand Master and this Stamp will be on display. Until you earn the title of Master someday, this may actually be the closest you will get to this artifact without going into the Songahm Museum at ATA headquarters in Little Rock. We hope you wlll enjoy this up close, rare, and personal view!
Following the Nobility ceremony, Chief Master Kui B. Yoon presented a piece of the Songahm Star to show his support to the Grand Master Nominee – Chief Master In Ho Lee. The yellow piece was presented by Chief Master Yoon on behalf of the black belts, instructors, and Masters of Las Vegas Region.
Grand Master Soon Ho Lee then took the podium to present a special calligraphy art piece to Chief Master Yoon. A special calligraphy was also presented to Master Leland Brandon for his year's of dedication to growing the Las Vegas region.
To conclude ceremony, Master Brandon presented a very special gift to Grand Master Soon Ho Lee, Chief Master In Ho Lee, and Chief Master Kui B. Yoon. They were presented with a pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses. "10 years ago, when Soon Ho Lee became our Grand Master, I presented him with a pair of sunglasses because our future is so bright, he has to wear shades. Today, as we welcome the next generation of leadership, I would like to present these sunglasses to the next Grand Master..." – Master Leland Brandon.
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. Master Leland Brandon then presented Chief Master In Ho Lee with 6,000 signatures for the petition. He credited the local instructors for spreading the vision across the Las Vegas region.
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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