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The SVT-RESPECT ceremony took place on October 2nd in Mendoza, Argentina during the 2010 STF Pan-American Tournament. The STF Pan-American Tournament – hosted by Chief Master Cesar Ozuna - brought in over 1,000 competitors from the 6 different South American countries.
Upon arrival on October 1st, the students of South America welcomed Grand Master Soon Ho Lee and the Grand Master Nominee-Chief Master In Ho Lee with a loud and energetic roar, in the fashion and spirit that only the South American Songahm students could express. Chief Master Ozuna asked each country to "sound off" with their country's cheer to welcome the special guests.
During the Songahm Vision Tour ceremony held on October 2nd, Grand Master Soon Ho Lee welcomed approximately 300 students and 12 Masters during this incredible event recognizing the Master Ceremony element of Respect and celebrating Chief Master Cesar Ozuna.
The Songahm Vision Tour in Argentina was very special as the entire event including the videos was presented in Spanish, thanks to Master Valentina Canese and Master Marcelo Ferrer. These two Masters worked very diligently in translating all of the speeches and scripts in order to present the ceremony in Spanish.
Grand Master Soon Ho Lee led the 300 in attendance to Songahm One in the four directions of the Earth. He stated: "it is very important that we are celebrating with our South American-Songahm family members. South America was one of the first continents where Songahm was spread, and it is the continent with the most countries practicing Songahm Taekwondo. This is in large part due to the leadership of Chief Master Cesar Ozuna." When Songahm One was performed facing south, it was very symbolic of Songahm in South America to all in attendance.
The Grand Master Nominee-Chief Master In Ho Lee led the group to an intense workout. The group was so large in the arena, it was very difficult to do all of the kicking and sparring drills, however, they were so excited that they gave it their best efforts, including approximately 50 children!
The final portion was the element of the Master Ceremony and the Songahm Star Presentation. The video explained the Master Ceremony and how the Grand Master Nominee – Chief Master In Ho Lee will perform one of the 9 steps from the Master Ceremony, at each Tour stop. The Master Ceremony theme was RESPECT. The following is a transcription from the actual event:
In the Korean culture, RESPECT is shown to another individual with a bow. The deepest form of the bow is the traditional Korean Bow. The traditional Korean bow is also performed as a form of Respect to one's ancestors. The Grand Master Nominee-Chief Master In Ho Lee will now symbolically show his respect to the Grand Master by performing three traditional Korean bows.
October 5th will be the 10th death anniversary of Eternal Grand Master Haeng Ung Lee. In the traditional ceremony "jae-sah", the family of Haeng Ung Lee will perform a series of the traditional Korean Bow to pay their respects. It is very fitting that the SVT-Respect ceremony held in Argentina be held very close to the anniversary date.
During the next section of the ceremony, Chief Master Cesar Ozuna presented the 2nd part of the Songahm Star to Chief Master In Ho Lee, symbolically showing the support offered by all of the ATA and STF students in South America to the Grand Master Nominee.
Following the Songahm Star presentation, Grand Master Soon Ho Lee presented Chief Master Ozuna with one of his legendary calligraphy paintings. Grand Master proceeded to explain that the calligraphy read "Vision" and exemplified his appreciation to Chief Master Ozuna for having the vision and diligence to spread Songahm Taekwondo in South America.
Chief Master Ozuna then called up the senior instructors from each country and together, they began showering Grand Master Soon Ho Lee and Chief Master In Ho Lee with gifts to express their appreciation for their leadership.
The ceremony ended around 10:00 pm that evening and the students lined up for almost three hours following the event to meet Grand Master and Chief Master Lee. They purchased authenticated SVT-Respect posters, T-shirts and of course, they received their Songahm Vision Tour Candle as a gift from Grand Master Lee.
The STF Pan-American Tournament began early the next day at 9:00 am, followed by the Leadership Camp for ATA/STF instructors in South America.
The Songahm Vision Tour will continue on October 21st during the Orlando Fall Nationals to honor Founder's Council member, Chief Master William Clark.