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The SVT-KNOWLEDGE ceremony took place on October 21 in Orlando, Florida during the 2010 Fall Nationals at Disney's Wide World of Sports new HP Field Center.
Grand Master Soon Ho Lee welcomed approximately 200 students and 70 Masters during this incredible ceremony recognizing the Master Ceremony element of Knowledge.
Following the incredible Songahm Vision Tour video introducing the Grand Master Nominee ceremonial process, Grand Master Soon Ho Lee led the Masters and students to the traditional workout of Songahm 1. This workout was followed by the video presentation of the Scrolls of Songahm. The Grand Master Nominee-Chief Master In Ho Lee then lit his candle from the flame of Grand Master Soon Ho Lee. All participants were invited to take home the SVT candle to spread the knowledge in their communities.
The final portion is 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 nine steps from the Master Ceremony, at each Tour stop. This ceremony's Master Ceremony theme was Knowledge. The following is a transcription from the actual event:
The element of KNOWLEDGE will be partially performed as the Grand Master Nominee-Chief Master In Ho Lee has only begun the training set forth to him by the Eternal Grand Master HU Lee and Grand Master Soon Ho Lee.
In the philosophy of Songahm Taekwondo, Water is the symbol of knowledge. In front of the Grand Master Nominee are 3 bowls. The 1st bowl represents the knowledge of an instructor. This bowl is full of water, symbolizing that Chief Master In Ho Lee has learned all he must learn as an instructor in Songahm Taekwondo. He will empty this bowl of water into the large empty bowl. This large bowl represents the knowledge of the Grand Master. The 2nd bowl represents the knowledge of a Master. This bowl is full of water, symbolizing that he has learned all he must learn as a Master in Songahm Taekwondo. He will empty this bowl of water into the large empty bowl, that of the Grand Master.
The Large bowl, the knowledge of the Grand Master, has been partially filled, but is not yet full. This bowl can only be filled by Grand Master Soon Ho Lee and only after he believes that Chief Master In Ho Lee has gained the knowledge as the Grand Master. In June of 2010, Chief Master In Ho Lee began the training and his quest for knowledge as the Grand Master Nominee, however, this quest for knowledge has only begun. His training will include 3 days of silence in a Korean Temple, 21 days of fasting, and a petition of support from the majority of existing and future students showing their support for the Grand Master Nominee among other strict requirements. Only after Grand Master Soon Ho Lee and the Master's Council approves the training regiment performed by the Grand Master Nominee, will Grand Master Soon Ho Lee fill the Grand Master's bowl to the top. This will symbolize Chief Master In Ho Lee has gained the knowledge to earn the title and position of Grand Master. Should he fulfill the remaining requirements as the Grand Master Nominee, this ceremony of Knowledge will be completed at the 2011 World Championships during the Inauguration of Songahm's 3rd Grand Master.
During the next section of the ceremony, Chief Master William Clark presented the 3rd part of the Songahm Star to Chief Master In Ho Lee, symbolically showing his support to him as the Grand Master Nominee.
Chief Master Clark then presented Grand Master Soon Ho Lee with a unique plaque of appreciation. This plaque displayed a picture from the early days with Grand Master Soon Ho Lee and Chief Master Clark, before they were Masters - next to a picture of Soon Ho Lee at his last Master Ceremony as a Chief Master. The center photograph was a picture of his inauguration to become the 2nd Grand Master.
Chief Master Clark then called out to all Masters and Instructors to show their support and help Chief Master In Ho Lee obtain the signatures on the petition. The petition along with instructions and a unique guest pass are all downloadable at ATASuccessKit.com. All students may and instructors may also 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.
Senior Master Sergio Von Schmeling of Orlando, then presented Grand Master Soon Ho Lee with a globe to symbolize his appreciation of helping to spread Songahm around the world.
The Grand Master Nominee-Chief Master In Ho Lee thanked everyone for their support and reflected on the ceremony, "Today's Mastership theme is Knowledge. To me this is one of the most important traits of a Master because to be a good leader, you must never stop being a student. One of those exceptional Songahm leaders is Chief Master Bill Clark. Chief Master Clark is not only a world class martial artist but he has left his footprint on almost all facets of the ATA. He never stops learning what is the newest and most cutting-edge in the martial arts industry, and he is always excited to share that knowledge with the Masters Council and beyond. Some of the most successful operators in our Songahm family are his juniors. Ambassadors like Sr. Master Von Schmeling have taken the knowledge of Chief Master Clark and begun their own legacy in the ATA. Chief Master Clark, thank you for your commitment to our founder, for your support of Grand Master Soon Ho Lee- and I look forward to your constant education with me during this journey of Grand Mastership. Your friendship is truly invaluable.
The last few months have been incredibly rewarding to me, and also deeply humbling. To be selected as your Grand Master Nominee is an honor I will not take lightly. As I go through the nine steps to become your Grand Master, I keep in mind lessons my brothers taught me when they completed the nine steps. When I think about Eternal Grand Master, I'm reminded that "Today Not Possible- Tomorrow Possible." These words guided our founder to dream big and strive for the extraordinary. I also think about Grand Master Soon Ho Lee's lesson of knowledge when he says, "There is always more to learn."
The Songahm Vision Tour will continue on January 13, 2011 during the Dallas Black Belt Nationals to honor Founder's Council member, Chief Master Robert Allemier. Be plans to be there to celebrate the Master Ceremony component of Gratitude.