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The SVT-HONOR ceremony took place on February 12th in Ontario, California at the 2011 ATA Bear Classic at the Ontario Convention Center.
Grand Master Soon Ho Lee welcomed hundreds of students, instructors and Masters in an energetic ceremony recognizing the Master Ceremony element of Honor.
After a video introducing the Songahm Vision Tour, observers became participants as Grand Master Soon Ho Lee led the Masters and students in the traditional workout of Songahm 1 towards the 4 directions of the Earth. Then the Grand Master Nominee-Chief Master In Ho Lee really got them going, grabbing the microphone and going into the middle of the crowd to conduct an intensive, heart pumping workout!
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. All participants were invited to take home the SVT candle to spread the knowledge in their communities.
The event concluded with the Songahm Star Presentation. 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 ceremony element in Ontario was Gratitude. The following is a transcription from the actual event:
Today, the component of honor will be performed. HONOR is defined as "the adherence to what is right and just". Chief Master In Ho Lee has chosen the path of leadership and has accepted the greatest duty to begin training as the Grand Master Nominee. Should he fulfill the final steps of training to earn the title of Grand Master, only then will he be honored with the Certificate and Ring of the Grand Master.
Today, I would like to present a great artifact of Songahm Taekwondo. On the screen behind me, you will see a picture of the very rare Grand Master certificate-which is displayed in Grand Master Soon Ho Lee’s office. This is the first time that his certificate has been revealed during the Songahm Vision Tour.
Grand Master Soon Ho Lee earned his position and was presented this certificate in 2001. The certificate reads:
"GRAND MASTER INSTRUCTOR – SOON HO LEE. As liken unto that of the "Bee Ryong", you have achieved beyond the levels of all other masters and thereby have been chosen to lead the children of Songahm on a journey to master their lives as well as the way of Songahm Taekwondo, and by having met all requirements of the American Taekwondo Association and Songahm Taekwondo Federation, the students, black belts, instructors and masters bestow upon you the exalted rank of Ninth Degree Black Belt, Grand Master Instructor. On this 8th Day of June, Two Thousand and One. Signed by Haeng Ung Lee."
In the next part of the ceremony, Chief Master Wan Joo Choi presented the 5th part of the Songahm Star to Chief Master In Ho Lee, symbolically demonstrating his support of the Grand Master Nominee. Chief Master Wan Joo Choi, integral in developing and growing Songahm throughout Southern California, stood with other masters of the region. They presented Grand Master Soon Ho Lee with a gift of an eclectic set of golf clubs to show their gratitude for his years of leadership. Grand Master Lee has been heard many times joking about working on his golf game once his retirement begins.
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.
The Songahm Vision Tour will continue on February 26, 2011 at Camp Okoboji, Iowa. Here Chief Master Jager will lead the 6th component of the Master Ceremony: Humility. 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. Join him as we celebrate history in the making.
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