Dear ATA Masters, Instructors, Students and Friends,

The ATA was built on tradition and philosophy that has thrived for half a century.  My instructor and my brother, Eternal Grand Master H. U. Lee, always taught us to have discipline and structure in our everyday lives, and to fight each day to improve the world through the teachings of Songahm.

On Oct. 5, 2000, we lost H.U. Lee, and quite frankly, many of us, including me, were lost.  He was the foundation for our training, our motivation, and in many cases, our everyday lives.  We were unsure how we would continue without our fearless Grand Master.  Soon Ho Lee became the next Grand Master and brought stability to our organization.  I learned so much by watching both of my predecessors as they taught me life skills and leadership skills on a daily basis.  They were so selfless and sacrificed, not only their personal lives, but their families’ lives too, and they did so for the bigger family – the ATA.  Their love, passion, and unquenchable desire to improve the world, one black belt at a time, always showed me that nothing is ever impossible as long as you continue to learn and be open to endless possibilities through discipline.  This is what inspired my phrase “Change Yourself First!”

In 2011, it was my distinct honor to be selected as ATA’s third Presiding Grand Master.  Since that time, ATA has introduced many new programs such as the Legacy Program – a new and improved way to teach the Ten Class Management Skills and techniques of Songahm Taekwondo.  It is fulfilling to hear feedback from so many instructors that the new initiatives we have launched are making a positive impact on your students and your ATA business.  We continue to evolve the art and business of traditional martial arts, just as our Founder – Eternal Grand Master Lee taught us to do.

Songahm family, it’s with distinct honor that I have served as the third Presiding Grand Master of the ATA.  As my second term comes to a close, I must announce that I will not seek a third term.  At the 2019 ATA World Expo, ATA will inaugurate its fourth Presiding Grand Master, at which time, I will continue working, but changing my focus to spend more time with my family. I have a beautiful wife, amazing daughters, and a grandbaby to keep my schedule full.

When traveling as your Presiding Grand Master, one of the greatest pleasures has been experiencing the world and meeting the thousands of ATA members across the land.  In that time, I gained a new appreciation for what ATA truly means – Family.

2019 will be ATA’s 50^th Anniversary!  In July, 2019, I will continue to train as a 9^th Degree Grand Master at ATA World Headquarters, visit tournaments and serve as an ATA Ambassador around the world.  Then, it will be time to pass the torch of leadership to the next Presiding Grand Master of the ATA, whom I know you will support.  As we celebrate this impressive milestone, it is important to remember the Scrolls of Songahm and acknowledge that ATA continues to need “new growth and enthusiasm” as it evolves for generations to come.

We have come a long way from the final days of our Founder. There were so many days filled with uncertainty, which has grown into the flourishment of Songahm Taekwondo.  The ATA vision is because of you and your dedication.  If Eternal Grand Master Lee were alive today, he would proudly pat each and every one of you on the back and let you know that you made impossible dreams possible.

I will see you at Worlds this year – please join me as we announce and celebrate the Presiding Grand Master Nominee.

Change Yourself First,

In Ho Lee

Presiding Grand Master

Masters’ Council and Founders’ Council

ATA International