Who was Grand Master Sung Hong Park?

 

To his peers, students and those who knew him best Grand Master Park was a Master’s Master. He was a deeply spiritual and moral man who remained loyal and devoted to his faith, family, friends, students and to the philosophy of martial arts as a complete way-of-life. He faithfully honored his teachers and lineage but also recognized modern needs and trends. He did his best to uphold the core attributes of true martial arts training, demonstrating what skills and values mattered most and how they could be effectively implemented in ones daily life.

Grand Master Park’s martial arts roots began after the Japanese occupation of Korea in 1953. At that time only a few Kong Soo Do, (later to be known as Taekwondo) martial arts schools were opened. His first lessons began at the Kong Soo Do – Chang Moo Kwan school (dojang). During this time, his training was not exclusively Chang Moo Kwan. Eventually he was chosen by his teacher to study other martial arts and complimentary healing arts/sciences.

Accomplishments And Recognitions:

Various Martial Arts/ Educational Degrees and Certifications:

• 1952
Began studies in Chang-Moo-Kwan
• 11/9/58
In School Teachers Certificate from Great Grand Master Ki Soon Lee
• 8/19/69
B.S. Degree in Civil Engineering Hanyang University
• 10/19/71
5th Dan, International Taekwondo Federation Instructor (ITF)

• 9/19/73
Certification in Ji-Ap Therapy, Ji-Ap Therapy Association
• 1/19/74
Korea Acupuncture Certificate, Korea Acupuncture Association
• 12/19/78
D.R.E. Degree in Theology, Full Gospel Theological College
• 3/15/79
7th Dan , Korea Ki Do Association (KKA)

• 11/19/81
Certification of Appointment, Full Gospel World Mission Incorporated
• 5/19/82
World Taekwondo Federation International Referee

• 5/19/88
M.A. Degree in Theology, Faith Theological Seminary
• 5/19/94
D.R.E. Degree in Theology, Faith Theological Seminary
• 9/19/97
9th Dan, The World Taekwondo Federation (WTF)

• 10/27/99
9th Dan Black Belt, Chang Moo Kwan (CMK)

• 8/13/00
7th Dan, The World Haidong Gumdo Federation (HDGD)

• 11/4/01
Tai Chi Instructors License

Upon Grand Master Park’s passing Master Alexander was formally acknowledged as the Successor Kwan Jang Nim (President) of Park’s Martial Arts Schools (PMA). He is a charter member of PMA and its Board of Advisors and has attained the highest Dan ranking in each discipline under the direct tutelage of Grand Master Park.

Master Alexander’s continuing martial arts education is in the hands of well respected Grand Masters who were personal friends and associates of the late Grand Master Park, as well as other relevant Federations and Associations Masters and Grand Masters.

It is Master Alexander’s vision and duty to continually strive for perfection in the study of the world’s greatest martial arts and pass these extremely valuable traditions and life skills onto his black belts and students.

Master Alexander is the Owner of the PMA Headquarters School and oversees all PMA training and administration.

Accomplishments And Recognitions:

Various Martial Arts/ Educational Degrees and Certifications:

• 1978
Private instruction in Shotokan Karate and other eclectic martial arts

• 1982
Joined PMA

• 1984
Received honorary PMA 1st Dan Taekwondo Black Belt

• 1986
Began Hapkido

• 9/27/86
Received official PMA & Kukkiwon Taekwondo Black Belt

• 1991
Began Gumdo

• 9/10/94
Received Hapkido Black Belt (overdue test date but by personal choice)

• 12/18/94
Kukkiwon Academy Diploma – 1st U.S. TKD Instructors Training Seminar

• 1/1/96
Korean Taekwondo Association of U.S.A. Representative Installation of Office

• 1/14/96
Korean Taekwondo Association of U.S.A. – Diploma of Commendation

• 4/26/97
Received Korean Ji-Ap Acupressure Certification

• 10/5/98
Received Doctor of Philosophy in Religious Education

• 2/19/99
Appointed Managing Director of U.S. Haidong Gumdo Eastern Region

• 11/19/00
Received Haidong Gumdo 4th Dan Black Belt

• 7/15/24

8th Dan World Taekwondo Chang Moo Kwan HQ – International Master Certification from Joong Young Kim, Ph. D., President and Grand Master