Comments on: The Hwa Rang Do Angola Experiment – In Angola’s “City of Trash”

By: Molina

Molina — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 22:02:19 +0000

Thank you for spreading this to the world!

By: gianluca cicinelli

gianluca cicinelli — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:25:50 +0000

Hwarang Grand Master Lee, hwarang to every brother and sister in hwarang.
I’m very proud to have my little part in hwarangdo movement, because the Angola Mission shows the real sense of fighting in the life. To fight every day to find food for poors, to fight to avoid children will die: what belt do we think need people working to save human beings? Hwarang spirit is in the heart and in the mind of our teachers, and we can learn something of that only with training. Training is love, how Grand Master Lee said us last summer in Italy, it is love for life, it is love for justice, it is love for the world. I want to tank my teachers too, Kyosanim Marco Mattiucci and Sum Bae Emanuele Veluti for this example coming us from Angola Mission, because it shows as, step by step, improving ourselves we improve the world.
Hwarang Forever!

By: Instructor MacKnight

Instructor MacKnight — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 05:47:55 +0000

I second the comments of Master Kijek. The story touched me deeply. I’m so very proud of the courage and compassion of our Italian brethren. You have certainly demonstrated the essence of what it means to be a true warrior; a Hwarang!

Scott MacKnight, Hwa Rang Do 4th Dan.

By: Inst. Diane Spoehr

Inst. Diane Spoehr — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 20:18:55 +0000

Hwarang, GrandMaster Lee,
Thank you for publishing this article, and more for the pictures. Thank you to the Italian team for having the courage and love to go through with this dangerous journey.
This trip will live in your memories, but as well in the hearts of every one of those children to whom you gave your time and love.
May we all give to the children around us, every day, for every child is valuable and even in your own city there are children who need our training to strengthen their sense of self and encourage their dignity as people.
This is indeed what we need to do, and my Italian sisters and brothers make me proud, and humbled, to know I have been given the great opportunity to help them preserve and spread the philosophy of Hwa Rang Do.
Hwarang Forever!

By: Thad

Thad — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 06:56:48 +0000

And the light will shine from your face into a darkened world that needs the light.

yes, I was truly inspired by this incomparable mission that treads a difficult path through some of the darkest places on earth, these brave missionaries have displayed uncommon courage and humanity.
May all your mission’s be blessed by God.

Hwa Rang Do Forever!

By: Sensei Libby Hill

Sensei Libby Hill — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:02:07 +0000

This is what more martial artists should be doing to demonstrate the peace of the arts. Good job and glad you are home safe and sound.

By: Grand Master Mike Curtis

Grand Master Mike Curtis — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:27:55 +0000

It is people like you read here that whole the true values of the real martial arts.
I have been in the arts for 46 years and have done alot and seen alot in my years. This is true class of people putting there self in harms way to help a group of people that they do not know. Each one of you should be commended for you true heroism. When you do not know your destiny and choose to undertake a great danger just shows what quality of people that are in the martial arts. May God Bless each one of you for you dedicated service.

GM Mike Curtis 9th Dan TKD, 7th Shotokan

By: Cpt. Michael R. Metzler Sr.

Cpt. Michael R. Metzler Sr. — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:10:40 +0000

Dear Master Lee,

I can relate to your article here Master Lee, as I was a Helicopter Pilot stationed in Angola, Africa for just over three years (Jan.06.-Mar.09), and my arrival and departure was through the Luanda airport. Martial Arts has had a monumental impact on mine and my sons life as well as others from many countries for thousands of years, but you have shown the world what we can as people have an impact on the lives of those less fortunate as ourselves. I have many personal friends in Angola who have actually e-mailed me today just to say that they have been praying for my son who was in a serious motor vehicle accident on 19 Sep.09. I THANK “GOD” that he is doing much better, but will be undergoing physical therapy for the next 6-8 months. (My son Michael Jr. received his Black Belt in Taekwondo when he was 12 yrs. old)
God will Bless everyone of your Teams throughout the world, but I personally want to thank you from the bottom of my heart

God Bless and Be Safe!

Cpt. Michael R. Metzler Sr
Helicopter Maintenance Test Pilot
Piloto De Prueba

P.S. My grandmother was from Sicily (Katie Barone), and I am proud to be
of Italian descent.

By: Master David Kijek

Master David Kijek — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:27:22 +0000

I am so proud and humbled to be part of our Hwa Rang Do family. What an outstanding example of all we stand for. To my Italian brothers and sisters, thank you for leading by example and for being a light in an otherwise dark and dreary place. Not only have your efforts touched the lives of those suffering in Angola, but they touch the lives of all who hear of your journey. As one of those, I thank you for your selfless act of humanity. God Bless you all! Hwa Rang Forever!
Master Kijek
Hwa Rang Do Academy – Madison, WI

By: Ronin-Sensei, Russell G. Carter, Jr.

Ronin-Sensei, Russell G. Carter, Jr. — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:30:20 +0000

Thank you Master Lee for sharing this with me. I will be sharing this with the students of the Ronin-ryu, with emphasis on how significant personal, not-for-profit effort in the teaching and sharing of knowledge in any martial arts within any community can and will promote positiveness within any community.
You and yours have my utmost respect and admiration!!!