About Us
The Korean Martial Arts Centre - Barrie
KMAC Barrie was established in 1992 by Hak-Sup Lee and is dedicated to the preservation of traditional Korean martial arts.
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This is accomplished through exceptional instruction by qualified teachers with a range of experience.
Hak-Sup Lee
Tae Sa Nym
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Founder
Ivan Bergeron
Chong Moo Sa Nym
Association Chief Master
Gerry Fortin
Chong Moo Sa Nym
Association Chief Master
John Gencarelli
Chong Moo Sa Nym
Association Chief Master
Meet The Barrie KMAC Team
Michael Corradetti
Kyo Sa Nim / Second Degree
Michael has been training with the Korean Martial Arts Centre for eighteen years and is dedicated solely to this style.
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"I enjoy the control this style has taught me," says Michael. "When I control myself I can control the outcome of any encounter. This not only applies to combat but life as well."
Jennifer Lacelle
Jjo Kyo Nim / First Degree
Jennifer began training at KMAC in 2014 at the Valley East branch as a means to lose weight. In 2018 she joined the Barrie club and began assisting with social media and classes.
She has a green belt in Judo and recently began training in Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiujitsu.
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"I have learned so much, about life and myself, through martial arts that I wholeheartedly believe it's an activity everyone should participate in - especially as an adult."
Terry Watson
Sa Bum Nym / Fourth Degree
Terry began training in martial arts in 1969. Since then he has obtained first degree black belts in Judo, Juijitsu, Kyokushin Karate and Go Ju Ru Karate. He also spent seven years training in Kung Fu.
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He is currently a fourth degree black belt in Kuk Sool Hap Kido having begun his training with Master Lee in 1993.
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"I appreciate that the art of Kuk Sool is well organized and combines the three Korean martial art traditional styles into one discipline," Terry says. "I enjoy the mental discipline that leads to a student's personal development both inside the school and in their personal lives."
Vince Bucarelli
Bu Sa Nim / Third Degree
Vince has trained in multiple martial art styles over the years. His experiences include Kung Fu, Kickboxing and wrestling.
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He began training with the Korean Martial Arts Centre in 1995. He currently holds the rank of third degree black belt in this style.
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"I enjoy the subtle movements of the art-form which make it extremely effective."
History
Where we come from
The history of the Korean Martial Arts Centre is rich with tradition and tales. It is a place where multitudes of students have trained and grown.
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What has now become KMAC initially began in Elliot Lake, Ontario by our founder Hak-Sup Lee. The club has since evolved and we now have several clubs across the province that are dedicated to preserving the rich history of traditional Korean martial arts.
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There are three main sources of Korean history that we follow for training purposes:
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Sa Do Mu Sool
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Kung Jung Mu Sool
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Bul Kyo Mu Sool
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These translate to:
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The Tribal (Family) Arts
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The Arts of the Royal Korean Court
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The Buddhist Arts (as practiced by traditional Korean monks)
Theory
It's all about Ki
Ki is another word for life energy. In China, it is often referred to as Chi; in India it is usually called Prana.
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In traditional Korean martial arts we focus on the preservation, circulation and utilization of Ki.
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This is called:
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Sam Won Sun Whan
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Pal Gae Jun Whan
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In English it translates to:
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Rule of the three circle circulation
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Rule of the eight trigram transposition
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The human body has 12 meridians for ki to flow through. There are also 365 acupressure points and three major centers in the body (these are called Dahn).
Furthermore, the body has three primary types of Ki:
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Chun-Ki
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Gee-Ki
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Inn-Ki
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In English it translates to:
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Heavenly energy through breathing
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Earthly energy through diet
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Human energy provided through social contacts and relationships
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Initially, Ki training is focused on activating and saving energy at the lower energy center.
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The next step in the learning process is circulating and utilizing this reserved Ki. This is a natural healing power that can be used for yourself or others.
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Check our Blog for more.
South Korea Trip - 2017
Yu, Won, Hwa
Three principles in our style
Harmony in our selves and our lives. An achievement martial artists strive to achieve. A state in which people use their mind and body together in synchronicity.
A prime example of balance and harmony can be seen through the Korean flag. They illustrate balance and harmony through the use of yin and yang (which is yet another example).
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At KMAC we utilize:
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Yu
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Won
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Hwa
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In English it translates to:
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Flowing Water
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Circle
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Harmony
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Yu (Flowing Water)
Water symbolizes adaptability and softness but also great force.
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Water doesn't struggle when it meets an obstacle. It simply adapts to its surroundings. It remains water if you put it in a round container or freeze it. It patiently waits to rise above and flow once more.
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Similarly, our techniques move with the flow of our bodies.
Won (Circle)
Circles represent the perfect geometric figure.
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Furthermore, people have their own private space that can be viewed as circular figure around their person. We instinctively strive to protect this space.
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If someone were to attack within this space, the defense is a flowing circular motion. To meet head on, we would take the direct impact of the attack. Instead, we use circular motions to deflect the attack.
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Hwa (Harmony)
The body and mind must work together to create this harmony in order to react appropriately should a confrontation occur.
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In working with techniques we practice the motions repetitively. The mind may know and understand the lesson but the body may not. By continuing to train and practice the body will learn what the mind comprehends.
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Once the body and mind are in harmony the techniques flow properly and reactions become instinctive.
NOMAC 2018