Interview with Hapkido Martial Arts Master : Grand Master Chang

Master Gedo Chang, 8th Dan Hapkido, holds seminars and lectures on Hapkido, Inner Power, Spirituality, Human behaviour and other subjects. His teachings and philosophy are known worldwide, influencing students and Masters alike. On a recent trip to his school in Chicago, Master Chang shared some of his wisdom, whilst planning his next visit to England.

Gedo Chang: Nowadays many people exaggerate too much. Some claim to be Masters and others not; often you cannot trust what has been said or written about someone. The only way to truly know whether they are true Masters is to see how they teach.
Black Belts and Masters alike must first be capable "abilitiy-wise". Also, no matter when or where they are, they must be ready to act, not controlled by an insistence that they are tired or have leg problems etc. I teach my students to be ready in any circumstance physically or mentally. This means that through everyday life you must condition your mind and body all the time. No matter whether you are young or old you should be ready.
The true centre of Master actually comes from his personality; an ability to love people and influence them in a more positive direction.

G.C.: In the old days the martial arts started in order to train people to fight better in the battlefield, nowadays there is no such battle. Today the concept should be changed. Centuries ago they emphasised the physical part, but these days we should also equally emphasise the other-side: compassion, friendship, wisdom etc. In this manner we can influence people positively.