The Beginning
Over time, through meeting with some of the world’s most
respected Korean martial artists, it became apparent there was
a need within our community. That need was simply a platform
– a platform that existed for the purpose of honoring those
who have selflessly given to the advancement of the Korean
martial arts and promote the advancement of its future. A Hall
of Fame that was designed around integrity, ran with
transparency, non-bias, and titles or positions could not be
purchased.
Thanks to our partners, in 2014 we successfully held our
inaugural event in Canada. In 2017, at the inductee ceremony
it was announced that ownership was changing hands. While
the Hall of Fame’s vision remains the same, we are excited to
raise the bar in an effort to establish this event as the most
respected HOF in existence.
Annual Event
In 2015 the event was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
in conjunction with the Tri-State Martial Arts Hall Of Fame,
hosted by Grand Master Kenneth MacKenzie.
In 2016 the event was held in Crestview, Florida, in
conjunction with the Korean Martial Arts Festival, hosted by
Chief Master Thomas Gordon.
In 2017 the event made it’s way back to Sault Ste. Marie,
Canada, hosted again by the founder, Grand Master Rudy
Timmerman.
The Changing Of The Guard
In 2017 Grand Master Rudy Timmerman announced his
retirement from the KMAM - Hall Of Fame and relinquished the
ownership and responsibilities to Grand Master Wil Widmeyer.
Grand Master Rudy Timmerman was one of Grand Master
Inn Shuk Pak first group of students when he arrived in the
North America Continent, and Grand Master Wil Widmeyer was
his last student before he suddenly passed away in Wil’s arms
in Tennessee.
Although there is a commonality with their late Grand
Master the KMAM-HOF has no affiliation with any one
organization and its nominee process. We pride ourselves in
having an open policy that holds no bias with any martial arts
organization. Our nomination process is open to all Korean
Martial Artist.
The Process
We are independent. While we are open to any and all
Korean martial arts, we are not affiliated with any other
organizations. Therefore, we can ensure that we operate in an
unbiased manner. Nobody will ever be able to buy their way in,
nor will we ever charge an inductee for their induction.
We sincerely encourage all Korean martial artists to
become involved. If there is someone that you believe is
deserving of such recognition, please do not hesitate to
nominate them for candidacy. (The nomination deadline for
2018 has passed.)
You may submit your candidate(s), and they will be
examined by our ambassadors and past inductees for approval
before moving forward in the process. Any candidate
nominated by either an ambassador or past inductee is already
seconded and will immediately be deemed eligible for voting.
Once approved, all candidates that are seconded will be placed
up for nomination where an open election process will
determine the outcome.
Once the candidate list is complete, this information will be
publicized on our Facebook page where all comments will be
closely monitored by the HOF’s ambassadors and past
inductees. Once everyone has had the chance to express their
thoughts voting will be conducted and the candidates will be
contacted to secure their presence at the event.
In order to be inducted, we do require the attendee to be
present at the event. We understand that extenuating
circumstances may arise which prevent one’s attendance, and
we will work with candidates when needed. However, we
genuinely believe that receiving this award in front of one’s
friends, family, and community provides them with the
recognition they deserve.
The Vision
Our vision is to assist in securing the future of Korean
Martial Arts worldwide by being at the forefront of educating
the world.
We will be announcing a program at the 2018 event in
Atlanta, Georgia. This program will be used to help new
students that desire to learn but need assistance in order to do
so.
The Hall Of Fame will always be a support system for all
martial artists throughout the year as well as bring recognition
and honor to those who have been instrumental in the
advancement of the Korean Martial Arts.
Support
As previously mentioned, we do not charge a fee for
induction. Induction must be earned. With that in mind, we are
thankful to have obtained funding from dedicated individuals
and sponsors that are an integral part of the HOF’s operation.
These individuals and organizations believe in the integrity of
our organization and have chosen to partner with us in an
effort to honor these living legends that work tirelessly to
secure the future of the Korean martial arts.
Help Us
As with anything, the more support we have, the more we
can do. This can be done in multiple ways. Attending the event
is not only the simplest but also the best way to honor the
inductees. We find great satisfaction in providing these
individuals with the largest and most supportive audience
possible.
However, if you would like to be more involved, we are
always seeking ambassadors. In order for the Hall of Fame to
operate without bias, ambassadors must remain objective in all
they do. Anyone can apply to be an ambassador, but approval
must be granted by the board and certain standards must be
met.
Sponsors
We are always looking for people and organizations that
believe in our vision and want to partner alongside us as we
honor those that have given so much to the advancement of
the Korean martial arts.
At the 2018 Hall of Fame, we will be announcing several
ways in which partnership can be achieved. We certainly need
all of the help we can get in order to ensure the greatest
impact possible. Though we don’t want to reveal too much at
the moment, we can say that our plans for the future will have
a great impact on our community’s youth and their desire to
learn…
Please let us know if you are interested in becoming a
sponsor. Otherwise, you can also support our vision by simply
attending as a portion of all proceeds will be put toward this
endeavor. We have so much that we aspire to complete, but we
won’t succeed without the help of others.
Help us rightfully bring honor to those most deserving and
partner with us as we set out make this Hall of Fame the most
respected and distinguished event in existence. We are setting
a new standard – a standard that focuses on integrity and
respect. Join us and partner alongside us as we set out to make
a true difference in the martial arts industry, and help mold its
future.
KOREAN MARTIAL ARTS MASTERS HALL OF FAME
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