2014 KMAM-HOF PIONEER INDUCTEE
Ivan Bergeron
Grand Master Bergeron began his martial art training in 1960, in the art of Judo, and joined a Tae Kwon Do school
in 1965; however, it was when he joined up with GM Pak In Shyuk in 1966, when he found his niche. He continued
to train in the art of Hap Ki Do, and he earned his First Dan in 1969. That certificate was in the art of Kuk Sool, and
signed by GM Suh In Hyuk. These early certificates clearly stated that there was a strong bond with the Korea Kido
Association, and certification was recognized by that organization, then headed up by GM Seo In Sun. GM Bergeron
has trained with a number of icons in Korean, Filipino, and Japanese martial arts, including: GM Kwan Sik Myung,
GM Dave Weatherley, GM Ma Byung Sup, GM Ma Chu Sup, KukSaNim Suh In Hyuk, Guru Brian Smith (Maharlika
Kuntaw), Hanshi Yamaguchi, Hanshi Kuniuki Kai, Hanshi Ron Yamanaka, and many more.
GM Bergeron opened his own school in Elliott Lake in 1969, where he has lived since 1957 and Elliott Lake did not
have much more than a few dirt roads. He has taught Kuk Sool and Hap Ki Do ever since, in one form or another.
Today, although semi-retired from martial arts, he still has a school and the primary Instructor, Sylvie, now teaches
the art of Dahn Mu Do. It should be noted that this art is VERY similar to the Kuk Sool and Hap Ki Do taught in
Northern Ontario, as it basically stems from the same root. There is no doubt that GM Bergeron is one of the few
pioneers of Korean martial arts in our area and he very much deserves our recognition for his efforts to bring
Korean martial arts to Elliott Lake.
Level 11 NCC
Level 1 NTC
Paramedic Certification
Founded Canadian Hap Ki Do Alliance Founded North Shore Open Tournament Founded NOMAC