Preserving the Art & Its Heritage
The Korea Hapkido Federation (KHF) is one of the most respected governing bodies for Hapkido worldwide, dedicated to preserving the traditional art of Hapkido while supporting its growth and development across the globe. Based in South Korea, the federation oversees standards for instruction, rank promotion, and the integrity of Hapkido as it is practiced internationally.
Tommy Bernard — Chairman, KHF USA
After nearly 30 years of dedicated training under Grandmaster Myung Yong Kim — the founder of Jin Jung Kwan Hapkido — Grandmaster Tommy Bernard was appointed Chairman of Jin Jung Kwan. He then traveled to South Korea with GM Kim, where he was appointed Chairman of the Korea Hapkido Federation USA by KHF President Oh Se Lim.
This appointment reflects a commitment to promoting Hapkido in the United States with deep respect for its Korean roots and for all practitioners and instructors. Grandmaster Kim, who serves as Advisor to the KHF USA, refers to Hapkido as a "gentleman's martial art" — one that emphasizes using only as much force as necessary to control a situation, while maintaining the capability to defend against a determined attacker.
The Mission
As Chairman of the KHF USA, Grandmaster Bernard works to ensure that Hapkido practitioners in America are connected to the broader global community of the art. This includes maintaining traditional standards of instruction, supporting legitimate rank advancement through the federation's established system, and fostering relationships between American dojangs and the Korean headquarters.
The KHF USA serves as a bridge between the rich history of Hapkido in Korea and its growing presence in the United States. For practitioners seeking recognition within an authentic, internationally respected organization, the Korea Hapkido Federation provides a direct connection to the art's origins.
Grandmaster Kim — KHF Advisor
Grandmaster Myung Yong Kim, the founder of Jin Jung Kwan Hapkido and a 9th Dan promoted by the Korea Hapkido Federation, has been appointed Advisor to the KHF USA. He is recognized as one of the top Hapkido Grandmasters in the world today and continues to teach and guide practitioners from his base in Houston, Texas.
His lifelong dedication to Hapkido, spanning from his early training in 1959 under Dojanim Ji Han Jae (the founder of Hapkido) to the present, represents an unbroken chain of knowledge passed down through generations. Students at Big Horn Hapkido benefit from this direct lineage and the standards upheld by the Korea Hapkido Federation.
