The Songahm Style
In 1962, Grand Master Haeng Ung Lee left Korea to teach Taekwondo in the United States of America. Along with the instructors under his guidance he established the American Taekwondo Association in 1969.
"In victory, be humble. In defeat, be strong. In all things be fair."
Eternal Grand Master H. U. Lee
With the growth of ATA, Grand Master H. U. Lee realized that one day the organization would be big enough to develop its own Taekwondo style. With the help of three of his best instructors, Mr. William Clark, Mr. Robert Allemier and Mr. Jee Ho Lee, and under his guidance they started reforming traditional Taekwondo, creating a whole new style.
Grand Master H. U. Lee believed that the Taekwondo forms were a reflex of the Taekwondo philosophy and so a lot of effort and study were necessary to develop the physical and mental aspects of this new style.
The first set of forms and one steps was introduced in 1983. The new forms were called Songahm and incorporated traditional techniques in combinations that promoted a steady and gradual development of coordination, physical abilities, mental power and perseverance.
Students learn kicking techniques, which are the seal of the ancient and original Korean martial art, since their first form.
These forms are registered and belong to Songahm Taekwondo, and only the members of this style are legally authorized to use them. The songahm style mantains a rigorous quality control over its instructors to assure that the technique are taught and practiced according to the Songahm standards.
The word "SONGAHM" means "TEMPLE TO THE PINE TREE". The pinetree is the symbol of long life and everlasting green. "THE TEMPLE" is the Haein Temple, located in the Korean mountains, which are covered by pine trees.
In 1987, the first and only group ever allowed, which had about 200 instructors of the Songahm style, went to the temple and stayed and trained there for a while, under the guidance of Grand Master H. U. Lee.
Here is a small video honouring the Eternal Grand Master: