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The Headmaster: Marc Fortin

In the late 1970's, world-renowned Zen Master Dae Soen Sa Nim directed Marc Fortin to study martial arts with one of his disciples, the great sword master Chang Sik Kim. Marc lived at the Shim Gwang Sa temple for many years, studying sword, shin boep, and ho shin sul with Master Kim. He rose to the rank of Sabom Nim and attained the status of Master.

On May 23, 1999 Master Fortin was appointed headmaster of his own martial arts lineage, Kwan Um Do Kwang, under the personal direction of Zen Master Dae Soen Sa Nim. He received an official certificate of approval and authorization as Master of Zen Sword and related temple martial arts. Given the title of Kwan Jang Nim (Master), Master Fortin was recognized as having attained the 8th Star (dan) level in the school of Kwan Um Do Kwang.

Kwan Um Do Kwang Instructors

Gretchen Ramos, 4th Dan
San Francisco KUDK

Stephen De Silva, 4th Dan
Pomfret, CT

Robert Coyle, Jr, 3rd Dan
West Greenwich, RI

Anthony Hill, 3rd Dan
San Francisco KUDK

Rich Julius, 3rd Dan
San Jose KUDK

John Bennett, 1st Dan
Tang Soo Do Master
Reno KUDK

Carla Bennett, 1st Dan
Tang Soo Do Master
Reno KUDK

Zen Master Seung Sahn Lee, known as Dae Soen Sa Nim (Great Honored Zen Teacher) by his students, is the 78th Patriarch of the Chogye order of Korean Buddhism, and the founder of the Kwan Um Zen School.

His books include Ten Gates, The Compass of Zen, Dropping Ashes on the Buddha, Only Don't Know and The Whole World is a Single Flower - 365 Kong-ans for Everyday Life.

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