Brief History
Master Yee's first martial arts study was in Okinawan karate taught at a State University in New York. Emphasis was on speed, linear blocks, strikes and direct contact. At the University of Hawaii a few years later Master Yee took a class in Tai Chi and Kung Fu. The instructor's philosophy was to do movements slowly and fluidly so that you can learn the proper technique, eventually executing with speed. The instructor frequently said, "your mind should be like a diamond" - that is, sharp and clear. In 1978, Master Yee studied Judo at SF State, learning grappling, throwing and falling. In 1979 Master Yee moved to Maui and began studying Aikido with Suzuki Sensei. Extension of ki, breathing techniques, calmness, and circular movement were emphasized.

The Embarcadero YMCA
In 1984 Master Yee began to train in Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido taught by Master Merrill Jung. This martial arts class was a perfect fit. Master Jung taught classes which built on many of the techniques that Master Yee had previously studied. Each class was a physical and creative challenge.

In 1986 Master Yee formally took over the classes at the YMCA as head instructor and Master Jung opened the Korean Martial Arts Center on Ocean Avenue. KMAC is our school's headquarters, with extensive training in Olympic Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, Judo, and weapons.

In 2006, Master Yee retired from full-time teaching duties as a fifth degree black belt, and moved to New Mexico. He invited his senior student, Glenn M. Goffin, to take over class as Chief Instructor. Master Yee visits and occasionally teaches class when he is in San Francisco.

Suh Bom Nim Glenn M. Goffin, Chief Instructor

Brief History
SBN Goffin's first martial arts study was Shotokan karate, taught at the YMCA in Boise, Idaho. This hard-style art emphasized speed, power, linear movement, and hard contact. As a student at Swarthmore College, SBN Goffin competed in fencing with the foil, a linear art that relied on deception, speed, and precise targeting. During a long hiatus from the martial arts, SBN Goffin devoted his energy to another system of handling conflict — law school and litigation practice.

Embarcadero YMCA
In 1997, SBN Goffin joined the Embarcadero YMCA and almost immediately found the Hapkido and Tae Kwon Do program taught by Master Yee. Master Yee's emphasis on acceptance, harmony, and mastery sometimes complemented and more frequently challenged SBN Goffin's prior experience with and assumptions about the martial arts and conflict generally.

Following Hapkido tradition, SBN Goffin has complemented his Hapkido practice with training in other arts, including Krabi Krabong, Pekiti-Tirsia Kali, Choy Lay Fut Kung Fu, and defensive handgun tactics.

In 2006, Master Yee moved to New Mexico and SBN Goffin took over classes as chief instructor. The Embarcadero Hapkido Club under SBN Goffin continues the tradition, techniques, and philosophies established by Master Jung and Master Yee. That philosophy includes creativity, conditioning, and sincere commitment on the part of instructors and students. What you will find in class is an established community of dedicated and supportive martial artists who continue to evolve and grow.