Hapkido Pioneer Ji Han-jae Dies: Bruce Lee in ‘Death Game’ Film

Yonhap News reported on the 8th that Ji Han-jae, who systematized ‘Korean Hapkido’, passed away at his home in Tucson, Arizona, USA on the 28th of last month (local time). Age 89.

The deceased was born in Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do in 1936. I learned from Deokam Choi Yong-sul (1899-1986), who learned Hapki Jujutsu in Japan. The deceased established a martial arts system by adding traditional martial arts kicking techniques to Hapki Jujutsu. According to data from the Korean Hapkido Association, it is believed that the deceased used the name ‘Hapkido’ for the first time.

In 1969, he was dispatched to the White House and demonstrated Hapkido. At this time, I met Bruce Lee (Bruce Lee, 1940-1973) through the introduction of Lee Jun-gu (1932-2018), the godfather of American Taekwondo. He also appeared as a Hapkido master in the movie . The memorial service was held at the National Medical Center Funeral Home on the 7th.