lin·e·age (noun)
1. Direct descent from a particular ancestor; ancestry.
2. The descendants of a common ancestor considered to be the founder of the line.

	Kwan Jang Nim Hwang Kee, Founder of the Moo Duk Kwan November 9, 1914 - July 14, 2002
	Through the span of his lifetime Kwan Jang Nim Hwang Kee dedicated his life to Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan and the improvement of Human Relations across the World. As a result of his efforts thousands upon thousands have been affected by his teachings. Since founding the Moo Duk Kwan on November 9, 1945 he evolved the art into what we enjoy today, the premier martial arts organization in the world. Kwan Jang Nim Hwang Kee discovered Soo Bahk in the Moo Yei Do Bo Tong Ji in 1957. This was the rebirth of Soo Bahk as a Korean traditional martial art. He spent long and arduous hours of study in order to make possible the rebirth of Soo Bahk for the martial art practitioners of the world. He developed the Soo Bahk Do system for us to study through the Moo Duk Kwan as a living art, and he helped us to become connected with our long and proud heritage. The Kwan Jang Nim realized the importance and value of “Soo Bahk" as an art form and he named it “Soo Bahk Do” and started its promotion in 1957. The Korean Soo Bahk Do Association was formally registered as a corporation with the Korean government on June 30, 1960 and has continuously fulfilled its mission. Prior to 1974 there were many Americans holding degrees, teaching and promoting without standardization, regulation, communication or leadership. The Kwan Jang Nim decided that a United States organization must be established to unify and standardize the art. As a result of this decision, the United States Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation, Inc. was founded in 1975. The Federation is devoted to the growth and continuation of Soo Bahk Do in the United States, and to the maintenance of standards of excellence that was set by Kwan Jang Nim Hwang Kee. Kwan Jang Nim Hwang Kee was a martial arts prodigy. His dedication to his beliefs, his leadership, and his Mission for World Peace have affected and will affect us forever. He is the example of what a martial artist is supposed to be. We all learn from and follow his example. Kwan Jang Nim Hwang Kee’s teachings will live on forever and will never be forgotten. He has inspired and moved us all. Thank You Kwan Jang Nim, we will never forget.
	Kwan Jang Nim H.C. Hwang, Gu Dan (9th Degree) Dan Bon #509
	Kwan Jang Nim Hwang entered the Moo Duk Kwan on May 5, 1954 at the age of 7. He earned his Cho Dan at the age of 9. At that time he was the youngest Dan holder in Korea. He was a member of the Korean team at the 5th Asian Karate Championships held in Seoul, Korea in 1966. At the 6th Asian Karate Championships held in Manila, Philippines in 1967, Kwan Jang Nim Hwang was Head Technical Advisor. In 1969, he graduated from Korean University with a major in Oriental Philosophy. During the 1st World Karate Tournament in Tokyo, Japan Kwan Jang Nim Hwang served as head Technical Advisor. From 1970-1973, he was the head instructor at the Central Moo Duk Kwan Do Jang and at the U.S. 8th Army Base in Yong San. From 1973-1974, Kwan Jang Nim Hwang served as the head instructor at the Greek Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation. Also during 1974, he was the invitational instructor of the United Kingdom Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation. He is a charter member of the United States Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation. Kwan Jang Nim Hwang also served as the U.S. Designee to Kwan Jang Nim Hwang Kee and Chairman of the Technical Advisory Committee (T.A.C.) since the inception of our Federation in the United States until 2002. Currently, Kwan Jang Nim Hwang serves as President of our organization.
	Sa Bom Nim Russ Hanke, Pahl Dan (8th Degree) Dan Bon #4137
	Sa Bom Nim Hanke has been studying the martial arts since 1960, and has been teaching for over 45 years. He has continued to study Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan since the inception of our art in the United States. His first instructor was Master Dale Drouillard, the first American to receive the rank of Dan. Sa Bom Nim Hanke's current instructor is the President of our art Kwan Jang Nim H.C. Hwang, son of our late Founder, Kwan Jang Nim Hwang Kee. He is a Charter Member of our organization and has served on the Board of Directors and Technical Advisory Committee. Currently, Sa Bom Nim Hanke is a member of the Senior Advisory Committee (S.A.C).
	Sa Bom Nim Steven Lemner, O Dan (5th Degree) Dan Bon #23703
	Sa Bom Nim Lemner began his Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk training under Sa Bom Nim Paul Barton, in Kankakee, Illinois. Classes were held at the Kankakee Y.M.C.A. He has been a member of Region 5 for over 20 years. He is also a certified rape prevention instructor and is the Regional Promotional Director. His studio has been in operation in Bradley, Il since 1986.