CMA-Casey----4/5/2004 10:25 AM----Post Number: 1


Hello everybody. I was recently made aware of a website advertising Korean swords for sale. I checked the site, www.song-moo-kwan.net , and they are advertising quality swords the likes of which we use and at better prices than many of us outside Korea can hope for. I recognize a couple of the models, so I'm sure the pictures on the site are authentic. They're also offering the black HDGD uniforms and two video tapes containing the ssang su gumbups. In fact, they are targeting students of HDGD and even use part of the federation's symbol in one of their own, calling it the World Koryo Gumdo Association.

My concern, and hence warning, is this: myself and at least one other community member have tried to contact this company, located in Idaho, US, to get additional information unsuccessfully. The other member called the given phone number at least twice and the person on the other end stated that the proprietor, Master Kay(sp?), was elsewhere on business, but would return the call. The calls weren't returned despite being given the prospect of selling not one but several swords.

I have called several times only to get their voice mail. I left a message stating I am interested in some of their products. I asked about the manufacturer of the swords, the producer of the videos, and if they would be willing to offer a discount on the sale of several swords. I have also e-mailed them with the same queries. They have not responded to me either. I find it odd that someone within the business, especially the owner, will not jump on the prospect of making a substantial sale or even return messages.

Furthermore, I was told that it is believed that this business' owner previously "skipped town" owing a WHDGD representative stationed in North America several thousand dollars on undelivered goods.

Are any of you familiar with this business or its owner? If they are legitimate, let us know. I don't like sending out a negative message like this if it's unwarranted, but I decided to err on the side of safety for the community's benefit. If they eventually contact me or I receive additional information, then I'll post it.

DaeSan_JinHae----4/5/2004 6:18 PM----Post Number: 2


The managers of the community tried as discreetly as possible to limit the negative effects of this man formerly "Kyowon," in the community. The man was completly disreputable and we ended up banning him from the community. I would not send hm a dime if it was my last one.

Zeetay----4/5/2004 9:33 PM----Post Number: 3


Approximately 6 or 7 months ago I came across that site and ordered the two videos for the Ssangsu Gumbup forms. I never received anything, but since I was never charged, I had forgotton about it. I then recieved my credit card bill about 4 months after with the charge on it. I tried many attempts to contact them saying that I still wanted the merchandise and for them to call me back, etc. Eventually, after speaking with "Master K" and others, who said they were sending the videos out "today", (Hey, You dont have to hit me with a mok gum, lol) I gave up and reported them to my credit card company, who in turn, could not contact them. I was credited the full amount.

Considering all the evidence, I would not order with them.

Anthony_Boyd----4/5/2004 10:59 PM----Post Number: 4


Yes, performing a simple search on Google for the name Koskella should be enough to convince most people that there are problems with this organization.

Yet, despite all of this, Koryo Gumdo will spread through umbrella organizations like the ATA as though it were a legitimate art from Korea.

DaeSan_JinHae----4/6/2004 1:37 AM----Post Number: 5


Wow-I had no idea it was that bad-this caught my eye for sure:
http://www.sec.gov/litigation/litreleases/lr17657.htm

BaekDo1----4/6/2004 1:37 AM----Post Number: 6


I agree, tradition or go home.

BaekDo1----4/7/2004 12:27 AM----Post Number: 7


I looked at this site and they bear the Koryo Gumdo symbol is this the Assocation in Chicago Il ? What ties do they have together?:oops:

Anthony_Boyd----4/9/2004 9:28 PM----Post Number: 8


For a more complete picture, perform a search for "Kirk Irving Koskella". Also, be advised that the tapes "for offer" may not be anything more than video recorded in-house, not official training tapes from HQ.