The Korean Martial Arts Center and the Northern California Hapkido Association would like to acknowledge the death of the founder of Sin Moo Hapkido, Ji Han-Jae. Dojunim Ji passed away at home in Arizona on January 28th, 2026.
A native of Andong, South Korea, Dojunim Ji was an early student of Choi Yong-Sul in the art of Yawara/Yukwonsul which formed the foundation of what we now know as Hapkido. Always an innovator, Dojunim Ji continued to develop the art by incorporating new methods, including specific kicking techniques not found in other styles of martial arts. His holistic approach also included an emphasis on breathing and meditation practice.
After relocating to the United States in 1984 at the invitation of Grandmaster Merrill Jung, Dojunim Ji settled in the San Francisco Bay Area. It was during this period that a close collaboration between KMAC, NCHA, Dojunim and Grandmaster Jung resulted in the creation and formalization of Sin Moo Hapkido.
Also, during this time, many famous leaders of Hapkido and similar Korean Martial Arts traveled to San Francisco to pay their respects and to reconnect with Dojunim Ji. From that point, Sin Moo Hapkido began to grow and as of today, there are many high level instructors teaching his version of the art around the world.
Famous for his movie roles with Bruce Lee (Game of Death) and Angela Mao (Lady Kung Fu) Dojunim Ji spent the last phase of his life traveling to give seminars and overseeing promotions of high dan black belts, including long time NCHA member, Grandmaster Larry Dorsey, a key figure in supporting Dojunim Ji and his mission to promote Hapkido worldwide.
Grandmaster Merrill Jung, the Korean Martial Arts Center and the Northern California Hapkido Association wish to extend our condolences to all family and friends of Dojunim Ji Han-Jae. Services will be determined at a later date (TBD).
