It is now clear to me that the owners of the school, Master Song Myung and Mr. Charles Potts (alias Master Carson) have no intentions of giving me the 1st Dan Kukkiwon Certificate that I earned in June, 2008 and paid $500 for in July, 2008. Master Myung told me in September, 2008 that I would receive the certificate in February, 2009. In March, 2009 and again in May, 2009, he told me that I would receive the certificate between September and December 2009. As of today, I am not listed in the Kukkiwon's database, which means they never received my 1st Dan application. I accept USTKD's refusal to give me what I earned and paid for, as it is characteristic of their attitude towards me for nearly two years.

I left USTKD in July, 2008 because I no longer had confidence in the integrity of the school. This loss of confidence was prompted by Mr. Potts' blatant lack of respect towards my husband(1). Master Myung supported Mr. Potts' actions and did not understand why I was offended. Their refusal to display the integrity portion of the tenets of Tae Kwon Do was a huge insult to me in light of the time, effort, and energy I put into their Dojang(2). This prompted me to realize that it was in the best interest of both USTKD and myself to part ways. It was a difficult thing for me to walk away from the Dojang I put my heart and soul into for 14 months. However, I have learned many valuable lessons(3) from this experience that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

To the students I trained with--I still think of you fondly. I did my best to treat you with respect and friendship, and I know you did the same. I have a lot of wonderful memories of the time we spent together. I regret that I will not be able to watch the children I trained with grow up and mature into young men and women. Please know that you have my support and best wishes in all your endeavors.

Sincerely,
Monica Lightner
March 1, 2010

(1) On 6/13/08, Mr. Potts injured my husband's wrist under the guise of showing him technique. When confronted with this issue, he denied responsibility.

(2) I progammed their first website (this domain), managed the Dojang and Demonstration Team, taught class when Mr. Potts was unable to, and made the brochure they still use today. In addition, my husband updated the attendance card design, scanned a patch for use in the brochure, and helped design a t-shirt logo.

(3) 1. It should take longer than 14 months to earn a black belt.
2. Black belt certificates do not cost $500.
3. A Hapkido instructor should not teach out of a book.
4. It should take more than 3 years to progress from a 1st Dan to a 5th Dan.