Dr. Ken (Kyung Ho) Min started the University of California at Berkeley Martial Arts Program (UCMAP) in 1969. In 1974 he started the Hapkido club to join the existing Kendo, Karate, Judo and Korean Karate (later Taekwondo) clubs. This club has taught self-defense techniques and promoted the academic study of self-defense. Over the years, the club has changed names from Hapkido to Hankido and most recently Yongmudo, however it has continued to serve its mandate of teaching self-defense to the students, faculty and community members of UC Berkeley. Since 1977, over 150 people have successfully tested for a dan rank in this program.

Under the guidance of dedicated individuals like Henry Stone, who introduced Judo to UC Berkeley in the 1930's and Dr. Ken Min, the current Technical Director and creator of today's martial arts program, UCMAP has grown into an organization that is recognized throughout the world and is a model for other universities.

In the 36 years since 1969, Dr. Min has utilized his innovative instructional and programming methods and his qualifications in many martial arts (9th dan in Taekwondo, 9th dan in Judo, 9th dan in Yongmudo and 3rd dan in Kendo) to raise UCMAP to its present status. Highly respected figures in the martial arts world, Dr. Min, Dr. Ahn and Dr. Edward Lee teach daily classes in Taekwondo, Yongmudo, Kumdo and Judo in the physical Education Department. Instruction in UCMAP's evening clubs is carried out by high-ranking instructors in their respective martial arts, many of who are themselves students of Dr. Min.

UCMAP has organized many successful teams, hosted many tournaments and is held in high regard as one of the top producers of martial artists in the country. The UC Taekwondo team regularly wins titles at the National Collegiate and Senior National Championships and sends many members to international events. The UC Karate Club and Judo Club have both won various tournaments and the latter has been taught by nationally ranked competitors.

We consider ours to be the best martial arts program in a higher educational setting in the United States. This program, which took more than a quarter century to build, has a commitment to fostering relationships with the surrounding community. The program's international acclaim has been underscored with the recent one million-dollar contribution by the Ministry of Culture and Sports of the Republic of Korea. This contribution has helped establish the Ken Min Endowed Directorship for Taekwondo and Martial Arts for a permanent home for martial arts. The funds have already resulted in a doubling of classes offered through the Department of Physical Education. Now with more than 300 students from the physical education classes, UCMAP has more than 1000 members and many more alumni.

Click here To see a list of all of the people who have
been promoted in this club.