Grandmaster Thomas Lok (Sifu)

Grand Master Thomas Lok's martial arts journey began in the late 1960s at the Flying Tiger Gym, where he studied Hapkido under the legendary Grand Master Kim Jin Pal. Already a black belt in Taekwon-do, Master Lok quickly became one of Grand Master Kim's first graduating black belts and assistant instructors in Hong Kong. Hapkido was a popular martial art in those days due to the fact that several Hong Kong movie stars practiced at Grand Master Kim's studio namely: Sammo Hung, Angela Mao and even Jackie Chan. They were just at the early stages of their careers when they practiced with Grand Master Kim to which Master Lok often trained alongside them.

His dedication to Hapkido continued as he migrated to Canada, where he established his own training studio in Regina and trained numerous black belt graduates including Master Dave. In 1989, Master Lok received the rank of 5th Degree and was appointed Canadian President of the World Martial Arts Federation.

Now, with over thirty-seven years of experience and achieving the status of Grandmaster, he continues to teach and conduct workshops and seminars, leaving a legacy in the martial arts world.

"Although I have taught Hapkido over 30 years, I still continue teaching Hapkido purely for the love of Hapkido and not because of any financial benefit. I'm proud to say that everyone knows that I maintain a very high standard and my Black Belts and my instructors reflect that philosophy."

Ranks/ Certifications:

• Hapkido - 9th Dan Black Belt
• Head Instructor of Jin Pal Hapkido Vancouver - Gum Ying Studio
• Vice President of Jin Pal Hapkido Federation
• Appointed Canada's Regional Master of Jin Pal Hapkido Federation
• Appointed Canada's Regional Director of The Korea Hapkido Federation
• Appointed Master in World Kido Federation Hanminjok Hapkido Association
• Appointed Regional Master of United World Haedong Kumdo Federation
• Korea Hapkido Referee Level 1
• Member of Jin Pal Hapkido Federation
• Member of the Korea Hapkido Canada Federation
• Member of World Kido Federation Hanminjok Hapkido Association
• Member of the United World Haedong Kumdo Federation - Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu
• Taekwon-do - 3rd Dan Black Belt
• US Archery Certify Level 4 Coach
• US Archery Level 3 Coach trainer
• NCCP Certified Coach
• Gold Medallist in Archery

Master Dave Gaitens

Master Dave Gaitens began his martial arts journey with Judo in Yorkton, later cross-training in Karate and Taekwon-do. After moving to Regina, he continued his Judo training and discovered Jin Pal Hapkido, where he trained under Grandmaster Thomas Lok. Within two years, Dave focused solely on Hapkido until he reached his black belt and eventually became the chief instructor of the Regina studio. Since then he has reached his fifth-degree black belt in Hapkido and achieved the internationally recognized rank of Master.

Master Dave has continued to expand his skills and incorporate new techniques into the Hapkido curriculum while running the Regina Dojang. He has earned a second-degree blackbelt in Korean Gumdo (Sword), studied three styles of Aikido, Filipino Arnis and recently received his blue-belt in Brazilian Jujitsu.

Master Dave generously shares this knowledge with all who enter his studio with a willingness to learn and demonstrate "Patience, Control, and Focus". He has proudly represented Grandmaster Jin Pal Kim, Grandmaster Thomas Lok, and the Regina Jin Pal Hapkido studio in numerous tournaments, seminars, and demonstrations across Regina, Saskatoon, Vancouver, Washington D.C., and Seoul.

Ranks/ Certifications:

• Hapkido - 5th Dan Black Belt
• Chief Instructor of Jin Pal Hapkido Regina
• Korea Hapkido Referee
• Member of Jin Pal Hapkido Federation
• Member of the Korea Hapkido Canada Federation
• Kumdo - 2nd Dan Black Belt

Instructor Jason Truong

Jason is heavily involved in the film world as both a stunt performer and fight designer. He has traveled all over North America for projects such as Amazon Prime's The Man in the High Castle, and has worked with action stars such as Michael Jai White, Carrie Anne Moss, and Chuck Liddell. Jason currently leads the Truong Stunt Team and is focused on growing and developing the stunt talent in Saskatchewan.

"Luck is when preparation meets opportunity."

Started Training:

• Hapkido (1994)
• Muay Thai (1995)

Ranks/ Certifications:

• Hapkido - 3rd Dan Black Belt
• Breakdance teacher at Dance Dimensions from 2000-2010
• First Aid/CPR
• Member - National Coaches Certification Program

Instructor Tyvan Yee

Tyvan has been with Jin Pal Hapkido for most of his life and has explored other martial arts as a way to reach a deeper understanding of martial principles and become a well-rounded practitioner. He has performed in film and video since his early teens as a stunt fighter. Tyvan brings enthusiasm and acrobatic athleticism to his classes.

"My goal as an instructor is to integrate my knowledge from multiple disciplines to create well-rounded martial artists."

Started Training:

• Jin Pal Hapkido (2009)
• Filipino Arnis (2016)
• Brazilian jiu jitsu (2020)
• Boxing (2023)

Ranks/ Certifications:

• Hapkido - 2nd Dan Black Belt
• BJJ - White belt (2 stripes)
• First Aid/CPR-C
• Member - National Coaches Certification Program

Instructor Colby Yee

Colby has been with Jin Pal Hapkido for most of his life with his brother and father. He has performed in film and video since his early teens as a stunt fighter and studied several other martial arts to expand his skills. Colby engages with the younger students with kindness and good humor, enriching their experience with his knowledge and inspiring them with his acrobatic, martial and stunt skills.

Started Training:

• Jin Pal Hapkido (2009)
• Filipino Arnis (2016)
• Boxing (2023)

Ranks/ Certifications:

• Hapkido - 1st Dan Black Belt