about kwan um do kwang
headmaster and instructors
the zen warrior
upcoming and recent events
classes and fees
frequently-asked questions
additional resources
contact us
The Headmaster: Marc Fortin
In the late 1970's, world-renowned Zen Master Dae Soen Sa Nim directed Marc Fortin to study martial arts with one of his disciples, the great sword master Chang Sik Kim. Marc lived at the Shim Gwang Sa temple for many years, studying sword, shin boep, and ho shin sul with Master Kim. He rose to the rank of Sabom Nim and attained the status of Master Instructor.
On May 23, 1999 Master Fortin was appointed headmaster of his own martial arts lineage, Kwan Um Do Kwang, under the personal direction of Zen Master Dae Soen Sa Nim. He received an official certificate of approval and authorization as Master of Zen Sword and related temple martial arts. Given the title of Kwan Jang Nim (Master), Master Fortin was recognized as having attained the 8th Star (dan) level in the school of Kwan Um Do Kwang.
To date Master Fortin has founded five schools, two in Reno, Nevada, one in San Francisco, one in San Jose/Cupertino, and one in Berkeley,California.
Kwan Um Do Kwang Instructors
Stephen De Silva, 4th Dan
Windsor, Massachusetts
Gretchen Ramos, 3rd Dan
San Francisco KUDK
Rich Julius, 3rd Dan
San Jose KUDK
Stephen Tynan, 2nd Dan
Berkeley KUDK
Anthony Hill, 2nd Dan
Berkeley KUDK
John Bennett, 1st Dan
Tang Soo Do Master
Reno KUDK
Carla Bennett, 1st Dan
Tang Soo Do Master
Reno KUDK
Zanaan Bennett, 1st Dan
Reno KUDK
His books include Ten Gates, The Compass of Zen, Dropping Ashes on the Buddha, Only Don't Know and The Whole World is a Single Flower - 365 Kong-ans for Everyday Life.
