I would like to share with you my viewpoint on the benefits of the International Degree Program based on my personal experience. From the time I began my training in 1975 up to the rank of 1st degree, I basically practiced the curriculum sequences that were available during that time. I do feel that I improved myself from my previous condition, but I felt very limited in my ability to apply what I had learned in an actual situation. After reaching 1st degree in late 1976, which was after 1½ years of training, I had the opportunity to have several individual lessons from Grandmaster Iron Kim. In those few individual lessons, my mental and physical condition changed far more than it had in the past. Throughout my training I had noticed dramatic improvements in my strength, skill and ability after each personalized lesson from Grandmaster. These lessons were not only adjustments to my sequences, but also what and how I needed to practice to address my weaker areas based on my body type. Hence, this is the principle of the International Degree Program. During these personalized lessons, Grandmaster would diagnose my condition very quickly and reveal things about myself that I did not even know. I was amazed at how Grandmaster could pinpoint exactly what I needed to bring my skill to the next level. The knowledge that he used to quickly change and improve my condition became my goal to learn.

Unfortunately, for approximately 8 years in the early 1980's, various unforeseen circumstances prevented me from receiving any personalized lessons from Grandmaster. During that time, I occasionally saw Grandmaster and learned in a group lesson setting. At that time, I had more than enough to practice as far as curriculum sequences were concerned and kept a consistent practice schedule. After a short period of time my development became stagnant regardless of how hard and long I practiced. In fact, many areas of my body suffered from improper development due to the natural tendency to favor certain areas of the body that are stronger, while neglecting the weaker areas. To my detriment the longer and harder I practiced, the faster I was throwing my body out of balance. Finally, after 8 years, I once again had the great opportunity for personalized instruction from Grandmaster Iron Kim. In a matter of a few short months my flexibility, coordination, speed, strength, reflex and mental focus increased dramatically. In three months, I gained more than I did in 8 years because of the personal lessons, which were a couple hours long, given by Grandmaster once a week. Once my body was rebalanced, I found that I only needed to practice 2-3 hours once every 2 weeks to continue to excel in my development. While some individuals may try to use Grandmaster Iron Kim's photos to promote themselves implying they learned from him personally, I feel very fortunate that I am currently one of a select few National instructors or above in the United States that have had the opportunity for personalized instruction from him.

From my experience during lessons, Grandmaster only teaches and demonstrates at the level you should be at. With each lesson, I am astounded by his incredible ability and realize how little I know and how much more there is to learn. It is my challenge to grasp and absorb every aspect of the lesson being taught and to be able to keep up with Grandmaster during lessons.

Through the International Degree Program I see the same principle and opportunity to earn similar benefits of more personalized instruction. I know this program is the next best training available in Oom Yung Doe to learning directly from Grandmaster "Iron" Kim, because it offers standard training and, in addition, personalized instruction and live advanced instructional demonstrations at least 3 times a year. This training is taught to all students including beginning level students. I have learned that this is the best way to harmonize your condition without the risk of experimentation.

The benefits you can gain by earning the opportunity to learn from Grandmaster Iron Kim are obvious to those who have met him. There were approximately 100 Instructors and students at the time of the 2001 Convention, who can reflect on what they saw and felt. What you have experienced of Grandmaster's distinguished presence and incredible condition, I have seen for 27 years. His development is a direct result of traditional Moo Doe and what I still aspire to learn.

For as long as I have known Grandmaster Iron Kim, there have been only two other instructors that have been as close to him as myself over the years. Although I have met many people that are good at hiding their character, Grandmaster is not one of them. I have never personally met a more compassionate person and a person that truly lives by his word. He is the same person that truly cares about people regardless of the circumstances throughout the years. Through his teaching I have learned to deeply value life. It is for this reason I choose not to experiment with the lives of students but to provide them the same line of learning that I have been receiving. I will always remember the words, "life is only once, and no one has a spare mind or body".

Jerry Barfield
Head National Instructor
Certified International Level 8th Degree