Whitefish martial arts studio flows into third decade

Soo Bahk Do has evolved with the generations of people who train in the martial art, said Master Andy Hamer, whose Sawbuck Do Jong studio celebrated its 20th anniversary in Whitefish last week.

"Part of what's so critical for the appeal of staying with Soo Bahk Do is the philosophy," Hamer said. "It's a connection with nature."

Hamer said the art has evolved in the sense of Ryu Pa, a Korean term for a river flowing down divided. It's a way of describing style as a natural progression through time, akin to the natural evolution of life.

"You start at one stream - then different instructors go off and put their own flavor on it. It still comes back to the founder and our current grand master," Hamer said.

Developed in 1945, Soo Bahk Do is a traditional Korean martial arts system dating back centuries. The art blends fluid movements influenced by Chinese martial arts and Korean kicking techniques. Its purpose is not combat, but to develop the mind, body and spirit.

Hamer said over the last two decades, approaches have also evolved to become more scientific, making techniques stronger.

Hamer began training after he moved to Whitefish in 1993. He fondly remembers getting the first stripe on his white belt and his instructor complimenting his courage.

He remembers continuing to be "in the middle" as working through the ranks entails being a beginner repeatedly.

After 10 years, his instructor retired, and Hamer was offered a shot to keep the art alive in the valley. Then a carpenter, Hamer wasn't advanced in rank at the time but decided to give it a try.

Today, Hamer describes his vein of the river as softer and more integrative.

"Some that get to the master level are hard lined and expect to toe the line. Whereas I'm a little more freehanded with it, which I think works especially well with kids."

The Sawbuck Do Jang studio was enhanced when Hamer purchased 22 Spokane Ave., with his father in 2011. He refurbished the upstairs, installing state-of-the-art cross-laminated timber in the new studio. Today he continues to manage the building, renting to two businesses on the lower level.

In his 20 years, Hamer has seen the changing world reflected into the art.

"It's not just the students, it's the world," Hamer said. "The bulk of my students are children. They're pinballing from one thing to the next."

"It relates to etiquette. We've lost that in so many ways, kids looking at their screen. We try to have formal addressing, you're saying yes sir, yes ma'am - that translates to a proper correspondence with people."

Hamer said over 30 of his students have achieved their midnight blue belts, a lifetime achievement. From there, several have gone on to their second or third degree.

One student, Tanner Armstrong, reached the master level and is teaching at a studio in Minnesota.

Hamer remembers being at nationals when Armstrong was sparring. A senior turned to him and said, "'You must feel very proud.' And I said, 'I feel very blessed.'"

Hamer said he's been on a five-year exit plan for retirement for the last 10 years, but also figures he has several years left. He is continuing to expand Tai Chi offerings. Regardless of the age or type of class, Hamer said students leave his classes "centered."

"It's a little peace of mind. By the time you've finished, you have a smile on your face. You've gotten a workout, your brain too, to learn something new or to interact with a partner. Your awareness is heightened."

"I've been so thankful for 20 years, and few minor injuries. Yes, we can practice self-defense techniques, but we're going to do it in a controlled environment, where we take care of each other."

Editor Kelsey Evans can be reached at 406-862-3505 or kevans@whitefishpilot.com. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at whitefishpilot.com/support. Indie Winchel, Nova Dehan and Quinn Bickrford practice in Depot Park as Sawbuck Do Jang celebrates 20 years. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot)

Master Andy Hamer and Seth Carmichael training in Depot Park on Thursday. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot) Graham Bickford trains with Sawbuck Do Jang in Depot Park on Thursday, Aug. 27. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot) Levi Bodeker, Ellie Ward and Zach Hall training Soo Bahk Do in Depot Park on Thursday, Aug. 27. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot)

Isabell Ward and Indie Winchell training as Sawbuck Do Jang celebrates 20 years in Whitefish In Depot Park on Thursday. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot) Master Andy Hamer teaching in Depot Park on Friday. (Cora Faith photo) Weylin Bodeker breaks a board while training in the art of Soo Bahk Do in Depot Park Thursday. (Cora Faith photo)

Whitefish martial arts studio flows into third decade

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