The Infinite Path of Martial Arts: Calligraphy of Gwon Do Mu Geuk
Honoring Grandmaster Jaap Teeuwissen’s Lifelong Dedication to the Way
As many of you know, last week marked a meaningful occasion with the special lecture and book presentation celebrating the release of my new work, A Brief History of Korean Martial Arts. During this event, I had the honor of presenting a calligraphic scroll to Grandmaster Jaap Teeuwissen in celebration of his 71st birthday—a tribute to his lifelong devotion to martial arts.
On the occasion of Master Jaap Teeuwissen’s 71st birthday, I created this piece of calligraphy to honor and commemorate his enduring journey in the martial arts. The central phrase reads:
拳道無極 (Gwon Do Mu Geuk)
The Way of the Fist is Without Limit
This phrase may be interpreted in two meaningful ways. First, it can be read as "The fist and the path are without limits," emphasizing the boundlessness of both physical technique and philosophical pursuit. Alternatively, it may be read as "The way of the fist knows no limits," pointing toward the limitless refinement and understanding that can emerge from sincere practice. In either interpretation, the expression speaks to the lifelong dedication required to attain depth, mastery, and clarity—both in martial discipline and in life.
Martial arts, much like the unfolding of human character, transcends technical repetition. It is not merely the perfection of form, but the cultivation of spirit through discipline, humility, and perseverance. The phrase Gwon Do Mu Geuk encapsulates the very essence of a path that evolves with us—one that continues to expand and reveal itself as we walk it.
On either side of the central phrase, I inscribed the following personal reflection in Korean:
도는 오랜 시간 노력해야 이루어지고
정성은 일생을 관통해야 한다는데
당신의 인생에서 이 글의 의미를 봅니다.
주먹과 도가 다르지 않으며 끝이 없다는 걸…..
A translation of this passage reads:
The Way can only be realized through long and dedicated effort.
True sincerity must penetrate a lifetime.
In your life, I see the very meaning of these words.
That the fist and the Way are not separate,
and that there is no end to the path....
This calligraphy is more than a ceremonial offering—it is a sincere expression of respect and admiration for a master who has walked this endless path with steadfast heart and tireless spirit. In an era often defined by immediacy and shortcuts, Master Jaap embodies the deeper values of martial arts: patient cultivation, moral integrity, and a commitment that spans decades.
May this piece serve not only as a commemoration of his 71st year but also as a reminder to us all: that the path has no end, and its rewards are woven into the very act of walking it.