Children of the ATA: Listen as I tell about the old times and the new dawn.
In those unwritten years, thousands of lives ago, the first Ssu Suhng also came to the mountain. His disciples and most loyal students followed his journey. He was a master of the martial art.

Ssu Suhng's vision was that mortal life is short; yet he had much to do and teach. Would his technique and tradition be lost as the morning mists? There were thousands of techniques and postures for the body in movements. There was a steel-tempering of the heart that could change a man's way in life. He studied how these lessons could live beyond written words or twice-told tales of olden ways. As a Master Weaver looms fine-spun thread, he wove thoughts across techniques in patterns of art with life. As his students learned the fabric of his art, they could see techniques crossed with spirit... the art would remain in spirit and force long after the weaver was dust.

Disciples of Ssu Suhng practiced these patterns woven for them by their master. And they, in turn, passed them to their juniors, generation after generation.

Did that first master martial weaver realize he had wrought so well his art would live millions of days? Did his spirit touch us as he wove those first patterns for hearts of future generations? For he is with us even today. The techniques are the same in spirit as when he taught them. The tree has grown, but holds the same roots.

Other masters grafted their hearts into the great design. They added new life as parents, and in new generations added to the life of their family; and by adding, make it greater, not less.  Continued
 

The Scrolls of Songahm

Master Haeng Ung Lee: August 1983