Ji Han-jae, a renowned South Korean Hapkido grandmaster and founder of Sin Moo Hapkido, has passed away in his sleep at the age of 89.
In his short Hong Kong film career, he has appeared in titles such as 1972’s Hapkido, 1973’s Fist of Unicorn, 1974’s The Dragon Tamers and perhaps his most famous, 1972/1978’s Game of Death, where he had a memorable on-screen fight with Bruce Lee.
Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones.
Here’s some Trailers and Clips, featuring Ji Han-jae’s work:
Sorry to hear this news. Though I never found him particularly exciting on screen, behind the scenes in the early 1970s Han Jae Ji was an influential martial arts instructor in Hong Kong, at least as far as Golden Harvest’s stable of leading actors was concerned. If I remember correctly, he taught Hapkido to Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, Angela Mao, etc. which definitely contributed to their on screen fighting styles over the next few decades. Of course his star pupil Whang Ing Sik also contributed greatly to the appeal of the Hong Kong movies he appeared in (Way of the Dragon, The Young Master, Dragon Lord, etc.). R.I.P. Master Ji, you will be remembered.
IN MEMORY OF DOJUNIM JI, HAN JAE
10/27/1936 – 1/28/2026
Our great teacher and leader, Dojunim Ji, Han Jae will be deeply missed by the entire Sinmoo Hapkido family around the world. Each of us carries our own memories and stories of him. Personal moments that reflect his wisdom, his strength and unmatched artistry.
For me, that story began in 1986, when I first stepped into his school in San Bruno, CA. After years of searching for a martial arts school that offered more than just combative skills, I knew the moment I met Dojunim that this was something truly different, “something special”. Little did I know then the remarkable journey that awaited me, or how deeply it would change my life.
When I think back to those early days of training, one of my most treasured memories is of Dojunim with his daughter Gina, as she was first learning to walk. He would gently hold her little hands, let go and watch as she took a few wobbly steps before falling to the mat. She would cry, and he would pick her up, smile, look into her eyes and speak to her with such warmth and patience that she couldn’t help but laugh and want to try again. In that simple moment, I saw a side of him that few rarely witness – a loving father and the gentle spirit behind the strong master. It was a lesson in compassion and care that went far beyond martial arts. In his final days, I was able to witness Gina, who is now a grown woman with a family of her own, comforting her father the way he comforted her – Life’s full circle.
Dojunim Ji, Han Jae’s legacy lives on in every student he taught, every lesson he shared and life he touched. His spirit will forever be with us all as we continue on our Sinmoo Hapkido journey. A heartfelt thank you Dojunim Ji, Han Jae for what you have graciously given and shared with all of us. God Bless!