Sa Bom Nim Martinov was gracious and accepted me into his fold when I moved here to CA in 1982. Everytime I left him after a sweat dreching work he always left me with words of wisdom. I feel honored to have ever trained with him. He was a true master in all he did. Successful in business, a loving and caring father, a masterful teacher, and mentor to many. I will miss him and always cherish everything he shared with me. May his light always shine.

We each reflect the Universe, The “Natural Way” unveils the truth. – Victor Martinov Sa Bom Nim One of Master Martinov's famous statements was to “be who you are.” Although he was one of my primary role models, and helped shape the man I am today, I know he would not want me to follow in his footsteps, but would encourage me to seek what he sought. A few years back, I sent him a card expressing my feelings: “Thank you for being you, and thank you for allowing me to be me in our Soo Bahk Do training.” That's the kind of man he was. He told me he appreciated the sentiment. I admired his philosophy. He taught by example three important attributes to possess: – Wholesomeness. – Orderliness. – Do what you say you’re going to do. During a phone conversation we had two years ago, I took the opportunity to tell him about the arrival of my son. I wanted Sa Bom Nim to know that I would pass on to Evan the skills he taught me in training and his philosophy on life. He told me that this was important to him, passing it on. His influence will continue to be relevant to me, my son, and future generations. He was a magnanimous person, noble leader and intense in training. He had perfect pitch with words and actions, knowing what to say and when to act, succinctly and gracefully. He was an authentic human being. In conversation he was sincere and though his knowledge base was far greater than mine, he left me feeling like I had something to offer him too. It just felt good being with him. In training, Master Martinov would say” “If there is a force, accept it, if there is a void fill it.” He would elaborate, “the void is where everything happens.” He accepted the force of nature and has now transitioned into the void, where everything happens. Master Martinov will be near me for the rest of my life, because I will be celebrating his life for the rest of mine. He will be missed, but never forgotten. Sa Bom Nim, I know you are surrounded with peace and love. Your friend, Perry Araeipour

Greetings I want to share this obituary written by Chris Martinov: Victor Miro Martinov 1936-2015 Obituary 22-year Santa Ynez Valley resident Victor “Vic” Martinov passed from this life to the next on June 2, 2015 after a hard fought battle with Leukemia. Vic was born on July 29, 1936, in New York, NY to Miro and Marion Martinov. In 1969, Vic graduated with a B.S. from the University of California, Long Beach. Most noteworthy of this accomplishment is that during his 15-year effort to obtain his degree during the evenings, Vic worked full time during the day, while providing to raise his family, setting the stage for his future which was defined by a lifetime of hard work, impeccable integrity, the highest ethical standards, quiet humility, and most of all, love. Vic started his career with the Los Angeles County Flood Control, eventually becoming a district supervisor. However, his drive and eventual calling was in real estate development. Over his career, Vic developed multiple condominium projects and large-scale single-family residential tracts, mostly located in the South Bay area of Southern California. While a very successful businessman by any standard, Vic’s true passion was his practice of martial arts. Over a 50+ year span, Vic eventually not only achieved the highest rank of 9th degree black belt but was a member of the Senior Advisory Committee and Master Instructor for the Soo Bahk Do Karate organization. As was his approach with everything else that he did in life, Vic pursued his love of martial arts with unmatched dedication and service to preserving the art form and to the Soo Bahk Do organization. The current Grandmaster of Soo Bahk Do, H.C. Hwang, sums up the sentiments of what most people, whose lives Vic touched, thought of him. “Every step of his life has left behind footprints in the form of memories of beautiful stories and wonderful experiences shared with others. He respected and treated all who came before him with equal fairness, kindness and respect.” His wisdom, kindness and selfless giving were among his defining characteristics. One of his students and close friends describes the impact that Vic’s life had on him. “There was never a time that I stood in front of him that he didn’t have something to give me. Simply put, I loved him. His patience, support, guidance, friendship and love these past 40 years has helped make me a better person and enriched my life beyond what words can describe.” Many years ago, another one of his close friends, wrote a poem about him, which is proudly displayed on the wall of his home gym. It is called, The Uncommon Man. Selected excerpts read; “This man rides not on life’s wavering crest susceptible to changing tides, giving, nor accepting less. It is that rare secret in life’s sacred chest that has taught him the lesson to give and only expect his very best. He celebrates life by creating a life; full, significant and interesting, moving beyond the mundane into depths penetrating.” His family life was conducted no differently than his professional and martial arts careers; a resolved dedication to give nothing but his best. He is adored and loved beyond any human description by his wife, Thoma, who he was married to for 42 years, his son, Chris (Darnell-wife), daughter, Aleah, and four grandchildren, Nicholas, Mitchell, Olivia and Lucas. The lives he touched along his journey encouraged others to give their very best, whether the task be insignificant or great. The life and legacy that he has created for his family and friends will live on, as we see the beauty that he has left behind for us, giving us cause to celebrate. He lived his life to the full and selflessly gave to others from a bottomless well of wisdom and love. His loss will leave an unfillable void in our lives until we are able to be with him again. Husband, father and friend. You are greatly loved. https://www.facebook.com/victormartinov2/posts/683406348459087

Probably the best and most meaningful period in my life was Friday night at South bay in the early 90. Everything word, action, touch, sight, and sound sparking my excitement and amazement of the magic which is your MooDo. Through the frustration, fascination, fatigue, and pain, there was an amazing payoff. Which for me Sir was your smile and two simple words, “That's it!” I learned more about myself in that short time because of your dedication, drive, and pursuit of perfection than the rest of my life combine. And one of the few regrets I have in life was not having T.O.M. with you at least one last time. God Bless you Sir for the ‘keys” you passed to me. I know the love I have for you is real.

Sa Bom Nim Martinov was a honorary member of Region 8 and will be deeply missed. He attended our Summer camps, created fond memories and continues to influence our training. My fondest memory was participating in a special training session he taught to Ko Dan Ja. He made me feel welcome as I was a freshly minted Ko Dan Ja, training along side with my instructor, Sa Bom Nim Moonitz and other seniors. It is a privilege to have trained and known a great martial artist and contributor to the Moo Duk Kwan. I am proud to have Sa Bom Nim Martinov in my Moo Duk Kwan lineage. Rest in peace

It is of great sorrow to hear about the recent departure of Sa Bom Nim Victor Martinov, one of our Great Moo Duk Kwan Martial Artist and Charter Member of the MDK in USA. His greatness transcends as the wonderful leader and human being he was. During the recent Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa in California 2014, everyone had the gratifying opportunity to share some personal time with SBN Martinov. His personality, kindness, and trademark smile was evident in this activity, a true great Master. His legacy to all will never be forgotten and surely has marked a great part of history in the Moo Duk Kwan. We have lost one of our Charter Members, but his memory will always transcend and be with us. On behalf of the Puerto Rico Moo Duk Kwan organization, we want to send our warmest condolences to the families, friends, and students of Sa Bom Nim Martinov. May his memory remain with us forever. Soo Bahk, SBN Martinov! Rest in Peace…

My sincere and deep condolences to your family Sa Bom Nim Martinov, to me and to many martial artists around the globe, you were a great Martial Artist, you were a humble man, you treated people like you wanted to be treated, with respect! During the years as an Instructor at South Bay Moo Duk Kwan, I had the honor of taking your classes on Friday night workouts at my studio, with my Instructor and mentor Sa Bom Nim Fred Messersmith and many others; all that I learned by you, I will carry it with me as a treasure. You had a good sense of humor, I remembered one time during class you said to me that you did not feel so bad after all because I had gray hair too; and another time you talked to me on the telephone and said to me, to train to always train!!! your words and teachings have had a big impact on me and have help me continue been a martial artist and made me a better person. It really hurts when a member of the Moo Duk Kwan FAMILY like yourself passes away!!! we will continue to fallow your Doctrine as an example of such a humble MAN that you were. Dear Master Martinov , what can I say? We are here in this world to make the best of it and you did just that!!! Life is short and we are right behind you! until our time comes, we will meet once again; Until then Sa Bom Nim Martinov . God bless you and Rest In Peace, your humble student Daniel Hernandez.

Many people will have stories of great impact about Martinov, Sa Bom Nim… he touched so many practitioners in so many ways. I, too, have a story that can only be described inadequately because it's nearly impossible to put into words how the heart feels. In 1986 I was fortunate enough to share the Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa with Martinov, Sa Bom Nim, who was testing for his Yuk Dan. Needless to say, I was mesmerized by his skill, enrapt by his kindness and embraced by his spirit. It is a time that can never be replaced, nor should it. It deserves it's own place in my heart. I, along with all current, past and future Moo Duk Kwan Jeh Ja have the opportunity to now share in what he preached, lived and extolled. I feel sorry for his most dear students and friends, as they have lost someone great. However, his greatness and spirit will live on through their actions and words. God Bless Martinov, Sa Bom Nim and his family. We miss him already.

Master Martinov, Thank you for your dedication to your students; you trained my Sa Bom Nim and were a great influence. I have heard so many good things about you from those privileged to be trained by you. You are sorely missed. Respectfully, Reba Walker

My family and I are saddened to hear of Martinov SBN's passing. We are thankful for his dedication and contributions to the Moo Do Kwan without it we would not have the privilege of studying this wonderful art today.

Master Martinov I miss you.  You will always be a legend.

You will be missed

I pray that you rest peacefully in the arms of God. You will truly be missed.

I just received notice that my instructor, long time friend and mentor has past. Sa Bom Nim Martinov, I will miss you beyond what words can express. You were aninspirational force throughout my life. My prayers go out to your family and your Moo Duk Kwan World family we will all feel the loss.

Sa Bom Nim, First thank you for your many years of leadership and dedication to the Moo Duk Kwan. Your example of leadership in action is unparalleled. You have been the truest example of Moo Do to the martial arts world. You will never be forgotten! God speed!!

My sincere and deep condolences to Martinov Sa Bom Nim's family and students. I know how deeply many cared for him and I share that ryu pa through my former instructor, James Donnelly, Sa bom Nim and his teaching. My sincere condolences to Donnelly Sa bom Nim and to all the South Bay students and alumni who have experienced Martinov Sa Bom Nim's guidance and wisdom. God bless him and find him eternal peace.

I have truely enjoyed knowing Master Martinov. We shared training and working together over the years. We shared some special personal times as well. He was an inspiration to me, and a great practioner. He will be missed by me.

It truly saddens me to hear of Martinov, Sa Bom Nim's passing. Even though I never had the chance to meet him, the stories and tributes show just how much he contributed to the Art, and how dedicated he was to preserving the Legacy for the next generations.

Sa Bom Nim- whether it was the sweat on the mirrors, the rain and mud in the fields as we trained, or the limes in the Moo Do Libras, you taught us the Art was about life and life was about our connections with each other and we should never lose that connection. Thank you for your example and smiling exhortation that “We have a lot of work to do!” Your work is done. Rest in peace and know you made a difference to so many. My life is richer and blessed for having had the privilege of you in it!

With respect, I will always remember when Martinov, Sa Bom Nim, would visit Colorado for our Summer Training Camps. The energy that we gained as children, and eventually adults, would fuel us for the entire year. It was always a pleasure to train with him and I will forever miss his energy and lessons. May he rest in peace. Respectfully, Dillon Hall

I am so grateful to be connected to Sa Bom Nim Martinov. There was never a time that I stood in front of him that he didn't have something to give me. Simply put I loved him. His patience, support, guidance ,friendship and love these past 40 years has helped make me a better person and enriched my life beyond what words can describe. . I'm so happy to have shared our Moo Duk Kwan Philosophy with him at such a intimate level. His service to his fellow man makes his “life beyond the normal span… so an eternal spring.” Thank you Sa Bom Nim…Rest In Peace my friend.

“Victor Martinov, Sa Bom Nim was a man who embraced our Philosophy and demonstrated it in all his actions throughout his life.”