08/16/2026
Today, I lost one of my very best friends, Paul Baggett.
And I really don't have the words for it yet.
I met Paul many years ago when he walked through the doors of the AuSable Martial Arts Academy in Grayling. At the time, neither of us could have known the friendship that would grow from there.
Paul became my first black belt. But somewhere along the way, he became so much more than a student. He became my friend—one of my very best friends.
Our lives continued together outside of martial arts. Paul became part of Morgan Trading Company, and he wasn't just an employee. He became one of the pillars that helped us build MTC into what it is today. When I think about the history of our company and the people who helped build it, Paul's name will always be part of that story.
We've shared a lot of life together.
That's what makes looking at this picture today so difficult.
When this picture was taken, I never imagined there would come a day when I would be posting it because Paul was gone.
His passing was unexpected, and quite frankly, this one hurts.
There are people you meet throughout your life who leave fingerprints on who you become. Paul was one of those people for me. I am grateful for every year of friendship, every conversation, every laugh, every martial arts memory, and every season of life we were able to share.
Most of all tonight, my heart grieves for Machelle and the entire Baggett family.
I'm asking all of my friends, family, the MTC family, and everyone who knew and loved Paul to please keep the Baggett family in your prayers. Pray that God surrounds Machelle and their family with strength, comfort, and a peace that only He can give during something this painful.
Scripture tells us:
"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." — Psalm 34:18
Paul, I'm going to miss you, my friend.
I'm thankful God allowed our paths to cross all those years ago. I'm thankful I got to call you my student, my first black belt, my coworker, and most importantly, my friend.
You were part of my story, part of the MTC story, and you will not be forgotten.
Until we meet again, brother. 🥋
Pil Sung
Please keep Machelle and the Baggett family in your prayers.
