Thursday, December 1, 2011

Chosun e-newsletter archive volumn 2 #12, 2011

Dear Martial Arts Entusiast,
Welcome to the December, 2011 edition of the Chosun newsletter.

Master Cook awarded first place in essay contest hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea November, 2011


Master Cook's essay, The Evolution of Taekwondo Poomsae, Hyung and Tul, won first place in a nationwide search hosted by the Korean Embassy for exceptional writing and artwork that capture the unique personal experiences and spirit of Taekwondo, Korea’s own martial art. Now in its third year, the essay contest has been a key embassy program for promoting and reaffirming the special bond between the United States and the Republic of Korea by bringing together people from diverse backgrounds with a common passion. Master Cook will attend an awards ceremony that will take place at the embassy’s Korean Cultural Center in Washington DC , where Ambassador Han Duk-soo will present certificates to prizewinners.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

TaeKwonDo Times Traditions Column by Master Doug Cook-November, 2011



The Promotion Process
Approaching a Belt Test with Enthusiasm and Passion


Six months ago, I had the supreme honor of testing for my 6th dan black belt at an examination officiated by martial arts legend, Grandmaster Richard Chun. Looking back, the first time I stumbled into Kwanjangnim’s world was as a newly-minted yellow belt when I first read his always inspiring book Tae Kwon Do: The Korean Martial Art. Since then, I have trained under this man and his instructors for many, many years. And so, it was a distinct privilege to perform before him on a pleasant, spring day last June.
I have always been excited about the prospect of testing. I approach these events, now long in between, with great anticipation and when the welcomed day finally arrives, I do my utmost to exhibit enthusiasm, precise technique and authentic martial spirit. I always treat the process as a celebration of my hard-earned skills rather than with the apparent stress that characterizes a typical test in its truest sense.
Still, not everyone agrees with this outlook. Many view a belt test, especially impatient parents, as an imposition of significant proportions. Why not simply present the student with a new belt during class when the instructor deems them ready? Why consume four or five hours out of a weekend, usually four times a year, when the average individual can barely find the time to attend weekly classes? Naturally, there are pros and cons to any process of this nature. Yet, depending on how the event is administrated, to most students of the traditional martial arts, the benefits far outweigh any inconveniences that might materialize.
Read entire column

TaeKwonDo Times Traditions Column by Master Doug Cook - September, 2011




One Divorce Too Many
The Loss of a Black Belt Student Can be a Disheartening Experience



One spring day in 1997, just before beginning a vigorous training session at the Richard Chun Taekwondo Center in New York City, I sat with Grandmaster Chun in his office discussing several issues relating to school ownership. Being the benevolent and forthcoming man that he is, Grandmaster Chun was never one to hold back valuable information from his disciples.
The conversation on that warm afternoon centered on my question as to why he chose not to display photographs of his many black belt students on the walls of his Upper Eastside dojang. The root of my query evolved from observations I had made while visiting various schools here and in Korea, the homeland of tae kwon do. At one dojang locally, I had noticed a cluster of color photos depicting what appeared to be the location’s entire population of black belts; there wasn’t many, but they all seemed to be represented, including the master instructor. Likewise, while training at the Korean National University for Physical Education or KNUPE, in Seoul, South Korea, as well as other noteworthy training facilities in the “land of the morning calm”, I was impressed with row upon row of proud, young black belts frozen in black and white images that stared down at me from frames firmly secured above the mirrors that ran the entire length of the dojang. Tributes of this sort seemed to add an air of heritage and permanence to not only the institution itself, but also the sacred training floor upon which we were about to stand. And so, almost two decades ago, shrouded in my naiveté’, I was confounded as to why my kwanjangnim did not share in this practice.
Without ever meeting Grandmaster Chun, one could not be familiar with his humble, gracious demeanor. He is unyieldingly courteous and disarmingly kind in his approach; except, of course, when he is standing in class before a large group of students. It is then that his ferocity and passion for tae kwon do quickly becomes apparent. Nevertheless, sitting at his desk across from me that day, he paused seemingly in deep reflection before answering. I trust that I am not breaking a confidence when I share his reply. Kwanjangnim looked up and said “If I were to mount photos of every black belt that I have graduated across the years at this school alone, not only would they fill every available wall, but a real danger exists that I would weep for those who have left.” With that statement, I truly began to understand the deep and singular relationship that exists between a worthy master and his loyal students.
Read entire column

The Evolution of Tae Kwon Do Poomse, Hyung and Tul


Long before the advent of sport sparring and the invention of modern safety gear, in a time when to fight meant to defend one’s life from almost certain death an ingenious method of transmitting martial arts skills from venerated master to loyal disciple was developed. Legend has it that experienced warriors returning unscathed from combat, a testimony in and of itself to their martial prowess, mimicked techniques used to vanquish opponents on the field of battle for the benefit of those less qualified in the ways of war. This ritual may have been practiced around a campfire, in secret gardens or in the incense-filled halls of ancient Buddhist temples lending credence to the notion that the dynamic practice of formal exercises has existed for centuries. Several examples demonstrating this concept can be traced back to antiquity with roots found in primitive works of art and ancient yogic postures originally intended to promote health and core strength in sedentary clerics.
Today, poomsae, hyung or tul - all culturally-specific terms for Korean martial arts patterns - can be defined as choreographed sequences of techniques aimed at defeating multiple attackers originating from various directions. They can also be thought of as “quality shapes of strength” representing the comprehensive catalog of Traditional and Kukki Tae Kwon Do skills. Moreover, poomsae demonstratively symbolize the essence of the art and can be distilled down into two discrete categories – those created in modern times as opposed to those tracing their pedigree to primordial practices.
In an effort to quantify the significance of this division, we must first appreciate that the formal exercises found in Tae Kwon Do today were not created in a vacuum. Rather, an analysis of the historical evidence at hand reveals that empty-hand fighting arts, in conjunction with their associated formal exercises, developed naturally across continents as various cultures adapted to cope with the dangers posed by increased trade and human aggression accompanied by imperialist desire. Still, the need to practice prearranged chains of combat tactics in a relatively relaxed environment devoid of mayhem and death was apparently universal.
In his book, Moving Zen, Shotokan karate-do practitioner C.W. Nicol describes forms practice as “a dynamic dance; a battle without bloodshed or vanquished.” He further goes on to say that, “we are somehow touching the warrior ancestry of all humanity” and that “of all the training in karate, none is more vigorous, demanding or exhilarating than the sincere performance of kata.” From this we can see that poomsae training, if approached in a traditional manner, not only cultivates defensive and offensive proficiency coupled with ki (internal energy) development, but establishes a profound link with masters of the past who clearly did not perform formal exercises merely for physical fitness as some would claim, but as a means of collating hard-earned martial skills often fostered on the field of battle or in the supercharged atmosphere of some distant training hall, for the benefits of students across the centuries.
Read entire article

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Chosun e-newsletter archive Volumn 2 #11 November, 2011

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

Welcome to the November edition of the Chosun newsletter. The Chosun Taekwondo Academy wants to extend and invitation to you and your family to attend our:

14th Annual Awards Banquet & Dinner Dance

Saturday December 10th, 2011 6:30 - 11:00 pm

Black Bear Golf Club, 138 Route 23 North, Franklin, NJ 07416

DJ and dancing, cash bar, awards presentation, and a visit from Santa!

Adults: $49 / Children:$39 / under 4 years: FREE Make checks payable to Chosun Taekwondo Academy. Remit to Chosun Taekwondo Academy PO Box 721 Warwick, NY 10990
Reserved seating available: contact Chosun at info@chosuntkd.com
Kamsahamnida,
Patty Cook, Editor
Read entire newsletter

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

An Interview with Master Doug Cook - Instructor, Author and Supporter of Traditional Taekwondo


The I Ching or Book of Changes is an ancient Taoist classic. From it we learn that "everything happens in its appointed time." Master Doug Cook, 6th Dan Black Belt, school owner, author and regular contributor to Totally TaeKwonDo couldn't agree more. Where most practitioners begin their journey through the martial arts in their adolescent years, Master Cook began his training in his late thirties; and, if you ask him, he will confirm that the time was right.
Read the entire interview on page 19, issue #32

Friday, September 30, 2011

Chosun e-newsletter archive Volumn 2 #10 October, 2011

Welcome to the October edition of the Chosun newsletter. It's hard to believe that it has been a year since the first installment of the Chosun e-newsletter. As a school, we can look back with pride and gratitude for the many accomplishments and milestones attained by the students of Chosun. In this spirit of celebration, please don't forget to MARK YOUR CALENDAR for Saturday December 10th for the 14th Annual Awards Banquet and Dinner Dance. Details below. It is a wonderful time to enjoy the season with your Chosun family. If you have missed any of the previous Chosun Newsletters, they are archived in Master Cook's Blog, The Chosun Journal on the Chosun website.
Read entire newsletter


Kamsahamnida,
Patty Cook, Editor

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

ONE DIVORCE TOO MANY...The loss of a black belt without closure can be a heart-wrenching experience


One spring day in 1997, just before beginning a vigorous training session at the Richard Chun Taekwondo Center in New York City, I sat with Grandmaster Chun in his office discussing several issues relating to school ownership. Being the benevolent and forthcoming man that he is, Grandmaster Chun was never one to hold back valuable information from his disciples.
The conversation on that warm afternoon centered on my question as to why he chose not to display photographs of his many black belt students on the walls of his Upper Eastside dojang. The root of my query evolved from observations I had made while visiting various schools here and in Korea, the homeland of tae kwon do. At one dojang locally, I had noticed a cluster of color photos depicting what appeared to be the location’s entire population of black belts; there wasn’t many, but they all seemed to be represented, including the master instructor. Likewise, while training at the Korean National University for Physical Education or KNUPE, in Seoul, South Korea, as well as other noteworthy training facilities in the “land of the morning calm”, I was impressed with row upon row of proud, young black belts frozen in black and white images that stared down at me from frames firmly secured above the mirrors that ran the entire length of the dojang. Tributes of this sort seemed to add an air of heritage and permanence to not only the institution itself, but also the sacred training floor upon which we were about to stand. And so, almost two decades ago, shrouded in my naiveté’, I was confounded as to why my kwanjangnim did not share in this practice.
Without ever meeting Grandmaster Chun, one could not be familiar with his humble, gracious demeanor. He is unyieldingly courteous and disarmingly kind in his approach; except, of course, when he is standing in class before a large group of students. It is then that his ferocity and passion for tae kwon do quickly becomes apparent. Nevertheless, sitting at his desk across from me that day, he paused seemingly in deep reflection before answering. I trust that I am not breaking a confidence when I share his reply. Kwanjangnim looked up and said “If I were to mount photos of every black belt that I have graduated across the years at this school alone, not only would they fill every available wall, but a real danger exists that I would weep for those who have left.” With that statement, I truly began to understand the deep and singular relationship that exists between a worthy master and his loyal students.
Since then, I too have created many black belts; clearly not as many as Grandmaster Chun, but the quantity reaches well into the hundreds. Some, based on limited tenure are difficult to remember. The vast majority, however, will never leave my mind. Many are still with me and have gone on to become highly competent master instructors. Others, having enrolled as youngsters, eventually entered college, had families of their own and relocated. A very few, sadly, have been forced to discontinue their training due to unrelated injuries or physical disabilities. But as with most martial arts schools many black belts tend to depart largely based on time constraints, family responsibilities or simple boredom stemming from a limited curriculum. This last malady frequently results in a trickling away of enthusiasm for the art in general. Fortunately, our school offers a traditional curriculum extending through 6th dan that constantly challenges the black belt, invariably igniting continuing interest. Still, to surrender for any reason is a tragedy of considerable proportions.
Regardless, the rapport that exists between the master instructor and the black belt student is exceptional in nature. If taken seriously and allowed to mature, the relationship is infused with a quantifiable consistency that mirrors other vivid liaisons in life. For example, at the culmination of the black belt examination, the master instructor symbolically bestows the student with wisdom by first wrapping the black belt around his waist before tying it around the student’s. Consequently, even though the practitioner may in the future train with other instructors, this is a statement that clearly says: “I am your first master and we are tied together for now and forever.” This ritual is vaguely reminiscent of another, equally heavy with meaning: that found in the bond of marriage signified by the gold wedding band. Once a serious commitment is made to the study of traditional tae kwon do, one cannot simply ignore its profound implications.
It is said that genuinely competent martial arts instructors give a little piece of themselves away to each student they seek to inspire until, eventually, there is nothing left. The only way the teacher can replenish their skill is through constant, personal training and then facing new students yet again. And so, the cycle continues. I absolutely believe this to be true. Yet I ultimately hold that it is with each defection or departure of a black belt that an intangible, spiritual fragment of the master is torn away, never again to be replaced. The silent torment, unique to those at the top, cannot rightfully be shared and is overwhelmingly exacerbated by an informal exit. Tae kwon do training is built on a platform of courage, courtesy and dignity. Accordingly, if the day should arrive when the black belt chooses to depart, it is with the above virtues in mind that their intentions should be announced in the presence of their master and not through an email, phone call or written correspondence. Without dignified closure, the matter will continue to float between the two like a dark cloud that refuses to dissipate. One can only compare the divisive nature of this separation to a painful divorce from a beloved partner and if the parties involved, or at least one, are resistant to the measure, the wound seldom heals. To the uninitiated it may appear that I am overstating my case. Yet I’d wager that having experienced the loss of several valued, once-eager black belts, most masters would tell you that each exodus feels like one divorce too many.
Tae Kwon do does not speak to everyone equally and even for those dedicated few, priorities change and difficult life decisions must be made. So, if you find yourself in the untenable position of having to sever ties with your school and master, for whatever reason, do it face-to-face with a courteous, courageous and dignified state of mind.

Friday, September 9, 2011

The Dojang - A Safe Haven During 9/11 Master Doug Cook


It is ten years hence and that fateful day is still vivid in my mind.

On September 11, 2001, I was employed in New York City at a job that I would soon vacate in favor of teaching martial arts professionally. On that tragic but stunningly brilliant morning, I stood on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Nineteenth Street watching the destruction of the World Trade Center unfold before my very eyes.

Seconds after seeing the second plane slam into the South Tower, realizing full well that this was an assault on our country equal only in magnitude to the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor, I quickly made the decision to leave the city to seek the safety of my home and family sixty miles away.
Read entire article

Monday, September 5, 2011

Chosun e-newsletter Volumn 2 #9 September, 2011

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

Welcome to the September edition of the Chosun e-newsletter. As another season winds down,we can look back at all the informative workshops and special classes that Chosun hosted throughout the summer. Thank you to all instructors and students for a very fulfilling taekwondo summer. Looking ahead, September highlights include the Chosun Annual Open House , Exploring the I Ching workshop with Jed Bark and the third annual Leadership Team Book and Bake Sale. Don't forget to tune in to Cablevision's channel 78 to see the Chosun Leadership Team on "Meet the Leaders". Also be sure to read the two new additions to the newsletter, Martial Musings: Student Essays and All Things Korean. Lastly, check
the Chosun in the Media section for links to Master Cook's columns for TKD Times magazine and his articles that appear in various publications.
Read entire newsletter

Chosun e-newsletter archive Volumn 2 #8 August, 2011

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

Welcome to the August edition of the Chosun e-newsletter. As a traditional martial arts institute we are very proud because this month the international publication, TaeKwonDo Times Magazine has named Chosun Taekwondo Academy "School of the Month." Click on the link below to read the entire article. In addition, special summer classes and workshops in the Warwick Town Park have been going strong with a variety of topics and instructors to keep your summer training interesting and rewarding. Check the schedule below for remaining special programs and as always, there is no extra charge for these classes. Another exciting development to augment Chosun students' training experience is the new Poomsae (Forms) page that has been added to the Chosun Website (details below). At present the Taegeuk and Palgwe forms can be viewed. Kicho forms will be posted in the near future. Lastly, be sure to check the Chosun in the Media section for links to Master Cook's columns for TKD Times magazine and his articles that appear in various publications.
Read entire newsletter

Chosun e-newsletter archive Volumn 2 #7 July, 2011

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

Welcome to the July edition of the Chosun e-newsletter and the official start of Summer! This is a great opportunity to delve deeper into your taekwondo training by taking advantage of the exciting new classes and workshops offered at Chosun this summer. Check the schedule below and as always, there is no extra charge for these classes. Another exciting development to augment Chosun students' training experience is the new Poomsae (Forms) page that has been added to the Chosun Website (details below). At present the Taegeuk and Palgwe forms can be viewed. More forms will be posted in the future.
Read entire newsletter

Chosun e-newsletter archive Volumn 2 #6 June, 2011

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

Welcome to the June edition of the Chosun e-newsletter. The summer season is right around the corner and Chosun has many special events and new classes to offer students. The official Chosun summer schedule will be in effect on July 1. Please take note of a new sparring class on Monday evenings taught by Blackbelt, Travis Yee (details below). Check the schedule for special training in the Warwick Town Park. Another exciting development to augment Chosun students' training experience is the new Poomsae (Forms) page that has been added to the Chosun Website (details below). At present the Taegeuk and Palgwe forms can be viewed. More forms will be posted in the future.
Read entire newsletter

Chosun e-newsletter archive Volumn 2 #5 May, 2011

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

Welcome to the May edition of the Chosun e-newsletter. It has been a really busy spring season at Chosun Taekwondo Academy. In fact the accomplishments and exciting upcoming events are so many in number that I hope I haven't forgotten any! One exciting update to be aware of is the changes that have and will be made to the Chosun website to aid students in their training. A live video feed has been added to the Chosun homepage that will take the viewer to the chosun video channel. Here you can view various video clips of Chosun events. In the very near future, we will also offer videos of the Taegeuk and Palgwe forms. Later, the Kicho, Kukkiwon and Traditional Black Belt forms will be posted
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Chosun e-newsletter archive Volumn 2 #4 April, 2011

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

Welcome to the April edition of the Chosun e-newsletter. Gladly, spring is upon us and the Chosun Taekwondo Academy is celebrating many accomplishments as well as hosting exciting events. Chosun students take special note: Our school will be featured in TaeKwonDo Times magazine's "School of the Month." A photo of all students will be taken for the magazine before the Color Belt Test on Sunday May 22, 2011 at 12:00 noon at the Warwick Town Hall. This will take about 15 minutes and all Chosun students should attend in their doboks. On a sadder note, as a school our thoughts and wishes for healing go out to the people of Japan in their hour of need. To that end, the young students of Chosun have written notes and letters expressing their feelings that will be sent to the Japanese embassy. Thanks to these martial artists for their thoughtfulness. Read a letter.
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Chosun e-newsletter archive Volumn 2 #3 March, 2011

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

Welcome to the March edition of the Chosun e-newsletter. With 2011 well underway, the Chosun Taekwondo Academy has been buzzing with activity. Classes have been busy and the winter weather has not dampened the spirit of the Chosun student body and instructor staff. Our first Color Belt Promotion Test of the year was a huge success and an exciting event to witness. Be sure to view the photos below. Chosun students also made an excellent showing at the recent Haddock Taekwondo Tournament in New York City bringing home a record total of 23 trophies! Congratulations to all participants. See fellow Chosun students in action by visiting the
Chosun Video Channel.
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Chosun e-newsletter archive Volumn 2 #2 February, 2011

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

Welcome to the February edition of the Chosun e-newsletter. The new year has been very busy at Chosun and even though the weather has been brutal, it has not diminished the Chosun spirit! Classes have been packed and we have many new faces in the dojang! Our kickstart program for 4 and 5 year olds is brimming over with eager young students. Many thanks to Chokyonim Pamela Pyke for stepping up to help instruct these budding martial artists. In fact all the Chosun instructors, junior instructors and assistant instructors have been busy. Check the Chosun website for new photos of the Chosun teaching staff. February has a full roster of events including the color belt test at the Town Hall on February 13. Check below to get information on all the upcoming programs and Dojang news!

Kamsahamnida,
Patty Cook, Editor

Celebrate the season and your dedication to the traditional martial art of TaekFebruary is Student Appreciation Month at Chosun!
See below for details
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Chosun e-newsletter archive Volumn 2 #1 January, 2011

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

Welcome to 2011 and the fourth edition of the Chosun e-newsletter. As Chosun Taekwondo Academy enters its 14th year of operation, we celebrate the continued vitality of our school and look ahead to recognizing the ever present opportunities that strengthen our intentions and rejuvenate our spirit! The five tenets, recited at the end of every taekwondo class are a way to re-connect to universal respect and order that stand at the root of every culture and spiritual tradition through the millennia. This continuum helps us as individuals and in turn our larger Chosun family to achieve our objectives and seek common purpose. We value your support and wish you a productive and prosperous new year!
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Chosun e-newsletter archive Volumn 1 #3 December 2010

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

Welcome to the third edition of the Chosun e-newsletter. As the final days of the year rush by, and a new year waits in the wings, we as students of Chosun can count our blessings and take pride in the many accomplishments and achievements of the past year. As a school, Chosun has added 24 new black belts to its ranks and provided an opportunity for students to deepen their training experience by traveling to Korea, the birthplace of Taekwondo. Through the efforts of the Leadership Team, young students have been able to put the five tenets of Taekwondo into practice. So while the Chosun Taekwondo Academy is a place where our commitment to the art flourishes, we as individuals must find the courage, stamina and confidence to carry our commitment into action every day. Grandmaster Richard Chun sums it up with his few but meaningful words, "Never Give Up."
Read entire newsletter

Friday, September 2, 2011

Chosun e-newsletter archive Volumn 1 #2 November 2010

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast, Welcome to the second edition of the Chosun e-newsletter. The Chosun Taekwondo Academy wants to extend and invitation to you and your family to attend our:

13th Annual Awards Banquet

& Dinner Dance

Saturday December 11th, 2010 6:30 - 11:00 pm

Black Bear Golf Club, 138 Route 23 North, Franklin, NJ 07416

Guest of honor Grandmaster Richard Chun, DJ and dancing, cash bar, awards presentation, and a visit from Santa!

Adults: $49 / Children:$39 / under 4 years: FREE Make checks payable to Chosun Taekwondo Academy. Remit to Chosun Taekwondo Academy PO Box 721 Warwick, NY 10990 Reserved seating available: contact Chosun at info@chosuntkd.com

Kamsahamnida, Patty Cook, Editor

Celebrate the season and your dedication to the traditional martial art of Taekwondo. Happy Thanksgiving!
Read the entire newsletter

Chosun e-newsletter archive Volumn 1 #1 October 2010

Dear Martial Art enthusiast,

Thank you for your interest in the Chosun Taekwondo Academy and the traditional martial art of Taekwondo. In this inaugural issue of our newsletter you will find information on news and events at our academy as well as insights into the training experience at the Chosun Taekwondo Academy. As a newsletter recipient you will receive notification about Chosun sponsored events such as Taekwondo trips and seminars as well as previews of upcoming books and articles written by Master Doug Cook.

Kamsahamnida and Thank you for your support

Patty Cook, Editor
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Thursday, April 14, 2011

A TAEKWONDO LEGEND PASSES...Grandmaster Sung Duk Son


Grand Master Duk Sung Son, 88, of Newport, RI died March 29, 2011 at Newport Hospital. His funeral was held on April 4. Donations in his memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 245 Waterman Street, Suite 306, Providence, RI 02906.
Grandmaster Son began studying Tae Kwon Do in the 1940’s under the leadership of Won Kuk Lee in Korea. Won Kuk Lee was the founder of the Chung Do Kwan (school of the Blue Wave). Grandmaster Son quickly rose to the black belt level and onward to the master level and assumed the leadership of the Chung Do Kwan in 1950. In 1955, Grandmaster Choi, Son and other leading Korean martial arts masters gathered together and originated the name Tae Kwon Do for the Korean national martial art.
In 1963 Grandmaster Son and several of the Chung Do Kwan institute masters (J.B. Chung, and N.Y. Chung among them) came to the United States. Then in 1966 Grandmaster Son united the Chung Do Kwan masters under the World Tae Kwon Do Association (WTA). While in the United States Grandmaster Son has taught at West Point, Yale, Pricenton, Brown, Columbia, New York University, Fordham, Stony Brook, and Providence. Fordham gave him an honorary Professorship. And he has also taught employee's of major corporations IBM and Chase Manhattan Bank. In 1965 Grandmaster Son recieved the Medal of Honor from President Park of South Korea. Major General John B. Conaway, director of the Air National Guard Bureau in Washington D.C. made Grandmaster Son an Honorary General. Omni magazine did an article on the top five U.S. Martial Arts Masters and listed Grandmaster Son as among them. Grandmaster Son retired in 2009.
The above information wa sgathered from Stark's Taekwondo of Augusta, GA. We thank you for this worthy tribute.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

DISCIPLINE AND COMMITMENT


DISCIPLINE AND COMMITMENT...standards of the martial artist when the soft breeze of spring beckons, tempting the mind and body with reprieve rather than focused training. Taekwondo is a kind mistress but will not long pardon inattention. Reestablish your center.