The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 15 #10 October, 2024

 Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast, 

Welcome to the October 2024 edition and the 173rd issue of the 
Chosun Taekwondo Academy / United States Taekwondo Alliance 
E-newsletter! 
Celebrate CHOSUN'S 27th Year 
2024 is waning but the Chosun Taekwondo Academy has been picking up steam by continuing to provide increased training opportunities for students both at home and around the world. Looking ahead, please take note of the annual Day of Tribute to Grandmaster Richard Chun on Sunday, November 10, 2024 . Don't miss this opportunity to commemorate the life and teachings of this martial arts pioneer and founder of the United States Taekwondo Association. 
And for a little Halloween fun, please attend the
CHOSUN HALLOWEEN HARVEST PARTY
on Sunday, October 27, 2024!

 Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 27 years!
Chosun Taekwondo Academy Newsletter
celebrating 16 years!

Check the Chosun website calendar for all events, test dates and
holiday closures
Visit the CHOSUN Yelp page!   

         and CHOSUN on Instagram

Happy Halloween!       
Kamsahamnida,                                                                                                     
Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkd       

Read the entire newsletter...

Subscribe at: www.chosuntkd.com

The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 15 #9 September, 2024

 Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast, 

Welcome to the September 2024 edition and the 172nd issue of the 
Chosun Taekwondo Academy / United States Taekwondo Alliance 
E-newsletter! 
Celebrate CHOSUN'S 27th Year 
Summer @ CHOSUN 2024 is officially over and the FALL/WINTER season is at our doorstep. Please take a look at the NEW schedule that was mailed out and on the CHOSUN website. We would like to THANK all the guest instructors and CHOSUN instructors for making our summer programs a HUGE SUCCESS!
We hope that students enjoyed the enhanced summer schedule and found the classes both challenging and enlightening!

 Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 27 years!
Chosun Taekwondo Academy Newsletter
celebrating 16 years!

Check the Chosun website calendar for all events, test dates and
holiday closures
Visit the CHOSUN Yelp page!   

         and CHOSUN on Instagram

    
Kamsahamnida,                                                                                                     
Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkd       

Read the entire newsletter...

Subscribe at: www.chosuntkd.com

The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 14 #10 October, 2023

 Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast, 

Welcome to the October 2023 edition and the 162nd issue of the
Chosun Taekwondo Academy / United States Taekwondo Alliance  
E-newsletter! 
Celebrate CHOSUN'S 26th Year 
2023 is waning but the Chosun Taekwondo Academy has been picking up steam by continuing to provide increased training opportunities for students both at home and around the world. Looking ahead, please take note of the annual Afternoon of Tribute to Grandmaster Richard Chun on Sunday, November 19, 2023 . Don't miss this opportunity to commemorate the life and teachings of this martial arts pioneer and founder of the United States Taekwondo Association. 

 Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 26 years!
Chosun Taekwondo Academy Newsletter
celebrating 13 years!

Check the Chosun website calendar for all events, test dates and
holiday closures
Visit the CHOSUN Yelp page!   

         and CHOSUN on Instagram

Happy Halloween!   
Kamsahamnida,                                                                                                     
Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkd    

Read the entire newsletter...

Subscribe at: www.chosuntkd.com 
 

The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 13 #11 November 2022

 Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast, 

Welcome to the November 2022 edition and the 152st issue of the 
Chosun Taekwondo Academy / United States Taekwondo Association 
E-newsletter! 
Celebrate CHOSUN'S 25th Year 
The holiday season is officially upon us and CHOSUN and the United States Taekwondo Association has some valuable programs that you don't want
to miss!
 November is a busy month bringing the annual Day of Tribute to Grandmaster Richard Chun on Sunday, November 20th (details below), the last Belt/Stripe Promotion Test of the year and the next issue of Hoonlyun - The Journal of the United States Taekwondo Association.

Check out all upcoming CHOSUN events on the events page of the CHOSUN website!


 Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 25 years!
Chosun Taekwondo Academy Newsletter
celebrating 13 years!

Visit the updated and improved CHOSUN Yelp page!   

                                      and CHOSUN on Instagram

Happy Thanksgiving!
Kamsahamnida,                                                                                                     
Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkd  

Read entire newsletter...
Subscribe at: www.chosuntkd.com

The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 12 #12 December 2021

 Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast, 

Welcome to the December 2021 edition and the 143rd issue of the 
Chosun Taekwondo Academy and United States Taekwondo Academy
E-newsletter! 

. A recent New York Times article posed the question, Could Covid Lead to Progress? The author, Steven Johnson states, "the period from March 2020 to May 2020 almost certainly marked the most significant short-term change ever in worldwide human behavior.Vast sections of the planet effectively froze in place for a few months and then adopted, en masse, a whole new set of routines to flatten the curve and slow the spread - a genuinely new trick for Homo sapiens." 
 
As the year 2021 closes, instead of looking at COVID-19 in the rear-view mirror and returning to life as usual, another mutation of the virus has emerged, threatening uncertainty and concern yet again. But the good news is that we have survived, adapted and even thrived... a testament to the code and creed that
martial artists live by. 
"Never Give Up!"

IMPORTANT:
Please see updated CHOSUN masking protocols below


ONWARD AND UPWARD...NEVER GIVE UP!

Check out all upcoming CHOSUN events on the events page of the CHOSUN website!
Please visit the updated and improved CHOSUN Yelp page!   
and CHOSUN on Instagram

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah      
(see holiday schedule closing schedule below)   
Kamsahamnida,                                                                                                                                            Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkd  
 

 Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 24 years!
Chosun Taekwondo Academy Newsletter celebrating 11 years!

Read entire newsletter...

Subscribe at: www.chosuntkd.com

The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 12 #11 November 2021

 Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast, 

Welcome to the November 2021 edition and the 143rd issue of the 
Chosun Taekwondo Academy E-newsletter! 
The Holiday season is officially upon us and CHOSUN and the United States Taekwondo Association have some valuable programs that you don't want
to miss!
 November is a busy month bringing the annual Day of Tribute to Grandmaster Richard Chun on Sunday, November 21st (details below), the last Belt/Stripe Promotion Test of the year and the next issue of Hoonlyun - The Journal of the United States Taekwondo Association.  

IMPORTANT:
Please see updated CHOSUN masking protocols below


ONWARD AND UPWARD...NEVER GIVE UP!

Check out all upcoming CHOSUN events on the events page of the CHOSUN website!
Please visit the updated and improved CHOSUN Yelp page!   
and CHOSUN on Instagram

Happy Thanksgiving   
Kamsahamnida,                                                                                                                                            Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkd  
 

 Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 24 years!
Chosun Taekwondo Academy Newsletter celebrating 11 years!

Read the entire newsletter...

Subscribe at: www.chosuntkd.com

The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 12 #10 October 2021

 Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast, 

Welcome to the October 2021 edition and the 142nd issue of the 
Chosun Taekwondo Academy
United States Taekwondo Association  
E-newsletter! 
2021 is waning but the Chosun Taekwondo Academy and the United States Taekwondo Association has been picking up steam by continuing to provide increased training opportunities for students both at home and around the world. Looking ahead, please take note of the annual Day of Tribute to Grandmaster Richard Chun on Sunday, November 21st. Don't miss this opportunity to commemorate the life and teachings of this martial arts pioneer and founder of the United States Taekwondo Association.

IMPORTANT:
Please see updated CHOSUN masking protocols below


ONWARD AND UPWARD...NEVER GIVE UP!

Check out all upcoming CHOSUN events on the events page of the CHOSUN website!
Please visit the updated and improved CHOSUN Yelp page!   
and CHOSUN on Instagram

Happy Halloween!    
Kamsahamnida,                                                                                                                                            Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkd  
 

 Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 24 years!
Chosun Taekwondo Academy Newsletter celebrating 11 years!

Read entire newsletter...

Subscribe at: www.chosuntkd.com

The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 10 #12 December, 2019

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

Welcome to the December edition of the  Chosun Taekwondo Academy e-newsletter!
The 22nd Annual Awards Banquet and Dinner Dance is just one week away... join us and share the spirit of the season with fellow Chosun students and friends. See details below and don't miss this opportunity to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the past year!

View the 2018 Chosun Taekwondo Academy Retrospective 

Check out all upcoming CHOSUN events on the events page of the CHOSUN website!
Please visit the updated and improved CHOSUN Yelp page!  
and CHOSUN on Instagram
 
Kamsahamnida,                                                                                 

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah                                                                   
Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkd  
 

 Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 22 years!
Chosun Taekwondo Academy Newsletter celebrating 10 years!

Read the entire newsletter...

Subscribe at: www.chosuntkd.com

The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 10 #11 November, 2019

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

Welcome to the November edition of the  Chosun Taekwondo Academy e-newsletter!
The 2019 USTA World Taekwondo Seminar is happening NOW and we are anticipating over 130 participants to the largest event that CHOSUN has ever hosted! Looking ahead to December, don't miss the Annual Chosun Awards Banquet and Dinner Dance... a great way to cap off a busy and productive year with your CHOSUN family!
Chosun 2019 Fall/Winter Schedule was included with your September invoice and took effect September 1, 2019

 15 Martial Arts Schools to attend!
2019 USTA World Taekwondo Seminar will feature one of Korea's best... Grandmaster Kyu-Hyun Lee.



View the 2018 Chosun Taekwondo Academy Retrospective 

Check out all upcoming CHOSUN events on the events page of the CHOSUN website!
Please visit the updated and improved CHOSUN Yelp page!  
and CHOSUN on Instagram
 
Kamsahamnida,                                                                                 
HAPPY THANKSGIVING                                                                      
Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkd  
 

 Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 22 years!

Read entire newsletter...

Subscribe at: www.chosuntkd.com

The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 9 #12 December, 2018

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

Welcome to the December edition of the  Chosun Taekwondo Academy e-newsletter!  The 21st Annual Awards Banquet and Dinner Dance is just one week away... join us and share the spirit of the season with fellow Chosun students and friends. See details below and don't miss this opportunity to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the past year!

View the 20th Anniversary Chosun Taekwondo Academy Retrospective 

Check out all upcoming CHOSUN events on the events page of the CHOSUN website!
Please take note of the Christmas Holiday schedule below...

Please visit the updated and improved CHOSUN Yelp page!  
 
Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah
Kamsahamnida,                                                                                                            
Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkd 

 
 Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 21 years!

Read entire newsletter...
Subscribe at: www.chosuntkd.com 

The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 9 #10 October, 2018

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

Welcome to the October edition of the  Chosun Taekwondo Academy e-newsletter! As we approach the final months of the year, don't forget to mark your calendar for the 21st Annual Awards Banquet and Dinner Dance on Saturday, December 8th which is always the culminating social highlight of the year. When you receive your invitation by mail, please respond as soon as possible to reserve a place for you and your family.


Please take note of the last 2018 CHOSUN Test Date below
All tests will be held at the Warwick Town Hall.

View the 20th Anniversary Chosun Taekwondo Academy Retrospective 
View the 2018 Summer at CHOSUN Retrospective

Check out all upcoming CHOSUN events on the events page of the CHOSUN website!


Please visit the updated and improved CHOSUN Yelp page!  
 
Happy Halloween! 
Kamsahamnida,                                                                                                            
Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkd 
 
                                                                                                                                       
Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 21 years!

Read the entire newsletter...
Subscribe at: www.chosuntkd.com

The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 9 #3 March, 2018

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

Welcome to the March edition of the  Chosun Taekwondo Academy e-newsletter!
TIME FLYS! 
It is hard to believe that it has been two years since we started a new chapter in the CHOSUN journey and relocated to our beautiful, new location.  Kamsahamnida to students, instructors and supporters for believing in the Chosun Taekwondo Academy! Onward and upward! 

Please take note of the 2018 CHOSUN Test Dates below
All tests will be held at the Warwick Town Hall.

View the 20th Anniversary Chosun Taekwondo Academy Retrospective 

Check out all upcoming CHOSUN events on the events page of the CHOSUN website!


Please visit the updated and improved CHOSUN Yelp page!  
Happy St. Patrick's Day  

Kamsahamnida,                                                                                                            
Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkd 
 
                                                                                                                                       
Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 20 years!

Read the entire newsletter...
Subscribe at: www.chosuntkd.com

The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 9 # February, 2018

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

Welcome to the February edition of the  Chosun Taekwondo Academy e-newsletter! 2018 is officially in full swing and there are a few exciting training opportunities on the horizon. Please see details below about the upcoming USTA Poomsae Seminar that will be held at the Chosun Taekwondo Academy with Grandmasters Pablo Alejandro and Doug Cook.

Please take note of the 2017 CHOSUN Test Dates below
All tests will be held at the Warwick Town Hall.

View the 20th Anniversary Chosun Taekwondo Academy Retrospective 

Check out all upcoming CHOSUN events on the events page of the CHOSUN website!


Please visit the updated and improved CHOSUN Yelp page!  
Happy Valentine's Day  

Kamsahamnida,                                                                                                            
Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkd 
 
                                                                                                                                       
Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 20 years!

Read the entire newsletter...
Subscribe at: www.chosuntkd.com

The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 9 #1 January, 2018

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

Welcome to the January edition of the  Chosun Taekwondo Academy e-newsletter! The beginning of the New Year is a time to look backward and forward... 2017 was marked by two major milestones in the history of the Chosun Taekwondo Academy... And as the um/yang reminds us,  the dynamic forces that shape our lives exist in the balance of opposites. As we celebrated Chosun's 20th year anniversary, we sadly said good bye to our mentor and guiding force for those 20 years, Grandmaster Rhin Moon Richard Chun. We march on into 2018 with our taekwondo and yoga practices to fortify us in the face of adversity and celebrate just how far we have come...continue the journey!

Please take note of the 2017 CHOSUN Test Dates below...

View the 20th Anniversary Chosun Taekwondo Academy Retrospective 

Check out all upcoming CHOSUN events on the events page of the CHOSUN website!


Please visit the updated and improved CHOSUN Yelp page!  
Happy New Year!  새해 복 많이 받으세요

Kamsahamnida,                                                                                                            
Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkd 
 
                                                                                                                                       
Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 20 years!

Read the entire newsletter...
Subscribe at: www.chosuntkd.com

The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 8 #12 December, 2017

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

Welcome to the December edition of the  Chosun Taekwondo Academy e-newsletter! Chosun students and the taekwondo community at large was shocked and saddened by the passing of our longtime mentor and martial arts legend, Grandmaster Richard Chun. Accepting this reality is difficult but the I Ching (book of changes) reminds us of the constancy of change and the impermanence of all things.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Chun family.
Rest in Peace beloved Grandmaster Chun...
Please take note of the CHOSUN HOLIDAY SCHEDULE below...

Check out all upcoming CHOSUN events on the events page of the CHOSUN website!

View the 2016 Chosun Taekwondo Academy Retrospective 

Please visit the updated and improved CHOSUN Yelp page!  
Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah

Kamsahamnida,                                                                                                            
Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkd 
 
                                                                                                                                       
Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 20 years!
 


Read the entire newsletter...

Subscribe at: www.chosuntkd.com

The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 8 #7 July, 2017

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

Welcome to the July edition of the  Chosun Taekwondo Academy e-newsletter!...With summer in full swing...there is a full schedule of summer events at CHOSUN. Take advantage of the great outdoors and don't miss our annual Summer Training in the Warwick Town Park, Youth Training and Korean Arts & Crafts and don't forget to mark your calendar for the fourth annual Chosun picnic on Sunday August 6, 2017. 
Please take note of Chosun 2017 Summer Schedule which was included in your July invoice and online as of July 1, 2017

Check out all upcoming CHOSUN events on the events page of the CHOSUN website!

View the 2016 Chosun Taekwondo Academy Retrospective 

Please visit the updated and improved CHOSUN Yelp page!  

Kamsahamnida,                                                                                                            
Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkd 
Happy 4th of July! 
                                                                                                                                        
Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 20 years!

Read entire newsletter
Subscribe at: www.chosuntkd.com

The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 7 #11 November, 2016

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

Welcome to the November edition of the  Chosun Taekwondo Academy e-newsletter! The clock is ticking down to the 19th Annual Awards Banquet and Dinner Dance on Saturday December 3rd... join us and share the spirit of the season with fellow Chosun students and friends. See details below and don't miss this opportunity to reflect on the outstanding achievements of the past year!

Check out all upcoming CHOSUN events on the events page of the CHOSUN website!

View the 2015 Chosun Taekwondo Academy Retrospective 

Kamsahamnida,                                                                                                            
Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkd
HAPPY THANKSGIVING !

                                                                                                                                        
Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 19 years!

                                                                                                                                        
Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 19 years!

Read entire newsletter...
Subscribe to the CHOSUN newsletter at: www.chosuntkd.com

The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 7 #10 October, 2016

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

Welcome to the October edition of the  Chosun Taekwondo Academy e-newsletter!  As we approach the final months of the year, don't forget to mark your calendar for the 19th Annual Awards Banquet and Dinner Dance on Saturday, December 3rd which is always the culminating social highlight of the year. When you receive your invitation by mail, please respond as soon as possible to reserve a place for you and your family.

Check out all upcoming CHOSUN events on the events page of the CHOSUN website!

View the 2015 Chosun Taekwondo Academy Retrospective 

Kamsahamnida,                                                                                                            
Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkd
HAPPY HALLOWEEN !


Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 19 years!

Read the entire newsletter...
Subscribe at: www.chosuntkd.com

The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 7 #5 May, 2016

May 1, 2016   Newsletter    News   Events   Updates

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast, Welcome to the May edition of the  Chosun Taekwondo Academy e-newsletter! The month of April was chock full of events for CHOSUN students, and community members. From yoga to women's self defense and hapkido, there was something for everyone. The culmination of the month featured our Grand Relocation Celebration and gave CHOSUN students, families, friends and colleagues a chance to mark this very special milestone in the history of the Chosun Taekwondo Academy... Congratulations CHOSUN!!!!! Please take note of upcoming 2016 Test dates listed below... View the 2015 Chosun Taekwondo Academy Retrospective  Kamsahamnida,                                                                                                             Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkandd                                                                                                                               Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 19 years!

Read the entire newsletter...

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In the Shadow of a Grandmaster by Doug Cook

Grandmaster Richard Chun and Master Doug Cook

appeared in Totally Taekwondo Magazine April, 2015 Issue #74

     I consider myself and the students I teach fortunate indeed; not simply because we are graced with a comfortable, clean, and culturally focused training environment, but because we are a member of an elite organization under the direction of a world-renowned grandmaster who promotes a traditional style of taekwondo. In today’s world of mixed martial arts and schools boasting curricula “so simple a child can do it”, we sometimes forget the value this inheritance offers. The legacy we as a school enjoy not only reflects the comprehensive nature of taekwondo, but extends to the personalities who molded our discipline through its formative years on up to the present.
     It is no secret that the roots of taekwondo were greatly influenced by Japanese Shotokan karate-do as well as various forms of Chinese fighting arts. Furthermore, there currently exists a clear delineation between the traditional martial art of taekwondo and its sportive mate firmly based on Olympic-style sparring. Nevertheless, the present state of taekwondo as it applies to both the defensive art and world sport, coupled with the outstanding success it has achieved as the most popular martial discipline in the world today, is unquestionably linked to the masters and grandmasters native to the Korean peninsula that have refined and transmitted its unique set of techniques and philosophical doctrines over the decades. Subsequently, maintaining a relationship with an elder instructor having a direct link to the founders of the art nurtures respect for heritage in tandem with technical accuracy - benefits that cannot be overstated.
     Establishing a modern martial art based on the elements of other traditional disciplines may have its benefits as evidenced by the popularity of jeet kune do - the martial art created by the late Bruce Lee. Yet, in today’s age of internet certification and canned, commercialized curricula, it is far too easy to pick and choose techniques that highlight the physical abilities of an individual instructor, leaving out countless defensive strategies that require years to refine in the process. In many cases the long range efficacy of these endeavors turn out to be questionable at best causing students to question the authenticity of their art. Pitfalls like this can be avoided by following in the footsteps of an experienced and legitimate grandmaster that supports a combat-proven discipline based on tradition.
     Training under a grandmaster that is an acknowledged source of traditional skills is akin to being in possession of the original copy of an important document displaying clear and concise print. Undisputedly accurate in its current iteration, copies of this document, particularly those many generations later, are certain to diminish in quality resulting in distortion and possible misinterpretation. The same principle holds true when learning a kick, block or strike. A simple twist of the wrist, turn of the hip, or snap of the leg, passed on by a human vessel with decades of experience can make the difference between the mediocre execution of a basic technique and a stunning demonstration of defensive skill. The flawless transmission of poomsae, or formal exercises, dramatically reflects this belief. While a great majority of the modern forms have been exhaustively cataloged both in print and on the web, many of the traditional hyung dating back decades in not centuries, are left to the mercy of memorization. Here is where the golden relationship between venerated master and worthy disciple clearly begins to materialize. A legitimate grandmaster with roots firmly planted in decades of Korean martial arts practice, who has doubtlessly performed advanced poomsae hundreds if not thousands of times, has the capacity to correct even the most minute detail within a given form. Yet, left unattended, the practitioner will innocently promulgate error while infecting others ultimately causing the execution of the poomsae over time to stray further and further from the core of its original intent. Grandmasters with an eye for the more traditional components of the taekwondo curriculum are also more likely to focus on authentic training in il su sik (one-step sparring), ho sin sool (self-defense techniques), meditation, and ki development exercises as well. 
      Moreover, accumulated wisdom is generally a function of age. While there exists many youthful, talented grandmasters, acquired skill of this magnitude is generally attributed to those of advanced years. Time has a tendency of tempering ones outlook on a discipline such as taekwondo making the grandmaster, in many cases, a teacher who is demanding yet compassionate, high in expectations yet forgiving of frailty. He or she is a fountain of knowledge, an advisor at times imparting thoughtful counsel and, as is the case with our grandmaster, a single, unifying symbol of a global organization. Physically, even those of senior rank, years older than their students, can inspire and elicit respect through the execution of basic technique performed effortlessly. 
      Accepting the leadership of a grandmaster furthermore removes the potential of being hindered by a provincial world view of taekwondo. For the master instructor of a dojang not located in a large metropolitan area, interaction with colleagues can be minimal at best. Therefore, grandmasters with ties to others in the taekwondo community have the ability of introducing their loyal students to peers of equal seniority and interests thus opening the door to new relationships and unforeseen possibilities. Often a confederation of master instructors under the umbrella of a noted grandmaster can lead to mutual training experiences, seminars, association tournaments, and even trips to Korea – the homeland of taekwondo.
     But at the end of the day, it is important to remember that the grandmaster is still only a human being commensurate with all the shortcomings that station entails. Students often mistakenly elevate the grandmaster to messianic proportions leaving themselves open to the dual specters of disappointment and disillusionment should their failings become evident. Therefore, just as the grandmaster showers his charges with understanding so, too, must the student exhibit consideration in matters concerning passions of the heart.
    Some would assert, similar to a flower deprived of sunlight whose growth and hue is limited by the overhanging branches of some great tree, that a master instructor’s rate of maturity can be hindered by the influence of a seemingly oppressive grandmaster. Yet there are vines and flowers that flourish in shade without the benefit of direct sunlight. Likewise, the humble master, and thus his or her students, can flourish in the shadow of a grandmaster whose sincere intent is to promote the martial art of taekwondo through the inculcation of wisdom, compassion, and technical excellence.

Master Doug Cook, 6th dan black belt, is head instructor of the Chosun Taekwondo Academy located in Warwick, New York, a senior student of Grandmaster Richard Chun, and author of four best-selling books entitled: Taekwondo…Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Warrior, Traditional Taekwondo - Core Techniques, History and Philosophy, Taekwondo–A Path to Excellence, and Taekwondo Black Belt Poomsae: Original Koryo and Koryo, co-authored with Grandmaster Chun along with its companion DVD. Master Cook can be reached for Korea tours, seminars, workshops or questions at www.chosuntkd.com or info@chosuntkd.com.