The Concept of DO - A Way of Life

by Master Doug Cook

Tae Kwon Do: “Foot, Hand, Way”, or the “art of smashing with hands and feet”; three simple words representing a universe of power. Certainly, the consequences of striking with feet, tae, and hands, kwon, are clear. However, to underestimate the significance of the last syllable, do, due to its grammatical positioning within the root word tae kwon do, is to admit to a profound ignorance in this diverse, holistic discipline. To subtract this suffix entirely is to remove the heart and soul of the art, transforming it, instead, into a mere pugilistic pursuit; a hollow, physical exercise rather than an organic philosophy complete with a ritualized set of moral principles.                      

Pronounced “dough”, this simple two-letter declaration above all symbolizes the spiritual, intellectual and ethical dimensions manifest in the traditional Korean martial art of tae kwon do. Literally translated, do is The Way or Path every martial artist must travel. It is the essence and standard against which all practical and theoretical technique is measured. It is the level we must seek; the ideal we embrace. It is a continuum the sincere practitioner will visit time and time again with never any hope of reaching an end. It is a work constantly in progress. Sang Kyu Shim put this journey into perspective when he wrote: “One must not confuse the skills of living with the Way of living. The martial arts point the way while providing the skills to follow the Way. This is the road to creative change, a road of encounter and discovery. It is the road of a million miles that begins with the first step.”

Bulguksa Temple, South Korea

 While it is true that the term taekwondo itself is only a few short decades old, the fact remains that the art we are presently familiar with resonates with philosophical overtones gleaned from a mixture of traditional fighting styles rooted deep in Korean history. One cannot help but appreciate this virtue while visiting the temples and monuments built to memorialize legendary figures such as the Hwarang-do. Still, there are those today who assert that tae kwon do has no true heritage, that it is nothing more than a competitive sport; a bastard child of Japanese karate or Chinese gungfu. These are the few who would remain rooted in the stands cheering on contestants rather than recognize the virtue in champions of the heart. Forgotten are the centuries of invasion and imperialism during which the Korean people have had to defend the sovereignty of the tiny nation with the blood of their young warriors while nurturing a robust code of honor in the process. This courage is evident in every technique of the national, Korean martial art.                                           

The contemporary model of do partially stems from a desire expressed by noted masters of the past to transform their traditional martial arts skills, no longer as relevant in times of peace, into martial ways. Simply put, a martial way distinguishes itself from a battle art in that the ultimate goal is not necessarily one of combat preparedness so much as it is in discovering a method or means to achieve personal excellence through a practice of the martial arts accompanied by their implied codes of honor. By way of example, tae kwon do, tang soo do, karate do, aikido and judo are all offspring of fighting systems used primarily for the purpose of subduing an adversary in battle and expanded upon by their innovators in modern times to include a roadmap for ethical living. Men such as General Choi Hong-Hi, Hwang Kee, Gichen Funakoshi, Morihei Uyeshiba and Jigoro Kano appreciated the value of elevating their defensive skills, already steeped in ancient ethical philosophies, into still usable disciplines intended to instill defensive strategy, confidence and morality in society at large. Consequently, tens of millions of practitioners worldwide study some form of martial art in an effort to fortify their physical, mental and spiritual capabilities while becoming proficient in a form of self-defense. Practitioners of tae kwon do further support this model by striving to live a balanced life using the Five Tenets as a moral compass. These five ethical directives, as described in a previous column, consist of Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-control and Indomitable Spirit; virtues the Korean citizenry at large have had to rely on, particularly during the twentieth century, in rising from the ashes of war to their present state of economical development. Tae kwon do, being a product of this will to survive coupled with a need to reaffirm a national identity on the heels of Japanese occupation, has served as a platform for the cultivation of do.                                                        

Taking a utilitarian approach to the basic theme underscoring The Way can have a significant effect on the practical application of tae kwon do technique in general. For example, the very basis of martial arts movement, now and in the past, can be traced to the observation and mimicry of nature. Therefore, one must concede that nature is embraced by do. Many of the more advanced strikes and stances such as tiger mouth (kumsohn) and cat stance (poom sogi), derive their very names from a flirtation with the defensive tactics seen in the animal kingdom. Likewise, the method of wrist rotation found in the execution of the middle punch (momtang jirugi) while in horse stance (jachoom sogi), replicates the revolution of the planets as described in the principles of celestial mechanics; a truly grand manifestation of The Way. Furthermore, Taeguek series poomse, the choreographed forms that stand as the central pillar of WTF-style tae kwon do, are rich in an abundance of natural metaphor. Borrowing heavily from the ancient, Asian classic, the I Ching, these essential patterns draw their philosophical individualism from the palgwe whose eight sets of trigrams represent nature in its fullness. The virtues of thunder, wind, water, fire and earth are all in evidence as the practitioner learns to overcome the physical limitations of the body, instead experiencing the spiritual aspects of The Way while performing this form of moving meditation. Natural harmony, too, should be evident in the execution of all techniques as it applies to the human anatomy. By practicing within the constraints of the body’s natural range of motion, stress and injury will be brought to a minimum. Likewise, permitting the muscles to remain in a relaxed and natural state will result in the development of explosive power upon impact. Consequently, since The Way is all encompassing in its relationship to physiology, natural movement equates to do. Clearly, from the early stages of social development on up to the present, an understanding of do has been accompanied by a deep appreciation of nature. In fact, one cannot exist without the other.     

The Way, then, is unmistakably paved by virtuous thought and action. It is arrived at through diligent practice and a never ending commitment to excellence. To waver is an admission of one’s humanity. To reclaim the rightful path, however, is a sure sign of discipline and commitment. In the words of the Zen patriarch, Bodhidharma: “All know the Way; few actually walk it.” As we advance in the martial arts our sense of balance, both physically and spiritually, begins to increase. Better health ensues. Reflexes are sharpened and a profound appreciation for the value of life pervades our being. Finally, we are rewarded with increased confidence and self-respect through our knowledge of self-defense. This course is a journey marked by many mileposts. It is a highway whose unbroken line leads to the philosophical and spiritual refinement of the individual. With each new revelation the practitioner comes closer to the ultimate goal of enlightenment. This journey, this road is called tae kwon do and it is defined by its simple, two letter suffix, do.  

Master Doug Cook, a 6th dan black belt, is head instructor of the Chosun Taekwondo Academy located in Warwick, New York, a student of Grandmaster Richard Chun, and author of the 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 Richard Chun published by YMAA Publications Center, Inc. He can be reached for discussions or seminars at chosuntkd@yahoo.com or www.chosuntkd.com.

Article originally published in Taekwondo Times magazine Traditions column 

October, 2002

Seeds of future Chosun Masters...

Chosun students demonstrate Kyukpa at Open House

First Chosun Bi-annual Black Belt Promotion Test of 2015 (video montage)

Mrs. Pyke Eats Korea!

Korean BBQ

Nothing beats walking into a Korean BBQ restaurant. Table top grills sizzling away with whatever is the specialty of the house. This could be Pork ( Daeji ), Beef ( Galbi), Duck (Oli ) and the ever famous Bulgogi. Have a seat to an amazing dining experience. This is probably the meal Americans relate to the most when visiting Korea. The table is set with an assortment of Ban Chan. These are the little bowls of delights that has everyone asking,"What is this Mrs. Pyke?" Of course there is Kimchi, Fish Cake, pickled everything from hot chilies to raw crabs, Korean Potato salad ,so sweet and cooling, sauteed spinach, big bowls of lettuce and spicy Gochujang sauce.
Big platters of Beef Short Ribs (Galbi) arrive. The waitress places them on the cook top, let the grilling begin!!

This of course is when we entertain ourselves with Soju and Mekju and reminisce about our training that day. The waitress begins to cut our Galbi into little bite sized pieces with her scissors ( Gawi ). She tries to remove the bones from the table, but I insist that they stay!
Yum-yum! This is how you eat your Galbi, take a lettuce leaf and place a little rice, some meat and Gochujang, maybe a clove of garlic that has been sizzling away on the grill, roll it into a ball and you can do this the Korean style by placing the entire thing in your mouth all at once, roll your eyes back into your head and savor the fact that you are eating this morsel on the other side of the world! This is when you order another round of Soju so you can continue toasting with Gino and Bill!!
Every meal we eat together is an adventure and brings us closer together.

After an amazing day of training in the beautiful countryside outside of Seoul with Grand Master Lee we have our socks knocked off at a Duck (Oli ) BBQ. This place is a rustic post and beam restaurant. The grills are loaded with coals that come from their backyard. As they load the grills they place foil wrapped sweet potatoes in the coals.This is one of those meals you can't stop eating! The duck is cooked to crispy perfection then dipped in a sweet hot pepper sauce, wrapped in lettuce and devoured. When you think that wouldn't be enough, an amazing bubbling pot of Spicy Duck Soup ( jigae ) is presented to the table. Finally as our meal winds down we fish out the sweet potatoes, peel them like a banana and enjoy our dessert. ( Just a note to all who will be joining us on our 2016 Korea Tour, this restaurant will be a must or Mrs. Pyke will remain back at Grand Master Lee's!! tee-hee!! )

Recently I bought a table top grill at our favorite Korean grocery store, Woo Ri, and we had a blast making Galbi and Pork Belly (Samgyeopsal ). Although we had to open every window in the house because the ventilation was lacking, it was worth it!!

I am looking forward to warmer weather so I can resume my Korean BBQ
adventures.

Haengbog meongneum (Happy Eating)
Kamsahamnida
Mrs. Pyke

A Retrospective of my Training Midpoint Between White and Black Belt

by Ed Boller

Blue Belt Essay

Looking back at the person I was 1 ½ years ago I am forced to remember a person who was just surviving in his life.  Being a fireman who on his days off cares for 3 children I was struggling to find time to complete my daily chores; never mind finding time to properly nurture my spiritual, physical, and mental needs. It was not until I decided to walk through the dojang doors that I was given a second chance to put all of these things in balance. Taekwondo has given me a place where I can meditate, workout and use my mind to better myself and the lives of the people around me.

Buddha at Golgulsa Temple

I have always considered myself a spiritual person. There was even a time in my life when I considered being a priest. When I moved away from the town that I grew up and had established roots and moved to Warwick I found myself without a spiritual home. I found that meeting new people and making new friends can be difficult as an adult. Finding Chosun Taekwondo Academy has given me a place to go where I feel accepted for who I am. Even though everyone that trains does not follow the same religion I have found that the time we spend meditating together brings us all together with the common purpose of relaxing the mind, focusing on our breath and the life force within us. I can honestly say that nothing has given me more peace in the wake of my mothers death than this time we spend. In all of the years I spent learning prayers I have never experienced a greater sense of peace. I often meditate picturing my mother’s loving face hovering over me and encouraging me the way that she did when she was well. I thank you so much for this gift.

The physical benefits of Taekwondo are extremely palpable in my life as a fireman. I find myself getting injured less because of my increased flexibility. I have never been so self aware of my body.  I feel confident in placing punches and kicks inches away from the target areas. My core strength has improved greatly from throwing kicks and punches. I also feel that I have more energy after practicing Taekwondo to tackle life’s challenges.

I am more mentally acute then I have been in a long time. I find myself more confident than I have been in years. Knowing that if a situation arises that I have the know how to defend myself and others is empowering. The memorization of techniques and poomsae has improved my memory.

All of these things combined has made me into a better person, better husband, better father, and a better fireman.

A Woman's Touch

by Master Doug Cook

A few years ago I looked up during class and was surprised to see an instructor from a competing school standing in the back of the dojang. Intrigued by his visit, I invited him into my office at the close of the training session only to discover that he recently had a falling out with his master and came to inquire about becoming an instructor at our school. While he was candid about the details of the split, I was reluctant to hire him based on the fact that his reputation in our community was less than sterling, especially when it came to handling children. It seems he was verbally abusive and outright disrespectful at times. Following some personal meditation on the subject, I ultimately decided not to take him on…a choice I would later come to value. As time went by, I heard that he was teaching at a dojang in a nearby town.

Recently, we bumped into each other at a local convenience store. I inquired as to how he was doing and if he was currently teaching. “I left tae kwon do”, he said with an air of triumph. “I’m practicing a real martial art now.” He then went on to describe how tae kwon do has evolved into nothing more than a woman’s social club at most dojangs and how the curricula at these dojangs were unfairly weighted towards that gender. Instead he sought out a school where people “break bones and hurt each other”. “The real thing” he growled.

As you can imagine, the feeling that I had made the proper decision in not taking him on in the first place was amplified all the more. Being a staunch supporter of traditional tae kwon do – a martial art that is highly democratic in nature - and, as Master Philip Ameris states in a recent quote “has something for everybody”, I was astounded by his statement but not surprised from whence it came.

Clearly, many women today find the practice of taekwondo to be a highly desirable discipline and in truth more than half the student population at my school, the Chosun Taekwondo Academy, is female. But do these facts detract from the defensive value and overall effectiveness of tae kwon do as a traditional martial art?

One must recall that tae kwon do was originally created as a method of self-defense for soldiers on the field of battle. Moreover, it has been proven effective during combat in the jungles of Vietnam and the Korean Conflict - the bloody, civil war between brothers of the same. Is it any wonder then why women – who from time immemorial have been convinced of their physical inferiority when compared to their male counterparts – choose to embrace a legitimate Asian martial art that offers empowerment and a break with the conventional model of women being defenseless individuals?

For many years during the genesis of the martial arts in America, it was unusual for a woman to train in tae kwon do. “Dungeon dojangs” situated in cellars and back alleys, or in gyms exclusively for men, did not make ideal training environments for the would-be female practitioner and were often unsafe in any case. Couple this with the fact that it was only

within the past few decades that women began to penetrate the glass ceiling of martial arts in Korea, the homeland of tae kwon do, and an onerous history begins to materialize. Yet, this pattern was destined to be broken by the vanguard of women’s rights sweeping through Western culture.

Today, there is little doubt that women of all ages can benefit significantly from a sincere study of traditional tae kwon do. Serenity of mind through meditation, confidence, instilled by drilling in self-defense, physical-fitness gained through vigorous training, all multiply to create an individual that is greater than the sum of their parts.  This synergy can be seen as a vehicle for the empowerment of women in dojangs across the nation, and now, the world.

Moreover, it is not women who exclusively benefit from tae kwon do, but the art of tae kwon do itself that gains from a women’s touch. Children’s classes at many schools profit greatly from the compassion and patience female instructors afford their eager pupils. Many, being mothers themselves, have a unique understanding of how to approach enthusiastic youngsters that to some may prove problematic. Likewise, as is the case in our school, women instructors provide valuable insight when it comes to the composition of techniques in women’s self-defense courses. They, more than anyone, appreciate the threats posed by a potential male predator and can interface with their peers in a serious and meaningful manner. Having seen the results of skills practiced against their male counterparts, female martial artists can impart the importance of speed, balance, and the element of surprise in tandem with the will to execute an effective defensive strategy. Whereas men often rely principally on strength, a woman must rely on the above in order to extricate themselves safely from an altercation, and who better to impart this knowledge than another woman.

Adding yet another dimension to their practice, rather than perceive tae kwon do as a pure form of self-defense, women, as well as men, can enjoy the discipline simply for the art of it. My column in the January 2008 issue of TaeKwonDo Times touches on this subject. Keeping in mind that the traditional martial art of Korea is as much an avenue for expressing bodily motion in the spatial plane as it is a valid system of self-defense, we can appreciate how spiritually uplifting the execution of precise technique can be.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, resolutely stepping across the threshold of the dojang door and committing to a regimen of disciplined training categorically states to a woman that they refuse to be a victim any longer - not simply to the threat of bodily harm, but to the false notion that there is relatively little they can do to significantly alter their place in a society that has long discriminated against their sex. Some years ago an article in the Wall Street Journal pointed out that employers are more likely to hire an individual who has practiced a martial art over other candidates due to the commitment, courtesy, and self-control intrinsic to the pursuit. These principles clearly bolster the worldview of any practitioner, but imagine what this perspective can do for individuals of either gender, who are used to living under the shadow of repression no matter how benign or unintentional?

When I look out over a class dominated by my female students, I feel a sense of pride in their acquired power, skillful precision, and newly-found confidence as they progress on their journey from white to high ranking black belt. Watching them spar, executing well placed jumping back and spinning hook kicks within inches of their partners vital points, I cannot help but think how my confused instructor friend would feel if he came in full contact with any one of these techniques. Perhaps he would change his outlook of tae kwon do after experiencing a woman’s touch of this nature!             

Master Doug Cook, a 6^th dan black belt, is head instructor of the Chosun Taekwondo Academy located in Warwick, New York, a student of Grandmaster Richard Chun, and author of the 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 Richard Chun published by YMAA Publications, Inc. He can be reached for discussions or seminars at chosuntkd@yahoo.com or www.chosuntkd.com.