"Surrender" by Master Doug Cook

"Surrender" A vital and overlooked component of the martial arts...read more in the current issue of Totally Tae Kwon Do Magazine...Subscribe to this informative and provocative publication: www.totallytkd.com

The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 7 #12 December, 2016

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

Welcome to the December edition of the  Chosun Taekwondo Academy e-newsletter! As 2016 winds down, we look back over a year of many changes and successes for the CHOSUN Taekwondo Academy. We have settled into our new home and continue our journey as a community of dedicated martial artists. In this spirit, we celebrate our shared achievements at the 19th Annual CHOSUN Awards Banquet & Dinner Dance this weekend! Please take note of the CHOSUN HOLIDAY SCHEDULE and the 2017 CHOSUN Test Dates below...

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 
Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah

                                                                                                                                        
Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 19 years!

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"Mrs. Pyke Eats Korea" Soom Dobu Jigae

"Mrs. Pyke Eats Korea" can be seen every month
in the Chosun Taekwondo Academy newsletter
This column is from the November, 2016 newsletter

Soon Dobu Jigae

Here is a recipe of one of my favorite Korean soups, Soon Dobu Jigae. You will see this soup served in many Korean restaurants in a spicy version. It is served in a spicy bright red broth with seafood

and silken tofu. A perfect soup to cure the common cold! This version is a white broth and not at all spicy. I love to serve this as a first course when we prepare Galbi (short ribs) on our table top grill. This is a great opportunity for you to use your Ttukbaegi. This is that fabulous brown glazed earthenware pot that you can get at any Korean market. It makes for such a wonderful presentation when you bring your bubbling Jigae to the table.

RECIPE

24 oz. silken tofu

8 oz. thinly sliced pork tenderloin or beef

(Vegetarians, skip the meat and use sliced shitake mushrooms)

1 cup chopped scallions

2 Tbs. minced garlic

2 Tbs. sesame oil

2 Tbs. soup soy sauce or soy sauce

Ground black pepper to taste

Splash of mirin

Place your Ttukbaegi (soup pot) over medium high heat and add 2 Tbs. sesame oil. Add your meat or shitake mushrooms, a pinch of salt and saute for 2-3 minutes. Add 2 Tbs. minced garlic and stir fry a few minutes. Now add your entire blocks of silken tofu and close lid and let simmer for 2-3 minutes. Remove lid and add 2 cups water. Let boil 5-10 minutes and try not to stir to much, we want the tofu to remain in large glorious chunks! Add your chopped scallions, 2Tbs. soup soy sauce or soy sauce and a splash of mirin. Ladle into bowls and top with a generous spoonful of Maeun-Yangnyeom-Ganjang, Spicy Soy Dipping Sauce.

Maeun-Yangnyeom-Ganjang

Mix together

3Tbs. chopped scallion

5 Tbs. soy sauce

2tsp. minced garlic

1 tsp. Korean ground red chili pepper

1tsp. toasted sesame seeds

Pinch black pepper

½ t sugar

This sauce is wonderful for dipping any grilled meat and on top of rice.

This sauce is also served on fried tofu and is wonderful hot or cold. I’ll write about this dish next month.

Haeng bog meogneum

Happy Eating!!

Pamela Pyke

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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!

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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!

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"Mrs. Pyke Eats Korea" The Secret's Out!

"Mrs. Pyke Eats Korea" can be seen every month
in the Chosun Taekwondo Academy newsletter
This column is from the September, 2016 newsletter

The Secret's Out!

One of my favorite salad dressings is Korean inspired. I make this dressing at least once a week if not more, just ask Hal! Most of you have tried it at our Chosun Family Picnic each year. I usually serve it with Soba noodles and everyone raves about it! Many times I am asked to share the recipe, so here you go!

Korean Sesame Dressing

6 TBS Toasted Sesame Oil

4 ½ TBS Rice Vinegar

3 TBS Mirin

¼ Cup Crushed Toasted Sesame Seeds

1 TBS Sugar

1-2 TBS Chili Garlic Sauce

Put in a jar and Shake!

This dressing is excellent with any kind of noodles. Soba is my favorite but it’s just as good served with thin linguini or Thai rice noodles. To the noodles add some chopped scallion, chopped cilantro, julienne carrots to start. To fancy it up even more add edamame or snow peas. To make a dinner out of it add seasoned pressed tofu or grilled shrimp.

My go to salad to accompany any protein is to make a slaw with the dressing. Finely shredded red or green cabbage, carrots, broccoli, red peppers, lots of chopped fresh cilantro and just toss with the dressing. But let’s be realistic… I love the already chopped Kale mixes and Shredded broccoli slaws at the grocery store. Rip open the bag and add scallion, cilantro, dressing and you are done! This salad is fabulous with BBQ Ribs or BBQ Tofu. The acidity in the dressing cuts through the richness of the pork. Totally divine!!

I hope you all enjoyed your Summer  and are looking forward to a beautiful Fall.

Haengbog meogneum!!

Happy Eating

Pamela Pyke

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"Mrs. Pyke Eats Korea" Juk

"Mrs. Pyke Eats Korea" can be seen every month
in the Chosun Taekwondo Academy newsletter
This column is from the August, 2016 newsletter

Juk

Fourteen years ago Hal and I were heading out on a life changing adventure to China. We were on our way to meet our new baby daughter, Jian Yue. Little did she know that she too was on a life changing adventure! The flight to China was 23 hours long and when I awoke in the morning , being the foodie that I am I ordered a traditional Chinese breakfast. This was my first experience having Congee or as Koreans say Juk. Congee/Juk is simply rice

porridge. It was extremely plain but was served with all sorts of pickled vegetables and Chinese fried bread.  It was just ok, but little did I know I would become a  Congee connoisseur. This would be the meal we would order for Eleanor every day during our 3 weeks in China. All Chinese babies eat their congee along with lots of fruit. When we returned home a good friend of our family sent me a wonderful recipe for congee so I could make our own. This time though I learned to add ginger , scallions and ground chicken. It was divine. Eleanor and I would eat it every day when she was a baby.  

Koreans make all kinds of Juk and I especially love Saeu-Juk, Shrimp Porridge. The flavors are so much more complex in this Korean Juk. Sesame oil ,garlic, carrots and shrimp are cooked in short grain rice  till perfectly soft. Now comes the best part, we drizzle in some Fish Sauce for a kick of Umami and a beaten egg and cook till the egg is just set. I must admit I always add more than one egg!

This Juk sounds amazing to me, Kkaejuk, Sesame Seed Porridge. I haven’t made this yet because I need to go to the Korean market to get some glutinous rice flour! Sesame seeds, rice flour and water are blended till very smooth and cooked till bubbly.  Then to serve,

 it is topped with brown sugar and an egg yolk. My mouth is watering as I type!! I am looking forward to making this soon.

I have come across a new Korean Cookbook that is so creative and wonderful. It is called Cook Korean by Robin Han. What is so great about this book is that it is a comic book!! The recipes are all authentic and easily followed. Check it out!!

Haengbog meogneum!! Happy Eating!!

Pamela Pyke

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The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 7 #9 September, 2016

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

Welcome to the September edition of the  Chosun Taekwondo Academy e-newsletter!  It is hard to believe that we have been in our new location for six months! So much has happened and the summer offered a flurry of exciting training opportunities for all! Now as the school year begins, we look ahead to another busy season of events and classes. Please pass the word about our 19th Annual OPEN HOUSE in our new location! See details below...
CHOSUN CLOSED FOR LABOR DAY HOLIDAY:
Saturday September 3rd, Sunday September 4th and Monday September 5th.

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 LABOR DAY!

Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 19 years!

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The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 7 #8 August, 2016

August 1, 2016   Newsletter    News   Events   Updates

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast, Welcome to the August edition of the  Chosun Taekwondo Academy e-newsletter! Summer is halfway over but there are many more extra training opportunities at CHOSUN to take advantage of FREE OF CHARGE! See the list below. We are also looking ahead to September and hosting our 19th Annual OPEN HOUSE in our new location! See details below...and PLEASE HELP SPREAD THE WORD! Kamsahamnida! 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                                                                                                                                          Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 19 years!

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"Mrs. Pyke Eats Korea" Ginseng Chicken

"Mrs. Pyke Eats Korea" can be seen every month
in the Chosun Taekwondo Academy newsletter
This column is from the July, 2016 newsletter

During the hot summer months of July and August Koreans fight fire with fire! You would think you would eat Ginseng Chicken (Samgyetang) on a cold wintry night, but not in Korea! Ginseng Chicken is served at the height of summer. Long lines are seen outside the Ginseng Chicken restaurants as patrons wait to sweat away the heat of the summer. The idea behind this is if you sweat bullets as you eat this amazing meal you will cool down. This is

considered a very therapeutic experience.
A beautiful Cornish hen is stuffed with short grain rice, garlic, jube-jube (date), ginseng root and lowered into a pot of boiling water. This simmers away for about an hour. Each are served a stone pot with your own chicken. Break open the super tender chicken to reveal the sticky rice, garlic, jube-jube and ginseng root. The chicken and broth is seasoned at the table with salt and pepper. The broth is heavenly. Eating the now tender ginseng root revitalizes your entire being. On our last trip in 2014 the game was to see who could empty their stone pot completely. Cheers would abound as each person displayed their empty bowl!
This meal is easily enjoyed by Americans because it is quite mild compared to some of the more exotic flavors we experience in Korea. I have made this at home and was thrilled with the results. As my chicken simmered I added sliced ginger to the broth to kick up the flavor. So easy and super yummy!
Not all soups are served hot during the summer in Korea. Mul-naengmyeon is a soup that is served icy cold. We experienced a bowl of this at lunch with Master Ahn. A sweet and tangy icy broth served with chewy buckwheat noodles, radish and beef brisket. It was so unusual! I thought I was drinking a salad!
Please consider experiencing these amazing soups with us on our tour in 2016. An adventure awaits your palate and your Taekwondo practice.
Haengbog meogneum !
Happy Eating!
Mrs. Pyke

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The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 7 #7 July, 2016

July 1, 2016   Newsletter    News   Events   Updates

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 third annual Chosun picnic on Sunday August 7, 2016. Please take note of Chosun 2016 Summer Schedule which will included in your July invoice and online as of July 1, 2016 View the 2015 Chosun Taekwondo Academy Retrospective  Kamsahamnida,                                                                                                             Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkd Happy Independence Day!                                                                                                                                         Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 19 years!

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Why I Choose to Study in the Martial Arts (Tae Kwon Do is not only for Kids)

   White Belt Essay by Cherie Durgin

When I am asked a question regarding the reason I chose a certain decision or direction for my children, the answer is typically not difficult to answer.  I simply state what was on my mind at that time and how it would benefit my child.  However, the question regarding why I chose Martial Arts for myself is not as easy an answer as I had anticipated.  People have asked me why I decided to join, and my answer was never clear.  My initial response has been along the lines of, "I am not really sure.  I guess it was to join my children in this challenge."  I was not really sure how to express the exact reason I chose to study the

  Martial Arts for myself that does not include the unoriginal answer of it "providing a               mental and physical challenge." It just felt right at the time. This uncertainty bothered 
  me.  Staring at a blank page without thoughts overflowing was unexpected.  However, the       more I  thought about it, the more I realized why.  As parents, our children come first.          

The choice to put my children into Martial Arts was easy.  I realized the benefits it would provide them.  As years went on, I have seen individual growth in different ways.  Each child has strengths that are being enhanced and weaknesses that are being challenged. The benefits I predicted that Tae Kwon Do would offer them have become a reality, plus more.  They continue to grow each time they attend class.   Every class I was able to watch, I was intrigued with what they were learning.  I was disappointed when I was unable to stay as I needed to be somewhere else.  Little did I know that this was a growing urge of wanting to participate in something that I simply thought was an enjoyment in observing. 

After some time, it dawned on me that the benefits my children were gaining out of Tae Kwon Do were things that I realized I could use in my life, as well.  The meditation helps them remain still and focused for a period of time, reflecting only on the present and mentally preparing for what was ahead of them in that hour.  The physical movements of stretching and forms help their balance, coordination, mental processing, and concentration.  The self defense skills benefit them to become more agile and aware of the unexpected challenges (physical or mental), they will face as they grow.  Their spirit, perseverance and confidence only increase as they work toward their next belt.  The appreciation of the Korean culture and history is naturally something that I feel my children need.  The vocabulary and lessons learned in class help them to recognize and appreciate the Korean culture which, of course, is already part of their identity.  It is difficult to pinpoint each and every reason why Tae Kwon Do is such a beneficial practice as the list is endless.  It improves the whole body and mind.  I enjoyed watching my children receive these benefits through Tae Kwon Do, and I finally realized something that surprised me:  It was my turn.  

As most parents would agree, our children are our priority.  They come first in every important decision we make.  It does not come natural for us to think about ourselves or especially to take time to ponder what benefits us in our decisions.  It is not natural for us to dissect the reason of why we choose to make a commitment, if we even make them at all.  Joining Tae Kwon Do looked like a quick, "on the whim" decision.  Friends were surprised when I joined as was my husband.  In actuality, the desire was always there but the justification to do it was not.   I realize now, and especially after attending a number of classes, that joining Tae Kwon Do is a life changing decision.  It is absolutely something I enjoy sharing with my children.  But, most importantly, it was a personal decision to commit to something that would ultimately benefit, challenge, change, and improve...ME.  It is my turn.    

     

 

  

"Mrs. Pyke Eats Korea" Gamja Saelleodeu

"Mrs. Pyke Eats Korea" can be seen every month
in the Chosun Taekwondo Academy newsletter
This column is from the June, 2016 newsletter

    Here’s a fun Korean dish that would go well with any cookout this summer. So in honor of Memorial Day Weekend here is a recipe for Gamja Saelleodeu, Korean potato salad.

I first tasted this dish at a fabulous lunch we had after training with Grand Master Lee. We entered a beautiful post and beam farmhouse style restaurant and were seated on the floor in the traditional style of dining. The table was filled with a plethora of Banchan, the small side dishes that accompany any Korean meal. One of the dishes was Potato Salad. I thought it seemed odd… potato salad is so American. Well I was in for a surprise!! The Gamja Saelleodeo was so icy cold and soft. The potatoes were more mashed than chunky and the dressing was super sweet due to the fact that some sugar and apple are added. A great compliment to the highly spicy and fermented Banchans on the table. Everyone at our end of the table gobbled it right up! I recall we asked if there was any more potato salad at the other end of the table and if there was to please pass it down!!

Gamja Saelleodeu is served at every Korean restaurant here in the states. So don’t hesitate when you see it!

Here is a recipe from my new favorite Korean cookbook, KOREATOWN for Gamja Saelleodeu.

2 eggs

2 large russets, peeled and halved

1 teaspoon sugar

2 teaspoons kosher salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 apple (Fugi or Gala)

½ cup drained canned corn

1 medium carrot, cut small dice

¾ cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoon Biofeel or Yakuitt yogurt drink(optional)

1.          Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add eggs and boil for 12 minutes. Run them under cold water to cool, and then peel. Separate the whites from the yolk and small dice the whites. Crumble the egg yolks and reserve them for garnish.

2.      Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Boil the potatoes for 15-20 minutes till fork tender.

3.      While still warm, mash the potatoes with a fork, leaving a few larger chunks for texture.  Place the potatoes in a bowl and mix in the sugar, salt and pepper. Set aside to cool.

4.      Core and cut the apple into small dice. To the bowl with the smashed potatoes add the egg whites, corn, carrot, mayonnaise and the yogurt drink and mix well. Add more salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with the crumbled egg yolks.

Enjoy and have a fabulous summer. And remember don’t be afraid to try new taste sensations!!

Haeng bog meogneum !!

Pamela Pyke

The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 7 #6 June, 2016

June 1, 2016   Newsletter    News   Events   Updates

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast, Welcome to the June edition of the  Chosun Taekwondo Academy e-newsletter! After the flurry of opening events in April, we took a short breather and then on to the summer schedule of events at CHOSUN. Taking advantage of the great outdoors, don't miss our annual Summer Training in the Warwick Town Park, Youth Training and Korean Arts & Crafts and the third annual Chosun picnic. Please take note of Chosun 2016 Summer Schedule which will included in your July invoice and online as of July 1, 2016 View the 2015 Chosun Taekwondo Academy Retrospective  Kamsahamnida,                                                                                                             Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkandd Happy Father's Day!                                                                                                                                         Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 19 years!

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"Mrs. Pyke Eats Korea" Japgokbap

"Mrs. Pyke Eats Korea" can be seen every month
in the Chosun Taekwondo Academy newsletter
This column is from the May, 2016 newsletter

Tucked away in the quiet town of Salisbury Mills New York is the Korean Buddhist Wonkaksa Temple.  This is where we had an amazing seminar with Grand Master Chun some years back.  I was a red belt at the time. 

At this seminar Grand Master Chun revealed to us Kibon Five.  It was an exciting day.  There was a wonderful traditional lunch served after the seminar and after every Sunday Dharma service prepared by the women of the Sangha (community). This is where I experienced Japgokbap for the first time.  It is rice, but what kind? Japgokbap is a beautiful lavender colored rice that tastes divine. It is soft and sticky with a little sweetness. Perfect wrapped in Gim ( toasted seasoned seaweed).

I turned to my You Tube friend Maangchi to find out what it is.  She explained that it is a combination of short grain rice, barley, sweet brown rice and black sweet rice. 

After measuring out the ingredients you need to let the mixture soak in water for two hours.  This is a crucial step so you must plan ahead or it wont cook properly.  After soaking set the pot to medium heat and cook for ten minutes. Then you stir, cover and cook for twelve additional minutes. Fluff the rice with a rice paddle and serve immediately.

The color is a perfect lavender. The color will deepen to purple when you add more sweet black rice. It is up to you to determine how dramatic you want the Japgokbap to be. Traditionally it is always served with seasoned seaweed (Gim).

This goes very well with Sundub-jjigae, a spicy soft tofu stew.

I highly recommend a trip to Korean Buddhist Wonkaksa Temple.  You can go to the Sunday service at 11:30 am and then enjoy a fabulous Korean lunch afterward.  The grounds are beautiful and you can admire the giant Bronze Buddha’s. The new Temple is still under construction. 

Wonkaksa Temple

260 Clove Rd.

Salisbury Mills, NY. 12577

Sunday service 11:30 am all are welcome.

Haengbog Meogneum,

Pamela Pyke

Subscribe to the CHOSUN newsletter 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!

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"Mrs. Pyke Eats Korea" Jeon

"Mrs. Pyke Eats Korea" can be seen every month
in the Chosun Taekwondo Academy newsletter
This column is from the March, 2016 newsletter

Jeon, Korean Pancake

When we say let’s have pancakes we envision fluffy stacks, dripping with butter and maple syrup. Strawberries, blueberries and whipped cream! A hot cup of coffee and the New York Times. Say let’s have pancakes in Korea and it’s a “Savory” heaven. Potato, Kimchi, Scallion and Seafood, always served with a soy and vinegar dipping sauce. Nothing could be more satisfying than a Jeon, Korean pancake.

Jeon (pancake) can be prepared as one large pancake to share or tiny bite sized medallions. Usually served as a snack with beer or as a side dish (Banchan).

One of my favorite memories of eating Jeon was on our Korea 2012 trip. We arrived at a small roadside restaurant that served only Jeon. The placed was filled with boisterous families enjoying beer and Jeon. They were so surprised and delighted to see this huge crowd of Americans descend upon their local Jeon hot spot! The fathers at one table were pretty much three sheets to the wind and kept toasting us over and over again! We all sat at a traditional low table on the floor and enjoyed an amazing time and meal.

We enjoyed three types of Jeon. A large Gamjajeon (Potato Pancake) was served. So different than a crispy shredded potato pancake that we are accustomed to, served with sour cream and apple sauce. The Gamjajeon are made with a raw potato puree and scallions and sauted till golden on each side. They are so chewy and gooey at the same time. We were then served Pajeon (Scallion Pancake). It was divine. Loaded with whole scallions and a small amount of a flour and egg batter. These are also sauted till golden brown. Last but not least, Haemul-pajeon, Seafoo Scallion Pancake. Super yummy and loaded withsquid and shrimp. This is one of my favorites and you will see this pancake served at almost any Korean restaurant in the U.S.A. As I mentioned before the Jeon is served with a soy sauce and vinegar dipping sauce.

Any vegetable such as zucchini that is coated in flour and dipped in egg is considered a pancake in Korea. I would say close to every meal we ate in Korea was served with Ban Chan (all the little side dishes) and Jeon was always one of these dishes. We had the Hobakjeon (zucchini pancake) many times and also Dongtaejeon (Pollock Pancake). This was a favorite of mine. A Korean fish fry!

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Korea Destinations Gyeongbok Palace

article by Jeff Rosser, appeared in the Chosun Taekwondo Academy  March 2016 newsletter

Gyeongbok Palace

     Gyeongbokgung, or Gyeongbok Palace, is the largest and quite possibly most well-known palace in all of Korea.  Located in Northern Seoul, this palace stands as a reminder of the greatness of the Joseon Dynasty.  Not only was it a palace, but it was also like a city unto

itself and was one of the first major structures built in Hanseong, modern day Seoul, which was the capital of the Joseon Kingdom.  This palace was constructed in 1394 by King Taejo who was the founder and first king of Joseon.  Since its construction however, the palace has been destroyed multiple times over the past 425 years by the Japanese.  As a result, many of the buildings standing today are newer restorations of the palace’s former grandeur.

     Located in the Gwanghwamun neighborhood of Seoul, this palace is easy to get to, is nearby numerous other sites and museums, and features a breathtaking backdrop with Bugak Mountain rising over the palace from the rear.  To get to Gyeongbokgung, take Seoul Subway Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station and go to exit 5.  The palace is closed every Tuesday but is open on most major holidays.

About the author:

Jeff W. Rosser is a teacher, martial arts instructor, and writer in South Korea.  He’s a former AAU U.S.A. National Karate Team member and has competed internationally in Karate and Taekwondo.  He also has over 24 years of experience in Karate, Taekwondo, Hapkido, Ju-Jutsu, and Judo.  He’s a columnist for Taekwondo Times (“The Hidden Art”), a monthly contributor to Totally Taekwondo Magazine, and the author of “Combative

Elbow Strikes:  A Guide to Strikes, Blocks, Locks, and Take Downs” published by Turtle Press.  Contact:  karatekajwr@yahoo.com (Email), www.mawriter.webs.com (website)

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The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 7 #3 March, 2016

March 1, 2016   Newsletter    News   Events   Updates

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast, Welcome to the March edition of the  Chosun Taekwondo Academy e-newsletter! By the time this newsletter finds you, Chosun will be in its new home...and a new chapter begins. It seems appropriate that we should make this big move in the windy month of March because certainly the "winds of change" are upon us! It is a time of transition and with your continued support we will grow within the bounds of our new space and prosper as a school community. Thank you. Please take note of 2016 Test dates listed below... View the 2015 Chosun Taekwondo Academy Retrospective  Kamsahamnida,                                                                                                             Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkd Happy Saint Patrick's Day !                                                                                                                              Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 19 years!

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The I Ching and its Relationship to Poomsae Philosophy

  by Mark McNutt - Brown Belt Essay    

  Light, water, fire, earth, the peacefulness of a lake, the stability of a mountain, the intimidating effect of thunder, the duality of wind that can alter between soothing and destructive: connect these to poomsae and what was once a mere workout for the body becomes exercise for the mind and spirit as well.  What Taekwondo and the I Ching have in common is that they are both meant to be a way of life.  The I Ching is just a book until it is lived by a person who moves and talks and thinks and interacts with other people; Taekwondo poomsae is merely a series of defense moves, not that  

practical for daily living, until it is imbued with the spiritual and ethical philosophies of its founders.  

The I Ching, also known as The Book of Changes, was originally composed by the Taoist sage Fu Hsi and became a cornerstone of Taoism; Confucius later amended it. Taoism and Confucianism were two of the philosophies that the ancient Korean warrior the Hwarang, forerunners of Taekwondo, embraced.  I believe its safe to say that here the original connection between the I Ching and Taekwondo was made.  But it was centuries later that someone solidified this connection by putting sixteen specific Taekwondo forms, the eight Taeguek forms and the eight Palgwe forms, together with the I Ching’s eight trigrams.  Their motives for doing so are clear.  They wanted the body and the mind and the spirit to come together and be as complete as the yin/yang philosophy that is at the heart of the I Ching and in turn at the heart of the Korean culture.  They wanted each student of Taekwondo to be a living representation of the yin/yang symbol where the negative and positive of everything is represented by two complete halves forming a perfect circle. 

            So today, each Taeguek and Palgwe poomse has its correlating I Ching symbol.  Taeguek Il Jang along with Palgwe Il Jang have Heaven and Light; Taeguek Ee Jang along with Palgwe Ee Jang have Joy and Lake, and so on.  As with most things spiritual, we are handed down established interpretations by teachers and sages, then encouraged to have enlightenments of our own.  I shall approach the meaning of the I Ching symbols with this in mind.  

            Il Jang -   Heaven and Light 

Here is the concept of Pure Yang.  It points to the Creative Force that lies behind everything.  The actual I Ching interpretation is Sky; to me that suggests openness, perhaps openness to learning and the spontaneous creative process that arises thereof.  

Ee Jang -   Joy or Lake

 Non-aggressive.  Serene.  Gentle.  Spiritually uplifting.  This seems to point directly to meditation and the meditative way of life.  Our spirit, like water in a lake, reacts to agitation.  When left alone, both water and spirit will revert to their natural state, that of serenity, which can also be interpreted as joy. 

            Sam Jang -   Fire and Sun 

This suggests great energy, something that is very lively and unpredictable.  In contrast the sun by day and a fire at night can be a source of consistent warmth and comfort.  It is interesting to note that the forms that coincide with these symbols are very different from each other.  Taegeuk Sam Jang contains quick double punches and ends with a complicated series of low blocks, front kicks, and middle punches; whereas Palwge Sam Jang has no kicks, only singular punches, and at times draws on the elementary and therefore comfortable forms of Kicho Il and Kicho Ee. 

            As for a personal meaning, I think I spot a bit of yin/yang humor here in this sense.  That while we aspire to be quiet, calm and peaceful, like a lake or the glowing sun, we must avoid boring those around us.  Amidst our tranquility, we must embrace the unpredictability of fire, its vibrancy, its spontaneity.  That way we attract life to us, rather than cause life to sit back and yawn.

            Sa Jang -   Thunder 

A storm and the danger it can bring – Thunder gives this a voice.  The yin and yang of this of this has to do with courage in the face of danger.  Thunder can make a person cringe, and yet by itself it is harmless.  The disrupting effect of a kihop is one way of putting an attacker off-balance, but then it must be followed by action.  Thunder reminds us to be prepared for action and to be on guard about losing our focus.  Courage can be described as a mental and spiritual action, the ideal stance for facing thunder.  Courage has the wisdom to know that trials will pass like a thunderstorm.

            Oh Jang -   Wind

The yin and yang qualities of Wind are obvious.  It is sometimes forceful, sometimes gentle; sometimes it pierces through, sometimes it is yielding; sometimes it is destructive and sometimes soothing.  I was born in the Nashville region, part of Dixie Alley, the Tornado Alley of the South; I am very aware of the destructive power of wind.  Also, the humidity in summer can be overwhelming there, but a gentle breeze can be the ideal answer for it.  A poomse flows and if done meditatively, it can have a soothing effect upon the performer and perhaps upon observers; yet its movements are intended for battle situations where one must be destructive in order to prevent destruction to oneself or to others. 

                                                                                                                             

Yook Jang -   Water

This is the idea of acceptance, flow, and consistency.  Even the idea of forgiveness is here, for being unforgiving creates impasses in one’s path. A person must be malleable to life.  As it has been said in the dojang, water flows downhill and takes the path of least resistance.  Unlike the water of Ee Jang’s lake, this water is moving and meeting obstacles head on and becoming what the situation requires. 

A Taekwondoist must accept whatever an attack demands and take the proper shape for defense, while at the same time looking for an opening to flow into with a counter-attack.  Poomse done properly must flow and be as pleasing to the eye as the motion of a stream.  It has been noted that the consistency of flowing water can in time smooth down the rough edges of rocks and even carve out canyons; a student with a black belt is simple a student with a white belt who has had their rough edges worn away by consistency. 

            Chil Jang -   Mountain

My first inclination is to say that this is about stability, perhaps the stability of knowing one’s own mind or the stability of maintaining a healthy and balanced life.  In Taekwondo there is the physical stability of its stances that act as launching pads for all of its moves.  There are also the five tenets of Taekwondo that encourage stability in day-to-day life.

However, upon studying I discovered a different meaning.  The actual I Ching interpretation is Top Stop.  In Master Cook’s book Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Warrior this is described as “the wisdom of knowing when and where to stop, as if one is traveling up a steep mountain.”  Coming at it from that angle, I believe this is about setting your own pace, working toward your personal best, reaching for your own goals and not for the goals someone else has set for you. 

           

            Pal Jang -   Earth

Here is the concept of pure yin.  It marks the wholeness of opposites coming together to form perfect balance.  Taeguek Pal Jang and Palgwe Pal Jang equal completeness.  They are the last forms before obtaining black belt status.  Earth represents physical creation, the final result of what was begun with Heaven and Light.  Earth must be yielding in the creative process in order to be solid in the end.

            As a final note I will make the observation that like the I Ching, poomse is best when it is internalized. It is good to think, ‘The I Ching says, therefore I should do’, but it is even better to simply do.   When a certain form is in my mind’s memory, I can execute it accurately: but when it is in the memory of my muscles, it frees my mind to go elsewhere, perhaps into those spaces in between thoughts where the act of meditation lies.  But a form should never be mechanical: therefore, its philosophy must be absorbed as well.  Then instinctively an advanced student performing poomse can have excitement like fire, can flow like water, can express inner joy, can be forceful like the wind, can inspire courage like thunder, can know when to start and stop like a mountain climber, and know when to yield like earth.  When I think of the totality of Yin/Yang, from Heaven and Light, the act of creation, to Earth, the creation itself, I realize that a poomse that was created for students is not finished until a student performs it.  Only then is it a complete and solid creation.  In the same way Traditional Taekwondo is not complete until a student lives it in and out of the dojang.  Thanks to the influence of the I Ching students have something to carry away with them, something that will help their daily lives be as balanced as the Yin and Yang symbol is to the eye.