Chosun Sunrise Returns

By Master Jake Garrett

Following a brief hiatus, the Sunrise Class returns on Wednesday September 6^th. We are fortunate to have such a full weekly schedule of classes; the diversity of classes allows a student to experience the many facets of traditional taekwondo. The Sunrise class is a unique traditional experience, there is something different about training early in the morning, your body is fresh and strong, your mind is calm and receptive.

 A perfect time to begin a 15-minute meditation. The additional time in meditation allows you to move beyond our typical start of class meditation in which one stills the mind in preparation of focused training. Sunrise meditation can promote a calmness and relaxation in your body and mind, a deeper focus is developed down to a single point, a point of stillness is obtained, this is an acquired skill that not only benefits one’s martial skills and practice, but also carries over into your everyday activities.

Following mediation time is spent in Ki development with the practice of Qigong exercises. The active principles of Qigong are breath, posture, movement, relaxation and concentration-visualization. The Eight Brocades a soft style practice is an ideal system for students to enhance their understanding and use of Ki energy. If your concerned about another discipline to learn and the proper way to practice, don’t be, the way to practice is “take it easy” follow along with the movements, use natural breathing, don’t look for the Ki, it is in your in body, it is occurring, with practice and intent you will eventually recognize and use it every day.

Each week we will spend time focusing on the details of each one of the eight positions, while breathing naturally allowing the Ki to sink to Tanjun. New to this class will be the introduction of hard style Qigong exercises focused on rooting and centering technique.

Meditation and Ki awareness culminate in the reward of the class, Poomsae! Having spent time clearing your mind in mediation focusing on your breath and performing slow relaxed movements, you may discover a new aspect and understanding of your poomsae practice. This is a wonderful way to start the day.

As seen in the September 2017 issue of the Chosun newsletter...

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"Mrs. Pyke Eats Korea" 2017 Korea Tour

As seen in the September 2017 edition of the Chosun Taekwondo Academy Newsletter

Korea Tour 2017

Is it time to eat again !! Part 2
Today we are traveling all the way across Korea to the beautiful city of Gyeongju. It is a five hour drive through rice patties, ginseng farms and fruit orchards. The mountains are glorious, verdant green and covered in mist. This is a hikers paradise. No wonder the rest stops are filled with folks decked out in Patagonia jackets and hiking boots. Rest Stops in Korea are so much fun! You can buy electronics, sun bonnets that cover your head and face entirely, hiking clothes, souvenirs and of course food! Our guide, Mr. Kim let us know we would be making two stops on our journey. On our first stop Rosa Cirillo got a bag of corn on the cob. It was steamed and the kernals were huge compared to the sugar and cream

varieties that we have at home.  It was an excellent snack. Then Bill Cirillo  got back on the bus with a box full of Ho-doo Gwaja!! These are a famous rest stop snack sold all over Korea. They are beautiful walnut shaped doughnuts that are filled with sweet red bean paste. Super yummy. Soon we are back on the road admiring the scenery. Next stop is for lunch. You enter the cafeteria and over the counters are scrolling photos of all your choices with the price. What amazing choices. Jjajangmyeon (noodles with black bean paste), Katsu (pork cutlets), Jjampong ( spicy seafood noodle soup), Sundubu-jjigae (spicy soft tofu stew), Jangjorim (braised beef) and on and on!! Not only do they prepare the meal to order it comes with silverware, glass plates and bowls and even cute little stainless steel water cups that you fill with ice cold water. No plastic or Styrofoam! No waste. So civilized! I chose the Katsu . The cutlet was the size of Texas and served as it always is with a sweet cabbage slaw, pickles and Korean potatoe salad. You had to keep pinching yourself because you are eating this wonderful meal at a reststop!! Back on the road again and we arrive at  the city of Gyeongju, the museum without walls. Beautiful huge green mounds are everywhere. These are the tombs of the Kings and Queens of the Silla Dynasty. Next stop is Bulguksa Temple, a World Heritage site where after sightseeing in the blazing sun and gift shopping Rosa turns us on to these fabulous plastic squeezy bottles filled with fruit flavored ice.  Back on the bus and off to the Gyeonju Hilton for a much needed shower and brief rest.

Tonight we dine on Beef Bulgogi  with Banchan. This restaurant is memorable not just for the beef but the endless little bowls we all share. Here’s what I remember, Juipo-muchim (seasoned dried File Fish) to die for, Ganjang-eomuk-bokkeum(stir fried fish cake with soy sauce)I love making this at home, Ojingeo-bokkeum(spicy stir fried squid), Gaji-namul(steamed eggplant), Sigeumchi-namul(steamed spinach), Kongnamul-muchim( seasoned and steamed soybean sprouts), sweet and lovely Korean potatoe salad , and of course this apple sweetened cabbage slaw we all fought over. No need to worry here though, the waitress will refill all the Banchan we can eat!!

If my memory serves me well, we headed out after our dinner and took a walk to visit the Cheomseogdae Observatory. This is the oldest existing observatory in Asia. It was built for Queen Seon-deok . She used the observatory to view the stars in order to forcast the weather. Her observations would help the farmers know when the right time to plant was.

We had a beautiful night and headed back to our luxury digs for a good nights rest.

Just a quick comment on the breakfast buffet at the Gyeongju Hilton, superb!! Fresh egg station, breads, Asian station with tofu and miso soup, smoked fish, salads, French toast, fresh fruit and so much more. Today we will go visit the monks at Golguksa Temple and have some of the simplest yet delicious vegetarian fare…

To be continued…

Part three of 2017 Korea Tour.

Haeng bog meogneum

Happy Eating!

The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 8 #9 September, 2017

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

Welcome to the September edition of the  Chosun Taekwondo Academy e-newsletter!. Summer is officially over but the Autumn season promises to be a busy one...Invitations went out for the 20th Anniversary Chosun Awards Banquet & Dinner Dance. Please respond as soon as possible. We hope to see you there!
CHOSUN will be closed for Labor Day Weekend: Saturday September 2nd, Sunday September 3rd and Monday September 4th   Enjoy the holiday! 

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!  
Happy Labor Day!

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


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