United States Taekwondo Alliance News and Updates Archive April, 2025

 

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The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 14 #5 May, 2023

 Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast, 

Welcome to the May 2023 edition and the 158th issue of the 
Chosun Taekwondo Academy / United States Taekwondo Alliance 
 E-newsletter! 

 The month of May signifies a time of increased light, regeneration and growth.  But there are other aspects of this magical month to consider. May is number five in the year's lineup and correlates to the five elements in all matter and the five senses that connect the brain to the tangible world. 
For the martial artist, the five tenets of Taekwondo; Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control and Indomitable Spirit, act as a code of conduct and guide for ethical living. 

 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 updated and improved CHOSUN Yelp page!   

                                      and CHOSUN on Instagram

Happy Mother's Day  (Please see Memorial Day Schedule below)    
Kamsahamnida,                                                                                                     
Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkd  

Read the entire newsletter...

Subscribe at: www.chosuntkd.com

The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 14 #4 April, 2023

 Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast, 

Welcome to the April 2023 edition and the 157th issue of the 
            Chosun Taekwondo Academy / United States Taekwondo Alliance                        E-newsletter! April is an important month in Taekwondo history because, on April 11, 1955, the word taekwondo was coined and it is considered the birthday of traditional taekwondo. This month also marks the official rebranding of the United States Taekwondo Association, created by Grandmaster Richard Chun in 1980. Read all about the United States Taekwondo Alliance below. To help inaugurate the newly rebranded USTA, join us for a Poomsae Seminar on April 30th! Details below...
 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 updated and improved CHOSUN Yelp page!   

                                      and CHOSUN on Instagram

Happy Easter and Passover (see holiday schedule below)     
Kamsahamnida,                                                                                                     
Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkd  

Read the entire newsletter...

Subscribe at: www.chosuntkd.com

The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 13 #5 May 2022

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast, 

Welcome to the May 2022 edition and the 147th issue of the 
Chosun Taekwondo Academy / United States Taekwondo Association 
E-newsletter! 

 The month of May signifies a time of increased light, regeneration and growth.  But there are other aspects of this magical month to consider. May is number five in the year's lineup and correlates to the five elements in all matter and the five senses that connect the brain to the tangible world. 
For the martial artist, the five tenets of Taekwondo; Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control and Indomitable Spirit, act as a code of conduct and guide for ethical living. 

ONWARD AND UPWARD...NEVER GIVE UP!
 

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

Visit the updated and improved CHOSUN Yelp page!   
and CHOSUN on Instagram

 Happy Mother's Day    (Please see Memorial Day Schedule below)  
 Kamsahamnida,                                                                                                      

Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkd  
 

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

Read the entire newsletter...

Subscribe at: www.chosuntkd.com

The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 13 #4 April 2022

 Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast, 

Welcome to the April 2022 edition and the 146th issue of the 
Chosun Taekwondo Academy / United States Taekwondo Association
E-newsletter! It is a given that we have little control over most things... including the weather. But we know that spring and warmer days are coming! The spring season is symbolic of rebirth and, in some ways, after two long years of uncertainty, many things feel new! Going places, seeing friends and rededicating ourselves to our taekwondo training. That is something that we definitely have control over. See you in the dojang!
Happy Spring!

ONWARD AND UPWARD...NEVER GIVE UP!
 RCheck out all upcoming CHOSUN events on the events page of the CHOSUN website!

Visit the updated and improved CHOSUN Yelp page!   
and CHOSUN on Instagram

 Happy Easter and Passover  (See holiday schedule below)      
 Kamsahamnida,                                                                                                      

Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkd  
 

 Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 25 years!
Chosun Taekwondo Academy Newsletter celebrating 12 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 #5 May 2021

 Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast, 

Welcome to the May 2021 edition and the 137th issue of the 
Chosun Taekwondo Academy E-newsletter! 
It's the merry month of May and with restrictions lifting and vaccines more prevalent, things are looking up! Check out our beautiful new landscaping and don't miss the national flower of South Korea... Rose of Sharon prominently placed under the CHOSUN sign.  Our new Indomitable Spirit Patch is also patterned after the "eternal blossom that never fades" 무궁화

ONWARD AND UPWARD...NEVER GIVE UP!

View the 2019 Chosun Taekwondo Academy Video 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
 
Happy Mothers Day (Please see Memorial Day Schedule below)
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 #4 April 2021

 Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast, 

Welcome to the April 2021 edition and the 136th issue of the 
Chosun Taekwondo Academy E-newsletter! Spring is the season of promise and new beginnings and never did we need it more after a long cold winter and the darkness of the pandemic. There are many hopeful signs that we might be able to get back to a NEW normal soon, but we are definitely not out of the woods yet. So we will remain vigilant and continue to show kindness and compassion for our fellow human beings on this journey!

ONWARD AND UPWARD...NEVER GIVE UP!

View the 2019 Chosun Taekwondo Academy Video 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
 
Happy Easter and Passover!
Kamsahamnida,                                                                                                                                            Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkd  
 

 Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 24 years!
Chosun Taekwondo Academy Newsletter celebrating 10 years!

Read the entire newsletter..

Subscribe at: www.chosuntkd.com

The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 11 #11 November 2020

 Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast, 

We are settling in to our new normal and accepting the graceful acceptance of constant change.  We have had to curtail many of the events that we would normally host, but even so, we have realized progress in spite of the situation. Recently, we were proud to promote quite a few black belts and are on track for a school-wide color belt/stripe promotion test next weekend.
Also, take note of other upcoming events:
A Weekend Tribute to Grandmaster Richard Chun
Annual Tanksgiving Sunrise Harvest Meditation/Qigong Class

Please read the details below regarding the Fall/Winter schedule which includes options for all levels of involvement
Also learn about the protocols and procedures that have been put into practice to keep our students safe!

Welcome to the November 2020 edition and the 132nd issue of the 
Chosun Taekwondo Academy e-newsletter! 

ONWARD AND UPWARD...NEVER GIVE UP!

View the 2019 Chosun Taekwondo Academy Video 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
 
HAPPY THANKSGIVING (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 10 years!

Read entire newsletter...

Subscribe at: www.chosuntkd.com

The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 11 #10 October 2020

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast, 

With every passing week, more and more CHOSUN students are taking advantage of in-person classes in the dojang. Although we are grateful for the option of providing live-stream classes, we are so glad to SEE our students! Thank you to all CHOSUN students for your participation at whatever level!

Please read the details below regarding the Fall/Winter schedule which includes options for all levels of involvement
Also learn about the protocols and procedures that have been put into practice to keep our students safe!

Welcome to the October 2020 edition and the 131st issue of the 
Chosun Taekwondo Academy e-newsletter! 

ONWARD AND UPWARD...NEVER GIVE UP!

View the 2019 Chosun Taekwondo Academy Video 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
 
HAPPY HALLOWEEN  
Kamsahamnida,                                                                                                                                            Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkd  
 

 Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 23 years!

Chosun Taekwondo Academy Newsletter celebrating 10 years!

Read entire newsletter...

Subscribe at: www.chosuntkd.com 

The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 9 #5 May, 2018

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast, Welcome to the May edition of the  Chosun Taekwondo Academy e-newsletter! On April 14, 2018, Chosun hosted its 43rd bi-annual Black Belt Test. Chosun students along with Master Salgunan and seven of his students, of TPM Martial Arts, a Chosun affilliate school demonstrated the required techniques and successfully achieved their Black Belt ranks. Chosun has also been buzzing with other activities including a visit from Grandmaster Chun's long-time student, Kim Gylling and his students from Finland who also tested for Black Belt ranks. Read more below...   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 Mothers Day  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 8 #11 November, 2017

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

Welcome to the October edition of the  Chosun Taekwondo Academy e-newsletter!. The clock is ticking down to the 20th Annual Awards Banquet and Dinner Dance on Saturday December 9th... 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 20 years! There are many ways you can be a part of the celebration. Please see opportunities 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!  
Happy Thanksgiving!

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 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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Chosun e-newsletter Archive volume 6 #11 November, 2015

On the Horizon

Sunrise Harvest Meditation/Qigong Class

Wednesday November 25, 2015

5:30am - 6:30am

The autumn season is gloriously upon us and Thanksgiving is knocking at the door. Join black belt instructors Jake Garrett and Hal Pyke for our 17th annual Harvest Sunrise

Meditation/QiGong Class. This mindful, special session, for teens and adults only, is aimed at focusing students, friends and community members on the goodness of life rather than merely the hectic preparation for the holidays. Begin your holiday with a calm and focused mind. ALL WELCOME / NO CHARGE / NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Email us to reserve a spot at: chosuntkd@yahoo.com, or call 845.986.2288.
Join the event on facebook! See you there!

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

Chosun Black Belt Essays by Lisa Ehrenreich and Elissa Maynard

The Unbreakable Chain of Taekwondo Knowledge and Wisdom

Excerpt from 4th Dan Black Belt Essay by Lisa Ehrenreich

"From the moment I stepped in front of a class it felt good, it felt right, it felt like I had to do it - for myself, for the students, for Chosun and for the future of Taekwondo.   It was a huge responsibility but one I had to take on.  My goal as an instructor is not only to learn the entire curriculum (still working on that), and not just to teach good technique - but also to share how Taekwondo can become a metaphor for life at every turn. I want to share how the focus, patience and perseverance needed to execute a proper low block (ari maki), a knife hand (sonnal) or a front kick (ap chagi) can be the same focus, patience

Path to the Stone Buddha Golgulsa Temple

and perseverance needed to achieve all your greatest desires and dreams. I believe we must make a concerted effort in our lives to live in the present moment, which is really all we have.  So often our minds are reliving the past or contemplating the future.  Traditional Taekwondo allows us the practice of being fully present."

The Difference Between Practicing Martial Art and Martial Sport

Excerpt from 2nd Dan Black Belt Essay by Elissa Maynard

"By removing some of the dangers that self-defense driven Taekwondo training offers, sport Taekwondo produces fast, natural, reflexive movement by emphasizing speed, technique, and completion of techniques which can help in self-defense situations. In this controlled and competitive environment, the practitioner learns how to react in difficult unpredictable circumstances. These situations can prepare the martial artist for similar situations in real life and enable them to realize and expand their potential as martial artists.

It is important to understand that sport Taekwondo competition is not the same as a fight in the CVS parking lot but is closer to a combat situation than any other style of training. These benefits only hold true and are effective if the practitioner doesn't lose sight of the true goal, which unfortunately is most often the case. When that happens, winning and losing becomes too important and interferes with the training process. In addition, as a result of point driven competitions, techniques that are deemed “ineffective” are soon abandoned and the focus shifts to skills that can procure points. This is a major downfall to the sport side of Taekwondo because so many useful skills are left behind."

Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 6 #5 May 2015

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

Welcome to the April edition of the Chosun Taekwondo Academy
e-newsletter! As the seasons change and we are finally treated to some warm weather, CHOSUN will experience a new beginning in the next few months! As many already know, after 15 years at our Main Street location, CHOSUN will occupy a larger facility at 62

Galloway Road. (Across from Park Ave. School) Although we don't have an exact move in date, work on the site has begun in earnest and plans are being made to accommodate our new home... onward and upward!


View the 2014 Chosun Taekwondo Academy Retrospective Kamsahamnida,
Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkd
Happy Mother's Day

Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 18 years!

Read entire newsletter...
Sign me up for the Chosun monthly newsletter!

A Retrospective of my Training in Taekwondo

Excerpts from five Black Belt Candidates' essays
First bi-annual Chosun Black Belt Test of 2015
officiated by martial arts pioneer, Grandmaster Richard Chun

"When I earned my Brown belt, I practiced even harder than before. I learned my new requirements and I earned my stripe.  Then we started practicing our breaks. After I tried out my break, I talked with Mrs. Pyke. She said that she thought I was ready to break a one inch thick board using a "palm heel strike." She encouraged me to do it. I was really nervous about this, but I talked to Master Cook before the test and he told me to speak with Instructor Garrett. Instructor Garrett held for me. I broke the one inch board with a palm heel and earned my High Brown belt. I was so excited."
by Julius Radakovits, First Dan Black Belt

"When I got my yellow belt it was great but that wasn't the only thing I got. I also made a new friend and his name is Sean. He was the greatest friend I ever knew. I sometimes pick him for Il su sik and sparring. This was a great day."
by Jose Martinez, First Dan Black Belt

"Knowing now that the black belt test is about a month away, I feel nervous that one of the biggest days of my life is coming so quickly. When I come to class I work hard and try to make my forms the best as they could be. I think the hardest part of being a bodan is that you need to remember all of the previous requirements and forms, but I know with practice you can make that easier. In my opinion the best part of being a black belt will be that I know now that I am strong enough to protect myself and others around me. Also I will be proud that I have received this high rank. I will know that if I put my mind to something I will be able to accomplish anything I work hard for. I look forward to going deeper into Taekwondo and seeing the true meaning of "foot-hand-way."
by Jonathan Vargas, First Dan Black Belt

"Now that I  am a bodan, testing to be a black belt, I am proud of myself and the work I have done to get here. I am also proud to be testing in front of Grandmaster Chun on the 60th anniversary of taekwondo. Someday, I hope to get my 9th Dan black belt, just like Grandmaster Chun. To do that, I must first get my 1st Dan. That is why I am so happy to be testing today. I would like to thank Grandmaster Chun, Master Cook, all my instructors, my dad, Instructor Klugman, my sister, Olivia, my mom, and my twin, Ella. They have all supported me and I love them all very much."
by Noah Klugman, First Dan Black Belt

" My favorite memory of all, so far, was when I got my trophy for Outstanding Achievement for the May 19th, 2013 belt test. I was a green belt, testing for my blue belt and I sparred with Sammy. I was scared when my name was called because everyone was staring at me. I feel taekwondo teaches me to not be a bully but to know how to defend myself against bullies. Taekwondo has taught me to not give up, keep on going and don't stop trying."
by Amelia Barravecchia, First Dan Black Belt 
   

Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 5 # 11 November, 2014

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

Welcome to the Fifth Anniversary Edition of the Chosun Taekwondo Academy
e-newsletter! In recognition of this milestone, please take note of our new segment... "Letters to the Editor." Please feel free to submit comments, thoughts and questions pertaining to the practice of taekwondo and yoga to the newsletter. Details below.

USTA Seminar with Grandmaster Richard Chun

It is not too late to join your fellow Chosun students and families for the 17th Annual Awards Banquet and Dinner Dance on December 6, 2014. We are honored that Grandmaster Chun, Mrs. Chun and USTA senior instructors will attend. Don't miss this wonderful Chosun holiday tradition! Details below... Also read about the Chosun Leadership Team's latest project for Thanksgiving... You can help!

Read entire newsletter...

Subscribe at: www.chosuntkd.com

Chosun e-newsletter Archive volumn 4 #11 November, 2013

Dojang News and Events
Bi-annual Black Belt Test
Saturday October 19, 2013                              
There was a full house at the recent Chosun Bi-annual Black Belt Promotion Test with Grandmaster Richard Chun presiding. Thanks to all who came out to celebrate the great achievements of these dedicated Chosun Taekwondo Academy students. Reached for comment, Master Cook stated, "The Black Belt is a license to learn and not a permit to quit. Ever onward new Black Belts."
4th Dan - Terrie Wynne and Arun Salgunan
2nd Dan - Mary Sudul, Laura LoForese, Late Lawson, and Adam Hanson
1st Dan - Jason Gaillard, Nelson Gaillard, Carolyn Cunningham, Laura Towey, John Towey, Michael Esch, Mark Rodenberg, Fiona Dunn, Shane Heslin, Anika Simon, Francesco Desiderio and Caswell Gluckstein
Congratulations to all!
Click above image for more photos

An excerpt from a Black Belt essay
by Anika Simon:
"One of my most happy moments was at my Bodan Belt test. I needed to do a spinning hook kick for my break. I was very worried that it would take many tries, but I ended up breaking the wood on my very first try. I felt so proud of myself. This is now my favorite kick." 

Read a composite of student essay excerpts on the Chosun Blog.

Read entire newsletter...

Essay Excerpts from Black Belt Candidates - October 19, 2013

"Most important to me is the strong sense of connection between our practice and the history of Taekwondo.  Through our direct inheritance from Grandmaster Chun to the Korean masters preceding him, Master Cook ensures that our training enshrines history in our practice, rather than obscures it.  It is a profound gift, as significant to the martial art as a familial inheritance, and must be treasured as such.   So while I seek to develop technical proficiencies, I am most humbled to become aware of the rich tradition surrounding it.  To the black belt candidate, this adds meaningfulness to the endeavor far beyond recreation and sport."  Mark Rodenburg-1st Dan Black Belt

 

 "What I have learned from Master Cook is how long and how hard it is to learn the basics and how technique is so critical.  This is when practice and perseverance play a significant role in learning the art.  What also helps me persevere is that it takes skillful people to run a school like this.  It is the dedication that I see from the instructors that motivates me to keep coming back to class." John Towey - 1st Dan Black Belt

 "As I look back upon my life as a martial artist, I think about my first obstacle, the staircase. The steepest staircase I have ever seen. I huffed an puffed to the top wearing my brand new white Dobok, I was very excited and hoped the staircase would be the biggest obstacle I would have to face. I couldn't have been more wrong." Fiona Dunn - 1st Dan Black Belt

 "One of my most happy moments was at my Dodan belt test. I needed to do a spinning hook kick for my break. I was very worried that it would take many tries, but I ended up breaking the wood on my very first try. I felt so proud of myself. This is now my favorite kick. One of my most challenging moments was when I switched from KickStart to the regular class. It was scary because there were so many people I did not know and many students were better than me. Anika Simon - 1st Dan Black Belt

 "In 1st grade, I was asked to join the Leadership Team. I like to help people and the Leadership Team does that. For example, I helped customers find books at the Book & Bake Sale event, set tables at the Community Kitchen event and collected and rolled coins to purchase gifts to help families during the holidays, and planted flowers and pulled weeds at the Town Park Gazebo Gardening."  Francesco Desiderio - 1st Dan Black Belt

 "Another thing I think about my training in Taekwondo is how the different instructors have helped me. I feel instructor Pyke always looks out for me and has also helped me with private lessons. Instructor Klugman helped stop my habit of hopping forward after a stepping basic. Master Cook helped me in all parts of Taekwondo!" Caswell Gluckstein - 1st Dan Black Belt

 "I love Taekwondo whether it's practicing it, watching it, or just thinking about it. Whenever I walk into the dojang I am ready to train. I am welcomed by all of the black belts and I bow to them. Then Master Cook says next class and we all walk out onto the floor and we have an amazing class with meditation and focused training. I know that I will stick to the martial arts for probably the rest of my life, thanks to Master Cook. " Nelson Gaillard - 1st Dan Black Belt

 "I have truly enjoyed this time as a bodan. It has given me a chance to review and work on various techniques that always seem to take a back seat to learning the new curriculum. In fact, it's only been in the last two months that I have finally felt that I had somewhat of a handle on everthing in the curriculum. I'm not saying that things don't need work but I've started to develop confidence in myself. I know with continued training that I will improve. My balance is better and I have physically gotten stronger. In fact, there must be something that has changed in my personal demeanor because in the high school where I teach, I have noticed that I have less trouble with students doing what I ask them to do. Suddenly during training this past week, when I ki-hap, I feel the energy resonating through me. Body, mind and energy (spirit) have aligned. I believe that I am finally ready to begin my journey as black belt." Carolyn Cunningham - 1st Dan Balck Belt

"Overtime, the school in Clifton dissolved and I once again sought to continue expand my practice of taekwondo. I decided to attend Chosun Taekwondo Academy because I wanted to learn Traditional Taekwondo. While my time at Chosun has been brief, I have learned a plethora of information in regards to the art, techniques, philosophy, and history of Taekwondo. Through the instruction of Master Cook and the Chosun Instructors, I have learned new kicking and hand techniques in addition to improving the techniques that I have learned over the years. Additionally, I have also learned how to develop ki energy within my body and how to meditate better. Lastly and most importantly, I developed a knowledge of the rich history of taekwondo and Korean culture, the breadth of which I would not have been able to learn anywhere else.

Overall, the benefits of my taekwondo training up to this point in time has been amazing and I would not sacrifice it for anything. From a physical standpoint, taekwondo has made me more coordinated, agile, and conditioned. Mentally, taekwondo has taught me patience, understanding, empathy, and self- control. Spiritually, taekwondo has provided me with a moral compass with which to live my life. It has taught me to embrace the duality of opposites within the universe and to enjoy both the peaks and valleys that one will experience in their life. In closing, my taekwondo training up to this point has been poignant and unforgettable and I look forward to the new challenges and knowledge that await me as a black belt." Shane Heslin - 1st Dan Black Belt

"At our first test it dawned on us that there was a group of adults all testing for yellow belt. We became a crew of sorts looking for each other in the evenings and encouraging each other to continue. Even at green belt, we were labeled "gang green" and Master Cook told us to try and ascend the ranks staying together.
On the day of each belt test, we took a picture of ourselves before the test, often with Master Cook if we could, to mark our progression; like a child using a pencil to tick off his height in a door jam after each season. I kept all of my belts in a row in my bedroom so I could visually see our advancement through the ranks and I could recall each test and its challenges. It was very satisfying.
A pivotal moment for us was the journey we made with the school to study in Korea in the summer of 2012. We were purple belts, right at the mid-point of our training. We could not believe that when we went into these schools on the other side of the earth, and the Master called out a command in Korean, that we knew exactly what to do! One experience in particular was very rewarding for me. There were only 3 colored belts on the trip, and we were all purple. When we went to study with Grand Master Kyu-hyun Lee, he assigned a black belt to work with each of us privately on our forms. The woman who partnered with me spoke no English, yet we trained together and communicated for a few hours. Even today, Taeguk Oh Jang is still my favorite form, as it reminds me of that day out in the countryside, learning from my very own private Korean coach". Laura Towey - 1st Dan Black Belt

"I must take some time to explain how increasingly rare it is to find a martial arts school that is teaching a traditional martial art. In my many searches for a martial arts school, I discovered that, due to economic necessity, most schools are forced to cater to the trends of the day, i.e. sport Taekwondo and mixed martial arts. Many schools dropped basic formalities, trained wearing t-shirts, and lacked any serious discipline. This, inevitably, will dilute and water down the traditional practice of any martial art and can easily result in a very dangerous environment." Jason Gaillard - 1st Dan Black Belt