The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 15 #6 June, 2024

 Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast, 

Welcome to the June 2024 edition and the 169th issue of the 
Chosun Taekwondo Academy / United States Taekwondo Alliance
E-newsletter! 
Celebrate CHOSUN'S 27th Year 
with a series of special summer workshops, classes, events and celebrations!
 Don't miss Youth Training and Korean Arts & Crafts, Leadership Team Kids Only Taekwondo Seminar and the annual Chosun picnic in August! Details below and at the dojang.

BREAKING NEWS
The  CHOSUN TAEKWONDO 2024 KOREA TRAINING & CULTURAL TOUR
REMAINS A POSSIBILITY FOR THE AUTUMN OF THIS YEAR
See details below... 
                  

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

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

         and CHOSUN on Instagram

 

Happy Father's Day           
Kamsahamnida,                                                                                                     
Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkd    

   

Read the entire newsletter...

Subscribe at: www.chosuntkd.com

                             Originally published by Totally TaeKwonDo Magazine

                                                                  March 2021 Issue 145

Training at Golgulsa Temple and the Treasures of Kyongju, South Korea 

                                                             By Grandmaster Doug Cook

                             info@chosuntkd.com / www.chosuntkd.com / www.ustaweb.com

At one time or another almost every martial artist dreams of visiting the country from which their chosen discipline has evolved. To the karateka, that region is Okinawa or Japan; to the gungfu practitioner, it is China. But, to the taekwondoist, it is a peninsula, rich in greenery with mountains masked in swirling mists that rush to meet the sky. This enchanted nation is called Korea: The Eden of Taekwondo.

Truth is, however, that the vast majority of taekwondo practitioners, worldwide, will never be presented with an opportunity to visit the homeland of their art. And that is understandable given the perceived obstacles at hand. Financial restrictions, family obligations, work schedules, the ubiquitous fear of flying, and the desire to simply remain close to hearth and home, act as impenetrable barriers to the would-be traveler. Nowadays, in the throes of a global pandemic, fear and vigilance sadly trump even the strongest of desires, making an expedition of this nature almost impossible.

Still, there are those adventurous few who, when the time is right, consciously choose to endure thirteen-hour flights wedged into the seemingly shrinking confines of an economy-class airline seat, heat intense enough to fry a raw egg on pavement, and a culture filled with strikingly unfamiliar customs, sights, sounds, and smells.

When considering a martial arts training and cultural expedition to remote destinations, where physical training in conjunction with the revelation of spiritual landscapes is paramount, the virtues of courage and tenacity take on real meaning. Torn from the comfort of the living room, from the bemused familiarity of a daily routine, the mind, body and spirit are acutely awakened and stand at attention, ready to accept new and exciting enterprises. From the very beginning, during the preparatory stages of such an adventure, anticipation is palpable. Yet, once the student takes the first, key step of accepting the challenge in the first place by committing to participate, there is little chance of turning back. Already, the door to great possibilities opens, albeit from an imaginative perspective, and images of far-away lands and venerable teachers prepared to impart an ancient wisdom, materialize.
A Martial Pilgrimage

Realizing full well the value of root knowledge – that is, knowledge drawn from the source rather than through secondary research – the United States Taekwondo Association has consistently offered avenues of adventure through expeditions to the epicenter of the Korean martial arts. Across nine separate occasions we have exposed hundreds of eager voyagers to the wonders of the Republic of Korea. So, when practitioners commit to visit the cradle of their art in search of authenticity, it truly can be defined as an adventure of singular proportions akin to those endured by the great explorers of the past - both religious and secular - and, in a spiritual sense, a pathway to excellence; in essence, a martial pilgrimage.

A pilgrimage, by definition, often entails elements of suffering, sacrifice and discomfort in search of enlightenment or higher realms. They are often long and arduous requiring great courage and tenacity. A genuine pilgrimage is not for the faint-of-heart. Moreover, a pilgrimage may relate to a person’s faith. In fact, many belief systems attach mystical significance to particular locations such as a place of birth or death pertaining to founders or saints as in the case of the El camino de Santiago. Journeys of this kind generally lead to a locus of spirituality, shrines, places of worship, or locations housing sacred relics. But travels based on discovery do not need to be rooted in religious dogma in order to provide a transformative experience. Indeed, a pilgrimage based on secular intention can promise to impart as much impact on the individual as those aimed at Mecca or Lourdes.

And now, I must ask you - the reader - to engaging the imagination by joining me, clad in dobok (uniform) and ti (belt), as a full member of a martial pilgrimage.

Kyongju, South Korea

Following three days of training at the Dongyong Taekwondo Center and then the Jeju Taekwondo Instructor Association, we depart Jeju - the island paradise just off the Korean mainland - travel north by air to Daegu, and then on to Kyongju. Once the capital and political center of the ancient Silla Kingdom, over 1,000,000 inhabitants called Kyongju their home marking it, at the time, as one of the largest cities in the world. Located in North Gyeongsang Province, Kyongju is bordered by the East Sea and the Taebaek Mountains to the west.

Originally known as Seorabeol, in AD 940, following the unification of the Korean peninsula for the first time in recorded history, King Taejo rebranded the thriving metropolis, Kyongju, meaning “Congratulatory District”. Moreover, just as a typical museum features important relics of the past, Kyongju, today, houses a vast array of shrines, temples and sacred districts that would prove impossible to contain within anything short of its natural boundaries; certainly, no mere walls could surround its plethora of cultural treasures.

No doubt, Columbus, Marco Polo or Livingstone stood in awe upon first viewing the wonders of their diverse and profound discoveries. The USTA group, while in Kyongju, is no different. Exploring the grounds and incense-filled meditation halls, the vast courtyards, inspecting the crystalized remains, or sarira, of the Buddha himself at Bulguksa; walking the lanes of a folk village braving a pelting rain to witness a master craftsman create celadon, the primeval pottery of the Koryo kingdom; and, perhaps most dramatically, standing within reach of the three-pronged Gold Crown of King Soji, National Treasure No.188, excavated from the Heavenly Horse Tomb, leaves one and all with a sense of unbridled wonder. For our eager group of martial pilgrims these discoveries were no less magnificent than those uncovered by the world’s renowned explorers who had come before.

Our first stop is Tumuli Park where great mounds of earth mark the tombs of ancient Sillian royalty. It was here in 1974 that Chon’mach’ong, or the Flying Horse Tomb, was excavated yielding more than ten thousand treasures including a golden crown adorned with kidney-shaped jade, traditionally worn by the Sillian royalty. Upon the monarch’s death, he and many of his worldly possessions were placed in a room-like enclosure. Gravel, rock, and then earth, were piled on top eventually creating the fifty foot, hemispherical shapes before us. This

ingenious method of construction discouraged looting since the only safe entry was from the crest of the mound thus eliminating surreptitious entry from below. A short distance from the tombs, we find Ch’omsongdae Observatory. Built during the seventh century, this bottle-shaped building is thought to be the oldest structure of its kind in the world. Legend has it that Sillian queens would be lifted through the small, south facing portal, there to gaze at the heavens.

Next morning, we venture to Bulguksa Temple, a stunning monument to both the skill of Silla’s architects and its Buddhist faith. Originally built in AD 535, we are humbled by the splendor of the tiled roofs supported by timeless timbers painted in the brilliant blue, green and red hues unique to temple art. Although the sun is blazing down, we seize the moment and pose for a series of dignified photos depicting the beauty and strength of traditional taekwondo technique. Later, to our delight, we discover that the monks in permanent

residence have invited us to join them for a period of meditation. Removing our shoes, we bow and enter the relative dark of an ancient meditation hall. The surrounding air hangs heavy with a sense of peace mixed with the twisting wisps of sandalwood incense. A great, gold statue of the Buddha sits before us and time disappears as we attempt to relinquish all thought.

Golgulsa Temple

The martial pilgrimages sponsored by the United States Taekwondo Association are not limited to any one location. They include a number of essential destinations such as the Kukkiwon – the great cathedral of taekwondo - the Taekwondowon, the International Kumgang Taekwondo Center and the World Taekwondo Instructor Academy under the direction of Grandmaster Kyu Hyun Lee, to name a few. Yet one sacred venue in particular tends to leap off the pages of National Geographic as being a nexus of high adventure that kindles the imagination.

In what can only be compared to a scene borrowed from the epic martial arts movies of the past, we enter the gates of Golgulsa Temple perched high in ancient mists atop Hamwol Mountain, Kyongju, South Korea.

Golgulsa, or Stone Buddha Temple, is home to a small community of Buddhist adepts from the world over who marry their religious beliefs with martial skill in the practice of Sunmudo, or Traditional Zen Korean Martial Arts. Formally known as Bulgyo Kumgang Yyeong Kwan, Sunmudo mirrors the native combat discipline practiced by Buddhist warrior-monks during the 16th century. Once reserved exclusively for clerics, the layperson can now participate in this ancient practice revived and systemized by Monk Yong Ik in the 1970s. The core syllabus of Sunmudo revolves around the twin aspects of still training, including breath control, seated meditation and yoga, and active training involving martial arts peppered with an element of gymnastics.

With a lifelike statue of Zen-patriarch Bodhidharma acting as sentry, our luxury motor coach parks alongside an ornate welcome center where we are provided with the distinctive clothing worn by the martial artists in residence. Not far, in an open space similar to an expansive deck beside the central training complex - an area I am intimately familiar with having practiced there on multiple occasions - we are divided into two groups by Master Doo Seob Yang, tenant monk and head instructor. My group, composed mainly of high ranking adult black belts, engage in the basic motions, meditation, ki development and kicks of the art. Following two hours of intense practice in the noonday sun, with pools of perspiration surrounding our feet, we alternate with the second group for an in-depth introduction to Korean Zen Archery, a component of our itinerary I always anticipate greatly. Given the important role played by the bow in the military history of Korea with many illustrious rulers being highly proficient in its use, our instructor passionately points out several aspects of the art that make it uniquely Korean. One after another, arrows whistle through the air as we endeavor to hit the bull’s-eye of a target many meters distant.

Following a short rest, we gulp down what seem to be buckets of mul, or water, in a feeble attempt to hydrate ourselves. Then desperately trying to ignore the record summer heat, we struggle up a dangerously steep flight of 108 stone steps leading to a picturesque temple precariously cantilevered over the side of the mountain. After being invited to find seats on the massive granite steps, several practitioners begin a spirited demonstration of Sunmudo skill put to music, leaping and spinning in midair while executing a blindingly fast array of hand strikes supplemented by high kicks.

Afterwards, several of our group tenuously skitter across the sheer rock face, grasping safety ropes, to the pinnacle of the mountain. Carved into its surface, protected from the elements by a massive glass overhang stands the four-meter high, bas-relief sculpture of Maya Tathagata Buddha, carved into the mountainside over 1500 years ago, overlooking the underwater tomb of King Munmu. From this vantage point the view of the valley below and the sea beyond is nothing short of breathtaking.

A short while later, after making our way down a nearly-vertical serpentine trail to a spacious indoor training hall gratuitously graced with a robust air-conditioning system in contrast to the 90+ degree heat outdoors, we continue our training with yet another session of Zen meditation and yogic stretching as a prelude.

The remainder of the afternoon is given over to a more complex series of kicking and striking drills that require great balance and stamina. Our teacher, Master Doo Seob Yang, is stunningly capable, punching, twisting into various stances, executing hook, lunging and spinning kicks high in the air. It is clear that many hours, days and years – like taekwondo – are required to satisfy the requirements of Sunmudo.

Later, famished from our exertions, we are led to a long, spotlessly clean dining area, where we eat seated cross-legged on the floor - silently and with great ceremony - a wholesome vegetarian meal consisting of broth, picked vegetables and steamed rice.

As an epilogue to our day-long training at Golgulsa Temple, Chief Monk Jeog-Un has arranged a special tea ceremony in our honor. Seated at a rustic log table in a newly-constructed teahouse, he speaks of the importance of poomsae and seated meditation, lamenting that many Western schools have forfeited these practices altogether in favor of competition and commercialism. In the end, he smiles at me knowing, from my books and many visits, that our group is not one of those who have sacrificed tradition since our devotion, ingrained by my teacher Grandmaster Richard Chun, is to the art of taekwondo and not merely the sport, forging martial artists rather than athletes.

Grandmaster Doug Cook, 8th Dan Chang Moo Kwan and 7th Dan Kukkiwon-certified black belt, is owner of the Chosun Taekwondo Academy located in Warwick, New York, a senior student of the late Grandmaster Richard Chun, president/CEO of the United States Taekwondo Association, and an Advisory Council member of the World Martial Arts Alliance. He has authored four best-selling books entitled: Taekwondo…Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Warrior, Traditional Taekwondo - Core Techniques, History and Philosophy, Taekwondo–A Path to Excellence, and Taekwondo Black Belt Poomsae: Original Koryo and Koryo. Grandmaster Cook has been a monthly contributor to Totally TaeKwonDo magazine since 2009, and can be reached for seminars, Korea training tours, online ZOOM workshops or questions regarding USTA membership at www.chosuntkd.com, www.ustaweb.com, on Facebook, or through email at info@chosuntkd.com.

Totally TaeKwonDo Magazine 
Issue #145 March 2021

The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 10 #8 August, 2019

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

Welcome to the August edition of the  Chosun Taekwondo Academy e-newsletter!
KOREA, KOREA, KOREA...The much anticipated 2019 Chosun Taekwondo Academy Korea Training & Cultural Tour was a huge success and a journey of a lifetime for 31 martial artists. See photos and videos in the story below.
NOT TO BE MISSED -  The Chosun Annual Picnic is this coming Sunday! Please join us... information below...

PLEASE NOTE: USTA application and fees were due on June 15th. Please submit ASAP!

Please read Important Notice Regarding Summer Tuition below...

View the 2018 Chosun Taekwondo Academy Retrospective 

Check out all upcoming CHOSUN events on the events page of the CHOSUN website!
Please take note of the 2019 Chosun Test Dates below...
Please visit the updated and improved CHOSUN Yelp page!  
and CHOSUN on Instagram
 
Kamsahamnida,                                                                                                            
Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkd 
 
 Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 22 years!

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

The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 10 #7 July, 2019

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

Welcome to the July edition of the  Chosun Taekwondo Academy e-newsletter! The summer season is officially underway and the CHOSUN SUMMER SCHEDULE OF EVENTS will kick off this month! July is also the month that the long awaited and anticipated 2019 Korea Taekwondo Training and Cultural Tour will happen! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram as we make our way on our long pilgrimage to the Land of the Morning Calm!

PLEASE NOTE: USTA application and fees were due on June 15th. Please submit ASAP!

Chosun 2019 Summer Schedule was included in your July invoice and will take effect July 1, 2019

Please read Important Notice Regarding Summer Tuition below...

View the 2018 Chosun Taekwondo Academy Retrospective 

Check out all upcoming CHOSUN events on the events page of the CHOSUN website!
Please take note of the 2019 Chosun Test Dates below...

Please visit the updated and improved CHOSUN Yelp page!  

Happy July 4th!  
Kamsahamnida,                                                                                                            
Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkd 

 Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 22 years!

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

The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 10 #6 June, 2019

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

Welcome to the June edition of the  Chosun Taekwondo Academy e-newsletter! The summer season is around the corner and as is our tradition, a series of special classes and workshops will enhance the Chosun summer schedule. 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 sixth annual Chosun picnic.
Please submit USTA membership applications and dues before June 15th! Thank you.

Chosun 2019 Summer Schedule will be included with your July invoice and will take effect July 1, 2019

Please read Important Notice Regarding Summer Tuition below...

View the 2018 Chosun Taekwondo Academy Retrospective 

Check out all upcoming CHOSUN events on the events page of the CHOSUN website!
Please take note of the 2019 Chosun Test Dates below...

Please visit the updated and improved CHOSUN Yelp page!  
 
Happy Father's Day  
Kamsahamnida,                                                                                                            
Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkd 
 
 Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 22 years!


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

The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 10 #5 May, 2019

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

Welcome to the May edition of the  Chosun Taekwondo Academy e-newsletter! The seasons are changing and CHOSUN is gearing up for some exciting springtime events and looking ahead to our comprehensive SUMMER @ CHOSUN roster of extra classes and workshops. We make these offerings available to our students and friends at NO EXTRA CHARGE. Stay tuned for the summer schedule of events to be posted in the coming weeks.

Please read Important Notice Regarding Summer Tuition below...

View the 2018 Chosun Taekwondo Academy Retrospective 

Check out all upcoming CHOSUN events on the events page of the CHOSUN website!
Please take note of the 2019 Chosun Test Dates below...

Please visit the updated and improved CHOSUN Yelp page!  
 
Happy Mother's Day  (see Memorial Day Holiday schedule below)
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 10 #4 April, 2019

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

Welcome to the April edition of the  Chosun Taekwondo Academy e-newsletter!
Our first Black Belt Examination for 2019 is right around the corner and candidates are diligently preparing for the momentous day... Please support your fellow Chosun students on their outstanding achievements. Also please sign up for the upcoming ICHF Combat Hapkido Seminar with Grandmaster John Pellegrini and "TRU" Women's Self-Defense Course with Master Trina Pellegrini... Details below...

View the 2018 Chosun Taekwondo Academy Retrospective 

Check out all upcoming CHOSUN events on the events page of the CHOSUN website!
Please take note of the 2019 Chosun Test Dates below...

Please visit the updated and improved CHOSUN Yelp page!  
 
Happy Easter and Passover  (Please see holiday schedule below)
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 10 #3 March, 2019

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

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

View the 2018 Chosun Taekwondo Academy Retrospective 

Check out all upcoming CHOSUN events on the events page of the CHOSUN website!
Please take note of the 2019 Chosun Test Dates below...

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

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

The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 10 #2 February, 2019

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

Welcome to the February edition of the  Chosun Taekwondo Academy e-newsletter! 2019 is officially in full swing and there are a few exciting training opportunities on the horizon. Please see details below about the upcoming USTA Poomsae Seminar and the ICHF Combat Hapkido Seminar both to be held at the Chosun Taekwondo Academy.

View the 2018 Chosun Taekwondo Academy Retrospective 

Check out all upcoming CHOSUN events on the events page of the CHOSUN website!
Please take note of the 2019 Chosun Test Dates below...

Please visit the updated and improved CHOSUN Yelp page!  
 
Happy Valentine's Day  
Kamsahamnida,                                                                                                            
Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkd 


 
 Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 21 years!

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

The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 10 #1 January, 2019

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

Welcome to the January edition of the  Chosun Taekwondo Academy e-newsletter!  In the spirit of looking both forward and backward... it is hard to believe that we have been in our new location for three years! We are so grateful for the support we have received from our loyal students, families, friends and community over the years and look forward to many more years of navigating the Taekwondo journey together!  

View the 2018 Chosun Taekwondo Academy Retrospective 

Check out all upcoming CHOSUN events on the events page of the CHOSUN website!
Please take note of the 2019 Chosun Test Dates below...

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

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

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

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

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

View the 20th Anniversary Chosun Taekwondo Academy Retrospective 

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

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

 
 Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 21 years!

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

The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 9 #11 November, 2018

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

Welcome to the November edition of the  Chosun Taekwondo Academy e-newsletter!  The clock is ticking down to the 21st Annual Awards Banquet and Dinner Dance on Saturday December 8th... 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!

View the 20th Anniversary Chosun Taekwondo Academy Retrospective 

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

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

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

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

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

Welcome to the September edition of the  Chosun Taekwondo Academy e-newsletter! Summer is ebbing away but we are grateful to all CHOSUN students and instructors who participated in our 2018 Summer of Special Taekwondo Training Programs and Events! Please be sure to view the video retrospective that we have created. ENJOY!

Chosun 2018 Fall/Winter Schedule was included with your September invoice and will take effect September 1, 2018

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!  
 

Kamsahamnida,                                                                                                            
Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkd 
 
                                                                                                                                       
Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 21 years!

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

The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 9 #8 August, 2018

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. The 5th Annual Chosun Picnic is this taking place this coming Sunday... Please join us for day of fun, food and fellowship with other CHOSUN students!  

Chosun 2018 Fall/Winter Schedule will be included with your September invoice and will take effect September 1, 2018

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!  


Kamsahamnida,                                                                                                            
Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkd 
 
                                                                                                                                       
Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 21 years!

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

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

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

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

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

View the 20th Anniversary Chosun Taekwondo Academy Retrospective 

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


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

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

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"Mrs. Pyke Eats Korea" Tteokguk Rice Cake Soup

      
                                           As seen in the February 2018 edition of the 
                                           Chosun Taekwondo Academy Newsletter 

Tteokguk  Rice Cake Soup

In Korea everyone celebrates Jeongwol Daeboreum ( Lunar New Year) by enjoying a bowl of Tteokguk, rice cake soup.  The clean white broth

signifies a fresh start to the new year and the coin shape of the tteokguk-yong-tteok ( rice cakes) represent good luck and good fortune. This is another example of Korean cooking that is not spicey and would make a great introduction to anyone new to Korean cuisine. Kids will love it too! I have researched two recipes so far and I find this one to be excellent.

   

INGREDIENTS

1 pound sliced rice cakes

10 ounces beef chuck

3 cloves garlic

5 green onions

1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

1 tablespoon light soy sauce (gukgangang)

1 tablespoon soju ( drink the rest, ice, soju and pink grapefruit juice, super yummy)

2 egg yolks

salt

Toasted seaweed for garnish

Freshly ground pepper

Soak the rice cakes in cold water for 20 minutes.

Wash the beef in cold water to remove excess blood, pat dry and cut in to bite size pieces.

Slice the green onions and garlic

Heat a soup pot over medium high heat with sesame oil and sauté the beef and garlic for a quick minute. Add soy sauce and soju and stir. When the beef is no longer pink add 10 cups water and boil for 15 minutes.

While your beef is cooking whisk the eggs  and salt and pour into a gently heated pan and create a thin pancake. Flip it over for a second then place on cutting board to cool. Slice into thin strips. This will be a garnish with the Gim (toasted seaweed).

As the broth is cooking skim off any foam that forms on the surface, this creates the clear broth.

Drain the rice cakes and add them to the pot. Boil for five minutes. Sprinkle in the green onions and season with salt and fresh ground pepper.

Ladle into a bowl and drizzle with  sesame oil. Crush the toasted seaweed with your fingers  and add some sliced egg to garnish the soup.

Enjoy!!

Happy New Year to you all!! Year of the Dog!!

Haeng bog meogneum

Happy Eating, Pamela Pyke

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