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

"Mrs. Pyke Eats Korea" Jajangmyeon

As seen in the May 2019 edition of the Chosun Taekwondo Academy newsletter

Subscribe at: www.chosuntkd.com

Jajangmyeon

Korean Black bean Noodles

While I was looking through all my Facebook posts on April 14^th of this year I came upon a post from one of my favorite blogs, Korean Bapsang. She posted about a very strange holidayin Korea called Black Day. Black Day is every April 14^th and onthat day lonely singles dress in black clothing and eat Jajangmyeon with their friends. They commiserate with each other about not finding a mate over a steaming bowl of Jajangmyeon! At first I thought how sad, but I bet it would be lots of fun getting together with your friends, drinking Soju and

eating these delicious noodles. I wonder how many people could actually hook up on Black Day! The dish is also served to Korean children on special occasions such as birthdays, graduations and exam days. This is Korean – Chinese food at its best. Every Korean – Chinese restaurant serves this amazing dish. Number one takeout and delivery dish in Korea!!

It is made with chewy Jajangmyeon noodles that are combined with fried black bean paste, pork and assorted vegetables. Please consider driving down to Woo Rhee in Northvale New Jersey and enjoy a giant bowl of Jajangmyeon at their food court. To die for!! We also love this dish when we stop at the service areas along the highways in Korea. The best Korean fast food ever! Right Cirillos!

Jajangmyeon

1# Jajangmyeon noodles, freh or frozen (you can substitute udon noodles or linguini)

4 Tbs. vegetable oil

6 ounces of pork belly cut in large dice

4 ounces pork shoulder cut in large dice

1 cup cubed zucchini

1 ½ cup of chopped onion

1 inch piece of ginger minced

3 cloves minced garlic

1 carrot diced

1 large Yukon Gold potato cut in one inch chunks

½ cup Black bean paste (Chunjang)

2 ½ cups water

3 Tbs. cornstarch

1 tbs. sugar

1 tsp sesame oil

Sliced scallion for garnish

¼ cup Picked Daikon (Danmuji) cut into fun shapes with a cookie cutter for garnish

1.           Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and fry the pork belly and pork shoulder till crispy. Pour off some of the accumulated fat.

2.           Add the carrot, potato and the zucchini and stir fry about 4-5 minutes.

3.           Make a spot in the middle of the pan and add 3 tblespoons of vegetable oil and add the black bean paste. Fry the paste for a minute and then combine everything together. Add Two cups of water , mix well, cover cook 10 minutes.

4.           Mix the cornstarch into ½ cup water along with the sugar.

5.           Check to see if the potatoes are tender, you may have to cook a little longer. Lower the heat and gently add the cornstarch mixture, stirring constantly till mixture thickens. Stir in sesame oil and remove from the heat.

6.           Cook the noodles till just tender and rinse under cold water.

7.           Divide the noodles among your serving bowls and pour on the sauce. Garnish with scallions and pickled Daikon. Serve immediately.

Here are some new sites I have been following…they are so wonderful.

Mykoreaeats

Korean Bapsang

Korean food with Kimchimari

Haeng bog meongneum

Pamela Pyke

"Mrs. Pyke Eats Korea" Ttukbaegi-gyeran-jjim

As seen in the March 2019 edition of the 

Chosun Taekwondo Academy Newsletter

Ttukbaegi-gyeran-jjim

There is nothing like having access to farm fresh eggs. So here at the Dojang we have our very own chicken farmer Master Terri Testa. Master Testa raises beautiful hens that lay glorious eggs of every shade of pastel colors. From the lightest green to

Blue and tan, these eggs are so delicious. What I love most about them is the deep yellow-orange yolks that make gorgeous scrambled eggs. So don’t be shy, bring her your empty egg cartons and for five bucks a dozen you to can enjoy the best eggs in Warwick.

So in honor of Master Testa’s eggs here is a recipe for Korean steamed eggs.

Gyeran-jjim

3 large Terri eggs

1 large egg yolk

                                 

1 tsp fish sauce

2 scallions, finely chopped

1 ½ cups of chicken broth

1 tsp toasted sesame oil

1.          Beat the eggs and the yolk together with the fish sauce and half of the scallions

2.          Put the chicken broth in a small heavy stainless steel pot or a 3 cup sized Ttukbaegi *see note. Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Turn the heat down to low and slowly pour  the egg mixture into the broth while stirring with a fork. Cover and simmer for 6 minutes until the eggs are cooked and fluffy.

3.          Pour the toasted sesame oil over the eggs, garnish with more scallions and serve immediately with some steamed rice and toasted nori strips.

*Note- Ttukbaegi  are the beautiful brown glazed bowls that so many soups, stews and bibimbap are served in. The steamed eggs look amazing served in one. You can get them at Woo Ri, H Mart or of course Amazon.

Gyeran-jjim is a very common Banchan. I have enjoyed this dish in many restaurants throughout Korea and I am looking forward to having it again on our return trip this summer. But I really don’t have to wait, do I !

Haeng bog meogneum

Happy Eating!!

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"Mrs. Pyke Eats Korea" Teriyaki Salmon with Gim

As seen in the February 2019 edition of the 

Chosun Taekwondo Academy Newsletter

Teriyaki Salmon with Gim

Every Tuesday night is Teriyaki salmon and sticky rice at our house. This is one of Eleanor’s favorite dinners of the week. It is such a quick meal to prepare after coming home from the five o clock Youth Training class. I do admit to get this meal out in a timely fashion I’ve been known to cook in my Dobok! Another time saver is my Zojirushi Rice Cooker. Right before heading down to the Dojang I add some sushi rice and a small handful of forbidden black rice to the cooker. Press the button and forget about it! Rice is done! Adding a bit of the black rice turns the sushi rice a light purple that looks so cool.

Along with the lovely soy glazed salmon and rice you must serve this with Gim. This is what puts this meal over the top. Gim is roasted nori that is seasoned with sesame oil and sea salt. You can buy it in large sheets or in small bite size squares. GimMe is the one I buy. It’s organic and is made in Korea. It comes in fun flavors to, Teriyaki, Wasabi and Sesame.

So the way to eat your Salmon is to fill a piece of Gim with a dab of rice and a flake of salmon and pop it in your mouth.  A Umami explosion will occur, so be ready!

Here’s the recipe.

1 ½ lbs Salmon filet (skinned) cut into 2-3 portions

1/3 cup soy sauce

1/3 cup mirin

1/3 cup water or sake

1 Tbs sugar

Chopped scallion and toasted sesame seeds for garnish.

Steam up a pot of Sushi Rice

1.          Mix together the soy, mirin ,water  and sugar.

2.          Skin and portion the salmon filet or have the guys at the Bellevale Market do it for you.

3.          Chop scallions for garnish

4.          Coat a non stick pan with a tablespoon of a neutral oil over medium high heat.

5.          Place salmon in pan top side down and sauté  till golden 4-5 minutes and turn over.

6.          Now carefully pour the teriyaki sauce over the salmon and lower heat to medium.

7.          Spoon the sauce over the salmon as it cooks until you have a syrupy teriyaki glaze coating the salmon. Remove from heat.

8.          Serve over the sticky rice and garnish with scallions and sesame seeds. Cut open your pack of Gim and enjoy!

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The Concept of DO - A Way of Life

by Master Doug Cook

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

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

Bulguksa Temple, South Korea

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

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

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

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

Master Doug Cook, a 6th dan black belt, is head instructor of the Chosun Taekwondo Academy located in Warwick, New York, a student of Grandmaster Richard Chun, and author of the best-selling books entitled: Taekwondo…Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Warrior, Traditional Taekwondo…Core Techniques, History and Philosophy, Taekwondo... A Path to Excellence and Taekwondo Black Belt Poomsae...Original Koryo and Koryo co-authored with Grandmaster Richard Chun published by YMAA Publications Center, Inc. He can be reached for discussions or seminars at chosuntkd@yahoo.com or www.chosuntkd.com.

Article originally published in Taekwondo Times magazine Traditions column 

October, 2002

Persevering in Taekwondo

by Taylor DiMeglio
Green Belt Essay

Time passes swiftly, as it often does. My white belt has turned yellow, then orange. Soon it will be green... taekwondo an ever-shifting landscape. Kicho forms bring Taeguks, Palgwe Il Jang arrives. Two forms become six, six defensive maneuvers now eighteen, nine Il Su Siks, nine Ho Sin Sools. New kicks, new stances, knife hand. An arsenal is building, a foundation laid. I’m reminded—challenge is a steady stream. In taekwondo, you either focus or founder, and since the vista has widened and my desire grown, I’m daunted.

Misty Mountains of South Korea

I’m not a halfway person. What I want to do, I want to do all the way. Full vigor, nothing withheld. Yet, if I were an animal, I’d be a donkey. Slow, plodding, standing stock still in the pasture, time lost to thought. I’ve often wished for two lives, one to observe and ponder, the next one to live. A month to work on back stance, half a year to cultivate knife hand. Perfecting one technique, then another. Wholly impractical. Maybe I’ll get another life, but, in the interest of assurance, it’s this one or bust.

There’s a part of me that would like to stay at orange belt. Even with a growing repertoire, I’m securely in the beginner’s realm. There’s time enough for review; expectations are low. Praise comes easy. I know exactly where to stand in the line up. Spinning hook kick is around the corner, though. Expectations grow. As a greenhorn, I show potential. In time this may fall flat. Pretty kicks must gain in speed and power, a palm heel has to do more than land in the right place.

The ‘demon of self-doubt’ is pernicious. My left knee twinges. “You should have started ten years ago,” this scathing voice intones. I stretch my toe too far in the wrong direction: “You’re going to get hurt.” When I pause to admire Miyamoto Musashi, up it pipes, “You are not he.” I’d like to tell this self-satisfied inner specter a thing or two, but I’m afraid it may be right. I’ve started too late. First dan is reachable, but fourth dan? Beyond? I don’t know.  I should quit. I’ll never be the martial artist I’d like to be, nor the one I might have been.

There is, however, a counter to the self-destructive voice. Perseverance is a primordial mandate, rooted in the indomitable spirit. It’s embedded in our code. Everywhere we see and hear it—insistent voices, human souls longing to be known. Ubiquitous in human history, it is perseverance which has carried us forward from the very beginnings of civilization. Korea, too. In war after war, battle after battle, Koreans fought not only to survive but to thrive with their cultural identity intact, their country intent on industry, innovation, growth. Countless stories of courage and grief speak of their determination. They would not give up.

Versus will, discouragement is an unconvincing foe. More than anything, the human spirit wants to be. Always. Thus, when my self-doubt goes too far, latent fierceness rises up, my own indomitable spirit. Who’s to say what I might have been, or what I’ve yet to be? Shall I let unfulfilled fears be my guide? I haven’t ever; I won’t start now. Even as I grow and age, I am still the young girl that I was. So long as my mind and body hold and my spirit is within, I will lay claim to that fiery girl. She is ever with me. I won’t let her down.

Instead, I will practice, patience as well as technique. Palm heel today, knife hand tomorrow, the reverse next week. I will build today’s progress into tomorrow’s mastery, take my lumps, and cherish victories as they come.

The Complementary Paths of Hatha Yoga and the Martial Arts by Patty Cook

This article appeared in Warwick Valley Living and Warwick Valley Life Magazine (2013)

If you ask anyone what the most popular fitness activities are in America today, hatha yoga and the martial arts will probably rank high on the list. Rather than adversarial pursuits, these two mainstream ideologies have much in common. According to recent studies, both disciplines engage roughly 20 million practicioners in the United States and the evidence suggests that the trends are growing. From small towns to large cities, yoga studios and martial arts schools are familiar fixtures on both street corners and strip malls. Doctors recommend yoga for stress relief and workplaces offer classes to their employees while the study of martial arts is seen as a way to learn self-defense and boost confidence for both children and adults.

How did these two ancient yet complementary disciplines with roots in Asian culture become mainstream physical and spiritual enrichment activities in modern American life? Not surprisingly, if you study the historic progress of both disciplines, you will find that they had their beginnings largely at the same time, and their paths of development are intertwined. The third son of a Brahman Indian king, Zen patriarch, Bodhidharma is credited with initiating a program of exercises and drills that he taught to the shaolin monks. These techniques were imparted with the hope of strengthening the monks’ ability to concentrate during meditation while preserving the spiritual harmony required in monastic life. Considered the Father of yoga, another mystical figure, Sri Patanjali Maharishi, is believed to be the author of the famous treatise, The Yoga Sutras, which remain one of the most influential spiritual writings in yogic practice today.  Consisting of 195 aphorisms or sayings, the work lays out a clear and practical path to gaining spiritual insight and self-realization. Through the subsequent years and up until the 20^th century both philosophies became strong cultural components in their lands of origin but only marginally penetrated the western way of life.  Then, during the middle of the last century, interest in yogic philosophy and martial arts found its way into the American psyche mainly through popular culture. The current outlook that yoga and martial arts study has become a “way of life” for so many Americans is a testament to the popularity and accessibility of these two ancient disciplines.

Even though both traditions have evolved from similar roots, they are vastly different in their applications.  The fast paced and forceful movements of a martial artist are in stark contrast to the strong but deliberate yogic postures called asanas.    Even so, certain parallels become apparent.  The atmosphere in both a yoga and martial arts class is one of reverence and decorum with practicioners bowing to each other to show mutual respect. The beginning of both classes might consist of seated meditation and breath-work exercises. A yoga class will then progress to various yogic positions led by an instructor and a martial arts class will move through basic motions and vigorous defensive skills.

For many practicioners, what may have started out as a desire to improve physical fitness and “get in shape” is augmented and even supplanted by a desire to develop a deeper connection to the inner self and a thirst for a more esoteric study. The yoga student and the martial artist begin to realize that they are on a “path” and the practice is a vehicle for their own transformation. How does this happen? Again we can look at what is at the core of both yoga and the martial arts and see very strong likenesses. Both disciplines adhere to a code of moral conduct. In martial arts study it is called, The Five Tenets. They are Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control and Indomitable Spirit. These words are recited at the end of each class and reinforced through mutual respect and sublimation of the ego.  Yoga education also ascribes to an Eight Limbed Path which is a series of steps that act a guideline on how to live a purposeful and meaningful life. As the student trains more deeply, she becomes more self-observant and begins to practice detachment which helps to slow the never ending cycle of action, reaction and judgment. It is becoming common for martial arts academies to offer yoga instruction in addition to their training classes because of the balance that is gained from their complementary qualities.

Here in the west, far from their birthplaces, the ideologies of hatha yoga and the martial arts may also be undergoing a transformation. As anyone who has delved deeply into either or both disciplines will tell you, change is the constant force that is at the root of both practices. And it is here in America, where innovation and reinvention are the norm that many believe lies the future of these two extraordinary paths.

Patty Cook received her yoga certification from the New Age Center in Nyack, New York, under the direction of Paula Heitzner, RYT. She is a member of Yoga Alliance and has been teaching and directing the Hatha Yoga program at the Chosun Taekwondo Academy in Warwick, New York for 16 years. She can be reached at: info@chosuntkd.com   website: www.chosuntkd.com 

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Promoting, Supporting and Preserving Traditional Taekwondo by Master Doug Cook

Taekwondo, literally translated, can be defined as “foot, hand, way” or “the way of smashing with hands and feet.” Such descriptive nomenclature understandably implies a curriculum rich in self-defense. Too often, however, this is simply not the case. Given the current popularity of sport competition in the martial arts, many techniques of defensive value have been stripped away or forfeited altogether in favor of those certain to score in the ring. While the thirst for Olympic gold has clearly played a significant role in catapulting taekwondo into the forefront, it should be remembered that the native Korean martial art contains over 3200 distinct techniques. These include a multitude of blocks, kicks, and strikes in addition to a variety of leg sweeps, joint locks and throws, truly qualifying it as a complete form of self-defense.

Consequently, in an effort to preserve the formal nature and defensive infrastructure of taekwondo as originally intended by a portion of its founders, a number of training institutes now promote what is referred to as traditional taekwondo; a measurably alternative style emphasizing a core philosophy rich in basic technique, poomsae and authentic defensive strategy with little or no emphasis on competition thus divorcing it somewhat from its sportive mate.

Nevertheless, this classification can be construed as somewhat of a misnomer since the history or “tradition” of taekwondo as it exists today, is relatively short with much of it being devoted to its promotion as a world sport. Like it or not, the answer to this paradox lays in the fact that taekwondo owes much of its pedigree to foreign influences, some of which are rooted in Funikoshi’s Shotokan karate-do, Ushieba’s aikido, Kano’s Kodokan judo, and to a lesser degree, Chinese gungfu. This is no accident given the geopolitical climate that existed in Korea during the turbulent years of the early to mid 1900’s. In fact, to the experienced eye, many of the martial applications taught today, having been handed down over the decades if not centuries, bear a striking resemblance to those fashioned by the founders mentioned above. Subsequently, in its evolutionary stage, prior to its promotion as an Olympic sport, taekwondo contained a complete palate of defensive techniques. With this in mind, the notion of taekwondo having a “traditional” component based on strong basic skills, poomsae and self-defense, predating the creation of organizations promoting its sportive component, materializes.

Yet, it should be understood that the defensive tactics of traditional taekwondo and the training elements that support them do not alone satisfy the conditions necessary to formalize taekwondo as a traditional martial art. Rather, the practice of poomsae, coupled with the basic fundamentals and the philosophical underpinnings that comprise them, represents a central pillar of the art and is a direct reflection of its unique character and heritage. While it is true that many of the forms practiced by the taekwondoist mirror those of rival Asian martial arts, it only goes to prove that in the past diverse martial disciplines from the region drew from a common well in an effort to construct practical, combat proven formal exercises. While these exercises by now have largely been modified and canonized against the backdrop of Korean martial culture, they embody universal defensive movements that date back to antiquity further supporting the traditional nature of taekwondo.

Moreover, a traditional martial art should embrace an overarching philosophy governed by a set or moral principles that limit its use except in situations of grave necessity. In addition, this philosophical doctrine, while enhancing the character of the martial artist, should reflect the cultural values extant in the discipline’s nation of origin. In the case of traditional taekwondo, these ethical guidelines date back to the seventh century when warriors of the Hwarang, an elite corps of young nobles, sought guidance from the Buddhist monk Wonkwang Popsa before entering battle. This moral compass continues to be practiced by the taekwondoist today.  

To further add veracity to the concept of taekwondo as a traditional martial art, it is helpful to establish that a militaristic legacy exists using the available evidence at hand.

 History demonstrates that for centuries Korean warriors have stood ready to defend their nation at a moment’s notice. In 1592, fighting monks, keepers of martial arts skills that had all but vanished during the pro-Confucian Chosun Dynasty, were recruited in an effort to resist a massive Japanese force lead by Toyotomi Hideyoshi intent on using the Korean peninsula as a stepping stone to China.

In 1953, taekwondo further crystallized into a legitimate form of self-defense when General Choi Hong Hi created the 29^th Infantry Division by marrying regulation drills with martial arts training marking it as a truly unique entity within the Korean military.

But the great wheel of progress in the development of a unified Korean battle art with a complete defensive strategy did not stop there. In 1962, President Go Din Diem of South Vietnam requested that the Korean government send representatives of their native martial art to instruct the Vietnamese military in taekwondo. This initial group was lead by Major Tae Hee Nam of the Oh Do Kwan. In fact, this training became so effective that the Viet Cong directed their troops to retreat rather than confront the taekwondo-trained soldiers.

Contrary to the historical evidence at hand, critics who support the perception that taekwondo has evolved into nothing more than a popular, modern combat sport continue to debate the fundamental defensive value of the art. To further compound this issue, it is becoming increasingly difficult to locate an instructor faithful to the principles unique to traditional taekwondo. This dilemma is made all the more poignant in an article published a number of years ago by the late writer and martial arts instructor Jane Hallender entitled, Is Taekwondo a Sport or a Self-defense System? Acutely aware of the differences involved, Hallender warned, “There is more to taekwondo then just tournament competition. From kicks, to hand strikes, to throws, to joint locks, taekwondo possesses an array of defensive measures designed to thwart virtually any kind of attack. The most difficult part will not be learning the self-defense techniques, but finding a taekwondo instructor who still teaches them.”

With the above in mind, we at the Chosun Taekwondo Academy, in tandem with others globally who share a similar vision, have steadfastly attempted to promote, support and preserve this alternative entity that is traditional taekwondo.

For instance, at Chosun we adhere to a stringent curriculum composed of a repeating template that increases in complexity throughout the various belt levels; promotion from one rank to the next is predicated on proficiency in an escalating series of basics, one, two and three-step sparring, self-defense drills, poomsae, sparring and breaking skills. Students are also expected familiarize themselves with Korean terminology and the philosophy associated with their forms. There is nothing haphazard about our program; every student knows precisely what is expected of them in order to achieve advancement. All requirements are clearly written out to avoid confusion and preserved as password-protected downloads on our web site to be included in a training journal all students are required to maintain.

And since poomsae embodies the pinnacle of tradition in taekwondo, as a United States Taekwondo Association affiliate school under the direction of Grandmaster Richard Chun, we perform the eight Taegeuk and Palgwe set of poomsae, in conjunction with the traditional Moo Duk Kwan and required Kukkiwon black belt Yudanja series. We also practice the Kibon set, Pyung-Ahn hyung and several of the ITF tuls, although these are not required for promotion.

Lastly, at Chosun we highlight the self-defense, physical fitness, and self-enrichment components of taekwondo; this is in keeping with taekwondo as a martial way or a path to excellence. In addition, we amplify our practice with meditation and ki (internal energy) development exercises. While our school attends several tournaments a year, we do not view the classical martial arts simply as sport and so do not focus merely on competition. Instead, we look to fortify internal resolve, strength in the face of adversity and defensive skills that can effectively be relied upon to diffuse a confrontation that spirals out of control beyond the confines of verbal mediation. Then, in an effort to reach outside the walls of our dojang, we offer a series of technical seminars and self-defense courses to martial arts schools and civic groups at little or no charge.

The battle to maintain taekwondo as a traditional martial art is, ultimately, not an easy one. Students are required to learn far more than the few well-placed kicks favored in a competitive environment. Rather, the practice should be viewed as a vast mosaic with many interconnecting elements. If any one element is deficient, the remainder will likewise dissolve in failure; all must act in concert. The quest to develop proficiency is a demanding process that few have the time and, often, the resiliency to put forth. This makes the successful journey all the more dear to the worthy practitioner capable and willing to invest the determination required to support a meaningful education in traditional taekwondo. However, by following the above guidelines and unyieldingly offering a curriculum rich in technical skill to color and black belts alike, the traditions of taekwondo will remain strong going into the future.    

 

 

 

Master Doug Cook, a 6^th dan black belt, is head instructor of the Chosun Taekwondo Academy located in Warwick, New York, a senior student of Grandmaster Richard Chun, and author of three best-selling books entitled: Taekwondo…Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Warrior, Traditional Taekwondo - Core Techniques, History and Philosophy, and Taekwondo–A Path to Excellence, all published by YMAA of Boston. Master Cook and Grandmaster Chun have recently completed a new book, Taekwondo Black Belt Poomsae: Original Koryo and Koryo, targeted for publication in July of 2013. Master Cook can be reached for lectures, workshops or questions at www.chosuntkd.com or info@chosuntkd.com.