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

June 1, 2016   Newsletter    News   Events   Updates

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

Read entire newsletter...

Subscribe at: www.chosuntkd.com

The I Ching and its Relationship to Poomsae Philosophy

  by Mark McNutt - Brown Belt Essay    

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

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

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

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

            Il Jang -   Heaven and Light 

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

Ee Jang -   Joy or Lake

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

            Sam Jang -   Fire and Sun 

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

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

            Sa Jang -   Thunder 

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

            Oh Jang -   Wind

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

                                                                                                                             

Yook Jang -   Water

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

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

            Chil Jang -   Mountain

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

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

           

            Pal Jang -   Earth

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

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

Poomsae and the I Ching

Taekwondo: Poomsae and the I Ching

Brown Belt Promotion Test Essay by Sienna Lee

Poomsae and I Ching. Think they aren’t related? Think again. They tie together like Yin and Yang, hand-in-hand, and I’ll explain to you why. First, though, allow me to introduce this term to you: I Ching.

I Ching is an “ancient Chinese manual of divination based on eight symbolic trigrams and sixty-four hexagrams, interpreted in terms of the principles of yin and yang. It was included as one of the “five classics” of Confucianism”, I Ching, to me, represents peace, balance, and consistency. These three words can also be found in the art of Taekwondo, and more specifically, our Poomsae.

The I Ching relates to Poomsae philosophy. I went in circles trying to figure out how, and why, until I came to the best, simplest explanation of them all: “Each form is symbolized by a distinct philosophical component derived either from the I Ching, an ancient Taoist text, or personalities and places drawn from martial arts history”.

I think that the I Ching is an important component in Taekwondo. It brings realism and character to the martial art. The lines of the I Ching symbol represent the Yin and Yang: closed lines for Yang, and open lines for Yin. The Yin and Yang often represent two things coming together to make one whole, complete piece. I think this relates to Taekwondo. Two things in this art stand out to me: hard work and patience. Like the Yin and Yang, these two words can contradict each other sometimes. Hard work means you’re always ready to go, trying your best and not stopping. Maybe being aggressive. at some points. On the other hand, having patience can go a long way. You must have patience in everything that you do in Taekwondo, because it will never all come to you at once. You must be patient and be willing to step back, take a breath, and focus on what’s happening NOW. This can make things difficult for hard workers, and this is where Yin and Yang comes in. You must learn to balance the two to make one beautiful masterpiece: martial arts.

In conclusion, I believe that the I Ching has much to do with Taekwondo and its Poomsae philosophy. Both the I Ching and Poomsae require balance, peace, and time.

Remember this the next time you step into the dojang. Remember that you can achieve balance, peace, and time. Remember that you are a part of the Yin Yang, of the I Ching; of Taekwondo.

Integrity

by Gianna Zappier

age 11

Integrity is how someone lives his or her life. Everyday we face choices that only each of us can answer for ourselves. We decide how we run our own lives, and that defines who we are. It's having a set of values and choosing to do the right thing versus the wrong thing.
Merriam-Webster defines integrity as:'
1. firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values: incorruptibility
2. an unimpaired condition: soundness
3. the quality or state of being complete or undivided: completeness

There are many ways to live a life of integrity; however, being honest in what you say and what you do is a big part of it. Speaking up and sharing your opinion can be difficult because when you share your opinion, you share a part of yourself. You are trusting others to respect your opinion, even if it is different than theirs.
Speaking up against bullying is a way to show integrity. It is the right thing to do though it isn't always the easiest. When someone is a victim of bullying, they feel alone because they feel like no one can stop the bullying. I wouldn't want anyone to feel that. I wouldn't want one of my classmates to feel so alone when I could speak up. It's not easy because speaking against a bully makes you a target. I know I have strong relationships with my family and friends, the other kid might not. By speaking up, I can become a part of that kid's support system.
By living a life with integrity, I hope to become a person of courage, honesty and compassion.

A Meditation on Growth: Midway Between White and Black Belt

by Taylor DiMeglio

     I’ve been thinking about our butter knives. We keep them in the horizontal section of our silverware organizer in an allocated drawer. Like the dinner and dessert forks and serving and table spoons, they have their place. Everyone agrees to store them in standard fashion with the handles facing south and the tips facing north. Yet, when it comes to the butter knives no such concord exists.

Cheonggyecheon in Seoul, South Korea

     I use the law of common sense: handles should face east. After all, in our family everyone is right handed; this should make things easier, more natural. It’s a minority opinion. Still, I wage a silent war, returning the knives time and again to their “natural” position, despite knowing the very next time I pull out the drawer, west-facing handles will stare at me with unabashed mocking and converts will follow until order is wholly abandoned. Should I stage a protest? Post signs? Hand out pamphlets declaiming the benefits of handles facing right (No smudged blades! No hyperextended wrists!)? Forget it. I’ll ban butter knives altogether—and extend the battle to include the marauding crumbs who invade every nook and cranny.

     Kidding aside, it’s not really our butter knives I’ve been thinking of, but how they relate to a central tenet of the um-yang: the acceptance of constant change, how change is inevitable, even in the silverware drawer, and how closing yourself off to change closes yourself off to possibilities, to openness itself. If a knife handle faces left, my left hand is available. My youngest daughter easily points this out. Ah, I think, beginner’s mind, infinitely open. And, it’s true. I have two hands; I may as well use them.

     Change one part of your life and you change in myriad others. It’s been nearly a year since I crossed the threshold of the dojang floor. From the outside I look about the same, though, perhaps, I’m a little more toned. I remember doing ten push ups that first morning all belts class. It took me so long. From the dazed looks of the other students’ faces when I’d finished I had the feeling they’d been watching me for quite some time. Nevertheless, I’m used to push ups now and can roughly keep pace for twenty to thirty in a set.

     Meditating on constant change is natural, as with every belt level change marches forth with a strong, sequential cadence: new kicks, strikes, self-defense techniques and poomsaes—and the challenge to build the whole of them into a integrated repertoire. Doing well requires focus, intention, practice and a willingness to be loose, flexible, adaptive. In other words, being willing to grow. I have always been willing, but I have never taken growth so seriously as I have in taekwondo. To the contrary, I have often lived my life like a leaf in stream, perceptibly content to either flow swiftly with the current or ensnare myself in the debris of a bend.

     It’s been only a year. Change manifests itself subtly and overtly. I’m more engaged in life, more relaxed, more willing to surrender ego in the service of a broader confidence, less anxious and less likely to become entwined in the emotional vortexes that arise from within and without. My ability to focus has increased. I’m faster in the kitchen, faster with domestic chores, more efficient overall. When I toss something in the trash, I often hit the basket. In the dojang, I’m comfortable among fellow students, comfortable with the hierarchy and routines, more willing to learn through mistakes and failure. Beyond this, I sense within myself an opening, a deeper understanding and appreciation of life’s flowing nature.

     Taekwondo inspires within me a reckoning. What are my intentions? Am I present with them? Fulfilling them? Ignoring them? Taekwondo keeps me, if not on, then mindful of the path, and the path is life itself. If life is a river, I need not be a leaf but a tree, deeply rooted in the stream, withstanding the gush of wind and rain, contemplating stillness and calm, accepting the changes that come and go. I suspect the further I go with taekwondo and the sincerity of my practice has much to do with the perspective through which I approach all of life. What I do within the dojang, and the consequent contemplations of my mind flows outward into everything else. In-class meditations inspire me to learn about and meditate on my own; sporadic interest is manifesting itself into a routine, focused practice.

     Some kicks require jumping. Yop chagi (side kick) requires a torque of the hips unnatural for many my age, myself included. Knife hand, executed properly, is entirely foreign. Yet, having an open mind and a willing spirit, I know I will persevere. Physical changes, physical challenges. When you change something outside, it changes something inside. Physical challenges induce resilience and strength. Between inner and outer life, there is no distinction. One mirrors the other. I may not be the fireball of reckless daring I once was—recklessness is a folly of the young!—but my spirit remains; it burns strong. I can kick. I can jump. I won’t just persevere. I will succeed in all the ways it’s possible. One thing flows into another; change is with us always. Crisscrossed knives, missing forks, the rosebud spoon of unknown origin. Accept change here and you can accept it elsewhere. You won’t need to stop and wonder what silverware has to do with taekwondo. You’ll already know. Nothing. Everything.

The Benefits of Meditation in Taekwondo

by Chosun student, Brian Parkinson
Belt Promotion Test Essay May 17, 2015

        
     Taekwondo can be literally translated as the way of smashing with the hands and feet.  Although the ultimate goal of Taekwondo is to imbue the practitioner with the skills necessary to defend oneself, the sheer brutality of some of the techniques taught to that end cannot be mistaken for anything other than what they are: a means to inflict serious physical harm on another.  What role can a passive and tranquil activity such as meditation have in the practice of a martial art?  The answer stems from the last part of the name Taekwondo: Do or The Way.

        Do or The Way refers to the moral part of Taekwondo.  At the end of every class we recite the five tenets: Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Indomitable Spirit.  These are not simply words to be painted on a wall and recited with the hollow ring of rote memory but instead denote an overarching value system to the practice of

Students meditating at Chosun 

Taekwondo.  Without these values guiding our actions our training would have no other goal than to imbue the practitioner with the ability to do harm.   Meditation helps us cultivate this aspect to our training.  By forcing us to quiet our minds and learn to discipline our thoughts we are cultivating more than the ability to do physical harm, we are cultivating the wisdom required to know when to use force.

         Meditation does much more than to aid in our moral development as marital artists.  There are many physical benefits associated with the practice of meditation.  Anxiety and tension are greatly reduced as a state of deep relaxation pervades the body during meditation.  The regular practice of meditation has been shown to have profound and long lasting positive effects on one’s overall health and well-being.  In addition to the immediate and long term physical benefits of meditation, it also aids us in our training.  Our daily lives are fraught with distractions of every kind.  A distracted mind cannot focus wholly on the tasks at hand.  One of the main goals of meditating before class is to clear these distractions from the mind, allowing yourself to become wholly absorbed in your training and thus amplify your technique.  For me, this is the most vital reason to meditate.  My mind is constantly racing in opposing directions.  It is only through the sincere practice of meditation before class that I am able to purge my mind of all these competing thoughts, leaving a clarity I otherwise would not have.    

        Last summer I was fortunate enough to travel to South Korea as part of the Chosun Korea Tour.  One morning after some training on the hotel’s rooftop, we proceeded to a Buddhist temple just around the corner from the hotel.  I am not a Buddhist and had never entered a temple before.  I felt more than a little out of place as the morning practitioners filled the temple.  I didn’t want to miss this opportunity though and was very glad I didn’t allow my trepidation to interfere.  As I sat there on a blanket with my legs crossed and the smell of incense filling my nostrils, I could feel the intensity of the place and the sincerity of those within it.  I forced myself to purge all thought and focused only my breathing.  It reminded me of an experience I had at the beach many years ago.  While floating on my back, I dipped my ears beneath the water and focused on nothing but the sound of the ocean.  It was a very transcendent experience.  I felt a part of the water and of all of the life around me, dissolving into the sea affecting a complete dissolution of self.   Meditating in the temple that morning I had the same feeling.   I might as well have been a wisp of incense smoke for all the thought process that was occurring in my mind.

         Certainly anyone could learn the physical components of Taekwondo without meditation.  Punches, kicks, stances and blocks have little to do with the physical benefits associated with meditation and can be learned simply through repetitive practice.  This would reduce the study of Taekwondo to a purely physical activity and would rob it of the do component so crucial to the maturity of a marital artist.  The benefit of mediation in Taekwondo simply stated then is:  to bestow the practitioner with clarity of mind enabling improved technique, to improve the physical health of the practitioner and to provide a vehicle of self-discovery whereupon the Do aspect of Taekwondo can be cultivated and explored.  

               

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."

A Woman's Touch

by Master Doug Cook

A few years ago I looked up during class and was surprised to see an instructor from a competing school standing in the back of the dojang. Intrigued by his visit, I invited him into my office at the close of the training session only to discover that he recently had a falling out with his master and came to inquire about becoming an instructor at our school. While he was candid about the details of the split, I was reluctant to hire him based on the fact that his reputation in our community was less than sterling, especially when it came to handling children. It seems he was verbally abusive and outright disrespectful at times. Following some personal meditation on the subject, I ultimately decided not to take him on…a choice I would later come to value. As time went by, I heard that he was teaching at a dojang in a nearby town.

Recently, we bumped into each other at a local convenience store. I inquired as to how he was doing and if he was currently teaching. “I left tae kwon do”, he said with an air of triumph. “I’m practicing a real martial art now.” He then went on to describe how tae kwon do has evolved into nothing more than a woman’s social club at most dojangs and how the curricula at these dojangs were unfairly weighted towards that gender. Instead he sought out a school where people “break bones and hurt each other”. “The real thing” he growled.

As you can imagine, the feeling that I had made the proper decision in not taking him on in the first place was amplified all the more. Being a staunch supporter of traditional tae kwon do – a martial art that is highly democratic in nature - and, as Master Philip Ameris states in a recent quote “has something for everybody”, I was astounded by his statement but not surprised from whence it came.

Clearly, many women today find the practice of taekwondo to be a highly desirable discipline and in truth more than half the student population at my school, the Chosun Taekwondo Academy, is female. But do these facts detract from the defensive value and overall effectiveness of tae kwon do as a traditional martial art?

One must recall that tae kwon do was originally created as a method of self-defense for soldiers on the field of battle. Moreover, it has been proven effective during combat in the jungles of Vietnam and the Korean Conflict - the bloody, civil war between brothers of the same. Is it any wonder then why women – who from time immemorial have been convinced of their physical inferiority when compared to their male counterparts – choose to embrace a legitimate Asian martial art that offers empowerment and a break with the conventional model of women being defenseless individuals?

For many years during the genesis of the martial arts in America, it was unusual for a woman to train in tae kwon do. “Dungeon dojangs” situated in cellars and back alleys, or in gyms exclusively for men, did not make ideal training environments for the would-be female practitioner and were often unsafe in any case. Couple this with the fact that it was only

within the past few decades that women began to penetrate the glass ceiling of martial arts in Korea, the homeland of tae kwon do, and an onerous history begins to materialize. Yet, this pattern was destined to be broken by the vanguard of women’s rights sweeping through Western culture.

Today, there is little doubt that women of all ages can benefit significantly from a sincere study of traditional tae kwon do. Serenity of mind through meditation, confidence, instilled by drilling in self-defense, physical-fitness gained through vigorous training, all multiply to create an individual that is greater than the sum of their parts.  This synergy can be seen as a vehicle for the empowerment of women in dojangs across the nation, and now, the world.

Moreover, it is not women who exclusively benefit from tae kwon do, but the art of tae kwon do itself that gains from a women’s touch. Children’s classes at many schools profit greatly from the compassion and patience female instructors afford their eager pupils. Many, being mothers themselves, have a unique understanding of how to approach enthusiastic youngsters that to some may prove problematic. Likewise, as is the case in our school, women instructors provide valuable insight when it comes to the composition of techniques in women’s self-defense courses. They, more than anyone, appreciate the threats posed by a potential male predator and can interface with their peers in a serious and meaningful manner. Having seen the results of skills practiced against their male counterparts, female martial artists can impart the importance of speed, balance, and the element of surprise in tandem with the will to execute an effective defensive strategy. Whereas men often rely principally on strength, a woman must rely on the above in order to extricate themselves safely from an altercation, and who better to impart this knowledge than another woman.

Adding yet another dimension to their practice, rather than perceive tae kwon do as a pure form of self-defense, women, as well as men, can enjoy the discipline simply for the art of it. My column in the January 2008 issue of TaeKwonDo Times touches on this subject. Keeping in mind that the traditional martial art of Korea is as much an avenue for expressing bodily motion in the spatial plane as it is a valid system of self-defense, we can appreciate how spiritually uplifting the execution of precise technique can be.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, resolutely stepping across the threshold of the dojang door and committing to a regimen of disciplined training categorically states to a woman that they refuse to be a victim any longer - not simply to the threat of bodily harm, but to the false notion that there is relatively little they can do to significantly alter their place in a society that has long discriminated against their sex. Some years ago an article in the Wall Street Journal pointed out that employers are more likely to hire an individual who has practiced a martial art over other candidates due to the commitment, courtesy, and self-control intrinsic to the pursuit. These principles clearly bolster the worldview of any practitioner, but imagine what this perspective can do for individuals of either gender, who are used to living under the shadow of repression no matter how benign or unintentional?

When I look out over a class dominated by my female students, I feel a sense of pride in their acquired power, skillful precision, and newly-found confidence as they progress on their journey from white to high ranking black belt. Watching them spar, executing well placed jumping back and spinning hook kicks within inches of their partners vital points, I cannot help but think how my confused instructor friend would feel if he came in full contact with any one of these techniques. Perhaps he would change his outlook of tae kwon do after experiencing a woman’s touch of this nature!             

Master Doug Cook, a 6^th 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, Inc. He can be reached for discussions or seminars at chosuntkd@yahoo.com or www.chosuntkd.com.

The Meaning of Indomitable Spirit and How I Apply it in my Life

by Rocco Manno
age 9 Blue Belt Essay

Tong Il Jeon Shrine

Indomitable spirit means you have a spirit that is unbeatable, unshakable and invincible. It does not mean you always win, it means you stay positive and you don't let other people discourage you. At Chosun Taekwondo Academy, the instructors teach us how to have an indomitable spirit. They encourage us to do our best and to never give up, even when training is hard. 
In my life I did not always have an indomitable spirit. When I was in 1st and 2nd grade, some boys were bullying me and I had a really hard time controlling my temper and emotions. I was very frustrated and I let them make me angry. It made me so sad that whey were so mean to me. I was beaten. 
Now Taekwondo has helped me to have an indomitable spirit. This year in 3rd grade, a boy in my class was bothering me but I handled it much differently. He cursed at me, hit me and even tried to ruin my art project. I don't like how he treated me but I didn't let his behavior control me. I got my teachers to help me and he had consequences, not me. I didn't let him ruin my day. My teacher even said I was dealing with the situation "maturely." I feel good about how I handled this and I feel strong because I can control myself and stay positive. I have an indomitable spirit!

The Meaning of Indomitable Spirit

Bulguksa Temple

by Harrison Gratzel 
age 7 Blue Belt Essay
The meaning of Indomitable Spirit is having a strong and unbeatable spirit. I think I am strong inside myself.
I apply an Indomitable Spirit in my life by beating my fears. Having an unbeatable spirit makes me feel happy and confident. 
And also I think having an unbeatable spirit make our dreams come true. 
My Indomitable Spirit keeps me cook and awesome

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.

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

Connecting the Dots - The Influence of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism on Traditional Taekwondo by Master Doug Cook

Taekwondo represents many things to many people; but one thing that it is not is a religion. Although several masters may demand cult-like devotion more akin to faith-based institutions and require unreasonable, impractical and often dangerous techniques from their students, there is no real theological component to the national Korean martial art. Yet it would be disrespectful of history to ignore the reality that the three major philosophical paradigms of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism have had a significant influence on the ideology of traditional taekwondo. Consequently, while these three systems were never

meant to be deified by their founders, it is the ethical and metaphysical content that the martial artist distills from each and not the religious component. From the Ten Mental Educations recited at the end of a training session, to meditation, ki development and the respect paid to seniors, all the taekwondoist needs to do is connect the dots between the aforementioned practices and the Asian philosophical triad to gain a better understanding of their art.

Buddhism, first introduced to Korea from China in A.D. 372, encompasses the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama who came to be known as Buddha or the Enlightened One. The Buddhist canon consists of the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path and in some cases, the tradition of Seon (Zen, Chan) or meditation. A cornerstone of this system is a belief that suffering arises as a direct result of desire. While Buddhism was practiced in ancient Korea during the Three Kingdoms and United Silla (A.D. 668-935) periods, it eventually evolved into the state religion of the Koryo Dynasty (A.D. 918-1392). Later, during the Chosun Dynasty (A.D. 1392-1910) when Confucianism ruled, the Righteous Monk movement played a vital role in repelling the Japanese invasion unleashed on Chosun in A.D. 1592.

Confucianism on the other hand, revolves around a blueprint rooted in ethical and philosophical principles developed by Kung-fu Tzu (551-479 B.C.) or in Western terms, Confucius. Encouraging exemplary moral behavior and communal endeavor, Confucianism dominated during the Chosun era, eclipsing Buddhism and championed scholastic achievement rather quotidian skills of warfare. Included in this philosophy was a hierarchal respect for elders and forbearers.

Last, but by no means least important, is the influence Taoism has exerted on the social fabric of Korean culture specifically, and thus traditional taekwondo in general. Noted for its focus on the relationship between humanity and the natural order of the Universe known as the Tao or the Way, Taoism is thought to have been established by Lao Tzu (570-490 B.C.) who, as legend has it, may be a name for a combination of individuals rather than a single man.

When we consider the connection between these three primordial Asian philosophies turned religions, a good place to start is with the Ten Mental Educations or the Student Creed of Taekwondo, which includes the following principles:

·       Be loyal to your country.

·       Be loving and show fidelity to parents.

·       Be loving between husband and wife.

·       Be cooperative between brothers and sisters.

·       Be faithful to your friends.

·       Be respectful to elders.

·       Establish trust between teacher and student.

·       Use good judgment before harming any living thing.

·       Never retreat in battle.

·       Always finish what you start.     

Upon close inspection, we find that the subsequent actions required by this code of moral behavior rest solidly in Confucianism’s camp. Filial piety, a deep respect for the wisdom cultivated by elders and the placement of  the welfare of the community above self, are all signifiers of the influence Confucianism has exercised not only on the dictates of traditional taekwondo, but, again, on Korean society at large. Just as we bow to upper belts in the dojang, it is not unusual in the homeland of taekwondo for juniors to readily assist seniors in any number of situations. Similarly, even though taekwondo is predominantly a physical art, the nurturing of the intellect through the study of technical nomenclature, Korean history as it relates to the native martial arts and a grasp of the rich philosophical underpinnings of taekwondo poomsae, all subscribe to Confucian ethics.

Likewise, the virtue of using sound judgment before harming any living thing has its source in the teachings of Buddhism. It was the Buddhist monk Wonkwang Popsa who transmitted the concept of using just force in battle to two, young Hwarang warriors, Kwisan and Chuhang during the Silla era that thunders down the centuries and continues to govern the use of modern day taekwondo tactics today. Zen or Seon Buddhism has also contributed to focused meditation; a practice considered to be a vital element of the traditional taekwondo curriculum. Seating in a rooted posture emulating a great mountain, with the knees resting on the floor and the torso, shoulders and head tapering into a majestic peak, promotes stability and tranquility of mind while acting as a centering force prior to training.

Yet clearly it is Taoism that contributes most to the metaphysical aspects of traditional, pure-form taekwondo. For instance, the ancient Taoist art of qigong, or work on qi, has supplied a roadmap for the various exercises we have come to rely upon in the Korean martial arts to cultivate and manifest ki, the internal, animating life force used to amplify technique. Moreover, the Eum/Yang, universally known, with some modifications, as the Taoist Yin/Yang, provides a timeless symbol signifying the duality of opposites, balance and an acceptance regarding the notion of constant change. But it is the Way, recognized in Taoism as a central doctrine, which reminds all martial artists that we are on a path to excellence in following the Way of traditional taekwondo.

For many practitioners, me included, traditional taekwondo, if practiced with vigor, diligence and sincerity, provides many of the spiritual requirements found in formalized religion yet devoid of the complex dogma unique to such pursuits. Nevertheless, it is worthwhile remembering that the national Korean martial art is first and foremost an action philosophy and a physical endeavor supported by a rich underlying philosophy steeped in ancient wisdom.           

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 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, all published by YMAA of Boston. He can be reached for lectures, workshops or questions at www.chosuntkd.com or info@chosuntkd.com. 

Chosun e-Newsletter Archive Volume 5 #8 August, 2014

Dojang News and Events
2014 Chosun Taekwondo Academy Korea Training & Cultural Tour: Mission Accomplished

The long anticipated Chosun Korea Tour has concluded and now the work begins on the documentary film that will capture the extraordinary experiences of these thirty martial pilgrims.Our journey took us all the way from the spectacular volcanic Jeju Island (the actual birthplace of taekwondo) to the cultural and historic region of Gyeongju.  We then traveled through the gorgeous mountainous area of Muju to the brand new Taekwondowon and then to the capital city of Seoul. We trained at six different venues,with world renowned masters. We sampled the delectable Korean cuisine, visited ancient palaces and temples and thoroughly immersed ourselves in the culture and history of the country that gave birth to our beloved art of taekwondo. It was a rewarding and inspirational journey beyond measure and now we can share the experience with others through our documentary film. 

Visit our shared photo stream
Visit our Korea 2014 Travel Blog 

Read entire newsletter...

Subscribe to the Chosun monthly newsletter at: www.chosuntkd.com 

The Eum/Yang: Symbol of Harmony, Balance and Acceptance of Constant Change by Master Doug Cook

This article was published in Taekwondo Times Magazine issue #67 August, 2013

Taoism and its reliance on the Way or path of natural order, remains a cornerstone of Asian thought to this day and has given rise to what is perhaps one of the most recognized icons of all time: the Yin/Yang.

This eternal symbol, rooted in the ancient Chinese Book of Changes, or I Ching (Korean: Juyeok), is composed of two tear-shaped elements circling one another. Nestled in the lobe of each is a representative sample of its mate. On a three dimensional level, this elementary circle can be extrapolated into two, discreet orbiting polarities thus giving rise to a spiral, satisfying both the cyclical and linear nature of life as we travel through time.

Yet, how does this timeless icon apply to the Korean discipline of tae kwon do? The answer to this question lies in how deeply the practitioner wishes to probe the metaphysical aspects of the martial arts. Taking a utilitarian approach to the basic theme underscoring the Eum/Yang can have a significant impact on the practical application of tae kwon do technique in general. For example, poomsae, hyung or tul, the choreographed formal exercises that stand as a central pillar of traditional tae kwon do, borrow heavily from the philosophical principles surrounding the I Ching. Each of the Kukkiwon gup or color belt poomsae draw their philosophical individualism from the Palgwe whose eight sets of trigrams surrounding the Eum/Yang represent nature in its fullness. The natural elements of heaven, 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 supported by these components while performing this brand of moving meditation.The Ying/Yang furthermore acts as a metaphor for the duality of opposites; the struggle between two opposing forces to exist in a state of equilibrium. Moreover, it embraces a belief in constant change as a central dynamic of daily life. Even though certain characteristics of this time-honored symbol are altered somewhat in the Korean Eum/Yang and the Japanese In/Yo, the underlying principles inherent in its design remain fixed. Depicted in its elegance is the never-ending harmony that exists between two unlike forces; forces such as light and dark, soft and hard, right and left, good and evil, and night and day. This harmonic resolution rests on the fact that, rather than negating one another, these contradictions are supportive in their oneness. Eum is considered the passive, receptive polarity, while Yang can be thought of as the assertive or active partner. Dividing them is a high-energy, sine-curve boundary line. Rather than remaining in a static state, this division vibrates kinetically with Ki, the vital life force.

Meditating on the Eum/Yang, one ultimately concludes that almost everything we do in tae kwon do returns to this elegant symbol. From the give and take of self-defense drills, where one practitioner lends their body to another under the shadow of potential injury, to the relaxed state of the muscles as a prelude to the penetrating power of a kick or a strike, harmony between opposites abound. A healthy, balanced juxtaposition between competition and practical self-defense must be maintained as well if the art and sport of the discipline are to coexist in concordance with one another, ultimately benefiting both sides of the equation.

Finally, if we hope to realize a substantive gain from our practice, we must cultivate a deep appreciation for the breath containing Ki, the universal life force. Therefore, if the Eum/Yang exhibits anything in its extreme simplicity, it is the smooth transfer of breath - inhalation and exhalation particularly during meditation - as it mindfully enters and leaves the body. This action clearly provides potential energy coupled with an amplification of technique so vital to the martial artist.     

Unquestionably, tae kwon do is about kicking, striking and self-defense. Moreover, it has clearly blossomed into a world sport with full recognition by the International Olympic Committee. Yet, as in the past, it remains a vehicle for developing a strong character and a sharp mind. One is constantly reminded of this dichotomy by the universal symbol of the Eum/Yang.

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 four best-selling books focusing on taekwondo. He can be reached for lectures, workshops or questions at www.chosuntkd.com or info@chosuntkd.com.

Subscribe to Taekwondo Times Magazine