/171_September_2009

Master Andrew Fanelli Living His Dream

Learn to Win

Choose Your Path Fight Autism

Killer Kicks

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Big Breaks

FPO

Contents

September 2009 / Volume 29 No. 5 / Issue Number 171 Publisher & CEO Woojin Jung

Features

2009 U.S. Taekwondo Grandmasters Society Hall of Fame The 4th Annual Hall of Fame for the U.S. Taekwondo Creative Director Grandmasters Society found several pioneers being Elizabeth Brown honored and inducted into the distinguished Hall.

Business Director Read our report to find out more!

Managing Editor Laura Stolpe

Brian Heckart

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36 Choosing Your Martial Arts Journey Find out what questions you should be asking the instructor and yourself when you start exploring a new martial art. Weigh the options carefully on your martial arts journey.

Copy Editors Bill Heckart Julie Heckart Web Site Manager Midwest Dedicated

Consultant

39 Hopeful Tomorrow One mother-daughter team is making a difference in the lives of kids around the U.S. with their program, Hopeful Tomorrow. The program teams up with martial arts schools to give scholarships to at-risk youth looking for instruction. Find out how you can get involved!

John Lee

Columnists

C. M. Griffin Doug Cook Jerry Beasley Karen Eden Master Rondy Suzanne R. Ellenberger Tae Yun Kim Tom Kurz

44 The Netherlands Diary Read about Grandmaster Young Kook Kim, a TKD pioneer in the Netherlands. Learn his history in the land of flowers and windmills and how he teaches in his classroom even today.

Contributors Adrienne Connolly Brad Thibodaux Chan Lee Chuck Thornton Daniel Middleton Erica Linthorst Erik Richardson Fred Perry George Vitale Guy Larke Lee Caswell Lisa Warner Robert Gill Sean Ledig Stephen DiLeo Vice Presidents Don Wells Eui Min Ko He-Young Kimm General Advisors Jhoon Rhee Jin Suk Yang Hee Il Cho Woon Chick Park Chuck Sereff Soo Nam Park Edward Sell Rick Rojeck Tiger Kim Kwang Sik Myung Soon Ho Lee Chun Sik Kim Public Relations Jung Oh Hwang Taek Sung Cho Michelle Kim General Education Alexander Choi Byungchul Kim Yong Bum Kim

Event Coordinator Jun Pyo Choi Sung Yong Ji Song Son Yu Martial Art Tech.

Jae Kyung Kim Scott Greca Barry Harmon Jamie Serio Dojang Operations Mike Menters Marshall Pereira Alex Suh Donald C. Kimm News Director Mike Zeman Marketing Director Scott Warner Lisa Warner International Department Kwang Jo Choi Jae Chul Sin David Moon Jin Suk Yang (WTF) Yong Son Ri (ITF) International Correspondents Asia: Changsub Shin Europe: Bum Ju Lee Africa: Robin Rafferty Argentina: Ricardo Desimone South America: Jose Luis Giarone Australia: Tam Fook Chee

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Living the Dream: A Profile of Master Andrew Fanelli Meet our cover personality, Master Andrew Fanelli, who runs a successful TKD school in Los Gatos, California. With over 27 years of martial arts experience, this fourth-degree black belt reveals what inspires him and his strategies for running a large school with over 400 students.

56 Cheonji Muye Do Well-known 70s Kung Fu movies star, Casanova Wong, sat down with TKDT to discuss his martial art of Cheonji Muye Do, his acting career and the importance of instilling morals in the martial artists of today.

Cover Photo by Zach Crawford & PixBz.com

taekwondotimes.com

Cover photo by Bill Bly.

Founded in 1980 by Chung E. Kim

62 Elbow Room Nothing hits harder and faster than a good, old school elbow strike. We cover the basics in this step-by-step discussion on using elbow strikes for self-defense.

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Circulation & Business Offices 3950 Wilson Ave. S.W. Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404 (319) 396-1980 FAX: (319) 396-5070 Editorial & Advertising Offices 800 388-5966 FAX: (319) 396-5070 info@taekwondotimes.com

66 Overcoming the Odds Master Joe Ash has overcome great personal struggles to become the success he is today, celebrating his school’s 30th anniversary in 2009. Read his inspiring story.

FPO

71 Tae Kwon Do & Autism Young Hunter Oliver suffers from autism and epilepsy. At age seven, he weighed only 26 pounds. It was then his parents decided to enroll him in Tae Kwon Do. Find out how martial arts has given young Hunter and his parents new hope and health!

74 Winning with Abandon What makes a good winner? TKDT correspondent, Daniel Middleton, discusses how giving in to abandon, can actually get you the win!

78 One-Stepping to Maturity Learn how one parent watched his son mature and grow into a disciplined young man with the help of Tae Kwon Do and its invaluable tenets.

Columns 35 43 82 84 85 86 89 98

East Meets West / Goal Setting Stretch Yourself / Treating Sports Injuries Traditions / Measurable Goals Woman of the Times / I Love You...

The Supplement / Dreams into Reality Heart to Heart / Pursuing Goals and Dreams MMA & You / MMA and More The Last Word / The Master’s Swagger

Departments 10 11 12 22 24 28 90 94 95 96

TKDT Contests / Check It Out! From the Desk of the Editor / 30 Years & More News / What’s Happening TKDT Schools of the Month / Aug & Sept Killer Kicks / Amazing Photos!

Black Belt Beginnings / Get Inspired Martial Arts Directory / Find a School Calendar of Events / What’s Near You Correspondent Page / Around the Globe The Big Break / Unbelievable Breaks!

TAE KWON DO TIMES, Volume 29, Number Five (ISSN 0741-028X) is published bi-monthly, (January, March, May, July, September, and November) by Tri-Mount Publications, Inc., Corporate Headquarters, circulation and fulfillment offices located at 3950 Wilson Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 (319-396-1980). Editorial and advertising 3950 Wilson Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 email: Fax: 319-396-5070 800-388-5966 info@taekwondotimes. com. Web site: taekwondotimes.com. Submissions must be accompanied by return postage and will be handled with reasonable care; however, the publisher and editor assume no responsibility for the return of unsolicited photographs or manuscripts. Submissions become the property of TAE KWON DO TIMES upon notification of their publication. Printed in the United States by R.R. Donnelley. Periodical postage paid at Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER, Send address changes to TAE KWON DO TIMES, 3950 Wilson Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404. Copyright © 2008 by Tri-Mount Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction of contents may be a violation of copyright laws.

DISCLAIMER—TRI MOUNT PUBLICATIONS does not guarantee, warranty, or endorse any product or service advertised in this magazine. The publisher also does not guarantee the safety or effectiveness of any product, service or martial art technique illustrated in this magazine. The sole purpose and distribution of some products/services may be illegal in some areas and we do not assume responsibility thereof. State and local laws must be investigated by the purchaser prior to purchase and usage of products/services and martial art techniques. Because of the special nature of some products/services and techniques, a physician should be consulted before application.

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TIMES Hello Fellow Martial Artists!

TaeKwonDo Times is quickly approaching its 30 year anniversary in January 2010. Check out what a few distinguished martial artists had to say about this amazing milestone and our magazine: “I still remember when I discovered my first issue of TaeKwonDo Times as a green belt. Over the years, TaeKwonDo Times has been consistent in presenting new concepts and innovative techniques while preserving the traditional heritage of the martial arts. My magazine collection has traveled the world with me and now serves my students in the White Tiger reference library. Keep up the incredible work. Happy Anniversary and many more.”

—Master Rondy, White Tiger Taekwondo “I have been teaching in America for almost fifty years and during that time there has been only one magazine available that has exclusively focused on Tae Kwon Do. Tae Kwon Do Times has met these challenges and more by preserving the great heritage and popularity of Tae Kwon Do through the written word. Therefore, it is with great pleasure and appreciation that I congratulate publisher Woo Jin Jung and his staff on their achievement and look forward to many more years of reading and contributing to TaeKwonDo Times. Happy 30th Anniversary!”

—Grandmaster Richard Chun, President, United States Taekwondo Association “Every discipline, form of entertainment, sport or business has as a focal point its journal of choice, a chronicle that editorially keeps track of advances and accomplishments within its field of interest. Therefore, with a purported 70 million practitioners worldwide, it is a wonder that Tae Kwon Do has at its core only one internationally recognized magazine that we can point to. But thank goodness we do! Under the direction of publisher Woo Jin Jung and managing editor Laura Stolpe, coupled with those that have come before, TaeKwonDo Times has consistently, over the past thirty years, delivered timely and concise editorial on the state of the art. Moreover, it has reported on the various factions of Tae Kwon Do in a balanced and responsible manner and has fairly addressed issues that affect both the martial art and world sport of Tae Kwon Do. As a columnist for TaeKwonDo Times for the past nine years, it has been an honor to be associated with this vital publication.”

—Master Doug Cook, Head Instructor, Chosun Taekwondo Academy “Congratulations on your 30 year anniversary! Knowing TKD Times over 30 years was my pleasure and honor. Your magazine gives lots of information and knowledge to all of the readers around the world. Wishing you more success for many more decades!

—Grandmaster Chong Su Kim, Pan-Am Tang Soo Do Federation Also quickly approaching will be presidential elections for the two largest Tae Kwon Do organizations in the world, the ITF and WTF. The ITF’s election will take place in October in St. Petersburg, Russia. The governing president, Professor Chang Ung, remains unopposed for the election. Will there be anyone that steps forward to challenge him? The WTF’s election also take place this October in Copenhagen, Denmark. Current president Chungwon Choue is of course in contention for the spot, but could there be others, such as IOC member Nat Indrapana, WTF Vice President Soo-Nam Park, or even former president, Dr. Un Young Kim? Be sure to check our website for the latest news on this and more in the world of TKD. As you may remember, last issue we told you of several ways that TaeKwonDo Times Magazine is working to make our company more environmentally friendly. We want to ensure the health of our planet for our children, our grandchildren, and future generations to come. We are taking many steps, little by little, to lessen the TKDT footprint on Mother Earth.

Last issue, we discussed our move to a more environmentally friendly paper. We also introduced you to our new all-natural tote bags that you can find on our online store at taekwondotimes. com. These totes are great for reducing waste.

Our next step in helping the environment has been planting trees at our workplace. In the middle of the workday, we all took a break and went outside to plant beautiful pine trees. In that same spirit, we ask that you, our readers and fellow martial artists, also go out and start making the effort to go green too! Start using all-natural tote bags for your groceries, using Earth-friendly cleaners and products, or plant a tree! Get your class together and clean up a park! Then tell us about it! Send us your story and photos and you may see your Earth-loving acts in our next issue!

Let’s go green!

From the Desk of the Editor

30 Years & More

taekwondotimes.com / September 2009

11

Master Eden at South Bend

NEWS

Master Eden as Motivational Speaker South Bend, Washington—South Bend High School Tae Kwon Do in Washington State welcomed martial artist and Karate magazine columnist, Master Karen Eden, as their guest for the day. The class is under the instruction of school teacher and Tae Kwon Do master Michael Schroeder. Master Eden also gave a motivational talk to the entire school, seventh through twelfth grades, on the mind, body, spirit, and concept behind martial arts and how it can combat stress and lead to a more successful life. “The youth of America are having to face some of the most difficult times in our country’s history,” says Master Eden. It is her intention through school talks to encourage young people to stay on the right path and make good decisions. “I talk ‘straight-up’ and I use my own life as an example of overcoming obstacles that may be placed in your path as a young person.” At the end of the 45-minute talk, every student in the gymnasium stood to their feet and gave Master Eden a standing ovation. “I’m very humbled and touched at the impact my talk has on these young people.” Master Eden is the founder of the Blood and Fire Federation in conjunction with The Salvation Army, where she teaches at-risk youth and inner-city students (The Red Shield Warriors featured in the July 2009 issue.)

East Timor Joins WTF Seoul, South Korea—East Timor became the 189th member nation of the WTF on May 18, 2009. The Timor-Leste Taekwondo Federation, led by Dr. Lucas Da Costa, recently submitted necessary membership documents to the WTF and the latter gave the Asian country a provisional membership status. As a provisional member, the East Timor Tae Kwon Do body is able to send its athletes to all WTF promoted and sanctioned events, but it has no voting right until it becomes a full member of the WTF. TKDT Columnist Publishes Book Radford, Virginia—TKD Times columnist Dr. Jerry Beasley has announced the publication of two new books. Both books made their way to the book stores in February 2009. In his new book JKD: High-Risk Sparring, Beasley examines the sparring concept created by the late martial arts superstar Bruce Lee. In the fully illustrated text, the author reveals the nine ways to approach sparring resulting in the Jeet Kune Do high-risk full-contact approach in which fighters are fully suited-up and spar with “intent to do harm.” Joe Lewis, the Karate legend and former Bruce Lee student is featured in the book and on the cover. His second book, Dojo Dynamics: Essential Marketing Principles for Martial Arts Schools provides the martial arts school owner a complete guide to advertising, public relations, sales promotions and personal selling. This book features the top 20 sales promotions, a complete method for contract sales and a unique public relations plan that is sure to get you identified as the martial arts expert in your community.

DR. JERRY BEASLEY

Founder and Chairman, AIKIA World International Network

WTF Selects Equipment Finalists Silicon Valley, California—On May 6, 2009 in Lausanne, Switzerland, the WTF held a test to assess three electronic scoring systems for official recognition and for potential use in the World Championships and 2012 London Olympic Games. The WTF gave Daedo-True Score and KP&P recommendations to move on to the final phase of approval which consists of examination by the Korean Institute of Sport and Science (KISS) and testing in actual competition. The third company scheduled to demonstrate, Adidas, did not attend the testing session.

Daedo True-Score has already been used in elite competitions including the International Flora Cup 2009 in Hamburg, Germany. After the event, the President of the Hamburg Taekwondo Federation stated he “had quite a lot of concerns prior to the event…but all worries proved to be unfounded.” As a result of the success of events held in Spain using the Daedo-True Score system, the Spanish Taekwondo Federation has already committed to using Daedo True-Score as the exclusive electronic scoring equipment for all of their sanctioned events.

12 September 2009 / taekwondotimes.com

Western Sahara to Learn TKD Waco, Texas—Grandmaster Danny Passmore of Waco, Texas, has accepted a request from the government of the Western Sahara in North Africa to set up a national sports program for the youth of the country. Although Passmore is a ninth-dan in American Street Karate, he has elected to use his training as a sixth-dan Kukkiwon master to set up an Olympic Style Taekwondo program for the country. Passmore stated, “I believe this style of training will be in the best interest of the country’s youth.” His first trip to begin the training will be in the late fall of 2009.

Master Passmore met Western Sahara President Mohammad Abdel-Aziz and several other government officials when he visited the country on a fact finding mission from the U.S. After demonstrating martial arts for the military and teaching some basic kicks to a group of school kids, Passmore was approached by Mohamed Mouloud, Secretary of State for Youth and Sports, and asked to set up a program for the entire country.

Master Passmore, a former Olympic Taekwondo competition instructor, plans to train approximately 2000 black belts and have them transfer to world class Tae Kwon Do schools in the United States and other countries when they obtain school visas for college education. He plans to petition the International Olympic Committee to accept the Western Sahara into Olympic competition. The program will begin by training approximately 100 athletic students in sixhour seminars for ten days twice a year. After each training period, the students will return to their cities to train youth on what they have learned.

GM Passmore in the Sahara

GM Kim

Chong Sung Kim Passes San Gabriel, California—Chong Sung Kim passed away in June 2009 at his home in San Gabriel, California. He was 78 years old. He is survived by his wife, three children and six grandchildren. Grandmaster Kim was the Chairman of the Jang Mu Won Hapkido Association, consisting of five schools in southern California, and the Master Instructor at Kim’s Hapkido, Alhambra. He was a student of Young Sul Choi, the founder of Hapkido. In 2001, Grandmaster Kim was named Black Belt’s Instructor of the Year. He has trained hundreds of black belts in Korea and the USA.

EVENTS Omaha National Martial Arts Championship Omaha, Nebraska—Omaha was host to martial arts mania in May 2009. Over 800 competitors, spectators, seminar participants, and volunteers from all over the United States filled gymnasiums and hospitality rooms at different locations around the city during the first annual Omaha National Martial Arts Championship (ONMAC).

According to ONMAC promoter, Jeff Helaney, this year’s event was extremely successful in raising funds for the Armbrust Family YMCA. Martial arts action star Don “the Dragon” Wilson and director Art Camacho treated over 100 aspiring actors and filmmakers to a unique seminar called Anatomy of an Action Scene. The seminar was part on an ongoing educational series sponsored by the Omaha Film Festival and focused on different aspects of action filmmaking including fight choreography and cinematography. A free judging seminar was also conducted by the Midwest Martial Arts League (MMAL). According to MMAL president Dan Valin, “It is a mission of the Midwest Martial Arts League to promote fair and impartial tournaments. This is impossible to accomplish without great judges. Our goal was to help our participants get to a place where they felt comfortable dealing with all the unusual situations that can come up during an event.”

Nebraska Lt. Governor Rick Sheehy congratulated all the participants GM on Passmore in the Sahara making positive choices in life and choosing martial arts as a path. Competitors had the choice in competing in over 117 different divisions including; sparring, traditional forms, creative forms, weapons, team forms, and self-defense. A number of competitors and spectators also participated in a free screen test called “So You Want to be a Martial Arts Star.” According to Jason Levering, Director of the Omaha Film Festival, the screen test has already been shared with a number of industry professionals.

14 September 2009 / taekwondotimes.com

An ONMAC demonstration

4th Annual Master Norman Seminar Kamloops, British Columbia—Thompson Valley Taekwon-Do located in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada, hosted their 4th Annual Master Clint Norman seminar. Master Norman is the current president of the CTFI (Canadian Taekwon-Do Federation International) and was selected by General Choi as one of nine instructors worldwide to perform on the official Taekwon-Do training CD. The seminar began on Friday, May 29 with a session for black belts only, followed by a full day for all belt levels on Saturday, May 30. Saturday’s morning session consisted of learning the technical aspects of ITF patterns and the afternoon focused totally on the technical aspects of sparring as well as doing numerous sparring drills. ITF members from all around the province of British Columbia came to attend this event. At the end of the event, Mr. Robert Gill, Head Instructor of Thompson Valley Taekwon-Do, presented Master Norman with a framed picture with the signatures of all the participants.

The AAU Qualifier

2009 Virginia AAU TKD Qualifier Williamsburg, Virginia—Earlier this Spring, the 2009 Virginia AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) Tae Kwon Do Qualifier was hosted by Master Joe Ash of Baeplex Martial Arts in Williamsburg, Virginia. “This was my fifth year hosting this competition. My dream as an athlete was to attend fair, fun and competitive events. When I am putting together an event, the thoughts and feelings I had as an athlete take a priority over everything.

I hope to elevate not only the level of experience for the athletes, but the overall experience for everyone in attendance,” stated Master Ash. Many talented competitors came out to test their abilities, providing an outstanding display of their martial arts skills. The competition consisted of forms, point sparring and Olympic style sparring. The energy was positive and contagious throughout the venue. There was an enormous display of good sportsmanship and camaraderie amongst the competitors and spectators alike.

Knife Fighting Seminar Zephyrhills, Florida—A knife fighting seminar was hosted by Master Gary Hernandez, fourth-degree TKD black belt and third-degree in Hapkido, at Gary Hernandez Martial Arts School. Twenty-four people attended the seminar to learn knife fighting techniques, and become familiar with knife throwing skills. Master Hernandez himself has over 30 years experience in the martial arts, and over ten years of training in knife fighting. The attendees learned how to strike at their opponents from both the standard knife holding and inverted positions with the use of zip cuts, c-cuts and 7-cuts, thrusting forward with bayonet striking and stabbing. In attendance for the seminar were Sunbaenim Karuna Khan, Sunbaenim Gordon, Brian Reilly, Grandmaster Billy Lee Burchett, Grandmaster Gary Keller, Master Phil Peplinski, Master Steve Sitter, and Master Merle McAlpin, just to name a few.

Knife fighting seminar attendees

NPTA Leadership Camp Springfield Missouri—The 2009 National Progressive Taekwondo Association Pilsung Leadership Camp took place in Springfield, Missouri, in June 2009.

Instructors, school owners, and instructor trainees from across the country gathered for two days of training workshops for the purpose of continuing education.

The program consisted of informative seminars on marketing and branding, keeping integrity in rank, tournament policy and teaching children with disabilities. Physical training was provided in areas of putting the spark back in your stretching routine, Pilsung Do Kwan Taekwondo, multiple kicking strategies, knife and gun defense, Kenpo hand techniques, kickboxing, and developing the Jo (short) staff. Pilsung Leadership Camp has been designed by the NPTA to NPTA Leadership Camp

16 September 2009 / taekwondotimes.com

provide a venue for school owners and instructors to receive intensive training on policy and technique in order to create solid continuity within the association. The NPTA also welcomed the addition of two facilities to the rapidly growing NPTA family. Toulon Martial Arts and Bradford Martial Arts both owned by Brian Beaver of Edelstein, Illinois are the newest additions to the NPTA family.

USCDKA National Training Conference Lakeland, Florida—For the 19th time, the U.S. Chung Do Kwan Association (USCKDA) held its annual conference, which was attended by well over 250 gup, dan and master ranked students. The three-day conferences typically include rank testing on the first day, a short regional tournament, and several training tracks with a wide variety of training classes and seminars for students. All training is conducted by highly experienced senior black belt instructors or masters, and in some cases MDs and PhDs. This conference, in addition to the national tournament held each year, is a chance for all members of the association to renew acquaintance with old friends and to share and learn the latest training tips and techniques, as well as to polish traditional Tae Kwon Do poomse and fighting techniques.

The USCDKA was founded in 1967 by ninth-dan Grandmaster Edward B. Sell and has trained 350,000 students, 10,000 black belts and 150 Masters, up to and including the rank of eighth-dan. Grandmaster Sell and his wife, eighth-dan Brenda J. Sell, have taught in excess of 3,500 seminars throughout the United States and around the world. Currently, the USCDKA has 100 member schools in 32 states and four GM Kim foreign countries, with 12,000 individual members.

4th Annual Memorial Tournament District Heights, Maryland—The Head of Family Martial Arts Association hosted the 4th Annual Memorial Tournament in District Heights, Maryland, in June 2009. Demonstrating once again the richness and diversity of martial arts in the Midatlantic region, the tournament included a total of 140 competitors of all ages competing in weapons, sparring, forms, and self-defense. The event also included a variety of demonstrations intended to expose those in attendance to the breadth of the martial arts experience. The event opened with Sifu Raymond Wong’s Chinese Boxing school doing the lion dance. Grandmaster Robert Braff demonstrated the power of concentration by laying on a bed of nails. Finally, Supreme Grandmaster Robert “the Hawk” Hawkins demonstrated a broad range of martial arts skills, including breaking ten concrete blocks and cutting a potato off his student’s neck and stomach. Ms. Monique Martin won the weapon and empty hand forms grand championship, while Mr. Kendall Robinson won the sparring grand championship and Mr. Vincent Wallace won the self-defense grand championship.

PROMOTIONS Scottish Master Earns Eighth-Dan Syracuse, New York—Master Hun Wong of Scotland received his eighthdan from the Kukkiwon in March 2009. Master Wong travels to South Korea every year to train with Grandmaster Kim Soo Bae, who is the President of the World Chang Moo Kwon. Master Wong has also trained with Grandmaster Rhee Ki Ha of Scotland (ITF) and also received an eighth-dan from Unified ITF Grandmaster Hwang Sung. Master Wong teaches both ITF and WTF in Scotland and will soon be teaching in the U.S.

18 September 2009 / taekwondotimes.com

A daring sword demonstration

Photo by Maynard Thorn Master Wong

HAPKIDO The World SinMoo Hapkido Federation “DoJuNim” (Honorable Founder of Korean Hapkido)

Ji, Han Jae v v v v v Do Ju Nim

Ji, Han Jae

Honorary Chairman

v v v

10th Degree Blackbelt / Supreme Grandmaster Over 50 Years in the Martial Arts Bodyguard to South Korea’s President Park Instructor to many of the World’s Top Master-Instructors Starred in Bruce Lee’s “Game of Death”, “Lady Kung-Fu”, “Fist of the Unicorn Palm” and “Hapkido” Founder / DoJuNim: Korean Hapkido Founder / DoJuNim: SinMoo Hapkido World SinMoo Hapkido Federation (Honorary Chairman)

“The Future of Hapkido”

Kwang Jang Nim

Ken MacKenzie President / 9th Dan

Chief-Master Scott Yates

For Information on Individual and School Charter Memberships Log Onto:

www.WorldSinMooHapkidoFederation.com Af`e Kf[Xp D\dY\ij_`g J\im`Z\j @eZcl[\1

Technical Support – Manuals – Curriculum – Certification Uniforms - Seminars – Direct Link to the Founder – Networking Training Opportunity – Rank Advancement – Instructor Accreditation Member Newsletter – Dojang Operational Support Note: The World SinMoo Hapkido Federation is the official governing body for SinMoo Hapkido world-wide as sanctioned by DoJuNim Ji, Han Jae

PO Box 262, Atco, New Jersey, 08004, U.S.A.

1(856) 719-1411

World SinMoo Hapkido Federation…..Unifying Hapkido Worldwide!

Eighth-Dan Promotion GM Park & GM Sexton Oklahoma City, Oklahoma—Grandmaster Hae Man Park, Vice President of the World Chung Do Kwan, promoted Todd J. Sexton to the rank of eighth-degree black belt in a special intensive training and testing schedule of Tae Kwon Do masters. The promotion was conducted at the USA Taekwondo Center with special guests including Pastor Joono Uhm, son of Kukkiwon President Woon Kyu Uhm. Honored Guest, past WTF Vice President Josiah Henson was present to witness the grandmaster certification presented to Master Sexton personally by Grandmaster Hae Man Park. Master Sexton was previously certified as a seventh-dan black belt by the founder of Chung Do Kwan, Great Grandmaster Won Kuk Lee, and a most senior student of the late Dr. Cha Sok Park, WTF Vice President. Grandmaster Sexton has trained and tested a number of times in Korea with prominent instructors in preparation for advanced testing and rank.

Already certified as an eighth-degree black belt in the Korean martial arts under Grandmaster Suk Ku Kim, Grandmaster Sexton is a master in Hanminjok Hapkido as a student of Great Grandmaster In Sun Seo, tenth-dan of the World Kido Federation. He is also currently appointed as the director of the Chung Do Kwan—Oriental Sports Academy and the Korean Martial Arts Association, USA Branch of the World Kido Federation.

GMHS Honors Won Chik Park Cedar Rapids, Iowa—The Grandmasters’ Honor Society (GMHS) recently awarded Grandmaster Won Chik Park of Dallas, Texas, with a certificate and pension from the Honor Society. Grandmaster Won Chik Park has approximately 50 years of martial arts experience and has been a pioneer of martial arts in the United States of America. He was presented with the certificate at the 2009 Taekwondo Grandmasters’ Society Hall of Fame in Chicago by Grandmaster Woojin Jung, Publisher of TaeKwonDo Times and founder of the Grandmasters’ Honor Society.

The Grandmasters’ Honor Society was founded to honor and benefit the pioneers of Tae Kwon Do and other martial arts in the United States. It attempts to recognize the great sacrifices and efforts of the martial artists that have come to the U.S. to spread the martial art spirit and education. Honored pioneers are awarded a monthly pension as well as a certificate to honor their contributions to the martial arts community. If you would like to nominate or donate to the Grandmasters’ Honor Society, please email info@taekwondotimes.com.

GM Park, Dr. He-Young Kimm & GM Jung

20 September 2009 / taekwondotimes.com

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TKDT School of the Monthgust

u A Level 10 Martial Arts College

Ryan Kelly (with parents), receives trophy for extraordinary effort from Master James Theros.

Above: First-dan Robert Bollerman ties for Guinness Book of World Records board breaking record.

Right: Riley Children’s Hospital representative breaks first board of break-a-thon fundraiser.

Above: Students meditate before class.

Above: Junior black belt Rachel Edmonds with Master Theros

Level 10 Martial Arts College has been a staple in Indianapolis, Indiana since 1993. Level 10 is a traditional-style-based school and a true college of martial arts. The school’s owner and founder, Master James Theros, teaches his students the arts of Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido and Sip Pal Gi (a Korean Kung Fu system), as well as multiple weapons.

Level 10 is a family-oriented school that is highly involved in community outreach. Recently, the school taught a special free women’s self-defense class to all local mothers and also raised over $4,000 for three Indianapolis elementary schools by teaching special after-school behavior-modification programs for the kids. Additionally, Level 10 Martial Arts College raised over $1,200 for Riley Children’s Hospital by hosting a special break-a-thon and donating all proceeds to Riley’s.

Level 10 Martial Arts College boasts a healthy student body of over 200 actively training students and should hit the 250 mark soon. Earlier this spring, the school promoted nine students to first-degree black belt and two students to third-degree black belt. This fall, another ten students will promote to black belt.

Students range from ages three to sixty and there is frequently a waiting list to enroll due to the overwhelming popularity of the school’s programs and the undying dedication of its instructors and master.

Level 10 Martial Arts College also provides weekly summer camps for busy parents looking for a safe, healthy environment for their children. Each camp has a different theme to excite the kids, such as Summer Olympics, water sports, and the action film camp, in which the attendees will write a script and star in their very own action movie. The raw video is edited into a Hollywood-style production and the kids watch the movie on the last day of camp.

Five-year-old Courtney Hocutt breaks board for Children’s Hospital kids.

First-degree black belt, Shy-Quon Ely, breaks boards for charity.

22 September 2009 / taekwondotimes.com

r e b TKDT School of the Month em t p Omaha Blue Waves Martial Arts Se For the students at Omaha Blue Waves Martial Arts in Omaha, Nebraska success is more than earning a new belt or mastering a new technique.

Success is achieved through personal growth and by learning life lessons in the dojang. According to the school’s Curriculum Director, Master Jeff Helaney, a significant amount of time is spent encouraging students to develop a mind set of giving back their time and talents to the community. In fact, the school feels so strongly about building positive assets in its students that community service is one of the many requirements to become a black belt.

According to Helaney, research indicates that individuals who are asset rich, with strong, positive internal and external influences, tend to have fuller, more successful lives. Constructive use of time is often one of the areas where adolescents often score the lowest in developmental asset profiles. The school has adopted the philosophy of teaching positive life lessons in concert with martial arts classes and requiring students to become involved in the community regardless of age. Helaney stated, “The ultimate goal of every teacher is to pass on something worth learning to his or her student. The form the lesson takes can be different with each individual, but the end goal should always be to encourage positive growth.”

Helaney lauded the school’s teaching staff. He said that every instructor shares the personal belief that respect and caring is a key component to becoming an effective teacher. Although each one of the staff teaches according to their individual strengths, they have become mentors, role models, and friends to the students.

The Omaha Blue Waves Martial Arts staff doesn’t just talk the talk about giving back to the community, they walk the walk. Over the last year, Blue Waves staff raised thousands of dollars for the Armbrust Family YMCA through the Omaha National Martial Arts Championship. On a smaller scale, they have created fun activities for area children such as free movie nights, group outings, and family picnics.

Helaney said, “Every person who walks through the dojang door has a preconception about what they want to get out of a martial arts class. As instructors, we have to show them what we have to

offer and let them make the decision if the class is right for them. There are a number of great schools available to students and you have to care enough to make sure that they find the right one for them, whether it is your school or not.”

Second-dan Michele Helaney instructs class.

Fourth-dan Matt Owens and second-dans Jessie Silknitter and Paige Helaney teaching kicks.

Class in the Hoosinsool Practice Room B.

Purple belt Ryann Wonders spars blue belt Carrie Olson.

taekwondotimes.com / September 2009

23

Second-dan Wendy Tseng of Maryland Photo by Stace Sanchez

Submit your Killer Kick photos, along with your name, age, rank and location to press@taekwondotimes.com or mail to: TKD Times Attn: Killer Kicks 3950 Wilson Ave SW Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 USA

Third-dan Sammy Vergara of New York Photo by Stace Sanchez

Master James Theros of Indiana

Sixth-degree S.K. Chong of Malaysia

24 September 2009 / taekwondotimes.com

Third-degree Erin Hoard of Florida

Fourth-dan Stefaniya Petkova of Bulgaria

Fourth-dan John Christakos of New York

Seven-year-old Pierce Lloyd (in blue) of Maryland Photo by Robert J. Smith, Jr.

taekwondotimes.com / September 2009

25

2009 U.S. Taekwondo Grandmasters Society

Hall of Fame

By Lisa Warner

The 4th Annual Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony was held on Saturday, May 2, 2009, at the Radisson Hotel in Schaumburg (Chicago), Illinois.

The formal banquet and awards ceremony was presented by the U.S. Taekwondo Grandmasters Society and marked the conclusion of the Society’s 7th annual meeting, a three-day event.

Grandmasters, along with their families and students, from across the United States and around the world attended the two-hour banquet and ceremony presentation, honoring ten inductees into the Hall of Fame.

During the banquet, prior to the awards ceremony, a special Certificate of Honor was presented to Grandmaster Won Chik Park by Grandmaster Woo Jin Jung, Publisher and CEO of TaeKwonDo Times Magazine. Grandmaster Won Chik Park was recognized by the Grandmaster Honor Society for his contributions and continuing commitment to the establishment, development, and expansion of Tae Kwon Do martial arts in the United States.

During the awards ceremony, attendees were entertained by the sights and sounds of a local Korean dance troupe, which performed a traditional Korean drum dance.

The purpose of the Hall of Fame is to recognize the achievements of individuals who have had an impact and lasting effect on the art of Tae Kwon Do. “By consistently awarding and recognizing Tae Kwon Do achievement in the United States in several categories, the United States Taekwondo Grandmasters Society Hall of Fame seeks to educate the general public as to the true nature of Tae Kwon Do and raise general awareness of the contribution Tae Kwon Do makes to individual practitioners and to the society in which they live.”1 Each award was preceded by a video presenta-

tion which highlighted the achievements of the inductee. The U.S. Taekwondo Grandmasters Society trophies were presented by a member of the Hall of Fame.

GM Woojin Jung, GM JaeKyu The ten inductees Lee, & Dr. Dai Soon Lee to the Hall of Fame for 2009 were: Grandmaster Ki Whang Kim (Pioneer Award); Grandmaster Young Rai Cho (Lifetime Achievement Award); Grandmaster Sam Jang Kim (Lifetime Achievement Award); Grandmaster Jae Kyu Lee (Lifetime Achievement Award); Grandmaster Hwa Chong (Outstanding Leadership Award); Dr. Dai Soon Lee (Honorary Ambassador Award); Grandmaster Myuong S. Namkung-Mayes (Coach of the Year Award); Grandmaster Dae Sung Lee (Competitor of the Year Award); Grandmaster Woo Jin Jung (Ambassador Award); Grandmaster Y. K. Kim (Literary Achievement Award).

Between the inductees and attendees, there were hundreds, if not thousands of years of martial arts experience under one roof.

Congratulations to the 2009 U.S. Taekwondo Grandmasters Society Hall of Fame inductees!

1

The United States Taekwondo Grandmasters Society 2009 Awards program. taekwondotimes.com / September 2009

27

Focus On Our Readers...

Black Belt Beginnings tells the inspiring and motivational stories of students climbing the rank system and achieving black belt. To submit your story of 750 words or less, email it to press@taekwondotimes.com.

TKD Helps Boy Battle Cancer

By Adrienne Connolly Carsten Connolly started participating in classes at Yang’s Tae Kwon Do in 2007, when he was six years old. He first became interested in TKD when he attended a birthday party at Master Yang’s dojang in Alexandria, Virginia. He enjoyed his experience so much that he decided that he wanted to enroll in a class. Since our family lives in Arlington, we decided to try a different dojang within walking distance of our house. Carsten observed one class, and afterwards proclaimed that it was not nearly as fun as Master Yang’s classes and that he did not want to practice there. He wanted to attend classes at Yang’s Tae Kwon Do and so we enrolled him there.

Shortly before beginning his Tae Kwon Do practice, Carsten was diagnosed with Leukemia. We did not dwell on the fact that he was ill, since our primary goal was to allow him to lead as normal of a routine as possible. Carsten attended school regularly, played with his friends and participated in all his routine activities as if he did not have cancer. He began Tae Kwon Do classes with enthusiasm and excitement, attending classes two to three days per week, but often had Carsten started TKD at age six. to miss classes due to hospital visits or not feeling well.

Throughout the entire experience, he was never treated differently

by Master Yang, Master Kwan, +1 September 2009 / taekwondotimes.com

or any of the other instructors or students. He was expected to perform all of the same exercises and forms as everyone else, and this was very helpful in keeping his mind focused on his goals.

Participating in TKD helped Carsten to not dwell on his illness. The continual quest for the next belt level provided him with an incredible sense of focus. The reward of attaining the next belt after passing the test was extremely satisfying for Carsten. It made him feel proud of himself, and allowed him to see that he could achieve whatever he set his mind to doing. Having this sense of focus and discipline truly allowed Carsten to see beyond his illness and realize that life is full of challenges that must be met bravely and with determination.

Carsten managed to keep pace with the other students that began when he did, and he achieved all of his belts. After being awarded his black belt only two years after he began, Carsten was acknowledged by one of the grandmasters administering the test for his level of focus and determination. This acknowledgement was a great source of pride for him, and he has had great satisfaction in knowing that he stuck with the Tae Kwon Do program and reached the ultimate goal of black belt.

Carsten & Master Yang

From Master Yang: I met Carsten Carsten’s class over two years ago when he first visited my school. I knew he had become very sick, but he still showed great enthusiasm and never gave up hope in his desire to get well. Carsten was so excited whenever he achieved his next belt. Sometimes, on testing day, he would feel sick, but he still always managed to take the test and do well and eventually Carsten became a black belt. I believe that participating in Tae Kwon Do helped Carsten recover quicker. I hope Carsten’s journey will give hope to other children who are sick and help them enjoy life despite their hardships.

78-Year-Old Earns 4th Dan

By Fred Perry Age! That is not a barrier to her. The experience that comes with a long life of service has inspired her to continue achieving and to continue giving of herself.

78-year-old Barbara Murphy was recently promoted to master in TKD at the United States Chung Do Kwan national training conference in Lakeland, Florida. She was born in Columbus, Ohio and earned her bachelor’s from Ohio State University in 1953. She then moved south with her family and taught in the public school systems for over two decades. “I taught all grades,” says Master Murphy, who has three Barbara Murphy daughters and a son. She moved to Florida in 1970 and later started teaching in Christian schools. Along the way, she decided that simply teaching was too sedentary for her.

“I first started studying Tae Kwon Do for the exercise, but it has become so much more,” she says.

“I would have gone down hill physically by now, if it weren’t for Tae Kwon Do. Instead of a gentle slope, it would have been a steep hill. I always wanted to be a teacher, since I was six years old, and as a child I always played school. Now I teach Tae Kwon Do at my own school at the New Life Fellowship Church in Orlando, Florida.” The thing she likes about Tae Kwon Do, besides the challenge, taekwondotimes.com /September 2009

+2

the physical exercise, and the opportunity to continue teaching, is the fellowship she finds within the United States Chung Do Kwan Association, meeting and learning with like-minded people.

Master Murphy says that she had never heard of Tae Kwon Do before 1988, when she watched a demonstration. They told her that Tae Kwon Do will accept students from seven to seventy. She sought out a school, watched a class and said to herself: “I can do that!” She started Tae Kwon Do at the age of 61, when most people are starting to slow down. She did not have much money in those days, and had to pay for her first uniform on a payment plan. “I tested for firstdan at age seventy and broke concrete block at my graduation,” she says.

Knee problems and knee surgeries, including a total knee replacement, caused her doctors to tell her she should stop. That was a terrific blow she would not allow herself to absorb; so she shrugged it off, and after rehabilitation, she started up again and now is going stronger than ever.

She joined the United States Chung Do Kwan Association in Barbara started TKD at age 61.

,) September 2009 / taekwondotimes.com

Master Murphy in class

1992 and now trains under Grandmaster Edward B. Sell, its founder. “The USCDKA events are like family reunions for me. I feel loved and I love. Many say that I inspire them, so you see, I must not give up. I feel valued. I know that Tae Kwon Do has given me a better quality of life and kept my mind active.” Master Murphy is looking forward to her fifth-dan examination in another five years.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Frederick V. Perry is a seventh-dan in TKD, under Grandmaster Edward B. Sell, and a fourth-dan in Atemi Ryu Ju-Jitsu. He has taught martial arts for a number of years. He is a lawyer with a B.A and an M.A. degree in Spanish Literature; an MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management; a Law Degree from the University of Akron College of Law, a PhD in International Business and International Affairs from the University of Miami and a Diploma in Mexican Law from the Escuela Libre de Derecho in Mexico City. He spent four years in the United States Marine Corps, and was released from active duty with the rank of Captain.

UBBT Inspires Instructor

By Chan Lee

As Tae Kwon Do teachers, we stress to our students over and over again: Being a martial artist encompasses more than just kicking and punching.

We encourage better self-discipline in our students, we cultivate their focus and build their confi-

Before

dence. Everything we do in our dojang becomes a microcosm of the wide world around us.

This is all good work. But is it enough? Something amazing happens when leaders like us open our doors and our minds to really live the Tae Kwon Do tenets, particularly, “I will build a more peaceful world.” I can tell you what happened to me.

It took me somewhere miles and miles outside of my comfort zone, to Greensboro, Alabama.

Reinvigorating the dreadfully poor community of Greensboro is central to the Ultimate Black Belt Test. This 13-month program, undertaken by some of today’s premier martial artists, involves using our fighting skills in a completely different way.

The UBBT program is the brainchild of forward-

Chan Lee working in Greensboro.

Before After

thinking coach and mentor Tom Callos. It has many goals: to build elite athletes, promote personal change, and engage participants to reach out and make the world a better place.

In late spring 2009, over 100 UBBT participants converged upon this small Alabama community. We worked hard all day on various projects. We slept on a gymnasium floor at night. In just five days under the inspiring leadership of community activist Pamela Dorr, our group was able to: · Construct a small home for an elderly blind man who, up to this point, had been living in a dangerously decrepit trailer. · Worked to convert an abandoned but historically significant school into a museum. This meant extracting vines and beehives from the building, followed by cleaning, sanding, painting and constructing a porch covering. · Rebuilt an old thrift store so it can once again open for business. · Repaired the Greensboro animal shelter’s indoor and outdoor facilities.

I was mostly involved at the school, one of a very few Rosenwald Schools still standing. These schools were built in the early part of the 20th Century for the purpose of educating African-American children. Thanks to a grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Lowe’s, it will become a museum for the future.

There is so much more work to be done in Greensboro and beyond. Racial discrimination in all its forms, from outright poverty to predatory lending practices, is a tragic reality. Too many homes here had no running water or plumbing; one of my colleagues was outraged to see this level of deprivation in our own country. I came home with a greater awareness of the condition of my own taekwondotimes.com /September 2009

,*

70-Year-Old Argentina Competitor

By George Vitale

Master Lee sparring

community and, here’s the important part, a belief that issues can be addressed and that problems can be fixed.

“In today’s world, we need self-defense from mediocrity, conspicuous consumption, consumerism, and the belief that one person cannot make a difference in the world,” Callos says. “We need to expand our ability to have empathy for others, to feel and act upon compassion, and to realize that we have the power to inspire change.”

The day after I returned, I informed my high belt class that our school will be mounting a crusade of our own, to stop Type II childhood diabetes.

Through education, we can make substantive progress toward reducing a disease that will strike one in ten children. I’ve made it my pledge to turn my students into fighters on this battlefront. We have the tools. We have the fight. And thanks in part to an energizing and inspiring mission trip, I, too, have what it takes to lead the way.

Tae Kwon Do first came to Argentina via a Dutch cargo ship. On that ship were three Korean nationals, hoping to start life fresh and to find success in a new land. In those days, the Republic of (South) Korea was ruled by a military dictatorship and was not the economic giant that it is today, estimated in 2008 to have the tenth to twelfth largest economy in the world. That ship arrived in November of 1967, in the South American country of Argentina. Those three men were Kim Han Chang, Choi Nam Sung and Chung Kwang Duk. I have had the pleasure of learning from Grandmaster Chung and meeting Grandmaster Kim. They met aboard that ship, whose journey lasted two months.

During that time, they learned that in addition to sharing their proud Korean heritage, they were also black belts in the Korean martial art of self-defense, Tae Kwon Do. The efforts of these pioneers resulted in TKD being the most popular martial art in that nation.

They shared their art, which was originally a military method of fighting with their new communities. At this time, the dispatch of TKD instructors around the world was for the most part overseen and assisted by the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF), the first worldwide governing body.

By the mid 1980s, it was estimated that Argentina had some 60,000 students engaged in the study of TKD. Over the years, approximately a half a million Argentineans have undertaken training. The country has hosted two world championships, first

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Chan Lee operates five J.K. Lee Black Belt Academy locations in the metropolitan Milwaukee area. He is one of 19 black belts from his academy participating in this year’s UBBT. Lee has trained athletes such as U.S. Olympic speed skaters and the Marquette Golden Eagles NCAA basketball team. He was recently featured on MTV’s Made reality show as a celebrity coach.

70-year-old Amelia Gomez

,+ September 2009 / taekwondotimes.com

in 1981 and then in 1999. They have also produced over 20 world champions.* This is the story of how those roots have grown to produce a beautiful 70-year-old female student that still trains today. Her name is Amelia Gomez.

She started TKD when she was 56. Ms. Gomez, now a widow, was never much into sports. She had heard of Judo and Karate, but never became involved with either. One day, while walking past a TKD dojang near her home in Buenos Aries, her interest was peaked. While she watched, she took notice how the master taught the class. In fact, Ms. Gomez said she loved how he taught. It turned out that this teacher was Ricardo Desimone, an early student of Grandmaster Choi Nam Sung, one of the aforementioned pioneers of TKD in Argentina.

At first, Ms. Gomez did not think she could do it, as it was very difficult. Although she continued, she did not think she would ever achieve anything in TKD. However, it helped Ms. Gomez with coordination and confidence. She continued under the guidance of her instructor and was able to earn her first-dan black belt in the late 90s. She continues after 14 years of training, eventually earning her II Dan black belt.

Fortunately for Amelia Gomez, she has never had to use her training to protect herself. But she does use it in her daily life as it helps to keep her body and muscles active and strong. The confidence she has gained has allowed her to compete in all three Veteran World Championships that the ITF hosts every two years. These championships allow the more mature students to compete in categories divided by age, rank, weight and gender. This helps to illustrate that TKD is truly for all.

Ms. Gomez won gold medals becoming the world champion in 2004 and 2006 at tournaments held in Malaysia and Bulgaria respectfully. In 2008, she traveled to central Asia’s ancient city of Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where she represented her country well by taking home the silver medal. This two-time world champion performed a seconddan tul called Chung Jang. Ironically, this pattern is named after Kim Duk Ryang, a 14th Century Korean general who died tragically at the age of 27 before he was able to reach full maturity. Amelia chose this pattern as she finds its 52 movements beautiful to watch as well as do.

This remarkable Taekwon-Do student continues to train three times a week, as well as a seminar

Amelia Gomez

class monthly. In the past, she has also competed in local tournaments, but will now retire from competition. She loves training in TKD as it gives her much satisfaction and the opportunity to meet friends. Amelia recommends TKD to anyone over 40 to keep both the mind and body sharp and active. She also believes it is wonderful for the young, making it an activity that is ideal for all.

Ms. Gomez had the distinction of being the oldest competitor in all three Veteran championships. Malaysia and Bulgaria presented her trophies honoring that milestone. By traveling from South America to South East Asia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, this shining example of a TKD student demonstrates that not only is this martial art for everyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, race or language, but that TKD brings us together by making the world smaller, by bridging those gaps. This truly is a way to build a more peaceful world. *This historical information is from The Persons & Events That Shaped Taekwon-Do In Argentina by Manuel E. Adrogue and the author’s conversations with GM Chung Kwang Duk. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: George Vitale has studied TaekwonDo since the early 1970s and was promoted to black belt in 1977.

He has been a certified International Instructor (#404), Examiner and Class “A” International Umpire (#380A) since 1987. He served as past Vice President of the USTF and the former NGB for the ITF in the USA. In addition, he was one of 32 members of the ITF Board of Directors, nominated for that position by General Choi, Hong Hi himself. He was also a defensive tactics instructor during his 24-year career as a police unit commander with the New York State Troopers Bureau of Criminal Investigation. His assignments included executive protection as a bodyguard for the New York governors and undercover work with organized crime. He has authored numerous graduate research papers on the martial arts and juvenile delinquency, on both the masters and doctoral levels. He has traveled for Taekwon-Do to over 30 countries, more than half of the United States and several providences of Canada. He may be reached at: TKD.research@ yahoo.com.

taekwondotimes.com /September 2009

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I can think of nothing that compares to martial arts when it comes to training the mind to achieve long term goals by the process of setting, striving and obtaining a series of short term goals..

For most, a beginner of the martial arts can barely imagine being able to keep up with a class, much less imagine actually obtaining the coveted black belt.

The process of determining the end result, and working backwards, fulfilling each of the necessary steps, enables students to achieve goals far beyond their imagination. If you want to be a black belt, you must first be a red belt. If you want to be a red belt, you must first be a blue belt...and so on.

The visual affirmation of the various color belts are indicators of our progress and motivate us along our journey. Even the colors of the belt symbolize our growth. White, a blank sheet of paper, the hidden potential of the seed beneath the ground covered in a blanket of pure white snow. Yellow, the sun’s warmth, energy to melt the snow barrier. Green, the seedling as it matures, establishes a strong root base and branches out. Blue, the color of the sky toward which the strong tree grows. Red, danger, caution to others and yourself to exercise control, the intense heat as you near the sun. Black, infinity beyond our known galaxy.

This process guided me to achieve my black belt. I continue to call back on this process to achieve all major goals in my life. I often write about my experience as a member of the Korean Tiger Professional Demonstration Team and how that experience helped me build and operate the largest martial arts school in the U.S. But, I’ve never written about the steps I took to be on the team in the first place.

I was a third-degree black belt in Detroit. I owned my own advertising studio and spent all non-working hours at the dojang. I spent so much time there that the master actually made me a partner in the school. The school was around 5,000 sq. ft., had a sauna and weight room, but was in a terrible part of town. We were located between a tattoo parlor and a blacked-out-window massage parlor. Rent was cheap! But there were still not enough students to turn a profit. Truly believing that everyone on Earth can benefit from taking martial arts, I was always seeking methods to attract prospective students. Public performances or demos were just the ticket—inexpensive and effective.

So I went to work improving our demo team. This was before the days of YouTube, so new techniques were hard to come by. Noticing my efforts, my master brought in a stack of VHS tapes for me to watch of the Korean Tigers.

I was mesmerized. The flipping, the throwing, the precision and synchronization—the showmanship. All of a sudden I felt like my demo team was just a bunch of white belts prancing around. When your eyes are opened to a higher level that you did not know existed, you can never go back. I studied the tapes, especially the breaking sets.

My demo team did not know what had gotten into me. All of a sudden I was stacking them up like human pyramids and telling another to run across their backs then spring board off for a 15’ aerial kick. When the master showed up he quickly shut our production down. Said we were going to break our necks. My master did not discourage our efforts completely. He explained to me that training in Korea was so very different than over here. To really learn how to do a great demo, he said he would take me to Korea to watch the team practice and train at some Korean schools. It was a long trip and I had better be prepared to stay at least a month. He also informed me that I was to get in with the team, find the best Tiger and hire him to come back to our school to teach.

I knew my goal, I just had to fulfill the necessary steps to make it happen. I had six months before our trip. I needed to learn Korean, improve my technique and increase my cardiovascular endurance, and most of all—raise some money quickly. I found a church that offered Korean language lessons for the children of Korean immigrants. I explained my situation and was allowed to join the class. The other students were early elementary age. Every single one of them was more advanced than me. I was able to provide endless entertainment for the little ones as I slaughtered their language. I studied hard, enjoyed the crackers at snack time and found the “heads down” for nap time very energizing.

I was already at the dojang every day, but I was usually the instructor and did not get to train as much as I would have liked to or should have. I wanted to hire a personal trainer, but was trying to raise money, not spend it. I called around and met a woman named Pam. She was a peppy trainer who was also looking for a way to improve her business.

We came up with an exchange idea that would provide me with one-onone training, and in return she would learn martial arts techniques to

By Master Rondy

incorporate into her group fitness routines. I met with Pam three times a week for a few hours at a time. She enabled me to make some drastic changes increasing my fitness levels and lowering my body fat. She, on the other hand, missed the boat with her new fitness routine. Billy Blanks beat her to the infomercials.

The last step was to raise the money. I needed extra money for the plane ticket and travel expenses, video equipment to tape the Tigers’ practices, and supplemental income for the month of lost business. I also had to assume that I would lose some business in the months after my return as well. The advertising business is very competitive and if you aren’t there to accommodate your customer, someone else will be.

How I worked enough hours to raise the cash I needed is kind of a blur. I would get my training in with Pam in the early morning so I could operate my advertising studio during business hours. I could sneak in naps between meetings. When the workday was finished, I would go to the dojang to run the school from five to nine o’clock. I took a job from eleven at night to seven in the morning painting window signs for a chain of stores. I always slept during my lunch break at 3 a.m.

There was no beginning or end to my days, just a continuous cycle. I learned how to be a good power napper—at the office, in the parked car, on the stack of mats at the dojang back by the locker rooms.

Blood, sweat, tears and cash got me to where I needed to go. I had my new video camera (the kind that actually have the big VHS tape inside) and my backpack as I stood outside the facility where the Tigers were training in Seoul. I was stopped at the door. No, I could not come in.

No, I could not take video. This is not for spectators. You have to leave.

Even with all my studies, it sounded like, “blah blah blah...no..blah blah no, no, no.”

It was the start of a new season and they were holding auditions.

My master talked to the coach. “If you have your uniform in your bag, go put it on now,” he told me. He took my camera and shoved me in to auditions.

It must have been my flash dance hairdo, because I caught everyone’s attention immediately. “How old are you?” they asked. I politely said that they could not ask an American woman her age. “Sorry, sorry....how much do you weigh?” they asked next.

“I’m 28 years old.”

My first day was a mixture of never wanting it to end, and hoping it would be over soon. I just kept pushing, telling myself “Try to keep up...don’t throw up.” We trained about nine hours that first day.

The coach who seemed to be ignoring me (tolerating me) came to me at the end of the day. “Not bad for a girl, come back tomorrow.”

And I did.

East Meets West

<dVa HZi i^c\

Master Rondy is a sixthdegree black belt in WTF Taekwondo, a fourth-degree in Hapkido and a seconddegree in Kickboxing. She was the only non-Asian member of the Korean Tigers Professional Martial Arts Team, spending two years in Korea, living in Seoul and YongIn. Master Rondy successfully blends the cultures of a Korean teaching staff and an American management staff for her 24,000 square foot superschool located in Cary, North Carolina. For more information visit whitetigertkd.com.

taekwondotimes.com / September 2009

35

Choosing Your Martial There are many styles of martial arts available today. The first thing you should do as a new student is research—find out what attracts you to a particular style. Do you prefer wrestling, grappling, or ground-type fighting? Or are you looking for self-defense, stand-up fighting, or full contact?

Many things are offered at schools today. To start, find several styles that interest you, get all the information you can, then go and see the school.

Watch For… Will the school let you watch a class? What is being offered to you? Are they selling you a package deal? Are they telling you that you will be an Olympic champion or world fighter? Is this what you want? In reality, a martial art is for self-improvement—even if the instructor is a world title holder, it doesn’t mean that you will be.

Many schools and instructors have taken the modern approach to selling martial arts. This modern approach has increased the monthly rates and fees. They are selling plans and levels—such as the Elite Club, Master Club, or Black Belt Club—with a fee for each. Then, each of these also has more than one uniform and so many belt levels that the student is not taught the value of earning a level. Instructors and schools should be able to earn a living at what the market will bear, but not at the expense of quality, integrity, honesty and loyalty, all important assets that are taught in martial arts.

Next, check the instructor’s credentials. In the past, only higher-ranking instructors were operating schools and branch schools, with some junior black belts as assistant instructors. The traditional system of martial arts required that you stayed with a system until you earned your way up the ranks and were proficient at all levels.

When checking a school, see if you can earn your black belt (which many times is sold to you because we all know that is the goal of many) in as little as two years or less. The traditional schools will not promote you to black belt level until you have learned all that is required (physically and morally), something that will take at least four to five years for a first-dan level.

Beware of the self-promoted black belt instructor. Some of these instructors have not even earned the level at all. It takes a lot of perseverance to make it to the rank of black belt and many leave their organization only to self-promote or find another organization that will promote them in a shorter time. It is not what the student is wearing on his/her waist, it is the time they have spent and dedicated to earn the belt that means the most.

36 September 2009 / taekwondotimes.com

Arts Journey

By Robert Gill

Traditional Vs. Trendy Knowledge comes with time; proficiency in an art takes time. Today, many forms of martial arts and schools have master instructors, at fourth and fifth-dan levels, with only five to ten years of experience, if that. A true master has spent a lifetime in his one art, at least 25 years of dedication to only one art form, and would have earned a seventh or higher dan rank, because of his or her knowledge of the art.

Traditional schools still teach the values of a martial artist, as well as the physical aspects of the art, as moral values are just as important. Have you listened to the fighting while interviewing a prospective school? Is this â&#x20AC;&#x153;fightingâ&#x20AC;? what you are looking for? Have you been told by a prospective school or instructor that they teach full-contact fighting and that other schools do not, making them the better choice for realistic self-defense or fighting?

Traditional martial arts teach control and self-control and will increase your self-esteem and selfconfidence. A good traditional technique is accurate and precise and takes time to master. Being able to control a technique within a fraction of an inch is perfection, thus increasing your confidence in your own ability. You need to ask yourself: do you want to take martial arts to learn to fight, or learn to defend yourself and loved ones?

Schools come in many forms as well. There are independent schools and schools which are affiliated with international or national organizations. Some schools have even created an organization from within their own group. What does this mean to you, the student? Well, if you do get your black belt, it will be accredited to either your school or nationally or internationally ranked. If your school is not part of a national or international organization, your certificate and belt rank will not be accredited or acknowledged anywhere but your school. Why? Because there was no standard for the test requirements for that level, except at that school.

When looking for a martial art that is right for you or a loved one, be sure to remember all these key factors. Ask yourself for what reason you are pursuing martial arts and what importance you place on competition, fighting, self-defense, moral values and belt ranking. Be sure to check the credentials of all instructors and schools and ask lots of questions. No matter what you choose for yourself, be sure to reassess your training every few months and be sure that you are still pursuing the martial arts journey you set out to achieve.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Robert Gill is a fifth-degree black belt and International Instructor of ITF Taekwon-Do. He is the current president for the International Taekwon-Do Federation of British Columbia, the provincial director for the province of British Columbia with the Canadian Taekwon-Do Federation International, and the president of Thompson Valley Taekwon-Do Schools Inc. For more information on him and his schools, visit tvtkd.com.

Do you want to take martial arts to learn to fight, or learn to defend yourself? taekwondotimes.com / September 2009

37

By Lee Caswell

Hopeful Tomorrow is a national children’s charity that was established in March of 2008 to help our nation’s underprivileged and “at-risk” youth reach for their dreams and achieve their full potential through physical, cultural and fine arts programs. These programs include, but are not limited to: martial arts, dance, music, art and gymnastics.

They support some of the United States’ most vulnerable and excluded children by providing tuition for lessons that their families are unable to afford.

The charity is currently working with over 180 martial arts studios in 47 states and has over 100 children on scholarship. All of the children involved in the program come from homes that are struggling financially. Many live in drug and gang infested neighborhoods. They are dealing with issues such as; mental and developmental disabilities, incarcerated parents, family violence, being victims of neglect, child abuse, or drug abuse. Many of these children have experienced horrific events in their young lives.

Hopeful Tomorrow was founded by Laura Champ and Lee Caswell as a memoriam and legacy to their mother and grandmother, Christine “Cricket” Roemer, who always supported and encouraged each and every one of her children and grandchildren to pursue their dreams. Given their experience, they became passionate about reaching out and helping children in need, so that they may find that special person in their lives to encourage and support them. Hopeful Tomorrow believes all children have unique potential and that they should have the support and opportunities they require to reach it. The charity feels a strong dedication to every child that passes through their doors. It is committed to empowering our nation’s youth to become full, productive participants in society through education, cultural, physical and fine arts enrichment and social service.

Recognizing that the two biggest obstacles preventing socially and economically disadvantaged children from pursuing their dreams is simply a lack of opportunity and resources, Hopeful Tomorrow strives to provide both.

taekwondotimes.com / September 2009

39

Michael Kane and Premier Martial Arts students in Destin, Florida

The charity is supported solely by public donations. Once a studio agrees to train a student on scholarship, Hopeful Tomorrow begins to seek funding for that child within that specific community. The charity takes a three-step approach towards raising these funds. The studio itself will host a fundraiser to benefit the charity. These fundraisers are usually held at the participating studio and the martial arts showcase is opened up to the public. Popular fundraisers include; KickA-Thons, Break-A-Thons, and Spar-A-Thons.

Participants seek pledges for their performance and raise as much money for the charity as possible.

Hopeful Tomorrow helps the studio promote the event by issuing press releases to the local media.

This helps raise awareness for their worthy cause, as well as call attention to an existing problem in the local community that may go unnoticed in the lives of the local citizenry. The second step the charity takes is contacting other local businesses that would like to reach out to the underprivileged youth of their community, but do not have means to do so other than a financial contribution. The charity allows these businesses to make a 100 percent tax deductible donation that will go directly towards the tuition of a local child’s lessons in the arts. The final step Hopeful Tomorrow takes in fundraising is 40 September 2009 / taekwondotimes.com

applying for any and all local grant funding available for programs such as theirs. The average amount raised per event is around $3,000.

Participating studios may already have children that they are teaching for free out of the kindness of their hearts, or may have recently lost a valued student whom could no longer afford the lessons due to an unforeseen misfortune. In this case, the charity will offer the scholarship to these children.

If the studio does not have children already in need, then the charity works diligently with local social services agencies to locate an “at-risk” child whom can truly benefit from the program. Communities benefit immensely by working with Hopeful Tomorrow. By providing for these children, they are investing in their own future. Through the benefits derived from martial arts training, these children will grow up to become fine, upstanding citizens with a perspective and appreciation for civil service.

The best part about Hopeful Tomorrow is that all of the money raised by a community is allocated for directly helping the children of that specific community. For instance; funds raised by a studio and other local businesses in Bowling Green, Kentucky will be used to provide tuition for a child in Bowling Green and nowhere else.

Hopeful Tomorrow is currently gearing up for its second annual World Martial Arts Day (WMAD).

The event is scheduled to be held on Saturday, October 17, 2009. The theme for this year is “Kickin’ in the USA.” Martial artists across the United States will be kicking simultaneously in an attempt to break the current world record of over 8.3 million kicks thrown in one hour nationwide. The event will take place from 12:00 – 1:00pm EST. Prizes for the school and child raising the most funds will be awarded. In addition, every child that participates will receive a Certificate of Participation. Children raising $25 will receive a wrist band, children raising $50 will receive a t-shirt, etc.

In 2008, Dennis and Pine Forleo of Billing Chi Tu Do raised the most funds and won a four-day vacation trip to Shepards Beach Resort in beautiful Clearwater Beach, Florida. Nicholas Renaldi, who trains at Billings Chi Tu Do raised the most funds and was the proud winner of a Playstation game system. For raising the most funds nationwide, Billings Chi Tu Do also claimed the WMAD Traveling Trophy. This beautiful trophy features a plaque of

the winning studio. The studio has the honor of displaying the trophy for the year until it is claimed by the following year’s winner.

The charity does do two other national events a year; National Break Week and National Spar Week, but World Martial Arts Day is by far the charity’s biggest event of the year.

If you or your studio would like to participate in the World Martial Arts Day event, or if you may be interested in becoming an affiliate studio, please contact Hopeful Tomorrow toll free at 888-549-0715 or you can email them at Lee @ ahopefultomorrow.org.Donations for the event can also be made online for specific communities at www.hopefultomorrow.org The ultimate goal of the charity is to have an affiliate studio working with them in every community across the United States.

A regimented martial arts program and a positive mentor can make a huge difference in the life of an at-risk child. Please assist us in helping these children to realize their dreams and providing them with a hopeful tomorrow.

Dennis Forleo and students of Billing Chi Tu Do in Billings, Montana taekwondotimes.com / September 2009

41

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There are two models of treating a sports injury.

One is based on assumptions and statistics, and the other is based on the immediate feedback.

First, the assumptions and statistics.

Assumptions such as: If the physician doesn’t see anything grossly abnormal then all is normal; a medication for fighting a symptom (such as an inflammation) will cure an inflamed joint; masking a pain with a painkiller is all it takes to regain normal function.

Statistics such as: A large percentage of patients show signs of improvement after a given treatment (a pill or some physiotherapy modality), therefore it will probably help you. It can be summed up as “roll the dice and hope and pray.”

Typical advice from physicians practicing such a model of injury treatment goes like this: The muscle hurts, therefore you should rest it and take painkillers; the muscle is weak, therefore you should exercise it; the joint is inflamed, therefore you should take an anti-inflammatory medicine; if it is still inflamed, take a stronger medicine; and so on.

The other way is based on specific muscle tests that reveal the cause of dysfunction and suggest a treatment. (Muscles are tested because every injury to the musculoskeletal system results in altered muscle function, and without restoring normal function of the muscles, joints cannot work normally.) Immediately after the treatment, the troublesome muscles are tested again to see if more needs to be done, and if so, what exactly.

This is the model followed by specialists of applied kinesiology, active release techniques (ART), muscle activation techniques (MAT), and sports chiropractic. Such specialists use precise muscle tests, applied kinesiology (AK) tests, to determine what is wrong and what has to be done to make it right. AK muscle tests

are based on those of Kendall and Kendall published in 1949 (Muscles: Testing and Function; current edition: Kendall, F. P., and E. K. Creary. 1983. Muscles: Testing and Function.

Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins.)

While the patient’s positioning and direction of movement are similar in both types of tests, in AK tests, the timing and therefore the purpose are different. AK tests do not evaluate just the force a muscle can produce, but rather how a muscle is controlled by the nervous system (facilitated or inhibited). One can say that tests developed by AK and used by practitioners of such methods as MAT, ART, or sports chiropractic evaluate muscle activation. That means these tests show whether a muscle can be activated when needed or not, whether it works in concert with other muscles or not.

Practitioners test the muscles, then, based on their knowledge of the neuromuscular system, they perform treatment to restore normal function. They test again to see if the treatment worked and repeat this procedure until the desired result is obtained. (It may take more than one treatment session for the correction to hold permanently.)

To learn how treatment methods based on precise testing work and why I recommend specialists who test-treat-retest, read posts in the Stadion Discussion Forum. Experiences of other athletes with applied kinesiology and chiropractic are described in the Stadion Forum on Sports Injuries. Experiences with Muscle Activation Techniques are described in the Sports Injuries Forum and in the Exercise Routines Forum (specifically, in the thread titled “CSta’s workout log”).

Stretch Yourself

IgZVi^c\ Hedgih >c_jg^Zh

Thomas Kurz is an athlete, a physical education teacher, and a Judo instructor and coach. He studied at the University School of Physical Education in Warsaw, Poland (Akademia Wychowania Fizycznego). He is the author of Stretching Scientifically, Science of Sports Training: How to Plan and Control Training for Peak Performance, Secrets of Stretching, and Basic Instincts of Self-Defense. He also writes articles for Stadion News, a quarterly newsletter that is available from Stadion Publishing (stadion.com or stretching.info). For self-defense tips visit self-defense.info.

If you have any questions on training you can post them at Stadion’s Sports and Martial Arts Training Discussion at stadion.com/phpBB2.

By Thomas Kurz

taekwondotimes.com / September 2009

43

The Netherlands Diary: A Man of Means +Q@MCL@RSDQ =NTMF /NNJ /HL

By Erica Linthorst A kind reception by family members brought me through the complex to the dojang where 20 or so adults were training vigorously with Grandmaster Young Kook Kim. The class was highly energetic, with students displaying great respect for one another through their intensity. At the end of practice, I was ushered to an easy office and family room bedecked with photos reflecting the family history and numerous awards and trophies.

Grandmaster Young Kook Kimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s presence in the Netherlands began a long time ago when, in a giant leap of faith, after years of considering all the ramifications of such a life-altering move, and after one full week spent fasting in preparation of the decisions that lay ahead, he made the final choice to relocate with his wife and two young daughters in 1989.

Grandmaster Kim honors author by presenting her with a special uniform

44 September 2009 / taekwondotimes.com

He came well after the World Taekwondo Federation first wave and, perhaps more significantly, he came on his own. Initially, he supported his family with income received from renting his house in Korea.

Kim started out in the projects of Amsterdam called Belmar. The environment was tough, as the population was primarily recent immigrants with little or no contact in the Dutch community. Through street performances and by concerning himself with the individuals he encountered, he reached out and touched many lives. He related personally and well with these people given his own circumstances and began giving free Tae Kwon Do lessons. He was able to relay that he had a mission and it was more than just words. His person-to-person compassion was meaningful to everyone he met.

Respect in preparation of sparring

Grandmaster Kim had gone through his paces in Korea. Having started TKD at the age of 11, he became middle school champion and gained prominence at DongHwa University in 1972, prior to the advent of the national championships.

Conscription, even today, is a part of the Korean fabric and so, once again Kimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s TKD talents were recognized when he served as a member of the National Army TKD Team from 1974-1977.

During that time he was also an instructor, leading the team in both Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido.

I asked Grandmaster Kim to describe how he sees the present and future of martial arts in the Netherlands. He explained that Karate, Kung Fu, and Judo, while popular along with Tae Kwon Do, are all difficult because of the language barriers.

However, he continued, another major obstacle is that the vast majority of participants perceive their martial arts practice as only a hobby.

At his dojang, H.T.A., he trains his students to seek harmony of body and mind. Initially, the curriculum is exciting and one in which practitioners take pleasure. As students step up their training,

Boats in a canal in Amsterdam

Amsterdam from a top a bell tower

Hand painted wooden clogs

taekwondotimes.com / September 2009

45

Kim reveals martial arts traditions and other elements to round out their TKD education. His â&#x20AC;&#x153;meansâ&#x20AC;? are evident: it is his seemingly unending care for his students and vast knowledge that has made him the success he is today. He feels he has been made rich by the people whose lives he has touched, and by the true nature and philosophy of martial arts that he has imparted to them.

With great love in his eyes, surrounded by his charming wife and lovely, fifth-dan daughters who work humbly as instructors and translators, he says that his family has been the driving force and foundation upon which his school has soared. He is wealthy in love, respect, and knowledge. His means are shared richly with those who train with him. I was fortunate to be in the gentle, sincere, and great presence of such a man.

One of only three TKD grandmasters in the Netherlands, Grandmaster Young Kook Kim has earned the highest regard among his peers, within both the Korean and Dutch communities of that country. As a result, he has several schools and welcomes all who pass through his doors. In fact, you are all most welcome to drop by when visiting the land of flowers and windmills!

Windmills in Kinderdijk

For additional information on Grandmaster YongKuk Kim, please go to www.taekwondoonline.nl.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Erica Linthorst, World Taekwondo Federation fifth-dan, has earned all her black belts at the Kukkiwon. She lived with her family in Korea for six years, then moved to Japan where she was the only foreigner to run a longterm successful TKD program for five years. While passionate about Tae Kwon Do, she has also studied Aikido and KumYeDo (Korean swordsmanship). She currently lives in New York and travels frequently and writes the online column TKDT Roving Reporter at taekwondotimes.com.

46 September 2009 / taekwondotimes.com

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A^k^c\ i]Z 9gZVb A Profile of Master Andrew Fanelli

By Erik Richardson

Master Andrew Fanelli runs a successful Tae Kwon Do studio in Los Gatos, California. It is the largest martial arts school in the South Bay area, at 4,000 square feet and a current enrollment of just over 400 students. A fourth-degree black belt with 27 years of experience, he was recently named “Businessman of the Year” by the city of Los Gatos, and inducted into the U.S.A. Martial Arts Hall of Fame as Instructor of the Year. TKD Times talked with Master Fanelli to learn about the path that led to his success and found an inspiring story about how being a good student lays the foundation for being a good teacher.

TKDT: Let’s start out by filling in a few of the important characters in your story. Who were the biggest influences on helping to shape you and set you on the successful path you’ve taken?

Master Fanelli: The people who have impacted my life the most are my mother and father (tied at #1); Master George Chung, my first instructor; Scott Downs, my high school teacher; Master Sang Koo Kang, my current instructor; my wife, Lea; and my three-year-old son, Anthony.

TKDT: Some of those are kind of natural, in a way, but it’s interesting to see a high school teacher make it into the top six or seven names. What set him apart from all of your other teachers?

Master Fanelli: Scott Downs was a teacher of mine, and then he started Tae Kwon Do and became a student of mine. He stopped at purple belt because of his back, but his son, Kyle, got his black belt under me. It was great to give back to the Downs family, because he did so much for me in my four years of high school. He was my art teacher for three years, and I was his teacher’s assistant for two of those years.

TKDT: How did you first get involved in Tae Kwon Do? Master Fanelli: My father use to be a boxer, manager, and promoter. He was close friends with Rocky Marciano. So boxing was in my blood. I first started boxing in 1977 at the young age of seven taekwondotimes.com / September 2009

51

years old; the drive from Los Gatos to downtown San Jose was 15 to 20 minutes. I did it for a total of five years.

I come from a large family of seven siblings—four older sisters, one older brother, and one younger brother.

I was number six of seven.

My mother enrolled my younger brother in a brand new Tae Kwon Do studio in 1982, where Master George Chung was the instructor. My brother became the fourth student of the new studio. I would go down to every single class during the first month to watch my brother, and I said, “Wow! I want to do this.” At the time I was twelve, and I was a little scared to tell my father I wanted to quit boxing and do Tae Kwon Do. My father was born a boxer, it seemed, and I felt he wanted me to be a professional boxer to follow in his footsteps.

TKDT: It makes sense that you felt a little nervous.

Did you have a strategy in mind?

Master Fanelli: Yes, I first told my mom I wanted to quit boxing. She said, “Go tell your dad.” When I did, my father said, “Son, do whatever makes you

1984

52 September 2009 / taekwondotimes.com

happy and be the very best you can.” So, I became Master Chung’s fifth student. I remember the studio was only about 500 square feet, which felt a bit cramped at times, and it had carpet instead of padding. It hardly mattered. What an honor to have taken classes and private lessons from Master George Chung.

TKDT: Do you think you realized at that point how much Tae Kwon Do would become a central part of your life?

Master Fanelli: To go back a little bit, when I was very young, I was a super hyperactive kid—more than my six brothers and sisters combined, and I gave my parents (mostly my mom) a very hard time. I usually didn’t do well at school, I got in trouble a little bit, and I didn’t like to do my homework. I was given Ritalin from the age of five, but once I started Tae Kwon Do at the age of 12, I was off the Ritalin for good. My parents and doctors could not believe that Tae kwon Do had such a big impact in my life; it was life changing.

From the beginning, I was a gym rat—basically going four to six days a week, coming an hour early and practicing, taking the 45 minute class, and staying another hour after class to practice again.

I wanted to put in the hours and the hard work I really wanted to be the very best I could be.

My parents had always stressed that, and Master George Chung did too. I guess you can say it had already become a central part of my life.

1998

1999

TKDT: Are you still studying under Master Chung?

Master Fanelli: No, he retired a number of years ago. In January 2004, I met my new instructor Master Sang Koo Kang (Miami, FL). He tested me July 15, 2005 for my fourth-degree black belt, and at that time I became a master in Tae Kwon Do. The test was conducted at my studio and there were over 250 people there to watch.

TKDT: In talking about the teachers you’ve had, it seems natural to ask about your own transition to becoming a teacher. How did that happen?

Master Fanelli: In 1985, when I was at blue belt, Master Chung asked me to be his top assistant.

That was a great honor, and it was an important step for me. Then, in 1987, I earned my black belt and knew by that time that this was my passion and I wanted to have a career—and one day own my own studio. So from 1987, I was Master Chung’s Assistant Instructor, and in 1993, Master Chung selected me to be the Head Instructor at his Los Gatos location, where I taught from 1993 until 1996.

2000

2004

TKDT: In looking back at some of those role models who had such an important influence on you, what particular things have shaped your attempt to be a good teacher?

Master Fanelli: I think the most important thing about these people was always the way they modeled good qualities.

A lot of people try to teach by telling you this or that, but the really great teachers I’ve had actually “showed” me how to be a great teacher—like Scott Downs being really well organized, and Master Chung being very focused and conducting himself like a professional at all times.

TKDT: It sounds like you had a good position and a good relationship teaching under Master Chung at his studio, but you said you stopped teaching for him in 1996. What changed?

Master Fanelli: In 1996, Master George Chung retired from teaching for good, and I knew at that point it was the right time, at the young age of 26 years old, to start working toward opening my own studio. In 1996, my old high school teacher, Scott Downs, suggested that I start teaching for the Los Gatos Recreation Department (LGRD) at their

2005

2009

taekwondotimes.com / September 2009

53

facility. It was good advice, and I taught with them for about a year, until I was ready to open my new studio in April 1997.

TKDT: Launching a new studio is never easy.

What helped you succeed?

Master Fanelli: It’s interesting looking back. It was 4,000 square feet, which was much larger than the place I started in as a student, but it also had carpeting instead of mats when it opened. The thing that really made it a success was that I was able to launch with 25 students who had gone through the recreation department program and I was able to continue teaching the recreation department courses at my new facility. After that six-week introductory course, about 75 percent of the students

signed up to continue on with my studio, All-Pro Tae Kwon Do. TKDT: So, it sounds like Scott Downs kept being a good influence after you left high school?

Master Fanelli: If he hadn’t encouraged me to talk with the LGRD, I probably would not have an association with them. It has been a good relationship, and that supply of students made a big difference. My father told me in business it takes three to five years to break even, but I managed to break even in my first year. I even financed the flooring I needed and paid off the five-year padded floorin three years. I felt that after three years, loan in just th instead of getting gett ready to break even, I was really and growing. established an What other kind of help did you have in TKDT: Wha launching and growing your school?

Fanelli: Family, friends, and former students Master Fanell wanted any help, I said, “Thanks, asked me if I w but no thanks.” thanks I wanted to be sole owner, with no one to answer to, and wanted all the pressure on my shoulders. I found a good location in the center of town with no other studios in my area, and I studio from the ground up. built the studi What was the hardest thing about launchTKDT: Wha ing your own studio?

Fanelli: Doing it by myself those first three Master Fanell years. I would do everything—clean the studio, classes, conduct the monthly testing, etc. teach the class TKDT: Why so determined to do it on your own?

Fanelli: A lot of what motivates me is the Master Fanell desire to give something back to the community. wanted the feeling of accomplishment, but Partly, I wante wanted to stop taking from the comeven more I w start giving. That doesn’t just apply to munity and st That was the same motivation that led my studio. Th me to run and serve a four-year term on the school youngest school board member in board—the yo California at the t time (at the age of 28). I wanted to get on the bboard and make an impact. I helped push through an increase in teachers’ salaries, remodeling in the schools, etc. It felt really good to be able to give back to the schools and community up. where I had grown g

TKDT: It’s interesting to hear how the lessons from TKD have contributed to your successes beyond the studio. Are there any other key lessons that have carried over for you?

Master Fanelli: Being patient with the kids, day in and day out, has helped me as a father to my threeyear-old son (who just got his yellow belt). The other key thing, I think, is the level of motivation that Tae Kwon Do creates for me.

TKDT: In looking toward the future, what are three of the most ambitious goals that you would like to accomplish in the next few years?

Master Fanelli: I guess you could say I live, breathe, and eat TKD, so my life goals are also TKD goals: for my wife to earn her black belt, to develop five new black belt staff members, and for me to earn fifth-degree black belt. I would also really like to travel and train in Asia.

TKDT: In 2008, you were named the city’s Businessman of the Year. Does receiving that kind of recognition make it feel like you are doing a good job at giving something back to the community?

Master Fanelli: I think so. But there’s always more I feel like I could do.

TKDT: What is the best advice you would give to others who dream of owning their own studio?

Master Fanelli: The same thing I try to teach my students: Don’t give up and fight to the end. Keep your dreams alive.

After learning that Master Fanelli has a retention rate close to 90 percent—an inspiring number— we had a chance to talk to a couple of his students. Perhaps the most fitting closing to this story is to share with you that among the many wonderful comments we heard, one of his black belt students unknowingly said the same thing of Master Fanelli that he said of his own teachers. Keith Dickens has been studying with Master Fanelli for over seven years, and he is an instructor at Master Fanelli’s studio. He shared with us that much of what keeps so many students coming back, and helps to build his black belt staff into strong teachers, is not anything he says, but the role model he provides, not only as an intense, focused practitioner of the art, but as a teacher and mentor as well.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Erik Richardson is a Certified Sports Nutritionist in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and is the Online Nutrition Editor for Tae Kwon Do Times Magazine. He is currently the Director of Richardson Ideaworks (www.richardsonideaworks.com), which focuses on personal and small business consulting.

taekwondotimes.com / September 2009

55

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By Guy Edward Larke

For those of us who grew up watching Kung Fu on late night cable, the Hong Kong movies of the 1970s are incomparable as far as style, quality and showmanship. It gave birth to the international phenomenon of martial arts schools around the world.

Many names come to mind in terms of the heroes of the Shaw Brothers and Golden Harvest epics. The three most obvious names are Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, and Bruce Lee. Sadly, others such as Angela Mao and Carter Wong are probably only known to the diehard fans.

Although the vast majority of the entertainers were ethnic Chinese obviously; a few existed outside the Chinese population.

One was Kim Yong-Ho or as he was known then, Casanova Wong. These days he goes simply by Wong-Ho. He all but disappeared in the mid 80s, but has resurfaced as a director, visionary and martial arts guru. His new martial art, Cheonji Muye Do (Heaven and Earth martial arts) is quickly gaining acclaim in South Korea as a fighting art, a performing art and self-expressionistic dance at the same time.

I am proud to be his first foreign protĂŠgĂŠ. So this article is dedicated to my sifu (Chinese for master), Wong-Ho. Also, a big thank you must go to my ever-so-patient wife, Gi-Ryung, for translation.

TKD Times: Thank you for your time, Sifu. Could you please start by giving our readers a little background about yourself? When and where were you born?

Wong-Ho: Well, I was born in an area called Mangyeong in Kimje city; which was located in the North Jeolla Province of South Korea in 1952 (the Year of the Dragon).

TKD Times: How did you discover the martial arts?

Wong-Ho: At that time, there were no official schools like there are today, so people practiced outdoors usually. From a very young age, I kept watching older people performing various forms of martial arts including Tae Kwon Do. I began trying to imitate them and was slowly initiated into the training.

TKD Times: Where did you go from that stage in your development?

Wong-Ho: I actually opened my own Tae Kwon Do school

56 September 2009 / taekwondotimes.com

when I was in the 11th grade. After high school, I entered mandatory military service and enlisted into the navy. Shortly after, I joined the navy Tae Kwon Do team. That was probably one of the best moves of my life.

TKD Times: How so?

Wong-Ho: Aside from the training, we demonstrated at the first world Tae Kwon Do competition. It was shown in several countries actually. I demonstrated what is now described as a scissor kick. It was the first time it was shown on TV. I leapt into the air and kicked in four directions before landing. That technique alone eventually lead to my being brought to Hong Kong.

TKD Times: Why? Were you approached after the event?

Wong-Ho: Not immediately. A short time later though, a famous Hong Kong director by the name of Huang Feng came to Seoul and held a screen test for various masters.

After, I was offered a chance to star in various films. So imme-

diately after finishing my military service in 1976, I relocated to Hong Kong and the filming for Shaolin Plot began.

TKD Times: How was the experience? Were you pleased with the end product?

Wong-Ho: I was ecstatic. I loved the whole process from beginning to end. Even the plot was wonderful. It was basically about the mental and physical peak real masters can attain.

I was actually treated and paid very well so I had no regrets whatsoever.

Incidentally, my first film was also my first success. It sold very well.

TKD Times: You have a long stream of movies in your resume. What were your favorites?

Wong-Ho: Hmmm. Now that’s difficult. I guess there are five that stand out. The first is Warriors Two. That was a Wing Chun movie using real techniques that I incorporated Tae Kwon Do kicks in. The second is The Master Strikes which featured a female director. Thirdly, Shaolin Plot, showcased a lot of Tae Kwon Do in conjunction with Shaolin boxing. Another favorite is South Shaolin Vs. North Shaolin in which I starred and directed. Lastly, I’d have to say the Korean film 108 Golden Killers. I also directed as well as starred in it.

TKD Times: Who were your favorite people to work with? I imagine you knew quite a few legends.

Wong-Ho: (Grinning) Of course. Well as far as actors go, Bruce Lee will always be my favorite. His strength, style and charisma were very impressive. As far as directors, producers, or choreographers, I would have to say Sammo Hung, without a doubt. His whole personality, his whole being was all about the movie industry. He was born to make movies.

No one else has the energy, the passion or the talent to make movies the way he does. He had a way to bring out the extra 10 percent out of you after you gave 100 percent. Sammo could see your hidden talent and bring that into the film. We became very close.

TKD Times: So what were your signature moves?

Wong-Ho: Well my scissor kick, of course. I was also famous for repeated spinning hook kicks and spinning flying kicks over tables or people.

TKD Times: While you were in Hong Kong you must have gotten some rare training opportunities.

What kind of styles did you study there?

Wong-Ho: I really can’t count. There were so many things to study for each movie. For example, I studied Wing Chun, Judo, Shaolin Kung Fu and various animal systems. Movie fighting as well, of course.

TKD Times: When did you start Korean films?

Wong-Ho: I started going back and forth between Korea and Hong Kong in the early 80s. By that time, I was as enamored with the entire movie industry as Sammo Hung was. In 1982, I starred and directed in 108 Golden Killers. My next Korean project was in 1984. One of the largest television networks, KBS, wanted to try a martial arts drama, in which I was a big part.

TKD Times: Did you perform any other types of roles other than fighting ones?

Wong-Ho: Oh yes. I got involved in various types of roles and projects; even soap operas.

TKD Times: In your opinion, what were better, Hong Kong movies or Korean ones?

Wong-Ho: Hong Kong ones, obviously. They were better directed, funded, and produced. All aspects of film making were far more advanced.

TKD Times: What do you miss about Hong Kong? The people, the food, the culture, the night life?

Wong-Ho: (Another large grin.) My youth! It never comes back. I hope that young people realize that sooner than later and don’t waste their time.

TKD Times: So what inspired you eventually to create Cheonji Muye Do? Wong-Ho: After I was spending more time in Korea, I started culminating all my creative skills and experiences. I came up with the idea of martial art training through Chinese calligraphy and the concept of using traditional ceramic making

taekwondotimes.com / September 2009

57

in martial arts development. After that, it led to other concepts such as self-defense, health, artistic expression and other disciplines. These I wanted to express with the morals and principles that have been long forgotten.

enable us to handle any kind of confrontation at the same time. In my opinion, martial sports are just a cash cow. The spirituality must be revived into the arts. That’s the responsibility of the martial arts community.

TKD Times: How would you define Cheonji Muye Do?

TKD Times: What do you think of the divide of Tae Kwon Do into different associations?

Wong-Ho: There are varied levels or aspects to the training, but they are all intertwined. The first is Shil Jun Mu Sul, or reality-based martial arts. These are trained and then upgraded to a higher art form with other artistic and scholarly endeavors to cultivate the mind as well as the body.

Calligraphy would be one way of honing the body for combat.

Next, is spiritual training. Something all human beings need.

Next are Qi-Gong and other special breathing techniques.

Another aspect is martial arts choreography for movies.

Basically, Cheonji Muye Do is an expression of a martial artist’s philosophy, skills and artistic accomplishments through his/her life.

When you teach Cheonji Muye Do you must be very strict in the teaching of combat techniques and spirituality to ensure proper growth. However, the teacher-student relationship must be very warm; like family in a way.

TKD Times: How does it compare or differ from other Korean styles?

Wong-Ho: You can’t judge other martial arts. They are another individual’s way. You cannot judge another’s expression or creativity.

TKD Times: What kinds of forms are used in training?

What kind of weapons?

Wong-Ho: In terms of weapon techniques, any and all weapons are employed. The reason for this, you see, is that the best weapon is whatever is at hand. You train with classical weaponry so you can utilize improvised weapons better.

As far as forms are concerned, you build your creativity during training and meditation so that during your steps and movements you can conform to any sort of situation that confronts you. There are different types of movements. Maybe you could call them forms in a loose sense, in Cheonji Muye Do. There are reality-based movements, calligraphy movements, ceramic movements, and cinematic movements. These are based on proper breathing, Qi-Gong, skill attainment and artistic expression.

TKD Times: What do you think of the state of the martial arts world today?

Wong-Ho: Tradition is very important. We need martial arts rooted in tradition, but also the techniques have to constantly evolve with the times. The world needs martial arts engineered for the 21st century that cultivate our creativity and

58 September 2009 / taekwondotimes.com

Wong-Ho: I think it’s not right. Tae Kwon Do was one martial art. Other martial arts have the same thing happening.

Someone starts something good that works and 100 people step in line to alter a few things and claim that they are the best or the original system. It’s disgraceful. If you want to change something, do it! Follow your heart. Then give it a new name because in reality you are making a new system. It’s more honest.

TKD Times: What is your opinion of the action films being made today as compared to the 70s films in Hong Kong?

Wong-Ho: In the old days there were so many rules and restrictions on all aspects of the industry, so the movies weren’t as good as they could have been. Nowadays, the international film industry is freer and therefore it’s a primetime for filmmaking. I wish I was an actor these days.

TKD Times: What does the future hold for Cheonji Muye Do? Wong-Ho: I want to teach the younger generation and help them accomplish what I could not. We’ll be teaching reality-based martial arts, performance martial arts and other aesthetic skills. Already in the planning stages is a stage-performance team that is totally unique to anything else in the world. In addition, a “Muye (martial arts) Town” will be built in the city of Busan. There will be opportunities for martial artists from all over the world to meet, train, and bond together. They can also experience various art forms. It will also spark the movie production company I’ve been planning for some time now. More than anything I want to spread my art to the world, one student a time.

Any and all queries about Cheonji Muye Do can be directed to the author at the address below.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Sabumnim Guy Edward Larke has dedicated his life from a young age to the pursuit of the martial arts, Asian culture and hopology. It led him to Korea in 2000 and he has lived there since. He lives in Daejeon city with his wife Gi-Ryung and son Alexander. He holds black belts in Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, Taekkyon, Bon Kuk Kumdo, Korean kickboxing, Karate-Do, Wushu, Cheonji Muye Do, and Hosin-sul.

Currently he teaches Taeglish (English Tae Kwon Do) full time in addition to writing for various magazines and running KisaDo Muye & Marketing. He can be contacted at kisa_do_muye@ yahoo.co.

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Elbow Room

By Stephen DiLeo

What if your instructor taught you a technique that is easy to do, very effective, and did relatively little damage to you, while inflicting tremendous damage on your opponent? Would you want to use it and perfect it? The short answer is, you bet! Well, that technique exists and it is commonly referred to as an elbow strike.

Its lethality is readily demonstrated by the various fight venues that either limit its use or restrict it altogether. Actually, only a few organizations allow this technique because it tends to cut through human flesh like a freshly sharpened razor.

It is difficult to determine what style pioneered elbow strikes, but almost every system has some version of this technique. Certainly, the evidence is clear that Muay Thai boxers popularized its use as a primary attack to the head. Today, elbow strikes play an important role in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) as part of what has come to be known as “ground and pound.” The proof is in the pudding; one or two good elbows landed on an opponent’s head pressed against the canvas are generally enough to score a knockout or produce a fight-ending cut.

62 September 2009 / taekwondotimes.com

Of course, for the average martial artist, the use of elbow strikes represents an investment in effective self-defense. It is uncomplicated and generates extreme power regardless of student size, strength, or gender. As a close-quarter attack, the elbow has few equals.

Anatomy lesson Physically, the elbow can be characterized as a hinge joint; however, it is unique in that the bone that protrudes from the joint is sharp and very pointy. This makes for an excellent striking surface similar to the first two knuckles used when throwing a punch. Focusing the energy of a moving elbow to such a small area increases the technique’s impact and penetrating energy. Given that the face is the overwhelming target of choice, elbows fair well against the relatively weak tissue surrounding the eyes, cheeks, and forehead. If MMA fight venues prove anything, they clearly demonstrate the razor sharp effectiveness of an elbow strike.

Common Ground While there are several distinct types of elbow strikes based on direction of attack, they all share common attributes in terms of how their power is generated. All elbows, regardless of which type, generate centripetal force through a rapid turn of the hips. By definition, that means, for the greatest impact, elbows should be thrown from the rear-leg side. (Of course, in self-defense, either side will do, because you may not have the choice.) In addition to hip twist, the shoulder accelerates forward taking advantage of a principle in physics that essentially says the speed of the hips added to the speed of the shoulder combine to form a greater overall acceleration of motion. For example, if you are riding in a car traveling at a speed of ten miles per hour and throw a ball at five miles per hour, the total speed of the ball is 15 miles per hour. Many martial arts systems rely on this bedrock principle to create powerful techniques designed to counter the strength of a stronger opponent.

Variations Elbow strikes are three-dimensional and come in a number of flavors. What makes this particular technique deadly is the fact that it can come at an attacker from all angles: up, down, forward and back.

The first and most common type is the forward elbow strike. For all intents and purposes, this technique is thrown in the same way as a good reverse punch. The obvious difference is that the arm is not extended, but rather, it is folded so that the contact point is the elbow. The arm moves parallel to the ground and the distance this strike travels is about half that of a punch, making it a close combat technique.

For a forward elbow, the striking surface can be either the front part of the joint (located more towards the forearm), or the tip of the joint which is mostly bone. Typically the forearm is used in training or when attempting to break boards or blocks; the reason is simply a matter of durability.

The tip of the elbow will no doubt inflict serious damage to human flesh, but, it is more susceptible to injury and therefore should be reserved for actual self-defense.

The second type is a back elbow strike; it can be thought of as the mirror image of its forward counterpart. The technique starts with the arm extended in a straight line forward of the target and is executed by turning the shoulder and the hips in reverse, drawing the elbow backwards. In this case, the line of attack is again parallel to the floor from start to finish.

The same striking surface cautions apply as the forward elbow; for hard impact training, it is best to use the area just below the elbow instead of the actual tip of the joint. The “pointy” part is the preferred tool when the scenario is real. For the most part, this technique is particularly useful for a rear attack or in quick combination with a forward elbow.

The third variation is a downward elbow. This technique is a vertical strike specifically designed to attack the back of the head/neck or to finish a downed opponent. It begins by chambering the hips and extending the attacking arm in a vertical position directly above the target. As the hips turn towards the opponent, the elbow drops straight down, striking perpendicular to the floor. Again, when striking a solid surface, the tip of the elbow may be vulnerable, so students should use good discretion when training.

Just as the forward elbow has a complimentary back variation, the same is true for a down elbow.

In terms of execution, an upward strike is the exact opposite, primarily targeting the underside of the

taekwondotimes.com / September 2009

63

Example of an upper elbow on a “bob” bag

The student executes an upward elbow strike to the chin of the target.

The student faces the “bob” bag with full hip chamber.

chin. This is similar to a boxing uppercut, except the elbow is a little more awkward and its range is much shorter.

The final type of elbow strike is not as common as the other forms, but its effects can be devastating.

It is considered a forward strike, but the difference is that the tip of the elbow points in the direction of the target with the striking forearm folded back towards the head. It is very unorthodox and has limited application, effective only when the opponent is directly in front. This technique is almost always thrown off the rear leg, with the primary target being the face or the head. If it lands, the result is extreme, usually causing severe lacerations.

While it is clear that this particular variation of an elbow strike is a very good choice for self-defense, it is rarely allowed in competition.

Training Drills Elbow strikes are like every other skill in martial arts or any sport; without practice and constant repetition, the skill becomes lost as muscle memory fades. However, elbow strikes present a bit of a problem in that they are so dangerous; typically their use is restricted, especially for sparring. Most other techniques can be practiced with a partner, in a reserved and limited fashion—elbows can-

not without extreme risk of injury. Therefore, it is imperative to have a number of training drills that allow students to effectively practice this technique, free of potential harm. In addition to the regular training methods of air shields and heavy bags, there are two variations that are helpful for practicing elbow strikes.

The first drill requires two assistants holding air shields positioned in front and in back of the student doing the elbow strikes. The shields need to be close enough to the student so he or she can execute a forward elbow as well as a backward elbow without adjusting their stance. On command, the student strikes forward and then immediately backward in quick succession to simulate a rapid combination. This particular drill teaches how hip motion is used to generate power. By doing one forward elbow and then one back, the student is forced to turn their hips in precisely the correct position to execute the strike. In this way, the technique can be delivered at full power without causing injury to another student. This movement also emphasizes how fluent elbows can be and how quickly combinations can be formed.

The second drill requires a “bob” bag, which is simply a high impact mannequin-type heavy bag designed to simulate the upper torso of a human.

Like the first drill, the “bob” bag can be employed

The student faces away from the “bob” bag with full hip chamber and attacking arm directly opposite the target.

The student executes a reverse elbow strike to the face.

Example of a reverse elbow on a “bob” bag

64 September 2009 / taekwondotimes.com

Example of a training drill using two air shields

On command, the student executes a forward elbow and then a reverse one in rapid combination.

The student is positioned between two air shields. One is facing her and the other directly behind.

to practice forward and backward elbows; however, this bag can also be used to train other angles of attack, including upward, downward, and forward jabs. The likeness of a human body is very useful in striking under the chin and on the back of the head and neck. The height of the bag can be altered, allowing students a chance to strike at maximum power with proper distance and focus. The results are immediate and the lesson is clear, especially because the “bob” bag has the density and resistance of a real human head.

Application Obviously, this technique is not for sparring or competition, except in the case of MMA or Muay Thai matches; however, elbows are an exceptionally good choice as a self-defense tactic. The application of elbow strikes for martial arts students is where the “rubber meets the road.” Specific uses depend on the scenario, but a few guidelines may be helpful. First, elbows are a close-quarter technique, often used at a distance not much beyond grappling range. Second, these strikes are custom made for very fast combinations, making the probability of success much higher. Third, and perhaps the most important, this technique can be employed from

any angle an attacker can possibly present.

The pointed part of the elbow makes it razor sharp and a favorite among self-defense instructors, as well as competitive fighters. The value of this technique cannot be overstated! It is simple, effective, and can generate destructive power, regardless of size or strength. What more could a serious martial artist want?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Stephen DiLeo is a fourth-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and a first-degree black belt in Tang Soo Do. He is one of the chief instructors at the Altoona Academy of Tae Kwon Do with over 30 years experience and has taught at numerous seminars and summer camps. Mr. DiLeo is also a freelance writer and photographer.

For more photo techniques, visit taekwondotimes.com and check out our bonus content.

The student faces the “bob” bag with full hip chamber and the attacking arm folded backwards to expose the tip of the elbow.

The student executes an elbow jab directly to the face.

Example of a forward elbow jab on a “bob” bag

taekwondotimes.com / September 2009

65

By Master Chuck Thornton

The Master Born from an Italian immigrant mother and a father from Kentucky, a small and frail boy began his martial arts journey. Today, that little boy has grown into a great man. His name is Master Joe Ash. As an educator in the martial arts, Master Ash teaches his students respect and kindness, inspiring them to achieve and succeed, and ultimately provides meaning to their lives.

Embracing the Martial Arts Master Ash grew up in the old rough and tough days of the martial arts. Ninety percent of the class was adults and every class was a boot camp. He often wondered why he stuck with it but, there was something special about his teacher that inspired him, along with the support of his parents.

After a few years, Master Ash received his first-degree black belt. During the first few years of competition, he was defeated in sparring many times. His parShowing that you care goes a long way with the members, families and business. Master Ash helps one of his students keep their leg straight ents always said if you want to during warm-ups. compete, you have to do forms and sparring.

Master Ash loved competing in forms and finally, at the age of 13, he matured into a great competitor. He won nationals that year and the year after. His senior year of high school, his family suffered a house fire and lost practically everything. With the support of his classmates, friends and the community, they were able to manage. He came back to make the 1991 Junior National Team. Winning his matches on the team’s international tour of Korea, Joe suffered an illegal kick to his head while

66 September 2009 / taekwondotimes.com

getting up off the ground in the final. The kick caused the loss of most of the vision in one eye. He went to see a specialist and had a detached retina and was advised never to fight again. He returned to compete, against doctor’s orders.

Passion is the only word to describe why he continued to compete. All he wanted was to feel that pride of representing the U.S. as a world champion. Master Ash continued on his quest to make the Senior National Team the following year after his eye surgery. Then Master Ash’s father passed away from a sudden brain aneurysm.

The week his father was buried, Joe fought in another tournament. by the future leaders, Master Ash takes in some fun Filled with hurt, anger and in physi- Surrounded time with the class. cal pain, Master Ash blazed through the division with ease. From that moment on, he promised himself to get a world championship medal for his dad.

A New Journey After medaling in a few collegiate and senior national tournaments, Master Ash acquired his teacher’s school at the age of 21. This was the beginning of the end of his competitive career. After trying to balance college, competing and the business, something had to go. Unfortunately it had to be his competing. But he didn’t give up competition all together and started his own competition team. It helped balance the part of his life that was cut short. He traveled with his team to several meets a year and shared in the experience of them following in the same dreams, emotions and feelings he once knew in competition. Then he realized, his time in competition was over and perhaps it was one of his athletes that could fill this void.

If it wasn’t for his martial arts training and friends helping him through the tough times, he wouldn’t be where he is today.

Master Ash has a beautiful, supportive wife and two great stepchildren. Through everything life has thrown at him, he remains steadfast in purpose, holding on to the one consistent thing in his life, the martial arts.

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The Entrepreneur Master Ash has recently joined the Daedo martial arts family. “As a past athlete myself, I know what it feels like to change out equipment one after another because it feels funny, is broken, or looks like something my mom sewed together. (No offense, Mom! I love you!)” Daedo is the premier martial arts equipment provider for TKD. Its statistics speak for themselves, sponsoring two Olympic Games and working toward sponsorship of the 2012 Games, a few world championships, several international meets, over 40 national teams, and even spans into various styles. The product line is second to none and it is his goal, along with Daedo USA, to bring it to the U.S. market.

The Future This year, Master Ash is celebrating Baeplex’s 30th anniversary, hosting the Virginia State Championships, trying to place a student on a national team, testing for his sixth-degree (three years overdue), and planning the Daedo Invitational. He will also be spending more time with his family enjoying one another. He will remain open to his creative mind and do his best to incorporate that into his students’ education, tournaments and other activities. Of course, he still wants that world championship medal for his dad, it will just have to be through one of his students, or his own children…

“Joe Ash is a dear friend of mine. He was a great athlete and is now a fantastic coach and mentor.

What separates him from all the rest is that he is truly a martial artist. He has contributed so much to Tae Kwon Do, his athletes and community, yet I know he will continue to do more as he continues to grow himself. He is well respected by his peers and mentors from both current and past.”—Jean Lopez Head Coach US Olympic Team Master Ash and family (minus son Joseph) sharing a moment for the camera.

For more information on Daedo, visit daedoma.com.

To learn more about Master Ash and Baeplex Family Martial Arts Center, visit baeplex.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Author Master Chuck Thornton is a Martial Arts Business Consultant & Co-Owner of USA Tiger in Richmond, Virginia.

For more information visit suatigerma.com.

68 September 2009 / taekwondotimes.com

By Sean C. Ledig

In May 2008, seven-year-old Hunter Oliver weighed a mere 26 pounds. Suffering from epilepsy and autism, he refused to eat. The doctors already informed his parents, Scott and Tonya Oliver, that if he continued to lose weight over the summer, by September they would have to put him on a feeding tube.

Enter Master Chris Man-Son Hing, of ManSon Hing Martial Arts in Tampa. A retired policeman, Man-Son Hing was acquainted with Scott Oliver, a special agent with the Department of Justice, through each other’s law enforcement connections. Man-Son Hing suggested that the Olivers give Tae Kwon Do a try to improve their son’s health. Man-Son Hing said he didn’t know for sure if Tae Kwon Do would help Hunter, but he knew he wanted to try.

“I’d never met him,” Man-Son Hing said of Hunter, “but I know martial arts and I know how

Seven-year-old Hunter

martial arts work. All the experts said they were at the end of their rope (regarding Hunter). I just wanted to give it a shot.”

A year later, it is hard to connect that sick child to the bright-eyed, blond-haired little boy, jumping around, blocking punches and throwing kicks.

Even things that might frighten other children, like standing on top of a heavy bag, balancing on one leg while throwing front kicks with the other, don’t seem to intimidate him very much.

Outside of class, he speaks little, giving one-word answers to questions. But Tae Kwon Do training has served to draw him out, to take the edge off of his shyness. “When the other kids would kihap, he would cover his ears,” Man-Son Hing said. “Now, he kihaps louder than anyone else in the class.”

At first, Scott Oliver was apprehensive about enrolling his son in Tae Kwon Do. Working in law enforcement, Oliver has had martial arts training as part of his job. After seeing Hunter’s problems with physical therapy, he worried that a martial arts class would be too rigorous for him. But his fears were soon put to rest. If anything, he was soon pleasantly surprised at how fast his son’s health improved.

“After a couple of weeks, he progressed faster than with physical therapy,” Scott Oliver said.

He watched as Hunter learned to perform feats that most people take for granted, like standing on taekwondotimes.com / September 2009

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one leg. What’s more, Hunter came to enjoy Tae Kwon Do, whereas he had to be prodded to go to physical therapy. “He looks forward to it,” Scott Oliver said. “He goes three times a week, but he’d go every day if he could.”

Hunter always suffered from poor health, recalled his mother, Tonya, an attorney in Pinellas County, Florida. At a mere 15 months old, Hunter suffered a grand mal seizure. Shortly afterward, he stopped nursing.

When he was three years old, Hunter was taken to Walt Disney World, and saw singer Shania Twain in concert as part of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. At the time, it was believed that he did not have much longer to live. He was diagnosed with epilepsy at age three. In addition, his doctors originally believed that he might be deaf, Tonya Oliver said. “If the doctors spoke to him, he would just stare straight ahead,” she said, “but loud noises made him scream.”

Man-Son Hing knew that he would have to convince Hunter that it was important to eat well in order to learn Tae Kwon Do. He used some playtime with the other children in the class to help illustrate that point.

“I told the other kids, you can chase him, but you better not catch him,” Man-Son Hing recalled.

But as Hunter would tire, Man-Son Hing would tell him, “You’re getting caught because you’re not eating right. If you eat this chicken, you’ll have the energy to keep running.”

Man-Son Hing would then offer Hunter a chance to take a couple of bites from a chicken drumstick. Eventually, Hunter came to realize that: “If I eat my lunch, they can’t catch me,” Man-Son Hing said. Over time, his appetite returned. By September, he weighed in at 41 pounds.

“He’s grown a whole uniform size,” declared Janise Man-Son Hing, Chris’ wife and co-owner of Man-Son Hing Martial Arts.

“He knows now that he has to eat,” said his mother.

Prior to taking Tae Kwon Do, Tonya Oliver said it was a challenge to draw him out of his own little world. “He would sit by himself and not interact with the other chil-

dren,” she said.

“He was not doing well at school.”

But Tae Kwon Do training helped change that.

He sees ManSon Hing and his classmates as friends and he wants to play with them and spend Hunter is practicing some reverse punches. time with them. “Now, when he sees me wrestle with the other kids, having fun, he jumps right in,” noted Man-Son Hing.

“He doesn’t like being touched, but he doesn’t mind it here,” Tonya Oliver said.

Man-Son Hing, as well as his staff, which includes his son, Justin, say they’ve made few allowances for Hunter. “It can be a little hard sometimes, but once you get his attention, he really buckles down to it,” Justin Man-Son Hing said.

That’s just the way his parents like it. “Chris works with him hard,” Tonya Oliver said. “He has some issues, but we want him

Hunter sits with his instructor, Master Chris Man-Son Hing, fifth-dan, of Man-Son Hing Martial Arts.

to do everything that everyone else does.”

The rigorous training has paid off in lots of ways for the Oliver family. “Chris just made him be independent,” noted Tonya Oliver. “Just last year, I was still putting a fork in his mouth. Now, he won’t let me do it. He feeds himself. And now he sleeps in his own bed.” She adds, “This year, they discontinued his physical therapy. They said he doesn’t need it anymore.”

Man-Son Hing said he noticed a difference as well. “He’s much more self-confident. If there is something he cannot do, he’ll still try it anyway.”

As far as Hunter’s mental health, Tae Kwon Do training has not only drawn him out of his own world, it’s helped him to take an interest in the world around him. For example, Hunter followed the 2008 presidential race. He knew who the candidates were and he knew that one way or the other, there would be a new president in the White House in January 2009. He also developed a crush on President Barack Obama’s daughter, Sasha, Tonya Oliver said.

Hunter eagerly looks forward to the classes. To Hunter, there are Tae Kwon Do days and there are regular days. “I have no inten-

tion of taking him out,” said his mother. “I’m not concerned with whether he gets his black belt, but I’m sure he could keep moving through the belt ranks.”

Janise said she’s glad for that. “I believe if he had to stop, it would be a major setback,” Janise said.

Scott Oliver also noticed that his son’s confidence has increased. “Before, he wanted us to do things for him, like getting him in and out of a vehicle,” he said. “Now, he’s like, ‘I can do it! I can do it!’”

Hunter’s not the only child with serious health issues who has been helped by martial arts training at Man-Son Hing’s dojang. Janise said she’s seen improvement in other children’s mental and physical health from the practice of martial arts.

They have two students with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and one with asthma. The parent of the child with asthma told Janise that she’s saving money by enrolling her son in martial arts. “I asked her, ‘Why was that?’” Janise said, “And she told me it was because she didn’t need to spend money on inhalers anymore.”

For Man-Son Hing, those experiences and his experience teaching Hunter only shows what he’s always believed about martial arts. “It just proves what I’ve always said. Martial arts is not just another sport—it’s a way of life.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Sean C. Ledig is a Tampa, Floridabased writer, editor and photojournalist with more than 30 years experience in a wide range of Korean, Chinese, Japanese and Filipino martial arts. He holds several black belts, including dan ranks in Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan awarded to him by Philip Suffredini of Connecticut and the late Grandmaster Jae Joon Kim of Florida. These days, he practices and teaches Classical and Modern Kung Fu, Jeet Kune Do Concepts and Filipino Tribal Arts.

taekwondotimes.com / September 2009

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Winning with Abandon When ‘Giving Up’ is Good

By Daniel Middleton

Abandon. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary offers a number of definitions: to give (oneself) over unrestrainedly; to withdraw from, often in the face of danger; to cease intending or attempting to perform.

There are others, but these three best relate to the topic at hand: the strategy of winning through abandonment. It sounds paradoxical, but the increasing popularity of mixed martial arts, both as sport and self-defense, has made the idea as topical as it is practical.

In concept, it’s simple, rather than forcing a technique that isn’t working—usually at the cost of time and advantage—it is better to change rapidly to one that will.

In this article, the idea of tactical abandonment will be applied primarily to joint locks and throws, but the principles can be applied as easily to any art and any technique. If you find yourself suddenly out-boxed by a boxer or out-kicked by a kicker, a familiarity with this strategy will allow you to move the fight into an area in which they are unfamiliar and into a fight where, ideally, you hold the advantage.

The key then is to have techniques in your ‘toolbox’ designed to use your opponent’s size and strength against him. Remember, though, that too many techniques can be confusing, and a dozen or so techniques you are comfortable with are worth more than hundreds with which you are only ‘familiar.’

The good news is that many techniques are different only superficially. Strive to understand the principle rather than just the technique itself, and you can increase the value of those few techniques many times over.

For example, my personal style is Kuk Sool Won™, with well over two hundred different techniques in the underbelt chart alone, although many share similar foundations (arm bars, wrist locks, hip throws, etc.), the advanced techniques often are simply variations of those learned at beginner level, or several fundamental techniques used in combination (see photos 1, 2 & 3).

Whatever your style, take the techniques you are most comfortable with and design a technique package, working them over and over until you can apply them in many different situations.

74 September 2009 / taekwondotimes.com

1

2

3

4

5

6 Adapt to Changing Patterns

7

Once you have your toolbox, it’s time to begin linking your techniques into chains, a series that flows easily as your training partner moves with you from one technique to the next. Develop competence first, confidence will come with practice. Choose techniques that compliment one another—an initial wrist lock, for example, changing into an arm bar and then finally into a ‘chicken wing’ takedown (see photos 4, 5, 6 & 7). Experiment, dissect how your techniques flow together, and if you meet resistance, abandon the technique immediately and follow the flow into another, one that can be applied without a lot of wasted motion.

Some techniques will work better together than others, and some may not work well for you at all. That’s okay, too. Your goal is to discover which techniques you are comfortable with; if certain techniques don’t feel right, don’t be afraid to put them aside for now.

8

8a 8b

9

Relaxed Competition The next stage of training is a relaxed competition, with you and a partner trading techniques back and forth until you reach the end of a chain, finishing with one or the other applying a takedown or submission, a signal the chain can go no further. The drill will begin in a neutral stance, your partner initiating the exercise with a random grabbing attack (see photo 8).

Keep in mind that this is not a contest, but rather a ‘reading and feeding’ of techniques in a relaxed exchange, learning when a technique should be abandoned and what techniques are transitioned into most easily.

Suppose you find yourself in a scuffle, deciding on a classic arm bar to control the situation (see photos 8a, 8b, & 9). Through training, you will have learned that the opponent’s most instinctive reaction is to force back against the technique, pushing back with his elbow in an attempt to defeat it. Through change drills, however, you will have also learned an effective strategy against such a counter, transitioning into a complimentary technique, using the attacker’s own line of resistance to defeat him and achieve the same result (see photo 10 & 10a).

10

10a taekwondotimes.com / September 2009

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11 12

13

15 14

15a

Approach the drill as a cooperative exchange. Against an initial grabbing attack, a lock is applied, which the partner will then counter with a lock or throw of his own, and so on, back and forth, until no other escapes or counters are possible. The accompanying photo series illustrates a simple four-technique exchange (photos 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 & 15a), although one of your goals should be to see how many techniques can be chained together before your options are exhausted.

The key to success is cooperation, not competition; a learning process to explore your options, developing the skills necessary for the next phase of training.

Reactive Response 16

17

18

Now that you have your toolbox and have developed a familiarity with technique chains, it’s time to apply these techniques spontaneously in a staged progression simply called reaction drills.

This exercise begins with your partner running through a rapid sequence of randomly changing holds and grabs, in a process that will move through several progressive stages.

Divided into three different levels—kneeling, standing and freestyle—each level is broken down into several different kinds of drills: five-second delay (the student has three to five seconds to identify the grab and apply the technique), no delay (technique must be applied instantly at the stop command), no stop command (technique can be applied at any point in the grab exchange, whenever an opening is felt) and blindfolded or eyes closed (with both five-second delay, no delay and no stop).

At first the drill will have a designated thrower, who will apply techniques against his partner. Later, the drill will run more as a cooperative competition, with either partner allowed to go for a technique.

Photo 16 illustrates level one/stage one: the partners are facing one another knee-to-knee. The designated thrower (Partner A) receives the attack as his partner moves rapidly through a series of grab changes—wrist grabs, clothes grabs, pushes and pulls—at the same time performing light blocks, disengaging before the grabs can be fully applied.

Remember that, in an actual confrontation, it is best not to be grabbed in the first place. An additional benefit of grab change drills is that they help develop a familiarity with primary disengages, short, quick techniques designed to break an initial grab before it can be fully applied (see photo 21-23).

76 September 2009 / taekwondotimes.com

In this first stage, the exchange is monitored by an instructor or another student. Their job is to randomly call stop at some point in the exchange, at which time both partners will freeze. The designated thrower (in this case, Partner A) will take a few seconds to analyze the grab, then respond with an appropriate technique (see photos 17 & 18). Look for techniques that are simple (without any setup or complex maneuvering), fast (with a minimum of movement) and effective (controlling the opponent as fully as possible).

When the student is comfortable at this first stage, move into the subsequent stages: no delay, blindfolded, no designated thrower. Aim for competence and familiarity at each stage in level one before moving on to levels two (standing) and three (freestyle).

Level two, in which both partners are standing, introduces the additional elements of stepping and full body movement. At this level, the blindfold drills are especially important in developing the sensitivity to read an attack quickly and accurately by touch alone, and then counter instinctively, without losing vital seconds having to visualize an attack (see photos 19, 20 & 20a).

19

20

Grapple Sparring

21 22 23

20a

The final phase is grapple sparring, although ‘sparring’ is probably something of a misnomer, since this is instead a cooperative drill. The partners will exchange grabs while moving freely across the mat, and searching for openings in their partner’s defense.

For safety, the partners should work together through locks and throws, counters and disengages, looking for a finishing lock or takedown. Only if the technique can be blocked, countered or disengaged initially, is resistance permitted. Once a technique is ‘set,’ reaching a point of no return, the receiving partner should relax and ride the technique out to its conclusion. The result should be a continuous interchange of technique with a minimal chance of injury.

Think of this type of sparring as touch football. It’s similar to the real thing, but with the emphasis on safety. Use grapple sparring to help develop your flow, the facility to move into complimentary techniques when your initial technique must be abandoned.

Integrate these drills into your daily routine, work to master the handful of techniques you are most comfortable with, and introduce punches and kicks, cooperative, not competitive, into the mix, with takedowns, pins and even ground fighting.

Move in and out of various ranges, kicking to punching to grappling to ground fighting, and become comfortable including as many of these into your training mix as possible.

In time, you will be like water, never striving for a particular technique, but flowing easily into your opponent’s openings, abandoning techniques that aren’t working to discover the one that will.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Daniel Middleton, a fifth-degree black belt in Kuk Sool Won, has studied a number of different styles and systems of martial arts for the past 35 years. A martial arts instructor since 1985, Kwan Jang Nym currently owns and operates Upstate Kuk Sool Won in Anderson, South Carolina. In addition to his practice as a licensed chiropractor, he is a freelance writer, publishing a number of articles in national martial arts publications and currently completing a young adult martial arts novel called Dragons of Antioch. Kwan Jang Nym Dan has said that as a martial arts instructor, he feels that his strength is in relating his instruction to the individual student, taking sometimes abstract martial arts concepts and translating these into a form that is easily understandable by the student.

taekwondotimes.com / September 2009

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One-Stepping to Maturity Martial Arts Changed My Son’s Life

By Brad Thibodaux In the beginning, there was football and on the second day, baseball. Fathers played the sports and their sons followed in their footsteps. This was the case when I was growing up in South Louisiana, and I was content to pass this limited sports legacy to my six-year-old son Aaron.

But Aaron had different plans and this new direction soon became obvious to his mother and me after he saw the Dream Works computer-animated film Kung Fu Panda. “I want to do that!” he smiled pointing at the screen. “I want to learn how to jump and kick and fight.”

“Okay,” I said skeptically.

You see, Aaron had already attempted to play several sports, but failed to show any long term interest. Mainly due to his poor eyesight and reliance on glasses, Aaron never truly felt comfortable with a ball thrown in the direction of his body or a tackler heading toward him. But more importantly, he lacked the maturity and mental discipline to remain focused on most of the mainstream sports offered in our area.

So with some more urging from Aaron, my wife and I began the process of selecting a martial arts school that would improve his inner-self, as well as his physical stamina. We visited a few of our community’s tenured Karate schools, but decided against them. The instructors seemed more interested in showing the students who was in command rather than teaching them a martial art. We were also searching for a martial arts school that would give him the constructive discipline that would help Aaron overcome some social skill deficiencies.

These shortcomings are the result of Aaron having an older autistic brother

78 September 2009 / taekwondotimes.com

to model himself after. Andrew is only 14 months Aaron’s senior, but is far behind him in his ability to relate to peers and communicate effectively with others.

Our criteria for finding the right martial arts school for Aaron was multilayered; find the correct mixture of discipline and education, while at the same time allowing him to grow socially with children his own age, all the while striving for excellence in a new skill never before attempted by a single member of his family.

Did such a place exist? To be honest, after two weeks of searching, my wife and I were having doubts. “Just go to one more place today,” she pleaded. “Don’t give up just yet.”

“Alright,” I sighed. “Just one more.”

And I meant it. After nearly 15 days of searching, I had had enough of power tripping black belts and their “half-cocked” attitude about their school, their particular style of martial arts, and their general impression of how kids should behave under their tutelage.

It was in this mindset that I walked through the doors of Taekwondo Plus. I was met at the door by a rather large, bald man, dressed in a uniform with a black belt tied neatly around his waist. “Oh great,” I thought. “Another one.”

“Welcome to Taekwondo Plus,” he smiled. “My name is Mr. Cothren and this is our school.” With that, he gestured to the class that was in progress.

We shook hands near the entrance of the well-lit school and the first thing I noticed was the parent room, where mom and dad could sit and observe their child in class. This was completely at odds with the other schools we visited. Those had been dark, menacing rooms with no place for parental supervision.

After talking with Mr. Cothren about Aaron and what we hoped he would gain from learning a martial art, he explained to me that he not only taught children and adults the art of Tae Kwon Do, but a code to live by: “Honor, courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, courage, community, strength, humility, knowledge.” He resounded these tenets with such admiration and enthusiasm that I knew that I had found Aaron’s school.

“Bring Aaron and your wife by and he can take part in a class,” he assured me. “There’ll be no pressure, if he likes it, we’ll get him squared away.”

The next night Aaron and my wife met me at Taekwondo Plus after work. Aaron was out on the mat with the other students as though he had been there for years and my wife and I quietly took a seat in the parents’ room to see Aaron take his first kick into this new world of martial arts. We braced for the worst.

Aaron has always been a good child. He is kind and respectful to others, but is extremely talkative

Brad Thibodaux and his son Aaron now have Tae Kwon Do in common.

and has a short attention span. This is due to his older brother’s Asperger’s Syndrome. For the first four years of his life, he had no other person his own age to talk to.

Our fears were short-lived. Aaron became a different individual the moment the instructor bowed and the class began. He was excited, but in control.

The look of determination under his glasses made it clear that this was his sport to master.

At the end of class, he received his first stripe on his white belt for learning the various basic stances used in Tae Kwon Do. He was not expecting this sign of achievement, but kept his composure and graciously accepted the bows of congratulations from his fellow classmates.

In the days that followed, all he could talk about was TKD, his class, the stripe on his belt, and all the cool moves he had learned. Out of the four weekly classes offered at Taekwondo Plus, Aaron attends them all, even the class at nine o’clock on Saturday morning. That’s right, no cartoons for this Tae Kwon Do enthusiast.

Only a few weeks into his training, Aaron volunteered to participate in a demonstration at a local home and garden show. The young instructors at the school, Joshua Rutter and James Monestere, worked tirelessly to prepare the students for this public showcase. Aaron never tired of the endless kicks, punches, and attention to detail that was required. Through the entire process, Mr. Rutter and Mr. Monestere kept the class positive. If one student made an error, the class would perform the move again. No one student was singled out for a mistake. This was a team effort and the kids understood that they would fail or succeed together.

Another aspect of performing in public is the ritual of breaking a block of wood using a TKD punch or kick. Aaron was unsure, but determined to perform as he had practiced. taekwondotimes.com / September 2009

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On the day of the demonstration, the students of Taekwondo Plus showed the dignity and honor that they recite before each class. Sure, there were mistakes, but there was more encouragement than sighs from the crowd, and only positive motivation from the Taekwondo Plus students and staff.

Aaron and his fellow classmates showed complete strangers the moves and skills they obtained over the course of their studies. Then the moment of truth had arrived and it was time to break some wood.

Aaron patiently watched as the senior students attempted to break their boards. Some succeeded, others were not as fortunate. A young girl that attended class nearly as frequently as Aaron failed to break her board.

As he stepped in front of Mr. Cothren, Aaron bowed and waited for his instructor to position the board and give the command to strike.

My wife and I held our breath, Andrew looked on quietly, and his younger sister Grace ate cotton candy. We could feel the tension in the air. Aaron, however, was undeterred. He just stood there calmly and the moment that Mr. Cothren gave the command he let out a loud “Aiya!,” struck the board with an over-the-head hammer-fist punch, breaking it cleanly through the center.

The look of astonishment and pride that swept over his face is something I wish every parent could witness in his child’s life. It was a look that says ‘I did it all by myself.’

The board sits on his dresser signed by all of his teachers who witnessed the feat.

In the first three months of his TKD journey, Aaron never missed a class and constantly practiced at home. We noticed changes in his behavior. At school, he went from being a follower to a leader. At home, he is more understanding, patient, and attentive of his brother’s quirks and his younger sister’s childishness.

He used to sit in a circle and listen to his classmates’ stories, rarely adding to the conversation.

Now, he leads the circle and has the attention of the other, larger classmates. All of them hang on every word coming out of his small frame. We can only hope that what he is saying is beneficial to their overall development.

He tells us how his friends want to see his “moves” but he refuses. “It is against the rules to do Tae Kwon Do outside of school,” he explains. “If you want to see, then come to class with me and I can show you there.”

80 September 2009 / taekwondotimes.com

This was the maturity that my wife and I hoped would surface from attending martial arts school at Taekwondo Plus. The confidence and the maturity that Aaron displays now would never have been possible without the guidance of Mr. Cothren and his staff of instructors. The positive impact they have made on my son is incalculable. His love for a sport that no other member of his family has ever considered, is contagious.

So contagious, in fact, that at the age of 35, I am now attending class twice a week and will soon test for my yellow belt while Aaron earns his green.

He loves to work on his one-steps and enjoys pointing out the mistakes I make when performing mine. He will always be ahead of me in Tae Kwon Do, but that’s okay, because we have something to talk about and share and that makes all the difference in our relationship.

Sure, he has his days. What six year-old doesn’t?

But at the end of the day, there’s always a drive to Taekwondo Plus and the chance to refocus on what is expected of him in class and in life.

If you would like to find out how learning Tae Kwon Do can benefit your child’s development, contact the International TaeKwonDo Alliance online at www.itaonline.com.

From left to right: Instructors George Falcon, James Monestere, Aaron, and Mr. William Cothren, owner of Taekwondo Plus.

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World Independent Hap-Ki-Do Federation¢ An International United Hap-Ki-Do Organization Established in 1987 Europe ~ U.S.A. ~ Asia ~ Caribbean ~ Australia Africa ~ Canada ~ South & Central America

Open for Membership & Rank Promotion / Recognition Traditional titles, Instructor, Dan certification issued by the World Hap-Ki-Do Won ¢

Website: http://wihkdf.de E-mail: wmal@mail.com

Traditions

BZVhjgVWaZ <dVah Goals organize energy. They harness ambition and act as a compass pointing the way to achievement.

Goals differ from needs or wants in as much as they require forethought and display a sincere desire for accomplishment. Goals spring from a place more noble than primitive instinct. The realization of a predetermined plan generates confidence and a sense of command in plotting the course of one’s life; they are the stuff dreams are made of. Goals help separate necessity from distraction, channel intent and help navigate through today’s troubled times. Yet just as with any skill, the ability to map out a goal, arrange a timeline and convene action requires knowledge coupled with patient practice.

We are allotted only a certain amount of time on Earth to achieve the goals we set for ourselves.

Moreover, if we spend this time foolishly fretting over the amount of time or effort it may take to complete a project, we may never accomplish anything at all.

Attempting too much, too soon, clearly presents the potential for discouragement, and ultimately, failure of the task at hand. In short, energy should be apportioned into manageable parcels of effort resulting in attainable, measurable, long and short term goals.

As Tae Kwon Doists and martial artists in general, we are fortunate in that the tools required to create goals and stick with them are already at our disposal. The key to this process is embedded in a time-honored tradition that most students participate in every few months. Some approach this ritual with trepidation while others eagerly await the challenge. This progressive custom takes the form of periodic rank promotion examinations better known as belt tests.

While inherent differences exist according to the art in question, the majority of martial disciplines today adhere to some type of formal ranking system with grades typically symbolized by various colored belts. This system effectively distinguishes the novice from the student who has gained a higher level of proficiency. Not surprisingly, while the belt itself is meaningless without the knowledge and technique to back it up, it is often regarded as a reward unto itself. The belt is a tangible indication of the student’s determination, passion for the art, and will to triumph, frequently in the face of intense physical adversity. Furthermore, belts represent a material yardstick against which achievement, and thus goals, can be measured.

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It should be noted that in years past, when battlefield, combat-proven fighting arts were being sanitized and transformed into martial ways intent on character development through self-defense practice, there existed only two belts—white and black. The creation of the multi-colored belt ranking system is generally attributed to Jigoro Kano, who through the reformation of Daito-Ryu Aiki Jujutsu in the 1880s, founded Japanese Judo, or the “gentle way.”

Color belt status, or gup ranking in the Korean martial arts, champions the attainment of a short term goal commonly reached within a three-month period. Black belt or dan ranking however, requires a quantum leap in tenacity. In modern martial arts culture, a great deal of reverence is associated with gaining a black belt. In the eyes of many, the holder takes on mystical proportions often propagated by cinematic lore. Nevertheless, any candidate whose primary goal is to simply boast of having a black belt is in for a rude awakening. Statistically, only two out of every 100 individuals who begin martial arts training eventually go on to earn the coveted black belt.

Why is this ratio so slim? The reality of the situation becomes abundantly clear when one considers the effort and perseverance required to achieve this, the ultimate of measurable goals in the martial arts. To compound the unique human chemistry that eventually qualifies a student as a black belt, waiting periods between dan grades increase proportionally with rank resulting in a deep appreciation for the setting and attainment of extended, long term goals. For example, a firstdan black belt in TKD must wait two years before testing for second-dan.

Likewise a fifthdan is required to wait a term of five years before advancement.

Ideally, belts of any color should not be awarded freely, but granted based on a practitioner’s capabilities. Elevation in status is predicated on

By Doug Cook

honing a given set of required techniques at each subsequent belt level. In addition to being conversant in martial arts philosophy and exuding the proper attitude, the Tae Kwon Doist must demonstrate acceptable abilities in poomsae (forms), il su sik (one-step sparring), self-defense (ho sin sool), kyorugi (sparring), and kyuk pa (breaking).

Moreover, the average TKD curriculum is constructed in such a way so as to promote selfassurance. This would prove difficult at best if the student left the dojang every time feeling a lack of accomplishment. By raising the color belt up to the black belt level by degrees rather than one, large leap, this goal is accomplished. This is the core concept behind dividing effort into measurable goals— the practitioner is then afforded the luxury of focusing only on those techniques applicable to a given belt rank. This is not to say that previous lessons should be stored away and forgotten; on the contrary, each piece of the puzzle must be held firmly in place until the total picture comes into view.

In today’s complex world it is easy to become bewildered and overwhelmed by a variety of circumstances; financial obligations, business negotia-

tions, house chores, even schoolwork for the young can take on enormous proportions when viewed in their entirety. However, by applying the principle of measurable goals gleaned from traditional TKD training, we may be better prepared, taking action one step at a time, to cope with what may initially appear to be insurmountable obstacles. Lending credence to this belief is the Korean proverb, Yong Du Sa Mi: Dragon’s Head, Snakes Tail. Translated, this states, it is better to start and accomplish a small goal and move on, than to reach for a large goal only to become discouraged and give up. This saying captures the essence of nurturing the tools we have been provided with through our study of traditional Tae Kwon Do by applying the practice of measurable goals to our daily life.

Master Doug Cook, a fifth-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 the best-selling books entitled: Taekwondo…Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Warrior, and Traditional Taekwondo…Core Techniques, History and Philosophy, published by YMAA of Boston.

His third book, Taekwondo–A Path to Excellence, focusing on the rewards and virtues of Tae Kwon Do, will be released in 2009.

He can be reached for discussions or seminars at chosuntkd@ yahoo.com or www.chosuntkd.com.

Woman of the Times

> AdkZ Ndj### 9d Ndj AdkZ BZ4 Timmy Meadow was the boy who was somehow smitten by my second grade heart. Every day, I’d be inundated with letter after letter…all spelling out the very same question: “I love you, do you love me?” There next to the answers would be a box for me to check.

Sometimes I’d check “yes,” sometimes I’d check “no.” Sometimes I’d even put my own box there and check off a “maybe.”

This continued on into the third, fourth and fifth grades. At times, I’d find a chocolate heart in the middle of his letter. Once, I found a cute little puppy dog pin with diamond studded ears, hidden inside his written plea for my love (which I later discovered that he took from his sister.)

For as much love as one could feel in elementary school, Timmy was my little boyfriend.

Then it was onto junior high school. But something happened that year. That was the year that we all got “labeled.” Timmy got the label of “pothead,” and I got the label of “brain.”

From the sixth grade on, I guess we were supposed to stay in our own “category.” He never talked to me again. He wouldn’t even look at me.

Finally, our senior year came along, and I had to say something. How could we pretend that we didn’t even know each other, when a whole forest had been lost from the paper he consumed to write me countless love letters every day during elementary school?

So I went over to the “pothead” category, and I started talking to him. “Hi Timmy,” I said. “Do you remember that cute little puppy dog pin that you gave me?” He didn’t answer me. As a matter-of-fact, he just left me standing there and turned and

walked away.

That wasn’t the only awkward feeling that I would come to experience in my life, but it certainly was awkward. The truth is, I would come to know many more “Timmy Meadows” just from my experiences of being a Karate instructor.

After years of teaching martial arts, you come to realize that there is an inevitable amount of students who are going to quit. Some say “thank you,” some say it wasn’t working out schedule wise.

Every instructor out there has heard every story possible. But we also understand that not everybody will become a black belt, and we usually have no problem releasing students with good grace.

But there’s always a group of students who just kind of leave, and you never really know exactly what happened. If you try to call them, they won’t return your calls. If you see them out and about, they may even turn in the other direction. This is awkward.

I’m convinced that unless you have taught martial arts yourself, you have no idea what an intimate job it is to teach someone how to become focused and confident. It’s not like selling cars or working in a bank.

A martial arts teacher gives a piece of his or her soul away every time a class has to be taught.

So, when a student just walks away without any rhyme or reason, it’s the biggest, coldest slap in the face you could ever imagine. I may never know where some of these students went or how they ended up over the years. And I never did see Timmy Meadow again either.

But the one thing I have learned from being in these awkward places in life is that I can’t take them too personally. This was a hard lesson for me to learn, but I’ve come to realize that most awkward things as such, have very little to do with me in the first place.

I only wish that I could go back to elementary school and answer little Timmy’s letter one more time: “I love you, do you love me?”

“No,” I’d answer. “But I do love me, and I can’t worry about whether or not you’re going to even talk to me a year from now.”

“P.S. Thanks for the pin!”

Karen Eden is a fourth-degree black belt and master in the art of Tang Soo Do. She is also a published author, former radio personality and TV journalist, who has appeared on CNN, FOX National, and Animal Planet. She has also appeared in two major Hollywood productions. Karen has written for and appeared in many martial arts publications over the years. Her books include The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Tae Kwon Do (Penguin Books) and I Am a Martial Artist (Century Martial Arts). She is also the poet behind the popular I Am a Martial Artist product line, also available through Century Martial Arts, and Dojo Darling martial arts wear, available through Karatedepot.com. Master Eden currently teaches at-risk youth through the Salvation Army in Denver, Colorado. For contact or booking information, email her at sabomnim@ toast.net.

By Karen Eden

One of the amazing qualities of humans is the unquenchable desire to have wishes and dreams, and the ability to establish goals to live out those dreams.

Think of it—we can look deep within our hearts and dream. But what makes this even more powerful is that we have also been given the ability to not only dream, but to pursue those dreams and actually lay out a plan and strategies to achieve them. It is wonderful to have a dream. It can also be wonderful to have a goal. But what is the difference between them and why does it matter?

Wishes are things that you potentially desire without having to commit to actually doing them. It allows you to brainstorm freely about the things you want without your judgments about how and when to accomplish them getting in the way. When you find a wish that you really want to accomplish, you can just convert it into a dream or goal.

A life without dreams is like a garden without flowers. ~ Author Unknown ~ Have you ever taken the time to truly reflect, and listen quietly to your heart, to see what dreams live within you? Your dreams are there. Everyone has them. They may live right on the surface, or they may be buried deep from years of others telling you they were foolish, but they are there.

We all have dreams and wishes. Unless we do something about them, that is exactly what they remain. It is action that brings our dreams and wishes to life. A dream is a goal without legs. It is a wonderful thing to have and it can be the guiding passion of your life, but unless you clarify it and give it the legs to move toward you, getting there is going to be very much a matter of luck.

In the end, a goal is nothing more than a well-defined target. A dream is also a type of target: it is the ultimate realization of your desire or wish. Dreams can be big and seem unrealistic at first and sometimes look five to ten years into your future, while others could span your entire lifetime. Dreams are your ultimate destination, while goals are the intermediate stops along the way. Dreams represent what you want and goals represent your plan to get you there.

If you only have dreams without any goals to support them, you can easily feel overwhelmed by the enormity of your dream. To trans-

form a dream into a reachable goal, you must clarify it, provide the details, make it so clear that you can see it, feel it, and know what you will feel like when you get there. If you only have goals but no dreams, you can easily fall into the trap of focusing so much on the steps that you lose sight of your destination.

You run the risk of forgetting “why” you are pursuing these goals in the first place. Specific short-term goals are not terribly motivating by themselves either; their power comes from their connection to a big inspiring dream.

When you focus only on the next steps, you might also fail to notice wonderful opportunities that would allow you to jump several steps ahead. Dreams allow you to be on the lookout for these wonderful opportunities that may not be in line with your current goals, but that are strongly associated with your dream.

Dreams also help you evaluate whether your overall strategy is working. Without the dream, you can accomplish goal after goal and not make any real progress. If you focus only on moving from one step to the next and never look up at your destination, you may not notice you are walking around in circles.

Dreams and goals are born out of your heart and mind. These are the goals that are unique to you, and come from who you were created to be, and gifted to become. Your specific goals are what you want to attain because they are what will make your life joyful, and be all that you want it to be.

By Suzanne R. Ellenberger, Ph.D

The Supplement

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Go confidently In the direction of your dreams.

Live the life you have imagined! ~ Henry David Thoreau ~ Suzanne Ellenberger holds the rank of EE dan in Choi Kwang Do martial arts. She works at Clemson University in South Carolina, where she teaches both freshman chemistry courses and a class in Choi Kwang Do martial arts.

Suzanne also leads the Clemson University Choi Kwang Do Club.

taekwondotimes.com / September 2009

85

Heart to Heart

Ejghj^c\ <dVah VcY 9gZVbh Ah, how easy it is to say “My goal is to lose weight,” or “I am dreaming about buying my own home someday,” or “Someday, I will get an education.”

Well, that is a good start. At least you are thinking about improving your life. But it takes more than just daydreaming to achieve your goals and make your dreams become a reality.

First of all, that magical “someday” may never come for us.

See, some aspects of life are unavoidable. You didn’t choose the family or the environment into which you were born.

You didn’t choose many of the abuses, conflicts, or crises that may have occurred over the years. And you will inevitably experience sickness in some form, old age, and death. But you don’t have to regard these things as excuses for continuing unhappiness and failure. Instead, you can decide that right now you will produce change in your life and that you will live your life as fully as you can, with as much love and happiness as you can.

Life is such a precious gift. But we tend to treat every day as though life is never going to end, as though we have an unlimited amount of time to find the happiness we want. As a result, instead of challenging our fears right now, we go on, day after day, year after year, making excuses for our failure to accomplish our true desires. Good intentions don’t seem to be enough to make big changes in your life. Think about all the New Year’s resolutions you have made in the past, and you realize that good intentions alone aren’t sufficient to introduce changes. Making real and lasting change requires that you make a commitment and take constructive action.

Unfortunately, we tend to get comfortable with our fears and limitations. Think about those times when your eyes adjusted to a semi-dark room. You thought you could see well enough in the darkness. But when the light went on, you suddenly realized how dark it had been. And didn’t the light also hurt? It was uncomfortable to adjust to the new light. In the same way, we can get so used to the darkness of our fears, and so comfortable, that we come to prefer the darkness of fear over the light of our true self and true happiness. Then, we may find ourselves drifting from day to day with an attitude that says, “Maybe tomorrow—or maybe someday—my life will work out.”

But our time on this earth is eventually going to end. We don’t have an unlimited amount of time to simply wait for

86 September 2009 / taekwondotimes.com

“someday” to come along. In fact, none of us knows the exact amount of time left in our lives. The willingness to wait endlessly for someday causes us to waste precious time and prevents us from taking action that could truly bring about the good we desire.

Sometimes there are powerful environmental obstacles to overcome when you seek to accomplish dreams and goals. If this is so for you, then you may have to work hard to overcome them. It is not necessarily easy, but difficulty is not a reason to abandon your goals. What does it matter if overcoming obstacles is difficult? When you reach your goal, the difficulties settle in the dust behind you as you enjoy your success!

Let me illustrate my point: Imagine you are lost and all alone in a fiery hot desert, the sun beating down on you as you trudge through the burning sands. You’ve gone for days with no food and little water, and your body is weak from exhaustion and exposure. Heat waves are rising in front of you, blurring your vision, and there is nothing but hot, dry sand all around you.

What’s on your mind now? What are you thinking about?

Are you still worried about what color you are going to paint the kitchen? Most likely there is only one thought in your mind, and that is getting what you need for survival—water.

You need water desperately. Only this thought keeps you moving, your feet wading through the scorching sands. Whatever else you may have wanted at other times in your life pales in comparison to this single goal.

All that’s left in your mind is the thought of an overwhelming thirst, a need for the one substance that will save your life. What are you willing to give in order to get it? What are you willing to sacrifice in order to get it? Aren’t you resolved to commit all your resources at the present moment to get water—the thing that will save your life? Suddenly, you come to a patch of sand that’s darker, harder, and firmer than the rest. Your heart beats faster with anticipation as your mind contemplates the possibility that water is there. You fall to your knees and tear at the sand, digging deeper and deeper as your fingers scratch and bleed. Then the sand becomes moist and you feel within yourself a burst of energy that you didn’t know was possible. With renewed strength, you dig faster and harder until you feel the cool liquid on your hand, and you take it and splash it quickly into your parched mouth.

This story is a picture of how our priorities form. In a situation like this, you become completely focused on what you want and what you need! This is what I mean by commitment. Are you in some kind of desert situation in your life right now? Are there situations in your life that stubbornly resist solution? Then you will need to look for the solution with the same commitment as the person in the desert did.

In your imagination, you were totally committed to the goal of finding water. As a result, you found it! Were you thinking of the pizza parlor during your search? Your girlfriend or boyfriend? The movie you saw last week? No, you had no distractions, just the commitment to find water and the perseverance to keep going until the goal was won.

In the same way, when you decide you want to reach your true goals, you will need to commit to the process. In your imagination, your commitment to find water was forced on you by circumstances. You had to find the water, or die!

Although this seems like an extreme example, your need to reach your dreams and goals can be just as great. Even if you don’t have a life threatening situation, it would be a terrible waste to let your life slip away without realizing your full potential.

Remember, one of our greatest obstacles to realize our dreams and goals is the tendency to give up. Sometimes, people want to give up just when they are about to accomplish

By Tae Yun Kim

Grandmaster Tae Yun Kim is the founder and head of Jung SuWon. She is also the founder and CEO of Lighthouse Worldwide Solutions, a high-tech computer control and monitoring industry located in the Silicon Valley. Grandmaster Kim is a best-selling author and motivational speaker.

their goal. When this happens, your best friend is your will power. Giving up is such a sad waste after putting in so much effort.

The problem is, even when we really want something, and even if that something is within our power, those two simple words, “I can’t,” can prevent it from happening. When you find yourself saying, “I can’t,” look deeper to see if you are merely making an excuse. If you look honestly, you will usually find that your words actually mean, “I could, but I won’t for this or that reason.” For instance, “I can’t do well in school,” might easily mean, “I could do well in school, but I won’t put in the time and effort to study.” When you become willing to say, “I can,” you find the power to follow through.

How often do we make a mistake and then simply give up our efforts? Instead of focusing on a new direction right away, we tend to sit around in gloom and doom criticizing ourselves.

We use mistakes not to face up to our fears and weaknesses.

Rather than allowing your mistakes to be reasons for continued failure, allow your mistakes to be used as learning feedback.

You make mistakes any time you do something new. If you already knew how to do something without making mistakes, it wouldn’t be new! It would already be a habit. So let mistakes be friendly teachers, the fertilizer for growth.

You might be surprised how much energy it takes to change your life. Since bad habits and negative thinking build up such momentum over time, only your will power can break through and give you the push to get started and stay on course. When you realize this, you may be thinking your journey is over because you “have no will power.” To this I respond, yes, you do have will power. In fact, you are using that will power right now to pursue all the bad habits you have. No one orders you to hide when it’s time to meet new people. No one makes you

fail the exam you didn’t study for. You do these things by yourself with the power of your will. What you need to do is learn to use your will power constructively. You have a choice as to how you will respond in every situation. You alone determine whether an event will have a positive or negative impact and how you respond. Sometimes, we have a tendency to become self destructive when we are hurt badly and we take actions that increase and reinforce the hurt. But we have another option.

For example, in my own life, I had to overcome centuries of prejudice against women in my country just to devote my life to martial arts. Everything in my Korean cultural environment said it was impossible for a woman to become a martial arts master, let alone grandmaster. Women were supposed to cook and sew and look after children. The pressure to conform to this “law” was enormous. But I did not listen to that, and instead focused all my energy on my goals. I succeeded. When I came to the United States, I had more obstacles to overcome—learning to live in a different country and establishing my school. But again, I worked until I succeeded. Even today, I have more goals and dreams, and therefore, more obstacles. But I use my understanding of Jung SuWon to help me build my life and to help others develop using the same principles.

So, continue to dream and have goals for yourself! You know that the power is in you, it is your personal choice what you do in your life!

HE CAN DO, SHE CAN DO, WHY NOT ME! I wish you all the best, from my heart to yours, Dr. Tae Yun Kim Great Grandmaster, Jung SuWon

taekwondotimes.com /January 2008

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Dr. Jerry Beasley is professor of Exercise, Sport and Health at Radford University in Virginia, where he has headed the martial arts program since 1973. He has two new books out this year including: Dojo Dynamics: Essential Marketing Principles for Martial Arts Schools and JKD; High-Risk Sparring. Check out his Web page at www. aikia.net.

Last May 23 was a great day for traditional martial arts! Classical Karate master Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida became the “undisputed” 205 pound champion of the Ultimate Fighting Championship in front of a Pay-Per-View audience of millions. Matched against the highly touted interim champion Rashad Evans. Machida controlled the fight in round one. In round two, Machida launched a full scale attack against Evans, knocking the former champ down and out.

Machida first envisioned his dream to be a UFC champion in 1993, after watching fellow Brazilian Royce Gracie become the UFC’s first champion. For the next 16 years, Machida would continue training, dreaming, and preparing to become the world champion he was destined to be.

Lyoto’s father, Yoshizo Machida, is a Japanese Shotokan Karate master who had immigrated to Brazil to teach Karate. Shotokan Karate forms the basis of Korean Kong Soo Do. Many who were taught TKD in the United States in the 1960s can remember learning Shotokan kata or hyung. Born in 1978, Lyoto was only three years old when he found his way into the dojo. Machida earned his black belt under his father’s watchful eye at age 13. He later earned a black belt in Brazilian Jiujitsu as well.

The teenage Machida began competing in Karate matches and quickly became a champion. And while so many of the other MMA champs of his day were abandoning their traditional Karate and TKD practice in favor of the more popular boxing and wrestling combinations, Machida stayed the course. His goal was to master his traditional Karate form like his father had done before him.

Eventually, he would prove the validity of classical training even at the level of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Having the traditional Karate training has proven invaluable for UFC champs like Georges St-Pierre, Chuck Liddell and now Lyoto Machida. Fans of MMA will note that classical arts like TKD and Karate have for years been pretty much relegated to the list of alsorans. You are not likely to see an MMA star list Karate or TKD as his basic art. Today’s MMA competitors would seldom join a Karate or TKD school. But things are changing. UFC announcer, Joe Rogan, continually referred to Machida’s Karate training as a strategy that has proven impossible for the MMA fighters to overcome.

“If you were Rashad Evans,” asked Rogan, “how would you train for one of these ‘Karate guys’? They come at you from all these different angles.”

Getting the chance to fight for the championship was not a forgone conclusion even though Machida was undefeated in UFC competitions. The fight promoters actually wanted to pit Rashad Evans against the highly popular former UFC champ Quinton “Rampage” Jackson. But Jackson was recovering from an injury at fight time and was not available. The promoters then tried to recruit Georges St-Pierre to defend his title. When he refused to change his already scheduled midsummer title defense date to accommodate the UFC, the promoters tried to recruit heavyweight champ Frank Mir to defend his title. Mir, too, had received an injury in training and was unable to make the necessary date. Sometimes fate must have its way if dreams are really to come true. On that night, May 23, it was to be Lyota Machida or nothing.

It could be that the UFC match makers had been warned that Machida was a defensive fighter and that his Karate style represented a wild card. Quinton Jackson claimed Machida’s style was boring.

By Dr. Jerry Beasley

Would the Pay-Per-View audience go for the Karate master?

As it turned out, the Machida/Evans match was a huge success.

Machida used his speed and timing, along with his mobility and deceptiveness to his advantage. Evans never seemed to mount a successful offense. It was as though the “Karate” strategy was too difficult to overcome. Machida had dreamed about becoming the UFC champion, and on the night of May 23, his dream came true.

Now that Machida has demonstrated that Karate can be used as a formidable art in the Octagon, one has to imagine that there is a TKD master out there that can demonstrate his skills in the cage. Billy “TaeBo” Blanks, the TKD sparring champ of the 80s, would have been a good choice to train for the MMA events.

Blanks demonstrated the same type of explosive speed, accuracy, deceptiveness and mobility. If a Tae Kwon Doist could master the grappling range and connect with his feet the way Machida connected with his Karate trained fists, the MMA audiences would set up and take notice. Machida’s win may well have signaled a new era in MMA competitions.

Karate and TKD schools need to get behind Lyoto Machida.

He’s one of us! Machida displays the humble determination of the disciplined classical martial artist who feels bringing honor to his family art and traditions is more important than individual glory. You’ll find the foul language and tattoos, so much the culture of the current MMA stereotype, is completely absent in the Machida lifestyle.

Only a few years ago, few MMA fans would not anticipate that a Karate or TKD stylist could win the UFC. Lyoto Machida is the first to demonstrate that the classical striking skills still work.

They always did. Machida’s dream was to win the UFC. In doing so, he may have awakened a dream for others in the Karate and TKD arts. Let’s hope it’s not 16 years before a TKD fighter earns the right to become the UFC champion of the world.

taekwondotimes.com / September 2009

MMA and You

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89

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GM Hee Il Choʼs TKD Center Koko Marina Shopping Center Honolulu 96825 (808) 396- 8900 aimaa.com

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COLORADO Colorado Intl TaeKwon-Do Master Roberto Carlos Roena Denver/Wheatridge/Ft. Collins CIT-ITF.com US TaeKwonDo Federation Chuck Sereff 6801 W 117th Ave Broomfield 80020

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Choi Kwang Do Largo 13819-C Washington Rd Largo 33774

Universal TKD Association 1207 W Main Peoria 61606 (309) 673-2000

East Coast Martial Arts Supply 1646 E Colonial Drive Orlando 32803 (407) 896-2487 NKMAA- Florida Master Thomas Gordon Gordon Martial Arts PO Box 1966,Crestview 32536 Jun Kimʼs Martial Arts Center 10024 West Oakland Park Blvd Sunrise 33351 (954) 741-8000

US National TKD Federation 9956 W Grand Ave Franklin Park 60131 usntf.com

INDIANA Self Defense America 2450 Lincoln Street Highland 46322 (219) 545-7894

IOWA

Independent TKD Association 2919 E North Military Trail West Palm Beach 33409 (561) 745-1331

Ancient Memories Academy 2600 E Euclid Des Moines 50317 (515) 266-6209

USNTA National Team Training Center 5720 Old Cheney Hwy Orlando 32807 (312) 443-8077 USNTA.org

Chung Kimʼs Black Belt Academy 1423 18th St Bettendorf 52722 (563) 359-7000

United Martial Arts Center 11625 S Cleveland Ave # 3 Ft. Myers 33907 (239) 433-2299 Yeshá Ministries(14 NE FL locations) Grand Master Charles W. Coker 904-399-0404 or 904-838-8585 Yeshaministries.com

GEORGIA Choi Kwang Do Cartersville 1239 Joe Frank Harris Pkwy Cartersville 30120 (678) 721-5166 Choi Kwang Do Suwanee 4285 Brogdon Exchange Suwanee 30024 (770) 654-1510

Jungʼs TaeKwonDo Inc. New Life Fitness World Cedar Rapids 52404 (319) 396-1980 Jungʼs TaeKwonDo 501 Panama St Nashua 50658 (641) 435-4920 Martial Arts America 621 S. Ankeny Blvd.

Ankeny, Iowa 50021 www.martialartsamerica.net Raccoon Valley Martial Arts 104 S 7th St Adel 50003 (515) 993-3474

Two Rivers Martial Arts Inc. 2017 Southlawn Des Moines 50315 (515) 285-5049

Choon Leeʼs Black Belt Academy 121 NE 72nd St Gladstone 64114 (816) 436-5909

Richard Chun TaeKwonDo Center 87 Stonehurst Dr Tenafly 07670 (201) 569-3260

KANSAS

Kuk Sool Won of St. Peters #1 Sutters Mill Road St. Peters 63376 (636) 928-0035

World Sin Moo Hapkido Federation PO Box 262, Atco, N.J. 08004 WorldSinMooHapkidoFederation.com

Master Jeʼs World Martial Arts 6204 NW Barry Rd Kansas City 64154 (816) 741-1300

NEW MEXICO

Choon Leeʼs Academy of TKD 11453 W 64th St Shawnee Mission 66203 (913) 631-1414 Ryu Kyu Imports 5005 Merrian Lane Merriam 66203 (913) 782-3920

LOUISIANA Han Do Group 4816 Jamestown Ave Baton Rouge 70808 (225) 924-2837 hanmudo.com

NEVADA Cane Masters Intl Association PO Box 7301 Incline Village 89452 canemasters.com

MARYLAND

East West Martial Art Supply 2301 E Sunset Rd Suite 22 Las Vegas 89119 (702) 260-4552

World Combat Arts Federation PO Box 763 Owings Mills 21117 (410) 262-2333

Wheatley Intl TaeKwon-Do 1790 W Fourth St Reno 89503 (775) 826-2355

MASSACHUSETTS

NEW JERSEY

AAU Taekwondo Mr. Mike Friello (518) 372-6849 mfriello@aol.com

Cumberland County Martial Arts 531 N High St Millville 08332 (856) 327-2244

Myung Kimʼs Acupuncture 347 Massachusetts Ave Arlington 02474 (781) 643-3679

International Martial Arts 10 Main St Woodbridge 07095 888-IMATKD1 www.IMATKD.com

MICHIGAN B.C. Yu Martial Arts 5204 Jackson Road Suites F & G Ann Arbor 48103 (734) 994-9595 BCYU.com D.S. Kimʼs TKD-Milford 125 Main St Ste 500 Milford 48381 (248) 529-3506 www.dskims.com Choi Kwang Do Trenton 3010 Van Horn Rd Suite A Trenton 48183 (734) 675-2464 International TKD Association PO Box 281 Grand Blanc 48480 (810) 232-6482 itatkd.com Universal American Natl TKD PO Box 249 Sturgis 49091 (574) 243-3450 uantu.org World Martial Arts Association 37637 5 Mile Rd #348 Livonia 48154 (734) 536-1816

MISSOURI American Midwest TKD Academy 315 W Pacific St Webster Grove 63119 (314) 968-9494

Ki Yun Yiʼs Karate Institute 560 S Evergreen Ave Woodbury 08096 (609) 848-2333 MacKenzieʼs TaeKwon-Do & Hapkido 200 White Horse Road Voorhees, N.J. 08043 (856) 346-1111 GoldMedalFamilyKarate.com MacKenzie & Allebach Family Hapkido 302 White Horse Pike Atco, N.J. 08004 (856) 719-1411 GoldMedalFamilyKarate.com MacKenzie & Allebach TaeKwon-Do 1833 Route 70 East Cherry Hill, N.J. 08003 (856) 424-7070 GoldMedalFamilyKarate.com MacKenzie & Barnabie Martial Arts 7710 Maple Ave. Pennsauken , N.J. 08109 (856) 662-5551 MacKenzieandBarnabieKarate.com MacKenzie & Barnabie Martial Arts 1599-D Route 38 Lumberton, N.J. 08048 (609) 702-0666 MacKenzieandBarnabieKarate.com

Grandmaster Hee Il Choʼs TKD 8214 Montgomery Blvd NE Albuquerque 87110 (505) 292-4277

NEW YORK Black Belt Fitness Center 54-10 31st Ave Woodside 11377 (718) 204-1777 idlokwan.org Dynamics World Martial Supply (800) 538-1995 dynamicsworld.com Intl Taekwon-Do Academy 54 Nagle Ave New York City 10034 (212) 942-9444 itakick@aol.com Iron Dragon Fitness & SelfDefense 88-8 Dunning Rd Middletown 10940 (845) 342-3413 New Age TKD & Hapkido 2535 Pearsall Ave Bronx 10469 (347)228-8042 Pro Martial Arts (866) 574-0228 mauricepromartialarts.com Queens Taekwon-do Center 89-16 Roosevelt Ave Basement Jackson Heights 11372 (718) 639-6998 TʼaeCole TKD Fitness 909 Willis Ave Albertson 11507 (516) 739-7699 taecoleTKD.com

NORTH CAROLINA NKMAA - North Carolina Master Monty Hendrix Essential Martial Arts, Inc (336) 282-3000 Lionʼs Den Martial Arts 413 N Durham Ave Creedmore 27522 (919) 528-6291 sajado.org World TaeKwonDo Center 112 Kilmayne Dr Cary 27511 (919) 469-6088

OHIO NKMAA-Ohio Master Doug Custer Nacient Oriental Fighting Arts 608 S Platt St, Montpelier 43543

OREGON NKMAA-Oregon Master Kevin Janisse NW Korean Martial Arts 12083 SE Eagle Dr,Clackamas 97015

PENNSYLVANIA

Kuk Sool Won of Austin 13376 Reserach Blvd #605 Austin 78750 (512) 258-7373 Kuk Sool Won of Baytown 805 Maplewood Baytown 77520 (281) 428-4930 Kuk Sool Won of Clear Lake 907 El Dorado Blvd #110 Houston 77062 (281) 486-5425 Progressive Martial Arts 112 E Sam Rayburn Dr Bonham 75418 (903) 583-6160

ICF Hapkido 7252 Valley Ave Philadelphia 19128 (215) 483-5070 Intl Tang Soo Do Federation 3955 Monroeville Blvd Monroeville 15146 (412) 373-8666 Mark Cashatt始s TKD School 30 West Broad St Souderton 18964 (215) 721-1839 Pan-Am Tang Soo Do Federation 1450 Mt Rose Ave York 17403 (717) 848-5566 Red Tiger TaeKwonDo-USTC 1912 Welsh Rd Philadelphia 19115 (215) 969-9962 red-tiger.com The Martial Artist 9 Franklin Blvd Philadelphia 19154 (800) 726-0438 World Tang Soo Do Association 709 Oregon Ave Philadelphia 19146 (215) 468-2121

TENNESSEE World Black Belt Bureau Grandmaster Kang Rhee Cordova (Memphis) 38088 (901) 757-5000 worldbbb.com

World Kuk Sool Won 20275 FM 2920 Tomball 77375 (281) 255-2550

VERMONT

ALBERTA COM-DO Direct (780) 460-7765 comdo.com First Canada Tang Soo Do 209 3400 14th St NW Calgary T2K 1H9 (403) 284-BBKI

QUEBEC Intl Bum Moo HKD-Hoshinkido 111 Laurentides Blvd Pont-Viau Montreal Laval H7G-2T2 (450) 662-9987

ONTARIO Kuk Sool Won of Sault Ste. Marie 40 White Oak Dr E Sault Ste. Marie P6B 4J8 (705) 253-4220

Stadion Enterprises Island Pond 05846 (802) 723-6175 stadion.com

NKMAA- Ontario Master Dusty Miner Sidekicks School of MA 2421 New St, Burlington

VIRGINIA

GERMANY

USA Tiger Martial Arts 48 Plaza Drive Manakin Sabot 23103 (804) 741-7400

World Martial Arts League Klaus Schuhmacher Rhoenstr 55 Offenbach 63971 wmal@mail.com

World Famous USA Tiger Martial 3941 Deep Rock Rd Richmond 23233 (804) 741-7400 World Martial Arts Group Dr. Jerry Beasley Christiansburg 24068 aikia.net

WASHINGTON Robert Ott Martial Arts 9235 Piperhill Dr SE Olympia 98513 (360) 888-0474 Sim始s TaeKwonDo USA 9460 Rainier Ave S Seattle 98118 (206) 725-4191

ITALY W.O.M.A. Int始l C.P. # 59 Conegliano Tv 31015 Womainternational.Com

INDIA Martial Arts Academy of India 30 GF DDA Flads, Sarvapriva, Vihar, New Delhi 110016 Tel: (011) 686-1625 Martial Arts Training Gulmohar Sports Center New Delhi 110049 Tel: 9111-467-1540

PAKISTAN Zulfi TKD Academy of Pakistan II-B 10/2 Nazimabad Karachi Tel: 9221-660-5788

TEXAS

WISCONSIN

Alakoji Knife & Martial Art Supply San A 302 W Madison Ave Harlingen 78550 (956) 440-8382

American Martial Arts Center 2711 Allen Blvd Suite 82 Middleton 53562 (808) 831-5967 amac-tkd.com

Central Texas TKD Council Master Danny Passmore (254) 662-3229

J.K. Lee Black Belt Academy 12645 W Lisbon Rd Brookfield 53005 (262) 783-5131

Korean MA Instructors Association SongSanRi 661, BonJi JonNam JangSongKun JangSongUb Chollanamdo Kmaia.org

CANADA

UNITED KINGDOM

NKMAA- Headquarters Master Rudy Timmerman 1398 Airport Rd,Sault Ste. Marie, P6A 1M4 705-575-4854

Great Britain Tang Soo Do Headquarters for Europe TSD Tel: 01234-766-468

Champion Training 522 W Harwood Rd Hurst 76054 (817) 605-1555 Kim始s Academy of TaeKwonDo 4447 Thousand Oaks Dr San Antonio 78233 (210) 653-2700

SOUTH KOREA

To list your school or business email info@taekwondotimes.com or call 319-396-1980.

TaeKwonDo Association Promotes Excellence in the Teaching of TaeKwonDo

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For Information Call or Write United States National Taekwondo Federation 9954 West Grand Ave, Franklin Park, IL 60131 U.S.A. T-847-451-6000 F-847-451-1333 Toll Free-888-810-5966 Web Page: www. usntf.com E-mail: kwons_tkd@msn.com

www.ustainfo.com

Calendar of Events August 8-9 Global Hapkido Conference 2009 to be held in Foster City, California. For more information visit sinmoolegacy.com.

14-16 Robert Ott Seminar with special guest Master Steve Seo to be held at the Temple of Certain Victory in Olympia, Washington. For more information visit certainvictory.com.

September 12 WMAL Hall of Fame to be held in Frankfurt, Germany. For more information visit www.wmal.de.tl.

October 17 5th Annual Maui Open to be held in Lahaina, Hawaii.

For more information check out mauiopentkd.com.

23-25 The 5th International Korean Martial Arts Federation (IKMAF) Jong Hap Mu Sool Symposium and Awards Banquet to be held in Philadelphia, PA. For more information contact Ian Cyrus, Headmaster at (267) 342-5880 or visit ikmaf.com.

November 4-8 WTKA World Championships & Martial Marathon to be held in Marina di Carrara, Italy. Learn more at usa-taekwondo.us.

7-8 2009 Rocky Mountain Open to be held at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. For more information visit usa-taekwondo.us.

19 IX Pan-Am Games in Yauco, Puerto Rico. For more information visit ptc-games.com.

December

16-17 9th Central American Games to be held in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. For more information visit wtf.org.

Coming Next Issue...

Grandmaster Kenneth MacKenzie The Kubotan Keychain Sensible Self-Defense Getting Grounded Techniques You Can Use Using Math in Martial Arts Numbers to Win By Plus in Every Issue...

Killer Kicks Big Breaks TKDTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Schools of the Month Inspirational Stories True Martial Arts Spirit Shining Through

TKDT Correspondents *PXB Dan Spangler Jason Amoriell Julia Freel Ron Johnson Soyang Kwon Wallace Cooper Zoe Verchota

6OJUFE 4UBUFT "MBTLB Lucinda Miller "SJ[POB Jerry Laurita

"SLBOTBT Johnny D. Taylor

-PVJTJBOB He-Young Kimm Ronda Sweet .BSZMBOE Dylan Presman Eric Frederick William Blake

$ % . . / 4 0 3 'MPSJEB Arthur Pryor Cynthia Breed Mel Steiner Sang Koo Kang Steve Blanton Thomas Gordon Victor Fontanez

/JHFSJB George Ashiru

#VMHBSJB Robert Haritonov

/PSUI ,PSFB Bong-Man Ra Jae-Hun Chung

$BOBEB Marc-Andre Roy Mounir Ghrawi Phap Lu $IJOB Dong Yong Zheng Liang Huiyu $PTUB 3JDB Carlos Orozco

4PVUI $BSPMJOB Daniel Middleton Hyo-Won Choe Michelle Kim

$SPBUJB Nenad Seferagic

5FYBT Dennis McHenry Don Kirsch Greg Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neal Richard Sacks Robert McLain

/PSXBZ Dag Jacobsen Jessica Stenholm 1BLJTUBO Rizwan Zubairi

3VTTJB Alla Rabkina Nazarenko Ekaterina Yong Hun Kim 4MPWFOJB Zeljko Gvozdic

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(FPSHJB Michael Wilson Seong Young Ji Susan Whitfield Suzanne Ellenberger *MMJOPJT Aaron Wayne-Duke Fernan Vargas Jeremy Talbott Michael Curtis *OEJBOB James Theros

.JTTJTTJQQJ David Higgs J.R. West

1FOOTZMWBOJB Charles Vaughn Chong Su Kim Gregory Bruno Jennefer Pursell LaClaire MitchellNzerem Michael Aloia Stephen DiLeo

.JTTPVSJ Dan Perry Joshua Paszkiewicz /FCSBTLB Jeffrey Helaney Sue Sands-Buss

/FX +FSTFZ Anthony Roure Belida Han Uckan Benjamin Paris Michael Robinson Quoc Tran Taek Sung Cho

&HZQU Azza Ahmed Fouly Mohamed Riad Ibrahim 'SBODF Pierre Sabbah

7JSHJOJB Arlene Limas Carol Griffis Chuck Thornton Joseph Catlett Jr. Pamela Justice

8BTIJOHUPO Aaron Rayburn Joshua Dylka Kathrin Sumpter Robert Ott Sang B. Yun Susan Mix

(FSNBOZ Byonho Won Klaus Schumacher *OEJB Sanjay Sachdeva Shammi Rana

# /2 2 %

%FMBXBSF Frank Fattori John Godwin

.JDIJHBO Stace Sanchez

0LMBIPNB Edward Smith

/FX ;FBMBOE Rua Kaiou

#SB[JM Ricardo Capozzi

/FX :PSL Elvis Mendez Erica Linthorst George Vitale Kalynn Amadio Maurice Elmalem Sidney Rubinfeld Wee Sun Ngiaw /PSUI $BSPMJOB Jun Lee Master Rondy Steven Childress Ted Abbott

8JTDPOTJO Erik Richardson Koang Woong Kim Tarryl Janik "SHFOUJOB Nicolas Toboada Ricardo Desimone

$%

$POOFDUJDVU Kenneth Hilliard Robert Beaudoin

4+$4

.BTTBDIVTFUUT Gilbert Woodside, Jr. Norman McLinden

$PMPSBEP Dan Piller Karen Eden Renee Sereff

0IJP C.M. Griffin David Hamilton Joon Pyo Choi Shawn Hamblin

/FQBM G.L. Chapain Krishna Balal

,$ 7/2 7)

$BMJGPSOJB Alex Haddox Daniela Camargo Federico Luna Jodi Lasky Man Tran Oscar Duran Peter Dallman Ray Terry Ron Shane

"VTUSBMJB Joon No Steven Luxmoore Tam Fook Chee Bangladesh Mohammad Sikder

/PSUI %BLPUB Jere Hilland

*SBO Bahmanyar Roudgarnia Hossein Farid Sabbagh +BQBO Pak Chong Hyon

.FYJDP Angel Flores Gerardo Rosales Jose Lozoya Jose Velardes Marco Cardenas Roberto Mendoza Sonja Patratz

4PVUI ,PSFB Chan-Mo Chung Chang Sup Shin Dong Young Park Gregory Brundage Guy Larke Hyun Chul Kim James Yoo Jinsung Kim Jung Doo Han Seok Je Lee Sook Kyung Moon Young Mi Yun 4XFEFO Daniel Lee

5BO[BOJB Lawrence Masawe Pascal Ilungu 6HBOEB Sang Cheol Lee 6OJUFE ,JOHEPN Alasdair Walkinshaw Anthony Aurelius David Friesen Ralph Allison

-JTU EPFT OPU JODMVEF BMM XPSMEXJEF DPSSFTQPOEFOUT

Become a Correspondent! Learn how at taekwondotimes.com taekwondotimes.com / September 2009

95

Big Break

Fifth-dan Walter Swaney of Florida Photo by Stace Sanchez

Fifth-dan Steve Rosbarsky of Montana Photo by Jennifer Hudson

Third-dan Dan Rhode of Montana Photo by Jennifer Hudson

Sixth-dan Robert Ott of Washington

96 September 2009 / taekwondotimes.com

Submit your Big Break photos, along with your name, age, rank and location to press@taekwondotimes.com or mail to: TKD Times Attn: Big Break 3950 Wilson Ave SW Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 USA

Master KlausSchuhmacher of Bangladesh

18-year-old Rebecca Ehrhardt of New York lies on a bed of nails as two patio blocks are broken on her stomach.

Photo by Odusanya Photography

He Deuk Lee of Korea Photo by Kevan Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Meara

Fourth-dan Kera Radke of Illinois

taekwondotimes.com / September 2009

97

The Last Word

I]Z BVhiZg¸h HlV\\Zg C. M. Griffin holds black belts in several martial arts. He is involved in many facets of the performing arts from stunt coordinator to director. He has written, produced and directed projects for television and for corporations. He owns and operates his own Hwa Rang Do school in Ohio.

Check this out; A few years back I wrote about a “black belt walk.” Well, I’ve got something to add to that—do you have the “Master’s Swagger?” I’m not talking about walking with your chest all puffed out, your arms swinging, a glide in your stride and a dip in your hip. No, I’m talking about that way of moving when you are a person of accomplishment.

You exude confidence and poise. The walk says you’ve been there, done that and are capable of doing it again.

You can have that walk even if you are a person of humility. The best example I can think of is my teacher, the honorable Grandmaster Ki Nam Yum and his brother Chong Kwan Jang Nim Ki Tae Yum. Both men have earned their ranks, their titles were not handed to them. Their ranks were not “awarded to them,” they didn’t get it through political means or nepotism, they got it the old-fashioned way— through sweat, sacrifice and blood.

These men have proven themselves time and time again.

Nothing was handed to them. Through the direction of Do Joo Nim Dr. Joo Bang Lee, Grandmaster Yum has opened Hwa Rang Do schools in Korea, Hong Kong, Macao and Japan. This was in the 1960s, 70s and 80s, when opening a Korean martial arts school outside of Korea was not an easy thing. Can you imagine opening a Korean martial arts school, particularly a martial art that many folks did not know about yet, in a country replete with its own martial arts? This was not an easy time. Yet they did it, as I said earlier, with sweat, sacrifice, flesh and blood!

They successfully established schools in each of those countries. When Do Joo Nim sent them to the Philippines, their skill brought them to the attention of the then President Marcos’ government. To this day, various celebrities, including movie superstar Jackie Chan and Japanese wrestling icon Antonio Inoki, call them friends.

Grandmaster Yum came to the United States, to the greater metropolitan New York City area and established The East Coast World Hwa Rang Do Association. They did this in an area that already had a significant number of martial art schools. New York and New Jersey also had a large number of martial arts legends with long established schools and traditions. I’m talking about S. Henry Cho, Peter Urban, Mas Oyama, Moses Powell, Prof. Visitacion (or Prof. V) and Michael Depasquale, Sr. to name a few.

Once again, the Yum brothers had to prove themselves.

Today, there are a number of dojangs up and down the East Coast (and Cincinnati) that were established through the Yum brothers.

As I said, Ki Nam Yum and Ki Tae Yum have earned their ranks and the right to stand tall. But they do it in a humble way. They are not pretentious or ostentatious. Quite often I have heard Grandmaster identify himself as Master Yum or overheard his brother call someone on the telephone and simply say, “This is Ki Tae Yum.” With this humility, they still walked with a certain air of confidence. We felt it when we walked with them. Going to a restaurant was oh-so-much fun. It was, well, this is what it must have felt like when you went out with Elvis Presley or the Beatles. Everyone wanted to do for them,

98 September 2009 / taekwondotimes.com

By C.M. Griffin

everyone looked at them. They have the Master’s Swagger.

As I said before, one person’s confidence is another person’s arrogance. This swagger is something that you’ll see when you see Michael Jordan, Joe Montana, and to a certain extent, you see it on Donald Trump, and you definitely see it on Jim Brown.

Another person who has that swagger is Grandmaster Woodrow Fairbanks. He has earned master and grandmaster ranking in several different martial arts. Now there are some folks who don’t agree with him, but they still give him his respect. His accomplishments cannot be denied.

Grandmaster Fairbanks has won countless tournaments from the 1960s up to 2005; the most recent one being the Arnold Classic. He has competed against Bill Wallace, Chuck Norris, Mike Stone, Eric Lee, Billy Blanks and countless others. He has worked security, unarmed, for countless public events in the greater Cincinnati area including the Black Family Reunion. He also developed and trained the “CRMs” or the Community Relations Monitors.

They “walk the streets” in civil crisis situations assisting the police department in restoring calm and order in various neighborhoods. The CRMs are unarmed as they meet with gang members and often angry residents. They are responsible for squelching fights and talking to people in order to see that the problems do not escalate. With all these accomplishments, Grandmaster Fairbanks is a humble and unassuming man.

After a tournament, my television crew and I went out to eat with the tournament promoter and some of the masters.

For a lot of my crew, outside of being around me, they were not used to being around martial artists. One of my producers described the swagger, saying, “(they)…walk with such calm and confidence that you can’t help but notice(it)... and be (affected) by it.”

This swagger is not just puffing out your chest and swinging your arms with a “come try me” manner. It’s a cool, quiet calm; a confidence that permeates from their being and manifests in the walk, the stride, the look in the eyes and the smile on the face.

It’s the Master’s Swagger.

Tel (562) 251-1600 Fax (562) 251-1611 7120 Alondra Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723 www.sangmoosa.com, info@sangmoosa.com

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taekwondotimes.com / May 2008

99

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Secrets of Stretching Learn what determines how flexible you are, how to choose your stretching method for any sport or martial art, and have full flexibility without any warm-up.Multi-language version in English, French and Spanish. 92 minutes. Item DPP06 / $49.95

Revolution of Kicking II This product is a two volume set. When you grasp the knowledge and skills in this DVD set, you will possess the skills to be a master! Now Mooto reveals the know-how of Tae Kwon Do Air kicking on the master level. This easy explanation with classified kicking can be modeled for your training. Vol 1: Pine board breaking, single breaking, breakfall breaking, and combination. Vol 2: Breaking with turn, In air dwi-chagi, obstacle breaking, and general breaking. Item D048 / $43.00

2001-2003 World Taekwondo Matches A four-disk set showcasing the World Taekwondo matches from 2001 to 2003. Vol. 1 (200 min.): The 2001 World Cup in Vietnam. Vol. 2 (240 min.): The 15th Jeju World Taekwondo Championships. Vol. 3 (235 min.): The 2002 Tokyo Taekwondo World Cup. Vol. 4 (240 min.): The 2003 World Taekwondo Championships.Item D039 / $109.00

Master Jung’s Know-How of Actual Gyeorugi This 4-disk set, featuring the Bible of Taekwondo Gyeorugi is taught by Professor Jung. Amongst his highest achievements are being a four-time consecutive World Taekwondo champion and a gold medalist in the 1988 Olympics. Vol. 1: Basic Skills. Vol. 2: Step and Feint Motion. Vol. 3: Strategy. Vol. 4: Real Competition Strategy. 480 minutes. Language: Korean Subtitles: English, Spanish. Item D038 / $99.00

The Power High Kicks with No Warm-Up! Learn to kick high and with power without any warm-up! Kick “cold” without injuring yourself or pulling muscles and put more power and snap in your high kicks. 80 minutes.

Item DPP07 / $49.95

Clinic on Stretching and Kicking See the dynamic stretch that is most important for kickers; plus step-by-step drills for front kick, side kick, roundhouse kick and for combinations. 101 minutes. Item DPP08 / $29.95

Basic Instincts of Self-Defense Learn defenses against unarmed attacks, including 55 common attacks that turn the attacker’s force against him. 104 minutes.

Item DPP09 / $39.95

Acrobatic Tumbling Step-by-step instruction for one-hand, two-hand, and aerial cartwheels, round-off, front and back handspring, and front somersault. 105 minutes. Item DPP10 / $49.95

Order online at taekwondotimes.com or call toll free: 1-800-388-5966

Featured DVDs Elite Israeli Combat DVD Set 1 ) ) . ) ) ) ) 4 ) ) 56 , 7 ), * * ) ) 5/ 7 ) ) ) 8 - +, ) - )) ) 9 & :; ) , . ) ) 4 ) ) * )

Hapkido: Weapon of Self-Defense: Walking Cane

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The 3-disc set includes: defense and disarm techniques for firearm threats; edged-weapon defense; â&#x20AC;&#x153;on the groundâ&#x20AC;? survival defense; hand-to-hand techniques; military, police and counter terrorism CQB; combat conditioning essentials; and applicable defensive tools for every person. Item DPP11 / $99.00

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An instructional video with Grandmaster So, tenth-dan black belt in Hapkido and Kung Fu. Learn how to use an everyday walking cane as a weapon of self-defense. Great for senior citizens!

DPP16 / $29.99

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The Complete Library Set -17 DVDs Commando Krav Maga (Vol.1-5): Survive Vicious Ground Attacks (Vol.1&2): Survive Any Gun Confrontation (Vol. 1&2): Best Of The Israeli Fighting Systems (Vol. 1&2): Vicious Knife Attacks (3 Disc Series): Military Krav Maga (One Vol.): Street Survival (One Vol.): Combatant (One Vol.). Item DPP12 / $392.95

Tai Chi for Arthritis Learn how this centuries-old art can benefit arthritis sufferers through deep breathing from Grandmaster So. DPP17 / $29.99

The Quick Fit Library: 6 Dvd Set + FullColor Book

Hapkido Defense Against Punches, Grappling Techniques and Knife Attacks Brought to you by Grandmaster So and the Universal Martial Arts Association.

DPP18 / $29.99

6 Training Dvds: Over 6 hours of revolutionary training drills: Over 300 proven techniques: Solo and partner exercises: Step-by-step progressive routines: PLUS The Elite Combat Fitness Book with 240 full color pages.

Item DPP14 / $239.95

Asociacion Mexicana De Hapkido

The Platinum Set-23 Dvds + Book

A Mexico Martial Arts Seminar in Monterrey with Grandmaster Yong So, tenth-dan. Text in Spanish.

DPP19 / $29.99

The Complete Library Set with 17 DVDs with the Quick Fit Library with 6-DVD set and book.

Item DPP13 / $594.95

Aikido- art in motion DVD series Aikido is one of the most innovative and adapting of the modern day martial arts. With its roots based in kendo and jujutsu, Aikido is well versed as an art and means for self defense. The techniques within the art are both subtle and dynamic â&#x20AC;&#x201C; each lending a hand in creating an axis of power exclusive to Aikido. Volume I: Movement Volume II: Connection Volume III: Control Item DPP15 / $55.00

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Featured Books The Book of Teaching & Learning TaeKwonDo

Taekwondo: Korean Traditional Martial Arts: Philosophy & Culture

Martial Meditation: Philosophy and the Essence of the Martial Arts

12 chapter book details how TKD was introduced as an Olympic sport and the tasks facing TKD people to maintain its Olympic status after the 2012 London Olympic Games. Also with 68 pages of poomsae diagrams.448 pages, Hardcover. Item B041 / $69.95

Grandmaster Kyong Myong Lee, a certified WTF ninth-dan, writes this 300-page, full color, coffeetable sized book offering a panoramic overview of TKD. Item B034 / $59.95

This 370-page textbook by Dr. Daeshik Kim and Allan Back examines the essence, distinctions and dynamics between art, sport, martial arts and martial sports and their historic and philosophical perspectives. Hardcover. Item B021 / $22.75

Taekwon-Do: The Korean Art of SelfDefense A well-condensed version of General Choiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Encyclopedia, the book, also by Gen. Choi, is 765 pages and focuses on self-defense aspects of Taekwon-Do plus its history. Additional postage required. Hardcover.

Item B015 / $99.00 Reduced to $69.99

WTF Taekwondo Textbook This 766-page Kukkiwon textbook is a compilation of all available updated data regarding TKD and focuses on the scientific analysis of theories as well as the three-dimensional illustrations of major physical motions. Additional postage required.

Item B039 / $84.99

Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do This one of a kind encyclopedia by Gen. Choi Hong Hi has 15 volumes consisting of 5000 pages with 30,000 photos. The encyclopedia is the culmination of General Choiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lifelong research into TKDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history and development. Hardcover English Version. Additional postage required. ORDER NOW, LIMITED SUPPLY! Item B014 / $275.00

Taekwondo Kyorugi: Olympic Style Sparring Learn sparring secrets of Olympic Gold Medalist and four-time World Champion Kuk Hyun Chung, WTF Deputy GeneralSecretary Kyung Myung Lee, and translator and editor Sang H. Kim. Item B027 / $12.95

Eastern Spirit, Western Dreams This 226-page memoir captures the true hardships and joys of a small town, South Korean farm boy, TKDT Publisher Woojin Jung, who lives out his American dream. Item B038A (English) / $14.00 Item B038B (Korean) / $14.00

Mastering Taekwondo Sparring: The Basics A comprehensive look at all aspects of sparring and how to become the complete Taekwondo fighter. Item B029 / $29.95

Featured Books Best Instructor + Best School = Best Life!

This 329-page book written by Grandmaster Woojin Jung is a must-have for school owners, instructors and students with a dream. Not only a helpful guide for new students to find the best instructor possible, this book is also a guide for new and established instructors and school owners on how to successfully manage and maintain a martial arts business. Item B030 / $25.00 Reduced to $19.00!

Gold Medal Mental Workout for Combat Sports Package

The Will Power This complete martial arts book by Maurice Elmalem has over 700 photos, illustrations and instructions, plus special training drills for fighting, endurance, speed and power. Learn breaking, self-defense, fighting applications, and how to become the best of the best.

Paperback Item BPP06p / $29.99 Hardcover Item BPP06h / $34.99

Breaking Unlimited

Set includes one book, one training log and four CDs. Let Dariusz Nowicki, the top East European sports psychologist, show you how the science of psychology can combine with your skill and physical training to make you a winner! Item BPP01 / $59.95

Breaking Unlimited by Maurice Elmalem is the only book written solely on the art of breaking. It features step-by-step instructions on how to break wood, glass, bricks, ice, cinder blocks, and more, in many different ways.

Paperback Item BPP07 / $29.99

Stretching Scientifically

The Bible of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Attain maximum height in your kicks with no warm-up!

Stretch safely and quickly to achieve and maintain maximum flexibility. Develop each of the three kinds of flexibility: dynamic, static active and static passive.214 pages. Softcover.

Item BPP02 / $25.99

Explosive Power and Jumping Ability for all Sports How well you jump and how powerfully you punch, pull, or throw depends on your explosive power, on your special endurance for explosive movements, and on your speed, coordination, and flexibility. This book tells you how to develop each of these abilities. 138 pages. Softcover.

Item BPP03 / $23.95

Science of Sports Training This book uses the sports training know-how of internationally known training specialists to improve your speed, strength, power, endurance, coordination, and flexibility, as well as technical and tactical skills, while avoiding overtraining and injuries. 424 pages. Softcover. Item BPP05 / $39.95

Children and Sports Training The needs of boys and girls in sports training are dramatically different. Learn how to match the right sport with the right child, the right training program for the age and gender of the child. Learn the “sensitive ages” for development of movement abilities (endurance, coordination, speed, strength, flexibility). 250 pages.

Softcover. Item BPP04 / $29.95

A special book for studying and perfecting the “soft art” of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. It details step-by-step the technical aspects of various techniques and submissions using easy to understand photos. Paperback Item BPP09 / $29.99

JKD Without Limits Discussing the martial art founded by legendary Bruce Lee, Jeet Kune Do, the book contains: lessons from the ring, sparring, Bruce Lee’s five ways of attacking, and firearms training for martial artists. Paperback Item BPP10 / $29.99

Fighting Dynamics This explosive book by Maurice Elmalem covers all aspects of fighting with over 1000 photos, various fighting styles of martial arts demonstrated by movie stars, historians, celebrities and grandmasters. Paperback Item BPP08 / $29.99

Taekwondo: Building on the Basics Perfect your Taekwondo skills at every level! Written by experienced instructors and authors, this book expands fundamentals, improves sparring, offers advanced leg and hand techniques, teaches realistic selfdefense methods, and unlocks the potentials of the mind using meditation. 260 pages. Item BPP11 / $18.95

Meditation from Thought to Action with Audio CD Learn meditation with these easyto-follow exercises and methods.

Learn the roots of Yoga, Buddhism, Zen, Confucianism, and Daoism.

Learn mental and body tools to begin meditating and clear the mind.

The CD teaches the skills from the book and guides listeners into a deep meditative state. Item BPP12 / $18.95

Zen Around the World: A 2500 Year Journey from the Buddha to You The entire story of Zen. Martial artists will find inspiration along with instruction in traditional and innovative Zen meditation methods to help sharpen mental skills to add more focus, accuracy, speed, and power in every technique. 242 pages.

Item BPP13 / $15.50

Chung Do Kwan: The Power of Tae Kwon Do The book offers the history and philosophy of Tae Kwon Do. With illustrations, this book presents Chung Do Kwan Tae Kwon Do with clear and easy to follow instructions. 164 pages. Item BPP14 / $15.50

Simple Zen: A Guide to Living Moment

by Moment Zen is a dynamic way to enhance living and improve martial arts practice. Easy to follow exercises are given for practice of meditation with poetry, brush painting, martial arts, and more. 158 pages. Item BPP15 / $12.95

Simple Confucianism This book offers a clear and concise guide to the history, key concepts, and principles of Confucianism including benevolence, central harmony, the mean, and becoming a sage.140 pages.

Item BPP16 / $12.95

Simple Buddhism: A Guide to Enlightened Living An accessible guide to Buddhist concepts and practices including Mahayana and Theravada traditions. This book gives history, themes, and exercises including key mental practices such as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. 133 pages. Item BPP17 / $12.95

Simple Taoism: A Guide to Living in Balance A clear explanation of Taoism with simple exercises in meditation, breathing, chi kung, and tai chi chuan. An informative discussion of key Taoist concepts including “wu-wei” (achieving through non-action), “yin” and “yang”, and “te” (power and virtue). 177 pages.

Item BPP18 / $12.95

Taekwon-Do and I ( Volumes 1&2) The memoirs of Choi Hong-Hi, the founder of Taekwon-Do. Volume One; Motherland; the land in turmoil. Volume Two; The Vision of Exile: any Place under Heaven is Do-Jang Item B043 / $79.99

Featured Books Simple Tibetan Buddhism: A Guide to Tantric Living A concise introduction to the unique history and traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, a philosophy that integrates ritual with practice. With simple exercies for incorporating visualization, diety yoga, mandalas, mantras and the esoteric, effective tantric methods, this book opens up new possibilities.144 pages. Item BPP19 / $12.95

Tao in Ten, Easy Lessons for Spiritual Growth This book presents fundamental teachings from Taoism in ten easy lessons with a brief history.

Each of the ten lessons gives experiences and understandings of a key Taoist principle, revealing the infinite potentials for better living at One with Tao. 158 pages. Item BPP20 / $12.95

Zen in Ten, Easy Lessons for Spiritual Growth

Buddhism in Ten, Easy Lessons for Spiritual Growth

This book begins with a brief history to reveal Zen’s development and evolution through the ages. The ten lessons give fundamental principles and significant understandings of Zen. 152 pages. Item BPP21 / $12.95

The Ten lessons contain fun damental principles of Buddhism along with clear and effective ways to apply Buddhism to many areas of life.152 pages. Item BPP22 / $12.95

Chi Gong Medicine From God

Korean Martial Art: The Conquer of America

Lose weight with a seaweed diet.

Prevent altitude and divers sickness, and many other advantages of Chi.Item B042 / $19.95

By Ho Sung Lee.The story of the history of Tae Kwon Do in the United States and the Korean pioneers who brought the art to America.

344 pages. Only available in Korean.Item B040 / $19.99

Closeout Champions 2000: 14th Men’s & 7th Women’s WTF Championships Video Vol. A contains men’s and women’s fin, fly and men’s bantam competitions. Item T021A / $35.00 Reduced to $4.99!

Vol. B contains women’s bantam and men’s and women’s feather & light matches.

Item T021B / $35.00 Reduced to $4.99!

Vol. C contains men’s and women’s welter, middle and heavyweight championships Item T021C / $35.00 Reduced to $4.99!

Success and the Creative Imagination: The Unique Power of Do Sang Kyu Shim’s book provides a rich model of the way one can bring diversity of expression to the unity of understanding and fulfillment. Item B026 / $15.00 Reduced to $4.99!

Tae Kwon Do, Volume I & II Vol. 1 contains all of Poomsae (forms), Taeguek 1-8 and Palgwe 1-8, required to earn a black belt from the WTF. Vol. 2 illustrates Poomsae from Cho Dan to Grandmaster. Item B003 / Vol. 1 / $15.00 Reduced to $2.99!

Item B004 / Vol. 2 / $15.00 Reduced to $2.99!

Featured Training Products & Novelties Double Focus Target Two separate pads are bound together to create a training aid that enables you to actually hear the strength of your kick. A sturdy, elastic wrist band ensures that the target will not leave the holder’s hand. Item K002 / $24.95

Jang Bong Sul (Long Pole) This three-section staff easily screws together to form the six-foot long bong that has been a part of Korean martial history for over 4,000 years.

Constructed with a durable core surrounded by a wood-simulated padded covering that will cushion strikes and blows.

Item K008 / $29.95

Karate Kritters They’re back! These cute little toys make karate sounds when you squeeze their belly. Each stands 6” tall. TIGER—Item KKT1 / $9.95 BEAR—Item KKB1 / $9.95

BOB Training Partner He’s the perfect sparring partner! Practice your techniques and accuracy on this life-like mannequin. Fits on a sand or water filled base, which is included. BOB is made of a high strength plastisol with an inner cavity filled with a durable urethane foam. Weighs 270 lbs. when filled. Made in the USA. One year limited warranty.

BOB Item NPP03 / $329.99 Now $280.00* You Save $50.00 BOB XL Item NPP04 / $399.99 Now $340.99* You Save $60.00 *$10 off S&H if ordered by September 30th, 2009

HapkidoGear Shoe This shoe uses existing RingStar technology with Hapkido specific refinements to create the first shoe born for Hapkido.

HapkidoGear shoes are specifically designed for both training and sparring. The unique materials used in this make it the lightest, most comfortable and protective shoe available. Item NPP01 / $82.99

HapkidoGear Cane The New Tactical Cane from HapkidoGear is designed to be the perfect training aid in the Dojang and to meet the requirements of real world usage. Using high tech aluminum alloy and durable powder coating in it’s construction along with sure grip knurling on the shaft, this cane is the most highly developed and versatile available today. Item NPP02 / $75.00

For these products and more visit us online at taekwondotimes.com