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Contents
July 2010 / Volume 30 No. 4 / Issue Number 176 Publisher & CEO Woojin Jung Managing Editor Laura Stolpe Creative Director Elizabeth Brown
Features 14 A Legend Passes: Honoring Grandmaster Chung E. Kim
Business Director Brian Heckart
The original publisher of TaeKwonDo Times magazine and martial arts pioneer recently passed on from this world. Find out more about the amazing legacy he left behind.
Copy Editors Bill Heckart Julie Heckart
20 Special Kukkiwon Law
Web Site Manager Midwest Dedicated
Consultant John Lee
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A special law was recently passed by the Korean National Assembly in regards to the Kukkiwon board. Find out how it will affect you and the Kukkiwon, the world’s Mecca for TKD.
Columnists
Alex Haddox C. M. Griffin Doug Cook Erik Richardson Guy Edward Larke Jerry Beasley Karen Eden Master Rondy Stephen DiLeo Tom Kurz Martial Art Tech. Jae Kyung Kim Benjamin Paris Scott Greca Bill Bailey Barry Harmon Bill Kellick Jamie Serio David Chaanine Dojang Operations George V. Fullerton Mike Menters Guy Edward Larke Marshall Pereira Maribel Montes Mohamed Riad Ibrahim Alex Suh Donald C. Kimm Peter Blake News Director Robert J. Ott Mike Zeman Stephen DiLeo Marketing Director Vice Presidents Scott Warner Don Wells Lisa Warner Eui Min Ko International He-Young Kimm Department General Advisors Kwang Jo Choi Jhoon Rhee Jae Chul Sin Jin Suk Yang David Moon Hee Il Cho Jin Suk Yang (WTF) Woon Chick Park Yong Son Ri (ITF) Chuck Sereff International Soo Nam Park Correspondents Edward Sell Asia: Rick Rojeck Changsub Shin Tiger Kim Europe: Kwang Sik Myung Bum Ju Lee Soon Ho Lee Africa: Chun Sik Kim Robin Rafferty Public Relations Argentina: Jung Oh Hwang Ricardo Desimone Taek Sung Cho South America: Michelle Kim Jose Luis Giarone General Education Australia: Alexander Choi Tam Fook Chee Byungchul Kim
Contributors
Yong Bum Kim Event Coordinator Jun Pyo Choi Sung Yong Ji Song Son Yu
51 The Movers and the Shakers Meet Grandmaster Rudy Timmerman and several other prominent grandmasters and masters in the Korean martial arts. Read up on their paths to enlightenment in the martial arts and how they plan to pay respect to GM Timmerman in August at a celebration in honor of his 60 years in the arts.
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62 Close Up With Master Doug Cook Ever wonder just who our columnists really are? Get all the information on our Traditions columnist Master Doug Cook from this recent interview and learn just what he thinks traditional TKD should be.
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64 Angel on Flight 1447 Lorin Gorman isn’t your typical flight attendant. She proved that on Flight 1447, when a combative passenger attacked. Using her years of Tae Kwon Do training, she reacted instantly, subduing the passenger and saving the day.
70 Breaking the Rules TKDT columnist Stephen DiLeo makes the case that rules in the ring, don’t mean a thing when it comes to self-defense. Find out how to fight back and fight dirty when your life is in danger.
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Bon Kuk Kum Revealed
Hwarang sword art was essentially an extinct and forgotten way for Koreans. That is, until Grandmaster Lee Jae-Sik stumbled upon its techniques and began his journey to revive and revitalize the long lost art of Bon Kuk Kum.
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taekwondotimes.com taekwondotimes.com Cover photo by Bill Bly.
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Celebration and Opening Ceremonies on August 5 Competitive Events on August 6-8 Group/Individual Competition ĂŽ Breaking ĂŽ Self-Defense ĂŽ Kicking ĂŽ Long Falls
ĂŽ High Falls ĂŽ Free Sparring ĂŽ Open Weapon Forms ĂŽ Open Empty Hand Forms
Salutations to all! I am very excited to announce that the time has ďŹ nally come for all Hap Ki Do practitioners from around the world to come together in the spirit of respect, honor and unity! I would like to express my sincerest thanks to all who are working to make this event a reality; from the highest elders within the martial arts world to the individual competitors, to the volunteers helping to put this all together, each one of you is an indispensable part of our community! I look forward to seeing you all in Battle Creek, MI, USA this August! Grand Master Hee Kwan Lee, Championships Executive Director
Martial artists of all styles are welcome to compete, as long as they follow our rules!
Korean Martial Arts, LLC 1600 West Goguac St Battle Creek, MI 49015, USA (269) 963-5425 Sponsored by:
Breaking Competition www.usbawba.com
Founded in 1980 by Chung E. Kim
Tr i - M o u n t P u b l i c a t i o n s I
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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
A Tradition of Peace
One of the strange paradoxes of martial arts training is that as martial artists acquire more skill in fighting, they become less likely to actually fight. Take a look at the history and tradition behind it all.
90 Acknowledging & Making History Dr. Dai Soon Lee & The Taekwondo Park Taekwondo Promotion Foundation Chairman and WTF Vice-President Dr. Dai Soon Lee recently acknowledged the true history of Tae Kwon Do at the ATU Taekwondo Leaders Forum. He also discussed details and plans for the upcoming opening of the Taekwondo Park in South Korea.
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94 USA Taekwondo Looks to the Future Get updated on the governing WTF Taekwondo organization of the United States located in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
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TKD in Tokyo
Check out cool action photos from a recent TKD tournament in the beautiful and bustling city of Tokyo.
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Columns 24 38 45 47 60 68 74 78 80 86 98
The Knight’s Way / Finding Your School Heart to Heart / Moving at a Stand Still Nutrition by the Numbers / Fish Oil and Omega-3s MMA and You / Jong-hap Mul Sul Traditions / What’s With all the Korean Stuff? Master the Basics / The Case for Stances Woman of the Times / Lessons in Pearls Stretch Yourself / Kiddie Stretches for Adult Joints East Meets West / Righting a Wrong Raising Awareness / Crime Indicators The Last Word / Humiliation
Departments 11 16 26 31 40 42 88 91 92
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Publisher’s Page / What Makes an Outstanding School? News / Global Martial Arts Updates TKDT Schools of the Month / June & July Black Belt Beginnings / Readers’ True Stories Killer Kicks / Amazing Photos The Big Break / Unbelievable Shots TKDT Correspondents / International Network Calendar of Events / Events Near You Martial Art Directory / Find a School
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TAE KWON DO TIMES, Volume 30, Number Three (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 Royle Printing Company. 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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Korea Taekwondo Tours
• Visit Kukkiwon • Tour Seoul, Busan, Gyeongju, Jejudo & etc. • Temple Stay(Seoul, Busan, Gyeongju) • Theater Performances(Nanta, B-boy, Jump) • Visit Gyeongheegung Palace(TKD Experience) • TKD Training at Haedong
5848 Dempster St. Morton Grove, IL 60053 Tel: (800) 808-8186, 847.581.0300
What Makes an
Outstanding School A dojang is not considered outstanding because of the quality of its building, location, interior design, or facilities in general. Rather, its quality depends on the instructors. It does not necessarily follow that because an instructor jumps high, has power, and is a good athlete, the school will also be great. An outstanding instructor must be equipped with both physical and intellectual abilities, and he must be considerate of others. He also must be willing to give his all for the weak and for a righteous cause. You will find out if an instructor and dojang are outstanding by asking students from that dojang, as well as people in the neighborhood. Athletic ability is an important factor, but one must also find out how much respect students have for the instructor, and how they perceive him in all areas, including his character. A decision in regard to choosing a dojang for training purposes is more important than buying a car or house. You can always later sell a car or house you have purchased. But if you do not learn martial arts properly, you cannot simply rid yourself of the improper training effects. It is difficult to undo such training, because it will have already permeated your body and mind. I consider attitude to be more important than physical skills. If we use military personnel as an example, Green Berets and Marines train more intensively than the National Guard. But more importantly, the mental strength of Green Berets and Marines is well-known throughout the world. Retired Marines are proud to hang Marine flags in their homes. A dojang that ensures that its students train hard and in an enjoyable way, showing due respect to fellow students and senior and junior colleagues, is an outstanding martial arts academy. It is certain that the instructor and senior colleagues will earn more respect by acting as mentors, rather than simply being physical trainers. I have included in this book many aspects of how an instructor should teach and deal with his students. And once a student has chosen a dojang, he should try always to see the good side of his dojang. If there are areas for improvement, the student can help to lead others to make things better, which also serves as a part of the learning process. *This is an excerpt of Grandmaster Jung’s latest book, Best Instructor + Best School + Best Life! To find out more about the book, visit our store at www.taekwondotimes.com.
Woojin Jung
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To some it’s a logo. To us, it’s a badge of honor. Macho Products is proud to be the official equipment sponsor of AAU Taekwondo. Founded by Master Soo Se Cho 30 years ago, Macho has supported Taekwondo training teams and events since its inception and Macho is honored to serve AAU Taekwondo athletes. From Macho’s innovative sparring gear, to products from Golden Tiger Martial Arts and Adidas, we have the gear martial arts rely on to train and win.
A Legend Passes Honoring Grandmaster Chung E. Kim 1940-2010 It is with regret and sorrow that TaeKwonDo Times magazine announces that Grandmaster Chung Eun Kim, 69, of Bettendorf, Iowa, died Monday, March 15, 2010. Grandmaster Kim was born November 21, 1940, in Massan, Korea. He was united in marriage to Soja Bong on November 23, 1968 in Korea. He served in the Korean Marine Corps and began his career in martial arts as the senior instructor in Tae Kwon Do for the marines in the Republic of Korea. In 1971, Grandmaster Kim immigrated to the United States and started Chung Kim’s Black Belt Academy in the Quad Cities, which has 18 locations and currently 400 black belts. Along with his wife, Grandmaster Kim started the Korean United Methodist Church in his martial arts studio and helped to acquire the church located at 2200 Central Avenue in Bettendorf. Those left to honor his memory include his loving wife, Soja; two daughters and their husbands and three grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the family for creating the Chung Kim Foundation.
TKD Times Publisher, Grandmaster Woojin Jung, organized this Tae Kwon Do funeral to honor Grandmaster Kim. Black belts lining up to pay their respects to their late teacher is an illustration of the best way to honor a martial arts legend upon passing. TaeKwonDo Times recommends honoring all great martial artists with this regal style of funeral. Also present at the ceremony was the local TV station’s news team.
14 July 2010 / taekwondotimes.com
A Legendary Career Age 5 Began training in martial arts under his father who was a Judo instructor. High School Acquired black belt under Grandmaster Nam Suk Lee (Chang Moo Kwon President). 1960 Enlisted in the Republic of Korea Marine Corps and became Senior Tae Kwon Do Instructor to marines. 1965
Opened his first Tae Kwon Do school in Seoul, Korea. Under his leadership, he promoted the youngest black belt in South Korea. Due to this reason and the success of the school, Grandmaster Kim was selected to be in a TV show. One of his black belts, Grandmaster Jong Kwon Lee, is currently the Kukkiwon Education Director.
1971 Arrived in the United States. 1971 Taught Tae Kwon Do with Grandmaster Hee Il Cho in Rhode Island. 1972 Taught Tae Kwon Do with Grandmaster Sang Ki Eun in Rock Ford, Illinois. 1973
Opened own school, Chung Kim’s Black Belt Academy, in Rock Fall, Illinois.
1973
Moved the school to Davenport, Iowa, and has since opened more than 18 branch schools with seven masters (above sixth-degree) and 1,126 black belts.
1976 Founded and served as President of the American Tae Kwon Do Federation. 1978 Appeared on the cover of Black Belt magazine. 1979 Appeared on the cover of Karate Illustrated. 1979 & 1987 Appeared on the cover of Inside Kung-Fu. 1980-2005 Published Tae Kwon Do Times magazine. taekwondotimes.com / July 2010
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NEWS Unifying TKD Seoul, Korea—On the 44th anniversary, March 22, of the formation of the International Taekwon-do Federation (ITF), several original pioneer grandmasters were invited to Seoul by the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF). The purpose of the invitation was to thank, honor and credit these pioneers, who were the founding members of the ITF, for their hard work and dedication in spreading TKD to the world before the WTF was even formed. The invitation was extended to Col. Nam Tae Hi, co-founder of the Oh Do Kwan, the military gym where TKD was originally developed under the leadership of General Choi Hong Hi. Col. Nam has often been referred to as Gen. Choi’s “right hand man” through TKD’s first period of development. Invited as well were Grandmasters Cho Sang Min (Pioneer–Brazil), Kong Yong Il (1973 World Tour Team Member) and Kong Yong Bo (1st ITF Overall World Champion 1974). Also invited, but could not attend at this time were Grandmasters Kim Jong Chan (Pioneer-Singapore, Malaysia & Coordinator of the ITF Formation Committee), Choi Chang Keun (Pioneer-Malaysia & 1973 World Tour Team Member), Park Jong Soo (Pioneer-Germany, Holland, Canada, 1965 & 73 World Team Tour Member), Rhee Ki Ha (Pioneer-United Kingdom & Ireland, 1973 World Tour Team Member), Lee Yoo Sun (Pioneer-Hong Kong, Holland, France) and Yang Woo Sup (Pioneer–Australia). This attempt to further unite TKD was presided over by WTF President Dr. Choue Chong Won and Secretary General Mr. Yang Jin Suk. This event was made possible in part and as a result of the work that LUV Films has been doing since 2004 in trying to document the full and complete history of Tae Kwon Do. For more information on the films, please visit www.LUVfilms.com and http://www.tong-ilmovie.com.
Ribbon Ceremony
ZMAC Opens New Branch Karachi, Pakistan—The new branch of Zubairi’s Martial Arts Centre has opened in F.B. area, Karachi. Mr. Ahmed Ali Rajput, the Associate Secretary of Pakistan Olympic Association and Secretary of Sindh Olympic Association, along with senior TKD students and master instructors, cut the ceremonial ribbon. During the ceremony, Grandmaster Zubairi awarded the rank of fourth-dan to Omar Mussee Ali, a Somalian national and member of the Centre since 2004. Grandmaster Zubairi also awarded the International Sports Award to Mr. Ahmed Ali and the International Martial Arts Award to Shabbir Hussain, Rehman Shah, Kashif and Abid.
MacKenzie Martial Arts Spectacular Atco, New Jersey—Recently Masters Perry Zmugg of Graz, Austria (Arnold Schwarzenegger’s home town), and Robert Ott of Olympia, Washington, were the featured guests at Grandmaster Ken MacKenzie’s 27th Annual Winter Martial Arts Spectacular. Leading Masters Scott Yates and Robert Turley served as co-hosts for the event. Over 80 Korean-style martial arts instructors and students from New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania and New York attended. Included in the group were also three grandmasters and seven masters. While Master Zmugg taught Sin-Moo Hapkido, stick-fighting, and advanced jump-kicking, Chief-Master Robert Ott gave an impressive presentation on history, Martial Arts Spectacular philosophy and gaol-setting. The eager students gathered in large numbers to get their autographed copy of Ott’s newest book release, Certain Victory, Special Edition.
PROMOTIONS & AWARDS 10-Year-Old Earns Black Belt Dawsonville, Georgia—Ten-year-old Brandon Bauer received his black belt from Starr’s Taekwondo Plus, a member of the International Taekwondo Alliance (ITA), in April 2010. The school is owned and operated
16 July 2010 / taekwondotimes.com
Brandon Bauer
by Master Lowell Starr. Master Starr presented Brandon with his first-degree level one black belt during the awards ceremony in April. Brandon has been dedicated to the martial arts from a young age, training at Starr’s Taekwondo for over two years. Brandon is also a level one instructor and enjoys the competition at the local ITA tournaments. Blakeley Earns 7th Dan Portales, New Mexico—Steve A. Blakeley was recently promoted to the rank of seventh-dan master by his instructor, Grandmaster Walter L. Lang, ninth-dan black belt, and the Yom Chi TaekwonDo Association Board of Trustees. Other attending dignitaries included Grandmaster Mel Steiner, ninth-dan, of Miami; Master Floyd Griffin, eighth-dan, of Hugo, Oklahoma.; and Master Douglas Arnold, seventh-dan, of Morrison, Colorado. Master Blakeley began his training in 1976, testing for first-dan black belt in 1980. Active in all facets of Tae Kwon Do, Master Blakeley has placed at every level of competition, from local tournaments to a silver medal in sparring at the 1992 National Black Belt Championships, in Boston. Master Blakeley competed in full-contact with a 6-1 record, created full-contact sparring team Bad Company, and has trained two full-contact amateur title holders. He has been the senior instructor and owner of Eastern New Mexico Taekwon-Do in Portales since 1979 and has promoted 54 black belts; trained nine black belts who competed in the ITF World Championships in South Korea, England, Canada, and Ireland; written four books and coached the USA world team in South Korea and England.
Master Blakeley
Chosun Promotes Black Belts Warwick, New York—The Chosun Taekwondo Academy recently hosted its 26th Biannual Black Belt Promotion Test. With over 20 students testing, the event was overseen by martial arts pioneer and author, Grandmaster Richard Chun, one of the highest ranking international master instructors in the U.S. The Chosun students were required to demonstrate proficiency in basic selfdefense techniques, poomsae, and breaking of wood. The demographics of the students testing varied from age eight to over 70 with an almost equal number of male and female candidates. Students testing for first-degree included: Eleanor Pyke, Marcele Mitscherlich, John Vanderhee, Kole LoSchiavo, Deven LoSchiavo, Jean Orlovsky, Ethan Tuomala, Nicole Scelta, Carl Ferrara, Pamela Roeloffs and Sarah Chosun Students Labance; testing for second-degree were: Lisa Ehrenreich, Susanne Fitzsimmons, Alessandro Molinas, Corey Orlovsky, Robert Urbach, BJ Quasius and Kathryn Pernice; testing for third-degree were: Emma Crouchen, Nicholas Fitzsimmons and Ian Suleski. Cane-Fu Students Pass Test Zephyrhills, Florida—Four students of Gary Hernandez Martial Arts School tested and passed the beginning training level in the Canemaster Cane-Fu System. The students range in age from the mid 40s to the mid 60s. The four students were tested on using the cane in self-defense with blocks, strikes, and basic cane techniques against grabs from attackers. The Canemaster Cane-Fu System is designed for people that use the cane in everyday life to learn to use the cane for self-defense. Cane-Fu Students
IKSDF Promotes Masters Adrian, Missouri—In February, the International Kong Soo Do Federation conducted a dan shimsa, where three candidates successfully fulfilled the requirements for promotion. Master Mike Kreitler, who has been practicing martial arts for 41 years, was promoted to sixth-dan. Master Stuart Salomon earned the rank of fourth-dan, and Mr. Cody Kreitler earned the rank of third-dan. The grading was proctored by Master Joshua Paszkiewicz of the IKSDF Technical Advisory Council. Black Belt Family Promotes Son New York, New York—The “first family” of Glen Ridge Taekwon-do (GRTKD), located in Montclair, New Jersey, recently promoted the fourth member of their family to black belt. Nine-year-old Duncan Bayless-Marr joins his father, Master James Marr (fifth-degree and owner of GRTKD), mother Elaine Bayless (third-dan and director of GRTKD’s program for 4-6 year-olds), and sister
(L-R) Joshua Paszkiewicz, Mike Kreitler, Stuart Salomon, and Cody Kreitler
taekwondotimes.com / July 2010 The Bayless-Marr family
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Amelia (age 11, who received her junior black belt in 2008). GRTKD recently expanded its facilities, with classes for different age groups running simultaneously. This has created more class choices for all students and makes it possible for siblings at different levels to train at the same time. The very popular adult/child classes allow families to train together.
Flying Tiger’s broken boards
GOOD DEEDS Break-A-Thon Benefits Wounded Warriors Whitehouse Station, New Jersey—Flying Tiger Martial Arts Academy recently held a break-a-thon to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project, a nonprofit organization founded by several war veterans to support injured servicemen and women. Master Sam White, owner and head instructor of Flying Tiger, was proud his students chose this charity. The event was organized and run by his third-dan black belts as part of their community service project, a requirement for all third-dans. Over $5,000 was raised through the break-a-thon.
HMA Raises Awareness & Money Louisville, Kentucky—Hwang’s Martial Arts hosted its 14th annual exhibition to benefit the WHAS Crusade for Children in March 2010. The fundraising campaign began in January; with a goal of $35,000. As always, HMA students rose to the challenge. Throughout January, February and March, students worked on their demonstrations, gathered silent auction items and sold tickets to the exhibition. The show began with a Judo demonstration from Grandmaster Jung Oh Hwang, who won a Silver Medal in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games for the martial art. The demonstration teams from his five Kentucky dojangs then followed with their presentations. Among the special guests were principals from several elementary schools in the Jefferson County public school system. They attended the exhibition to see what impact martial arts training has in a school. In January, Grandmaster Hwang began an eight-week program that ran concurrently with physical education classes at Blake Elementary School in south-central Jefferson County. He donated his time and 500 new uniforms to these students, with the hope that martial arts would bring confidence, self-discipline, respect and physical fitness to our youth. Following the completion of this eight-week program, the faculty at Blake Elementary School reported a 50 percent decrease in disciplinary actions. Hwang’s Martial Arts raised $37,300 for the WHAS Crusade for Children of Kentucky and Southern Indiana, which benefits special needs children and in the past 14 years, has raised over a quarter of a million dollars for this cause.
EVENTS 7th Biennial World Hapkido Championship Incheon, South Korea—Over 1000 competitors from over ten different countries representing Asia, Australia, Europe, North, Central and South America came together at the 7th Biennial World Hapkido Championship & Master’s Demonstration to celebrate Hapkido and Korean Martial Arts through fierce competition and thrilling demonstrations. The event was hosted by the World Kido Federation/Hanminjok Hapkido Association. The event’s extensive media coverage included Korea’s biggest television network, KBS, and largest sports broadcaster, MBC/ESPN. Special honored guests included the 29th Prime Minister of Korea Lee Soo Sung, Congressman Yoon Sang Hyung of Incheon, and President of KoAm Corporation Kim Diong Ok. World Hapkido Championship
18 July 2010 / taekwondotimes.com
Following the Championship, Grandmaster In Sun Seo, President/Chairman of World Kido Federation/Hanminjok Hapkido Association, conducted a special Hapkido seminar for World Kido Federation members who traveled to Korea for the Championship. Instructor Shahin & members of
the Ruiz family Compete 2010 Ontario, California—The Ontario Convention Center played host to the Compete 2010 Martial Arts Championships during the month of February. Recognized and rated as a world class event, participants from across the nation traveled to Southern California to participate in the three-day event. Various titles including NASKA and non-NASKA divisions from weapons to forms and fighting gave witness to a variety of exciting displays of martial arts skills and professionalism. The city of Diamond Bar, California, was well represented by the Red Dragon Karate Champions Training Center. The outstanding black belt competitor of the day was Shahin Jahan-Vash who captured a first place in NASKA in fighting, forms and weapons enabling Shahin to win the overall grand championships for the tournament with his outstanding first place wins in fighting, forms, and traditional weapons. Not to be out done, the Ruiz Family, lead by Patrick Ruiz, an 11-year-old brown belt from Red Dragon Karate, had the most wins of any color belt with ten first places. His brother Michael swept the 11-17 division in fighting and forms, while sister Kyra won first places in the 9 and under division, followed by their father with first places in his respective divisions as well. This talented family accounted for an unprecedented total of 34 trophies and six grand championships for the tournament.
OBITUARIES Grandmaster Sun Duk Choi Passes Chandler, Arizona—Legendary Grandmaster Sun Duk Choi, one of the world’s leading Martial Artists of Taekwondo, passed away on March 17, 2010. Sun Duk Choi was born in Gyeongsangbugdo, South Korea in 1934. He was the 1968 National Grand Champion of Korea and was one of only a few who have been awarded the rank of ninthdegree black belt in TKD. He studied martial arts for 65 years and taught for nearly 55 to over a million students. Choi was considered to be a pioneer of modern TKD. Choi came to the U.S. in 1971 after teaching the U.S. Army Seventh Division Infantry in 1960. During that year he taught TKD at the California Police Academy and moved to New Mexico where he opened the Albuquerque Taekwondo Association, and began training the Albuquerque Police Homicide Team. Three years later, Grandmaster Choi was on the move again, this time founding the Arizona Taekwondo Association and the International Taekwondo Institute. In 1980, he toured the world as part of the Taekwondo Exhibition with General Choi Hong Hi and the “Super Masters.” In this prominent group of Grandmasters, Choi was the last one to pass. He is survived by his wife Kum Oak Choi, two sons, two daughters, and three grandchildren. His student Master Robert Grasso will continue to carry on his legacy of martial arts to others. To read more about GM Choi, visit taekwondotimes.com. GM Trân Triêu Quân Memorial Ceremony Quebec, Canada—Grandmaster Trân Triêu Quân, president of one of the three ITF fractured organizations and martial artist, passed away on February 12, 2010, in Haiti, when a massive earthquake struck. It took a few weeks of research at the Hotel Montana location before his body could be found under tons of debris. GM Trân went to Haiti as an expert engineer, to help improve building standards to resist earthquakes. On Sunday, March 21, 2010, the International Taekwon-Do Federation of Quebec organized a commemorative event in Quebec to honor the memory of the late Grandmaster. More than 100 martial artists from Canada and other countries were there to support GM Tran’s family. Friends, co-workers and TKD students shared their own stories about GM Tran.
GM Sun Duk Choi
GM Tran’s memorial
taekwondotimes.com / July 2010
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Special Kukkiwon Law By Guy Edward Larke & the TKDT Editorial Staff
For those of you who read international news or at least visit the home page of this periodical, you probably know that a special revised Kukkiwon law was passed by the Korean government as of February 2010. The movement for the law to revise the Kukkiwon board was put forth before the National Assembly on February 18, 2010, by National Assembly Member Byoung-gug Choung. Of the 195 National Assembly votes that day, 177 overwhelmingly voted for the law, with ten voting against and eight members voting no contest. According to the law passed, a new Kukkiwon board must be put in place by May 17, 2010. Of the new administration, the revised law makes it clear that no member of the executive team at the Kukkiwon may have any type of criminal record. The movement came only two short months after Seung Wan Lee was elected as the new Kukkiwon president. Speaking with officials at USA Taekwondo, the WTF organizational body in the U.S., things are “business as usual” with the Kukkiwon in the interim. This move, revising the current board at the Kukkiwon, the world’s Mecca for Tae Kwon Do, by Korean Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism In-chon Yoo is supported by South Korean President Myoung-Bak Lee and his “anti-corruption” government. This has added to the unpopularity of his cabinet. Already he is branded as a trouble maker and traitor to the Korean people. Some of the reasons may seem petty but they are genuine concerns to the South Korean people. The issues that haunt him are being born in Japan, his background in international trade (not politics), his severe hard line against North Korea and his “too close” relationship to American President Barrack Obama. With the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism revising the Kukkiwon board, this has just added to the reasons the Korean people feel embittered to him. Few feel he actually seems to be devoted in not just leading Korea but curing the ills that plague his country.
No member of the executive team at the Kukkiwon may have any type of criminal record.
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Perhaps the government felt there was reason to worry. The Kukkiwon has grown in leaps and bounds since its first opening on February 6, 1973. TKD is easily the most widely spread martial art in the world. You can find schools in small towns in almost every country on the globe. However, the introduction of TKD as an Olympic sport has brought with it a large double-edged sword. It is viewed by many as a “partial art” with its strong focus on competition and lack of practicality. Many martial artists see the sport as a game of tag with feet. In a world that now goes crazy about MMA and looks for instruction in arts like Krav Maga, Tae Kwon Do as an art does face some serious challenges. The Kukkiwon seems totally oblivious to this, when they should be trying to do something about it. Another issue is the 2013 opening of the $185 million Taekwondo Park. While it should be seen as the Mt. Olympus of TKD, it’s constantly surrounded by controversy, especially in regards to misappropriation of funds. Rumors abound throughout this country that certain key figures are taking small cuts of the large amount of funds allocated for the park. Top that off with the WTF and the Kukkiwon accusing one another of misuse of money in regards to reporting funds to the government. Maybe one can see with so 22 July 2010 / taekwondotimes.com
much money changing hands some concern on the part of the government. Money going missing is no big surprise to most, but when it becomes public knowledge then it becomes dangerous. As is true government style in most countries, no one was consulted. It was announced, not proposed, at a WTF General Assembly meeting in Tijuana, Mexico. Here is the content of the first page of the document: To Instructors Loving Taekwondo The truth of the legal revision on promotion of Taekwondo related to Kukkiwon, which is the origin of Taekwondo spirit, and construction of Taekwondo Park, etc. are as follows: Dear Taekwondo families. I am In-chon Yoo, Minister of Culture, Sports & Tourism of Republic of Korea. First, I, as the responsible officer of the government, hereby express my regret for the confrontation between Kukkiwon and the government regarding the revision of the “Law on promotion of Taekwondo and construction of Taekwondo Park (hereinafter called as “Taekwondo Promotion Law”), which has been executed by the National Assembly in recent weeks. Some are making assertion with no basis that the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) is executing the revision of the said-law to control Kukkiwon. For this reason, I wish to convey the purpose of this law, its reason for revision and its major contents to the leaders who love Taekwondo and to ask for your understanding and cooperation. The Kukkiwon claims they did nothing and there is no way to prove one way or another. They claim the move was to remove key people and replace them with politically loyal followers of Lee’s government. Minister In-chon Yoo disputes this claim, stating that the Ministry’s plans are only to replace the current Kukkiwon board with Tae Kwon Do professionals, not government officials. In fact, noted Korean historian Won Sik Kang has suggested replacing the current Kukkiwon board with an even divide of ten well-standing individuals from the WTF, Korea Taekwondo Association (KTA) and the Taekwondo Promotion Foundation (TPF), creating a 30-member Kukkiwon board that would be well-respected and fair. Still, there are more suggestions from the public on how to replace the Kukkiwon board, including electing Tae Kwon Do professors from Korean universities to sit on the board of the Kukkiwon. Once again money and corruption seems to be on the front page of every newspaper on an almost daily basis. One becomes desensitized to it after awhile. Many Koreans just automatically suspect if you have any kind of “position,” you’re dirty. Morally, it’s a travesty. One can only hope Minister In-chon Yoo and President Lee are sincere and can clean up the mess that is perpetuating in the Kukkiwon and the country. Koreans typically react to government interference of any kind with anger, foul language and good old fashioned violence. Even in government meetings violence is very common. In other cases many just complain and whine and curse anyone with power. This is sadly another thing you can see weekly in the media. The idea of debate or quiet protest is lost here. What now? Outside of the speeches and lip service, who can say for sure? The Kukkiwon was far from perfect, especially in its treatment to non-Koreans, but will the new “group” be any different really? One thing is for sure, TKD as a whole is on shakier ground than before. This became evident when Co-President of the USAT Martial Arts Commission of California, Young Keun Lee made the announcement that the old system needs to be moved out and the new system needs to be brought in, in regards to the Kukkiwon board. The Ministry needs to take more steps to ensure the stability of the association in Korea and the world in general. They have to realize that this does affect much more than them. This affects every country’s association, every city’s association, every school and every student. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Guy Edward Larke sabumnim 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 Kum, Korean kickboxing, Karate-do, Wushu, Cheonji-muye-do, and Hosin-sul. Currently he teaches Taeglish (English Taekwondo) full time in addition to writing for various magazines and running Kisa-Do Muye & Marketing. He can be contacted at kisa_do_muye@yahoo.ca. taekwondotimes.com / July 2010
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The Knights’ Way By Guy
Edward Larke
;^cY^c\ Ndjg HX]dda “Da-shee man-nah-suh bahn-ga wuh-yo” or “Welcome back.” This issue, I am going to give you hints on how to find the right school for you in Korea. There’s some good news and some bad news. First, the good news: There are more dojangs per city block than in any other country in the world. Some buildings house two or three. There is no limit to the number of schools from which you can pick and choose. In some cases you may even get special consideration for being a foreign martial artist or mu-sul-in. If you want to add a belt or two to your resume or make a relationship with an association, you have a great chance. Next, the bad news: You may find certain styles hard to find. For anything exotic, you’ll need to look in Seoul or the port city of Busan. Also, while there are some amazing instructors here, there are many young people who opened a school because they did too poorly in school to get a “real job.” This is not my opinion, rather the opinion of most people in Korea. It’s a neo-Confucian society that considers military arts suited for play for children. So many schools are “kidified” and have little to offer to hard core martial artists. That is not to say there aren’t really good schools. You just need to be a bit fussy and have patience till you find the right master for you. First thing to consider is “how” you’re coming to Korea. If it’s as an English instructor (the majority of foreigners), you will be limited (at least initially) to your neighborhood (dong) and district (gu). The foreign population may seem like a tempting place to start, but I strongly caution against that. The vast majority of foreigners here could care less about the martial arts and have a limited knowledge about them. If you find a foreign martial artist then you’re in luck. Otherwise, I wouldn’t bother. Your Korean co-workers are a good place to start, as well as befriending a local who will help you get around in exchange for practicing his/her English skills (even better). Say exactly what kind of training you are looking for and they can go to the largest search engines in Korea: www. naver.net and www.daum.net. You can find a plethora of information on styles, systems and individuals in every city. While most schools may not have a page, per se, most have “cafés” (which is basically a blog). Obviously, the flyers that flood the newspapers and lamp posts are a good source of research as well. If you are visiting or doing a tour, the best thing to do is start with agencies such as the Korean Overseas Information Service (www.korea.net) and the Official Korea Tourism Guide Site (http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/index.kto). If you know which styles you are looking for you can find the associations easily enough through a simple Internet search. Once again, government services such as the ones listed above are great in finding groups and contacting them on your behalf. The tourism sites for each city are useful as well. I would stick to the bigger cities (Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Daegu, and Daejeon) to ensure you can find what you need. If you are Guy Edward Larke sabumnim 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 Kisa-Do Muye & Marketing. He can be contacted at kisa_do_muye@yahoo.ca.
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looking for Buddhist arts, then I would suggest Kyeong-Ju. A second approach that will apply more to longer term residents, is to join in on any opportunity to see a cultural or sports event. Nine times out of ten there will be some kind of martial arts performance. Also there are occasional martial arts events such as the Chung-Ju Martial Arts Festival (to be covered at a later date). Lastly, even if you find a school and are comfortable, don’t miss networking yourself through association meetings (even if you are initially just a guest). Most of my current contacts have been found this way. A final note, if I may. I have gotten a lot of great feedback on my last few articles. Thank you very much. Some people feel one shouldn’t bother speaking any Korean upon training here as one might be laughed at. Good point. It “could” happen. However, if you are actually planning to set up a “relationship” with a school, you might want to at least say “hello” and introduce yourself in Korean. In my experience, it sets you apart from others who have lived here for two or three years and never even try a word. The big thing is your comfort zone and trusting your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable to do so or if you feel you may be laughed at, then don’t. You will fall on your face then. If you have the courage, then by all means try. Every Korean is different, just as every American or New Zealander is different. The advice is for those who are looking for an instructor for the long term. If you want to try to learn a few phrases, many Korean tourism sites have free online Korean lessons. Future articles will detail various associations that are prominent here, as well as some promising schools as well. Next issue, there is a bit of an unusual subject that must be addressed. The sang-bae-hu-bae relationship in Korea, and how it greatly affects you. This is especially important for anyone who intends to reside here for any time at all. Also, I’ll touch on socializing here in Korea. You cannot make any kind of relationship here if you don’t meet your peers and master outside the school. Till then… “Daum ae bah-yo (See you next time)!”
June American Taekwondo & Fitness
In the spring of 2001, a small group of martial artists in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, needed a facility to continue their training. Starting a new Tae Kwon Do school was not on their agenda, but they soon gathered a following of willing and eager-to-learn students. Class times, a curriculum and a testing schedule were quickly arranged, and American Taekwondo & Fitness soon became the hot new martial arts school in the Chippewa Valley. In its present form, American Taekwondo & Fitness runs classes five days a week. All classes are taught by very qualified and passionate instructors. The school is owned and operated by Henk Boese (sixth-dan Kukkiwon, sixthdan Jidokwan), and assisted by John McCrackin (fifth-dan Jidokwan, 4th Dan Kukkiwon), Mike Fenske (fifth-dan Jidokwan, fourth-dan Kukkiwon), Deverick Ohms (thirddan Kukkiwon), Davin Ohms (third-dan Kukkiwon), Skye Doering (third-dan Kukkiwon) and Drew Ohms (second poom). American Taekwondo & Fitness is also run under the guidance and assistance of Grandmaster Ronald Suggs (eighth-dan Jidokwan, eighth-dan Kukkiwon). The curriculum of the school follows the standards of the Kukkiwon and the tenets of the Jidokwan. Students are required to learn the Taegeuk forms set, Olympic style freesparring, and self-defense that includes basic Hapkido and Jiujitsu techniques.
Mike Fenske, John McCrackin, Lyle Pater, Henk Boese
GM Ronald Suggs, Henk Boese
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American Taekwondo & Fitness strives to balance and keep separate the traditional style of fighting with the modern Olympic styles of the WTF. The school understands the controversies associated with each and believes there is a place for both in the curriculum. Traditional TKD is important because it emphasizes using the entire body as a weapon, attacks strategic and vulnerable areas of the body, and develops the brain for real-world situations. Olympic style fighting is important because it conditions the body for faster and more powerful kicking, and allows practitioners an outlet to utilize their skills in a controlled setting. One aspect of American Taekwondo & Fitness that sets it apart from other schools is the ability to keep the costs of tuition, testing, and uniforms low. The school is run in a manner that it is able to keep costs to a minimum. Most of the revenue earned is returned to the gym in the form of new equipment, flooring, etc. The school also offers many discounts that include student rates, half-off family deals, and refer-a-friend. Students from American Taekwondo & Fitness often comment on the family atmosphere of the school. Several get-togethers are planned throughout the year, and dinner parties happen after each test. There is always a friendly competitiveness, but everyone is always willing to help others reach their goals. For more information please visit www.atf.nu or www. facebook/americantaekwondo.com.
Henk Boese, Mike Fenske, Dan Andersen, John McCrackin
Nominate your school as a TKDT School of the Month! Send an email to press@taekwondotimes.com. Henk Boese with Kukkiwon Chairman Seung Wan Lee
Testing night
2008 Demonstration team
Davin and Deverick Ohms
2008 - Forrest Lake, MN Tournament. John McCrackin kicking
Flying spin-heel kick board break - John McCrackin
Henk Boese coaching Drew Ohms at the TKD Nationals in Madison, WI.
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July Nigeria Taekwondo Black Belt College In 1975, a young French-speaking man came from Cote ‘D Ivoire to Nigeria for the All Africa Games and remained to establish Tae Kwon Do with an emphasis on Jidokwan in the country. His name was Aikpa Aime. His presence soon drew a large following and he began teaching classes at the National Stadium in Lagos, Nigeria. Upon leaving Nigeria in 1977, he entrusted TKD in Nigeria to three pioneer instructors: Messrs Dominic Bassy, Kofi Anani and Emmanuel Ikpeme. The instructors focused their training into specialties. Grandmaster Bessy became associated with the military development of TKD upon enlisting in the Nigerian Navy; Grandmaster Kofi concentrated on civilian development at the central school at National Stadium; and Grandmaster Ikpeme was credited with infiltrating the academic ranks. In 1986, Korean TKD instructor, Grandmaster Moo Cheon Kim became interested in forming a Nigerian Tae Kwon Do community. Together, the three pioneers, along with several
Master George Ashiru with WTF Secretary General Yang
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senior instructors and under Grandmaster Kim, established the Nigeria Taekwondo Black Belt College (NTBBC). The main training center for the NTBBC remains the National Stadium in Lagos even today. Every week, senior instructors provide practical instruction in TKD to emerging instructors and coaches. The core values of the school are: Excellence, Professionalism, Integrity, Honor and Responsibility. NTBBC is primarily a training center and national registry for all Tae Kwon Do black belt holders in Nigeria. The Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) is the governing body for WTF TKD in Nigeria and the NTBBC cooperates with the NTF in expanding Olympic opportunities to all Nigerian Tae Kwon Do athletes. However, the NTBBC welcomes all Tae Kwon Do practitioners, regardless of affiliation. To read more on the NTBBC, visit www.taekwondotimes.com and read our bonus content.
Nominate your school as a TKDT School of the Month! Send an email to press@taekwondotimes.com.
NTBBC students
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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.
Like Father, Like Son By Bill Bailey
It is an understatement for me to say that the effects of martial arts training are truly life altering. The physical and mental discipline that is required for training has its rewards. You develop a sense of ownership of your life. You see yourself doing right and you do right. You acquire a tremendous sense of accomplishment that affects all aspects of your life. Tae Kwon Do is much more than a sport. It’s a way of life. If we allow martial arts into our lives, the benefits are endless. Just a few of the benefits are self-discipline, focus and perseverance. TKD is passed down from generation to generation. There are key concepts that are taught prior to performing any patterns. Some of the concepts consist of Father & Son
discipline, respect, self-defense, and helping others. I am blessed with a wonderful son, Tyler, who also enjoys TKD. Nothing in the world comes close to the joy and happiness I experience when Tyler and I practice together. We make it fun for each other and actually perform better when we are together. Our father and son relationship and our friendship are developed throughout our training.
About a year Tyler and a half ago I underwent back surgery. Unfortunately, the surgery was unsuccessful and my back issues remain severe. When I was told that my injury was permanent, a lot of activities in my life were taken away from me. I love sports, playing with my son in the snow, and other activities that most take for granted. You don’t know how frustrating life can be until you have difficulty performing everyday tasks that, to most, are part of a routine that does not require thought. One rainy day Tyler and I were playing computer games together when he asked me to help him with his Tae Kwon Do moves. We stood up and Tyler started by showing me what he learned recently in class. As time passed, we showed each other our best moves and were having a great time. I made him aware of some of the mistakes that I made at his age so he could try to avoid them. This is a regular occurrence. We usually end our sessions with a slow motion Tae Kwon Bill Bailey Do / Star Wars fight. Once, Tyler took a bottle of ketchup (without me knowing) and when the fight was almost over, squeezed it everywhere imitating blood. It was absolutely hilarious. taekwondotimes.com / July 2010
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I cherish these times with my son. When I perform Tae Kwon Do patterns with Tyler, it’s as if I am back in the dojo again mixing it up with the guys. We are each other’s inspiration for achieving our goals. I am a happier man and a better father, thanks to Tyler and Tae Kwon Do.
Tae Kwon Do Forever By Mohamed Riad Ibrahim Mohammed I was born in Cairo, Riad Ibrahim Egypt, on October 26, 1955. After high school, I entered Cairo University, School of Agriculture. I started playing Tae Kwon Do in 1975 and I participated in the first National Championship in 1976, just after earning my red belt. I love martial arts very much and every weekend I go to the movies to see a martial arts film. I earned my first black belt in 1978 and started teaching TKD at Cairo University after graduation. I became a referee in 1980 and the Egyptian Taekwondo Federation chose me to be the Chairman of the Referee Committee in 1988. This position had me taking care of championships and teaching new referees. In 1989, I
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became an international referee. I began officiating in many international events, and in 1999, I officiated in the World TKD Championship in Canada and was Center Referee in the final match on the first day. Also in 1999, I fulfilled a dream when I was finally able to visit Korea and see the Kukkiwon because I participated in the referee course for the Sydney Olympic Games. I succeeded and I became an Olympic referee, officiating in the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. I became one of the 24 best referees all over the world. That same year, I earned my Doctorate in Food Science, School of Agriculture. In 2002, I became an international coach by participating in the international instructor course. In 2003, I earned my sixthdan black belt. For the second time, the WTF chose me to officiate in the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. Also in 2004, I started practicing poomsae with the national team of Egypt as a player and became an international poomsae referee in 2008. Soon I started teaching poomsae in a club. I made a computer program for poomsae refereeing and we use it in our local championship and also in international events. My program is used in the U.S., Germany and Japan. In 2009, I traveled to Saudi Arabia to work to develop the Saudi Federation and support TKD there. By the end of 2009, I returned back to Cairo and earned my seventh-dan. I also became a member of the belt exams committee in the Egyptian Taekwondo
WTF President Choue & Mohammed
After graduating, I fell in love and married my husband who is also a dentist. Together we opened a successful dental practice in Woodside, New York, and have been in business for fifteen years. I have two wonderful children, Paola, who is ten years old and Raphael, who is eight years old. My life is very busy and at times can be very stressful, but overall is fun. I like to spend my free Maribel at work
Federation. I started teaching my son and daughter TKD when they were young and now they both have become referees like their father. I love Tae Kwon Do and I will practice it forever.
Just What the Doctor Ordered By Maribel Montes
I was born and raised in Puerto Rico. My mother raised me alone from the age of five along with my four sisters. My father passed away at an early age. All of my schooling was done in Puerto Rico up to undergraduate school. I then moved to New York and attended New York University Dental School.
time exercising at the gym. One of my dreams was to study martial arts to learn self-defense, get fit and challenge myself. I started taking cardio-kickboxing classes with Master Messina and Sa Bum Nim Ray at Taecole Tae Kwon Do and Fitness in Albertson, New York. Because I enjoyed them so much, I decided to take private Tae Kwon Do classes with Master Messina.
Maribel Training taekwondotimes.com / July 2010
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Master Maggie Messina, Marbel & Ray Messina My goal was to earn a black belt. Master Messina is an extraordinary person who accomplished so much herself and is a great role model. She taught me how much a woman can get from this amazing discipline. Master Messina taught me technique, forms, sparring and self-defense. With rigorous discipline, diet and exercise, I was going to accomplish my goal. In terms of fitness, one aspect that I loved was the reduction of total body fat in exchange for increased muscle mass. My flexibility increased by at least 50 percent and comes in very handy with my active life. My energy level and physical stamina has increased greatly as well. Most days, I am up by five a.m. and don’t go to bed until ten p.m. and am able to keep going all day without feeling exhausted. My husband and children are proud of me and so am I. It is not so easy to have so many activities, goals and the demands of work all at the same time. It gives me great pleasure to be able to do it all and do it to the best of my ability. It is really great to take classes with people who themselves work hard and have also accomplished much in their own lives. I have done great things in Tae Kwon Do, some I
Daughter Paola
never imagined doing, including competition in tournaments against men and women. I give great thanks to Master Messina and Sa Bum Nim Ray for giving me the tools, both mentally and physically, to reach my goals and for believing in me.
10-year-old Rafael
Sparring
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Starting Over By George V. Fullerton
For over 30 years as a student and instructor, I have read many stories in Tae Kwon Do Times about people overcoming adversity and setting their lives on a positive course. Like other readers, I try to emulate the success of others in order to achieve my own personal goals and aspirations. I never imagined, however, the adversity that awaited me on a rainy evening of December 24, 2008, where in a few short seconds, my life was forever changed. Enroute to my son’s house in South Jersey from the Philadelphia airport, a reckless driver hit our Ford SUV, causing it to roll over four times. The vehicle finally came to rest on its side in a tree-filled area off route 295 North. In this senseless and tragic accident, I lost my wife of 37 years, Elsa. My son, Ricardo, suffered a fractured elbow and foot, separated and tore ligaments in his left shoulder, as well as several rib bruises and contusions. I suffered a concussion, several broken ribs on my lower right side and upper back. My worst injury, however, was not immediately discovered. After several x-rays and cat scans, two fractures of the C-2 neck vertebrae were revealed. As a former EMT-1a and Athletic Trainer, I was acutely aware of the seriousness of this injury in terms of the potential for paralysis and even death. Lying in a hospital bed for several days, waiting for the swelling to subside so the physicians could further evaluate my condition, I became increasingly concerned as to how all of this was
going to play out. My neurosurgeon, Dr. Stephen Yocum, was surprised that I retained complete motor function, and attributed my excellent physical conditioning from the martial arts for literally saving my life. He shared with me that he had other patients with similar fractures and they suffered complete to partial paralysis, or had residual effects that seriously limited their physical activities for life. Thinking back, I’m truly blessed to be alive and grateful for the hard workouts that are common in Master Georg
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ChangMoKwan Tae Kwon Do. My research on and experiences with chi energy also came into play. As a breaker who specialized in concrete and bricks, I would sometimes sustain injuries. As such, I often drew upon my abilities to visualize and focus my energy as a means of healing my body. The notion of mind, body, and spirit all focused as one is not just empty rhetoric. For me it is reality. I am unequivocal in my belief that all these factors are playing a major role in my recovery, and they are a testimony to the power of the martial arts. It is rare that one has to make use of one’s fighting abilities outside of the dojang; however, the discipline and focus imparted via the martial arts becomes part of one’s daily life and can better one’s existence. I have no doubt that without my martial arts training and skills, I would not have survived the accident nor been able to face the mental and physical challenges that I have subsequently endured. Unlike the stories of others (for example, students who document their martial arts journey and the rigors of climbing through the ranks), ,/ July 2010 / taekwondotimes.com
mine is a little different. I want to share my experience of dealing with the challenge of starting all over again in an attempt to attain that which I once had. Rank, position, flexibility, power and speed were all mine. One of my biggest concerns was not knowing if I could recover physically without ill effects or limitations and return to the advanced level I once had as a seventh-dan. This is where another attribute acquired through my participation in the martial arts has come into play: mental toughness. My strength of mind has permitted me to maintain a positive outlook in spite of all that has transpired, and enabled me to pursue the goal of a full and complete recovery. It is my hope that I, like others before me, might act as a role model and encourage someone else to forge ahead and strive to achieve their goals, be it to attain a black belt or return to the black belt level after suffering a serious injury. The reaffirmation of my faith and my belief in the power of prayer, along with the mindset of a martial artist, have enabled me to continue moving forward, despite the many challenges associated with the ordeal. I challenge you to follow the tenant of perseverance and to embrace the notion: “Once I put my mind to it, nothing is impossible!” Be the example, and you, too, will move from the path of recovery onto the road of success. George & his late wife Elsa
Bdk^c\ Vi V HiVcY Hi^aa
Heart to Heart By Tae Yun Kim
My dear readers and fellow Martial Artists,
As the year moves on, we get wrapped up in our day to day activities and projects. Our priorities change and that can be a good thing. Flexibility is always a good thing. But we still need to focus on the goals we set at the beginning of the year. Ask yourself: are you still that passionate about those goals? Have you applied that passion? Some people never take their goals beyond “information collecting.” They talk about what they want, they think about it, they look into it, they dream about it, they read books about it, they admire it…but they don’t do anything about it. Remember, we live in a universe that’s made of vibrating energy. We’re part of that energy, and we need to express motion in our creativity. Fulfilling your goals requires an energy process to manifest— motion and activity—and that process is one that will most likely take place over time. Unfortunately, we are bombarded with images and slogans of instant gratification: “You want to look like this? Be like this? Just buy this now.” Something I often tell people is, “What you get easily, you can usually lose easily.” Even though as a rule we don’t take these images seriously, we are still impacted by them. We are easily disappointed with delay when we pursue our goals, often using it as an excuse to give up. Patience in today’s world doesn’t come naturally, but is something we need to acquire. That’s partly because modern technology has given us a measure of instant gratification. When we want food, we can have it. But there was a time when we had to patiently watch over our crops as they grew, milk the cows, pump the water, make the pre-
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serves, and bake the bread. There was no room for impatience in that life. You can take advantage of all our instantaneous resources, such as the Internet, to help you along the path toward your goal, but there is no substitute for old fashioned patience in your pursuits. Not everything will be simply handed to you. There will almost always be a process involved in realizing your goals, a series of many steps that seemingly start and stop. Keep in mind that the plateaus you reach on the way are not stopping points. It’s important to remember that you are still in motion while you are seemingly “at rest.” This can be difficult to comprehend. It’s like the people strapped into their airplane seats saying “I want to go somewhere.” It may be hard to convince them that they are going somewhere. When you are seemingly not in motion, it’s important to keep your mind moving. Remember, when the seed is underground, invisible, it is nevertheless moving rather aggressively. And although you don’t see the motion of the plant growing above the soil, it is still occurring. In the same way, not all of your path will involve radical physical activity. Sometimes your faith and desire will be all you see in motion. But it is motion, it is going somewhere, and you will need patience to ride through to the end. To some extent, the total picture will always be a little outside your scope of vision. You’ll have to trust in the power of your silent master to guide you to and through the unseen steps involved. As for a delay in reaching your goal, remember it’s not over ‘til it’s over. As long as you’re here, the opportunity to reach your goal is here. Keep on going! Never forget that when you reach for the new, it may be necessary to let go of the old. You may have to think about changing your look, your environment, some of your friends and acquaintances, unhealthy values, attitudes, and motivations. Are you willing to do that? If you hear yourself saying, “Yes, I am willing!” then test yourself by doing it. Find out how easily you can give up elements in your life that are detrimental to your present goal. That will tell you something about the strength of your commitment. It may be hard to give up familiar things, even if you know they will interfere with your goal. In the same way, you may find yourself strongly tempted to not rock the boat when you feel that initial discomfort in creating change. I always remember the caterpillar when thinking about letting go. Just like you, the caterpillar has a process in fulfilling his goal, one fraught with obstacles, risks, and delay. Yet, there is no giving up as he follows his inner instincts, as day by day he goes about his routine crawling from leaf to leaf. Since he is completely in tune with his own life force, he knows when it is time to stop. When his change comes about, he doesn’t
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.
attempt to cling to the old form. He lets go, following his instincts, and willingly endures a plateau of seeming inaction while a wondrous, creative transformation slowly manifests. Is the caterpillar patient? Isn’t he simply being true to himself? Isn’t patience simply being true to yourself? Isn’t transformation being true to yourself? Isn’t letting go being true to yourself? I think the answer is yes to all. When you are true to yourself, you let in the energy that transforms you, fulfilling the goal you set, planned, followed, and have now realized. You are not stuck in one place. You are never stuck, because everything around you is in motion, vibrating in constant change. Have the courage to change your mind and emotions. Have the courage to examine yourself, the beliefs you hold, the emotions you feel, and be willing to purify your energy. Have the courage to try. Then you will see change all around you. How fortunate we all are. This is the key to our freedom because we realize everything that exists as energy can be shaped. We never have to be a victim of what we see, because what we see is energy that can be changed. Our oneness with the entire energetic fabric of the universe means we are participating in everything that manifests. We are co-creators of the world we live in,
4*/$& 6/*5&% 45"5&4 /"5*0/"5"&,80/%0 '&%&3"5*0/ President & Founder Grand Master Dr. Duk Gun Kwon 9th Dan Black Belt from Kukkiwon 1989
64/5' .&.#&3 #&/&'*54 • Taekwondo, Hapkido and Gumdo Dan, Gup, Instructor and Master Instructor Certification • Kukkiwon (World Taekwondo Headquarter in Korea) Certification • Insurance Coverage for your School and Tournament • Tournament Organizing Consulting • Martial Arts School Business Consultation • State, Regional, National and International Competition for Taekwondo, Hapkido and Gumdo • Special Award and Appreciation Certificate • State, Regional, National and International Seminar for Taekwondo, Hapkido and Gumdo • Martial Arts Supplies (KPM Martial Arts Supply)
and what we think, feel, say, and do, matters! We like to say how much we value freedom. If that is true, then we must be free and act free by directing our energy with love, enthusiasm, and responsibility. Knowing, as we do, that energy is the essence of the universe, we are in a position to be builders and creators, not merely followers of old, outmoded values. It’s time to give up apathy and lethargy, come out of our dark shell of fear and let our freedom inspire our fellow men to do the same. And with this your heart, my dear readers, always remember that you have all the power you’ll ever need already within you, and it is your very personal choice what you do in your life. HE CAN DO, SHE CAN DO, WHY NOT ME! From heart to heart, Dr. Tae Yun Kim Great Grandmaster, Jung SuWon Martial Arts
To read more from Tae Yun Kim, visit www.taekwondotimes.com and click on our bonus content.
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Back in the early 70s, Hans Olaf Bang and Jørn Dyerberg conducted a research study to figure out how the Inuit people of Greenland could possibly have a lower rate of heart disease than the people of Denmark when the Inuit diet was built around whale blubber and high-fat seal meat. What they found was that blood samples from the Inuit people still living in Greenland—but not in those who had moved to Norway and changed to a more common diet—were a kind of fat acid (omega) containing a double bond between carbon atoms (the third pair from the end). After 40 plus years of research, and write-ups in everything from research journals to Forbes magazine, scientists are still working to understand the reasons behind the health benefits of fish oils. Just this year, a major new study is being launched by Harvard University to try to fit together a few more pieces of the puzzle. What it Does to Your Body Healthier Heart There are still a variety of theories about how and why the fats found in fish oil—(especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)—make for a healthier heart. One possible explanation is that EPA and DHA reduce the risk of developing an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), because developing an arrhythmia in the lower chambers of the heart can kill you. Another possible explanation is that these oils reduce the inflammatory cells sent by the immune system in response to coronary cholesterol buildup. These cells can cause ruptures and blood clots when they begin breaking up the cholesterol build up. The research continues, however, because neither of these theories seems to be able to completely explain the effects. In one study using people with abnormal heart rhythms, those receiving fish oil supplements were just as likely to set off their implanted defibrillators as those who did not receive the extra fish oil supplements. It is important to make a distinction here: while some studies attempting to pin down the cause of the heart benefits seem inconclusive, the existence of the benefits has been shown consistently in studies of thousands of people, and the positive effects have ranged from 19 to 30 percent. There have been some promising studies and some mixed results in several other areas, including: decreased incidence of certain types of cancer, improved brain function, fighting depression, lower risk of macular degeneration, and protecting against certain autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
1. Eat more salmon, trout, and other seafood Hey, they’re not called fish oils for nothing. At the top of the list of foods with high levels of DHA plus EPA, salmon has 2,000 to 3,600 mg and trout has 1,600 to 2,000 mg. Moving down the list, we find sardines (around 1,000), flounder or sole (around 800), blue crab (400), three ounces of shrimp (about 270), and canned tuna (from 150 to 300). When possible, a good rule of thumb is that getting extra nutrients from food is better than processed supplements. 2. Take supplements Much of the millions of dollars that Americans spend on nutritional supplements every year is money down the drain for things with little scientific merit. Fish oil supplements, however, are money well spent. As discussed, it is important to look at more than just the main number. Even if the bottle says “1,000 mg” it may only contain 300 mg of DHA and EPA. In addition, you will want to consider the concentration level. (Yes, there will be a little math involved, it’s almost impossible to make good health decisions without it!) For example, 235 mg of EPA and 115 mg DHA in 2,000 mg total fat means the concentration of long chain omega-3s is about 18 percent. The remaining 72 percent is other fats, including saturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids. 3. Don’t get all crazy about it There are some harmful side effects as you approach three grams a day (3,000 mg), so avoid overdoing it. In making changes to your diet, you should also keep in mind that adding a lot of fish to your diet, while boosting other good things like protein levels, can add in calories—and fried/battered versions can add back some of the same bad things you are trying to counteract in the first place. In a similar vein, the changes should not displace the nutritional diversity provided by lots of different kinds of vegetables. Remember: What you put into your body determines what you put into your punch.
Not All Omega-3s are Created Equal When you’re looking for ways to increase the level of healthy omega-3 oils in your diet, beware of the limits of some foods boasting their omega-3 content. Many foods contain increased levels of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) which is a shorter-chain omega-3 fat, and does not have the same proven benefits as EPA and DHA. Flax seed oil is a great example, with lots of money spent to tout its omega-3 levels when it has only ALA. Eggs are another example, while one large egg can contain 100 mg of omega-3s, the DHA + EPA value is closer to 20 mg.
Nutrition by the Numbers By Erik Richardson
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How to Improve Here a few different suggestions for boosting the level of omega-3s in your diet:
Erik Richardson is a Certified Sports Nutritionist in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is currently the Director of Richardson Ideaworks, which provides small business marketing and communications consulting.
taekwondotimes.com / July 2010
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At the university where I teach, I work with quite a few international students. Martial arts and MMA are popular topics. In a recent conversation, SungCheol Kim, a student from Wonju South Korea, used the term “jong-hap mul sul” in reference to what we call mixed martial arts (jong-hap-giok-too-gi). Jong-hap mul sul is quite popular both in Korea and as a spectator sport among Korean martial artists in this country. According to Yuko Fuduku, a Japanese student, the name for MMA in Japan is “kon-do bujitsu”. MMA has become a leading spectator sport in Japan. And, according to Xin Yang, a student from China, MMA is known there as “zu-ha wu shu”. There is a difference in the jong-hap mul sul, zu-ha wu shu and kon-do bujitsu practiced in Asian countries and the MMA presented in the U.S. The fighters of Korea and Japan still maintain an emphasis on the codes of the hwarang and the bushido. In Asia it can be said, mixed martial artists often still put honor before winning. MMA in the U.S. is big business and where money is to be made fighters are apt to do things that will increase their popularity with the fans. Much of the behavior has little or nothing to do with the bushido code. Some of the behavior may even be considered not in keeping with the traditions of the hwarang. There is an MMA fan group, for example, that takes pleasure in identifying the artist and style of tattoo displayed by various “inked” MMA fighters. Some argue that the tattoos first became popular among Japanese samurai groups and that the MMA fighters are carrying on a tradition employed by warriors from many nations. Still, the bottom line for those fighting in the U.S. is that tattoos attract attention and the fighter that attracts the most attention wins the highest purse. Whether or not tattooing the body is considered the right thing to do often depends on the person making the choice. If you have been watching the Ultimate Fighter you have noticed that “trash talk” has become increasingly popular with the fans and fighters. The legendary boxer Muhammad Ali was the original master of the trash talk. Recent fighters like Rashad Evans and Rampage Jackson pale in comparison to Ali but still provide an entertaining rant. In the current Ultimate Fighter, Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz use profanity, they break down doors, storm off in temper tantrums and more. To some, that behavior is called entertainment. Trash talk and outlandish behavior is designed to increase spectator interest. Many of the fighters are actually good friends out of the ring. They work together, doing the talk, to increase viewer interest which in turn increases the payday earnings of both fighters. And many times, fighters dislike and disrespect each other and do mean it. As martial artists, sometimes we forget that MMA is first for entertainment and begin to compare our own moral code to what we see on TV. Sometimes, we may be disappointed in the brutality, the trash talk and tattoos but sometimes we are proud to be associated with MMA as a martial sport. In the recent Georges St-Pierre versus Dan Curry fight, Curry was all about the trash talk. St-Pierre, who earned his black belt in Karate, would only say in rebuttal, “I am a martial artist. He’s not. When the fight is over, he will know what that means.” St-Pierre, known as “GSP” for short, completely dominated the fight. When the fight was over he bowed to his opponent. St-Pierre is a martial artist first and an entertainer second. The fact that he wins is entertaining enough! Liotto Machida, a black belt in shotokan is a member of a family of Karate masters. Machida is the current UFC light-heavyweight champion. Absent from Machida’s repertoire is the trash talk and tattoos that are so popular among his opponents. Machida wears his gi, as does GSP, to his fights. Using skill instead of verbose, Machida
wins his fights then bows to his fallen opponent. These fighters value the moral code, the displayed presence of character over the attraction of winning, entertaining the masses or even making money. Perhaps the most popular of the warrior types stems from the world famous Gracie clan. Royce Gracie became an overnight sensation with his total absence of emotion and supreme focus on his goal of maintaining family tradition. It helped that he won just about every fight he entered. Royce’s cousin Renzo Gracie is now the premiere fighter of the Gracie clan. Renzo is already a self made millionaire. He is such an excellent teacher that students flock to his academy. In his New York academy alone he has over 1200 students. No fancy advertising methods, no price cutter promotions or sales gimmicks were needed to attract his following. Renzo Gracie is simply the most caring instructor he can be. Renzo’s students love him because Renzo loves his students. While many will look at MMA and see everything that is wrong with the sport, some will see only that which mimics their own dedication to martial arts. Fighters like Renzo Gracie, Liotto Machida and GSP bring honor to MMA and to all of us that practice a martial art. As my international students have said: MMA in their country, whether they call it jong-hap mul sul, zu-ha wu shu or kon-do bujitsu, is more about sport and tradition than simply making money. And even if MMA in the U.S. resembles more professional wrestling than traditional martial art, there will always be examples among the fighters of the highest level of the martial code. If you are a Korean martial arts practitioner you can identify jong-hap mul sul as an art that stresses courage and conviction. At Radford University, we have since 1973, practiced inclusion, diversity and multiculturalism in the study of martial arts. This June 24-27, we will again present our multi-style martial arts training camp called Karate College. Jong-hap mul sul is our theme for 2010. In addition to the WTF world champion Kimber Johnson, the legendary Bill “Superfoot” Wallace, and masters of Jujutsu, Tang soo do, TKD, Hapkido, Aikido, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiujitsu, MMA, Jeet Kune Do and Arnis, we will present the World Combat Champion Renzo Gracie and the Ultimate Fighting Champion Matt “The Terror” Serra. For more information please visit us at www.thekaratecollege.com.
MMA and You By Dr. Jerry Beasley
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Dr. Jerry Beasley is the Professor of Exercise, Sport and Health at Radford University and author of the new book, Dojo Dynamics: Essential Marketing Principles for Martial Arts Schools. From June 24-27, he will present the 23rd annual Karate College MMA Training Camp with Renzo Gracie, Matt Serra, Bill Wallace and many more. For more information please visit www.thekaratecollege.com.
taekwondotimes.com / July 2010
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6EB /LSBOP >KA QEB 5E>HBOP Written By Chief Master Robert J. Ott Edited by Karlene Dolan
In May of 2006, I found myself standin g in a hotel lobby in Pusan, South Kor ea, shaking a hand that holds more history, knowledge and spirit than most I have shaken. Earlier that day, at a large university on the outer part of Pusan, this individual and fellow Moosa, was presen ted a large certificate from Chairman Grandmaster In Sun Seo. The certificate was in recognition of the Moosa’s rank of ninth-dan black belt by the Han Min Jok Hapkido Association, an official org anization recognized by the South Korean government. I witnes sed the rank promotion knowing that it was rare and honorable for an individual who is not from a Korean family, to earn such a high leve l of rank in a Korean association. The Han Min Jok Hapkido Association also titled his system of Kon g Shin Bup one of the true Korean Martial Arts. As I sho ok this distinguished man’s hand, I felt the feeling of power growing but I had no comprehension of the greatness this new relationship would bring to my life. This man goes by the name of Rudy Tim Martial Art Kong Shin Bup and Preside merman. He is a Grandmaster, Successor to the Korean nt of the National Korean Martial Art s Association. He is a man who can be defined by many words, but selfishness would never be one. This article is to not only allow fellow Moosa around the wor Timmerman has been practicing Korean ld to join in celebrating the 60 years that Grandmaster Martial Arts, but also to bring the valu e of support and togetherness to fellow Martial Artists from all walks of life. On August 13-15, 201 Marie, Ontario, Canada, Grandmaster 0, in Sault Ste. Timmerman will be celebrating his 60 years of Korean Martial Arts study by bringing together some of the most well respected Korean Ma rtial Art Chief Masters and Masters from around the globe. Ten of these unique guests alon Grandmasters, of this magazine, but many more, equally e are on the cover talented individuals will be in attendance respect and support for Grandmaster to show their Timmerman. Each of these specialty Kor ean Martial Artists is giving the gift of teaching his or her par ticular study at the seminar to honor the 60 year dedication and 70 year birthday of Grandmaster Rudy Timmerman. The celebration will be an epic demons tration of Jung Shin Tong Il (one min d, single purpose) to all walks of life. This message will be sent to those individuals investing in the future of Korean Martial Arts and its standing in the wor ld. Even more so these individuals are the “movers and shakers” that will make way for the future of our honorable study. In some people’s eyes, the creation of this event is a gift to Grandmaster Rud y Timmerman, but in my eyes, it is a gift to all of us because the realization of bringing together suc h a group of Flowering Warriors, alon g with the hundreds of other participants, demonstrates what a single So I say to you, Grandmaster Rudy Tim man in this world can do. I call this Certain Victory! merman, that even though the sun is slow lives of many, it is consequently starting ly setting in the to rise with spirit, lust and compassion , and you, Sir, are one of the reasons why. When asked to write this article, I did n’t have the usual anxiety or concern tha t many would have. Instead, through what the study of mar tial arts has given me, I recognized an opportunity that could not be missed; being given the chance not only to be one of the faces on the cover, the pages inside. To say it is an honor is not even close to the magnitude of how but also to write on I feel. With my gratitude expressed, I now wish to share wit h you the life of Grandmaster Rudy Tim merman.
taekwondotimes.com / July 2010
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Name: 4RAV 9 6FJJBOJ>K Title: 5>G> 0FJ M Korean Martial Art: -L KD 5EFK $R Website: TTT KHJ>> @> lland, a ten-year-old boy picked On a cold, rainy day in The Hague, Ho toward home with a heavy heart. himself up from the ground, and headed , he dreaded the thought of having to Once again the victim of school bullies d him right back out to deal with the face his father, who no doubt would sen n he arrived home, he was greeted by boys who had attacked him. Instead, whe marched him to a local gym, where his uncle who took him by the hand and nd with whom he trained in the art of he introduced the young lad to his frie s lifetime journey in martial arts. nged the focus Jiu Jitsu. So began Rudy Timmerman’ u while a young lad in Holland, he cha Jits Jiu e nes Japa in er care his an beg because Although he 8. The reason for this change was not 195 in ada Can to ved mo ily fam his n of his training whe r seeing a demonstration Jiu Jitsu school in the new city. So, afte ean martial art. of lack of loyalty, there simply was no art, Grandmaster Pak, he joined this Kor this of r nde fou the by ™ Bup n Shi g o. of Kon own school in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontari his ned ope he y, awa ved mo Pak GM Later, when despite the long distance, He continued training under GM Pak Tae Kyuk Do, he appointed and when GM Pak founded the art of g Shin Bup. GM GM Timmerman as his successor of Kon r, out of respect to his eve how Timmerman trademarked the name; ndmaster until 1998, when teacher, he did not claim the title of Gra done his best to honor GM Pak passed away. Since then, he has d. In 2006, GM Timmerman GM Pak and spread the art he founde ent by seeing the art had a monumental period of self fulfillm gnized as a true Korean his Grandmaster passed on to him reco ea. There could be no Martial Art in the country of South Kor where his teacher was born. better place to see this recognized than self first as a student. In Today, GM Timmerman still titles him h taught and learned from his travels all over the world, he has bot inese kwoons to Japanese bag for some of the best. In Korean dojangs, Ch n today he keeps a white belt in his gym Eve g. nin lear t kep man mer Tim the crowd so GM dojos, , put on his white belt, and step out into belt k blac his off e tak will He g. nin lear when he is n. he can be the student he always has bee h me: 5BODB $>R?FI Nam le: %ELKD -T>KG>KD KFJ Title Korrean Martial Art: *LPEFKHFAL @LJ bsite: TTT ELPEFKHFALE>MHFAL Web tial arts training in 1959, and his studies G ndmaster Serge Baubil began his mar Gra g: Shotokan, Judo, Qwankido, Hapkido, inc include a wide variety of martial arts includin than 50 years of practice, is the founder of an and Tae Kwon Do. GM Baubil has more successful schools in Montreal, Quebec. H Hoshinkido, and he runs one of the most ructor for the French police association, and G GM Baubil was a former martial arts inst s as a martial arts instructor for the police h he was later sent to central Africa for five year on, Cameroon, Zaire, Congo and central fo forces and presidential bodyguards in Gab eroon, Africa, and was the National A Africa. He officially introduced TKD in Cam ate Federation (TKD department). re Kar T Trainer and Technical Council for the Zai
52 July 2010 / taekwondotimes.com
In 1983, GM Baubil introduced Qwankido (Vietnamese Kung-Fu Kempo) to Brazil, and was Brazil’s Regional Director for TKD and Hapkido. GM Baubil was assistant to Grandmaster Sang Min, CHO, who officially introduced Tae Kwon Do in Brazil, as well as assistant to Bum Moo Kwan Hapkido Founder, GM Yun Sik Kim, a former Korean Marine Corps chief instructor and former student of GM Ji Han Jae. The Hoshinkido method was born in 1992 in Montreal, Canada, with the foundation of the Canadian Hoshinkido Hapkido Association. The International Hoshinkido Hapkido Federation now has representatives in more than 15 countries. GM Baubil is highly respected by his peers and his demonstrations play a popular role at many martial art events. *Gift for the gathering: A seminar focusing on Danto Makki (defense against knife attacks). Nam Name: -BSFK ,>KFPPB Title: -T>KD ,>KD 0FJ Titl Korean Martial Art: -LKD 5EFK $RM Ko Website: TTT KHJ> RP We Master Janisse started his martial arts training in 1983 when he was introduced int to boxing, Tae Kwon Do, and Kun Tao. Shortly after starting his engineering studies at Lake Superior State University, and meetin ing the present Grandmaster of Kong Shin Bup, Master Janisse started in his h training in the art. Believing in loyalty and dedication, Master Janisse still trains with GM Timmerman, and is now his highest rankJa in ing student. Master Janisse opened his first Kuk Sool Won School in Charlevoix, Michigan, in 1990 and was ranked as one of the top five C ttournament competitors in the Midwest. As a member of GM Timmerman’s demonstration team, he utilized hi his athletic hl i ability bili to delight audiences with his high aerial falls, breaking, and weapons skills. During one of the NKMAA trips to Korea, Master Janisse had the opportunity to study the art of sword cutting and fell in love with the beauty and grace that sword skills require. Today, Master Janisse makes Korean weapon training one of his specialties. He soon recognized that it is very difficult to find a good practice sword in the U.S. and Canada and put his engineering skills to good use designing and developing one of the best Korean style practice swords on the market today. GM Timmerman was so impressed by his swords that he exclusively orders Master Janisse’s practice swords for his other students. *Gift for the gathering: A seminar that will teach the art of sword cutting. During this teaching, he will introduce an exciting new way for sword enthusiasts to utilize common materials for great cutting drills that students and school owners can take home to their own dojang.
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Name: ,LEK . )LATFK Title: 5> $RJ 0FJ Korean Martial Art: 6>KD 5LL & L 5FK /LL *>MHFAL Website: TTT HJ>FTB? @LJ Chief Master John L. Godwin began his martial arts training in the latee 1970s, learning Hapkido and Tang Soo Do from Grandmaster Ki Yun Yi.. After just a few months, he began a lifelong journey to master the martial arts by dedicating himself to practice six days a week. In 1982, John was awarded his black belt and he began to distinguish himself in competition, earning over 150 first place awards, 500 trophies and numerous Grand Championship titles. In 1990, he was inducted into the TaeKwonDo Times Hall of Fame as Forms Competitor of the Year. A well-ro unded performer, John became a World Champion in fighting, forms, weapons, and demo team compe titions. In 1999, he won two Gold and a Silver Medal at the World Hapkido Games in Korea as a representative of the U.S. Hapkido team. In 1983, Grandmaster Jae Chul Shin hired Chief Master Godwin to work at the World Tang Soo Do Association Headquarters in Philadelphia as the chief instructor. This position allowed him to dedicate to martial arts full-time and have the opportunity to train with many masters in different aspects of martial arts to broaden his skills, such as kickboxing, weapons, training, studio management and operations. It was in the late 1980s that he associated his school with the American Hapkido Association and began hosting and teaching seminars in Hapkido. In the mid-1990s, his friend, Master Ken MacKenzie introduced him to Dojunim Ji Han Jae, and John dedicated himself to the study of Sin Moo Hapkido hosting over 300 private instructor seminars with Dojunim. Grandmaster Ji rewarded him by generously sharing his skills, philosophy, and ranking him among the top Hapkido practitioners in the world. As a representative for Hapkido and Tang Soo Do, he has been honored to teach and give demonstrations all over the U.S. and in numerous foreign countries. *Gift for the gathering: A seminar based on variations of counter attacks in both self-defense and free-sparring. Nam Name: 6ELJ>P )LOALK Title: -T>KD ,>KD 0FJ Title Korean Martial Art: 6>B-TLK & L +6( *>MHFAL Kore Website: TTT )LOALK/>OQF>I#OQP @LJ Web M Master Thomas Gordon comes from many generations who have made the nor Crestview, Florida area home. As a lifelong resident in Crestview, he and north his wife Lisa Gordon own and operate Gordon Martial Arts. This school is the home ho to roughly 100 students and hosts the Annual “Gathering of the Master s” every ev third weekend in April where martial art enthusiasts travel from as far as Australia to partake in the weekend festivities, training, and camaraderie. ri Among other notable events for Gordon Martial Arts, the Gordon’s also host h an annual tournament on the third weekend in October. Master Gordon is a Certified Instructor in the ATA, ITF, and NKMAA. 54 July 2010 / taekwondotimes.com
He holds a sixth-degree in Taekwon-Do under GM Timmerman (NKMAA) and GM Hwang K-9-1 (UITF); he also holds a seconddegree in Hapkido, with extensive training in Judo, Jiu Jutsu, and weaponry. At this special gathering in August of 2010, Master Gordon will be testing for his third-dan in Hapkido under one of the most knowledgeable and experienced row of judges that one will come to see in his or her lifetime. For Master Thomas Gordon to be asked to teach at this event in August is clearly a tremendous honor. As a Taekwon-Do stylist, Master Gordon has chosen to do a kicking seminar. “Most kicks, and especially spin kicks, are not a natural motion,” explains Master Gordon. Currently, Master Gordon serves as a Defensive Tactics Instructor for the Crestview Law Enforcement Department and their Swat team. In 2008, he was the recipient of the Master of the Year for National Korean Martial Art Association (NKMAA). *Gift for the gathering: A seminar on making kicks easier. Name: /F@E>BI &B #I?> Title: -RH 5> 0FJ Korean Martial Art: /LABOK (>O>KD /R 5RI Website: TTT &5;56'/ @LJ Grandmaster Michael De Alba is a lifelong student of the martial arts, with 40 plus years experience. His training includes a wide variety of systems, but he majors in Korean styles such as Hwa Rang Do, Hapkido, Tae Kwon Do, Kuk Sool, and others. He trained in Korea and other Asian countries studying with many great Masters from diverse systems and has achieved black belts in several arts. He is considered one of the most knowledgeable instructors today who is in great demand for seminars and demonstrations around the world. GM DeAlba specializes in conventional and unconventional weapons, as b d well as CQC (Close Quarter Combat), combative knife fighting, and reality based hand-to-hand combat. While in the military, he taught Seals and Rangers. This type of training has led to the development of special law enforcement and military combatives programs, as well as very successful “Vale Tudo” (NHB/MMA) fighting teams. GM De Alba is the founder of the De Alba System of Modern Farang Mu Sul® (The Fighting Art of the Modern Warrior). Modern Farang Mu Sul is an amalgamation of various arts he studied, but its main roots trace back to four versions of classical Hwa Rang Do. Some of the most distinguishing aspects of Modern Farang Mu Sul are its reality based self-defense, and its progressive approach to improvement of the art and the individual student. The system GM DeAlba founded now has branches across the U.S., Europe, Puerto Rico and South America. His rank is recognized by some of the most prestigious organizations taekwondotimes.com / July 2010
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such as ATAMA, MACS, WMAA, WHFSC, ICF, NKMAA, the Society of Hwa Rang, and others. He is a published author and has appeared in numerous international martial arts magazines. He has also produced a series of instructional DVDs and training manuals exposing a number of specialized areas of Modern Farang Mu Sul to the general public. *Gift for the gathering: A seminar that is titled “Effective Knife Techniques”. Name: ,>JBP /@/ROO>V Title: %ELKDHT>KG>KDKFJ Korean Martial Art: /R *>M 5LLI Website: TTT ELRPBLCAFP@FMIFKB @LJ Grandmaster James McMurray is the Founder and Director of the House of Discipline Martial Arts Group based in Harker Heights, Texas. He formulated the Moo Hap Sool Kido System which is currently being taught in Afghanistan, Canada, Germany, Iraq, Japan, Panama and the U.S. GM McMurray’s martial arts style is known by many martial arts, military and police organizations to be one of the most effective hand-to-hand combat systems in the world. GM McMurray began martial arts training in 1962 and received his first black belt in 1970. Almost five decades later, he has studied several arts and trained with many renowned teachers including: Grandmaster In Sun Seo, Grandmaster Jimmie Brown in Moodukkwan/Nammookwan Tangsoodo, Sensei Ralph Linquist in Isshinryu, Master Michael Echanis in Hwarangdo, Master Owen McDonald in Okinawa-Te Weapons, and O-Sensei Philip Porter in Judo/Jujitsu. GM McMurray also is a former Green Beret who served two consecutive tours in Vietnam and Southeast Asia, specializing in “silent sentry takeout” via pressure points and bladed weapons. Several U.S. military units and police departments in Germany, North Carolina and Texas request his instruction in unarmed and armed self-defense, and “suspect control” techniques. He has also developed restraining techniques for medical personnel to handle unstable patients. In 1975, the National Organization of Women (NOW) used his techniques to teach anti-rape/anti-abuse classes. GM McMurray has advanced rank in many martial arts, but calls the Korean Martial Arts his home. He constantly shares his vast knowledge of martial arts, life skills and leadership through his exciting and thought-provoking seminars. *Gift for the gathering: A seminar that will include advanced Poh Bak Sul (rope technique), which is part of his Flexible Weapon series. Nam Name: )BLCC , $LLQE Title: %ELKD -T>K ,RKD 0FJ Title Korean Martial Art: *>MHFAL Kor Website: TTT E>MHFAL @LJ >R Web Having committed over 30 years of his life to the study and refinement of H the martial arts, Grandmaster Geoff Booth is the highest ranked non-Korean Hapkidoist in Australia, having achieved the rank of eighth-degree under H D Dojunim Ji Han Jae. GM Geoff Booth is one of the foremost practitioners of Hapkido in Australia and is well-renowned in the international arena for his H m modifications to the Dan Bong as well as his “How To” Hapkido DVD series. Grandmaster Geoff J Booth started his Hapkido training in 1977. In 1993, he h founded the Australian Hapkido Group (AHG) and the International 56 July 2010 / taekwondotimes.com
Hapkido Alliance (IHA). These organizations continue to promote the traditional teachings of Hapkido together with modern values and high quality, internationally renowned Hapkido training. In 1999, Grandmaster Geoff Booth founded his own style of Hapkido called Kwan Nyom Hapkido. The name translates to ‘School of Concepts’ and reflects the way GM Booth teaches Hapkido to his students. Kwan Nyom Hapkido is the culmination of GM Geoff ’s desire to create a better way for students to learn Hapkido. GM Booth has set a personal mission to pass on the traditional teachings of Hapkido with its emphasis on the overall development of each student’s mind, body and spirit. It is GM Geoff ’s teaching method and structure of training that differentiates the IHA from other martial arts organizations. over the many years GM Booth has accomplished and been recognized for countless achievements resides in Australia He including winning prestigious awards and trophies at numerous tournaments. for Hapkido with and teaches and trains at his dojang in Moorebank, where he shares his passion those who are willing to learn. g A seminar on ground attack kicking techniques. *Gift for the ggathering: Nam Name: -BKKBQE 2 />@-BKWFB Title: %ERKD -T>K ,>KD 0FJ Tit Korean />OQF>I #O Q 5FK /LL *>MHFAL 6>B-TLK &L Ko Website: TTT 9LOIA5FK/LL*>MHFAL(BABO>QFLK @LJ We When Hapkido Founder DoJuNim Ji Han Jae moved to the U.S. in the mid 1980s, GM MacKenzie, already an accomplished black belt and an dojang owner, was among the first to attach himself as a loyal disDedicated to learning the evolved system of Sin Moo Hapkido, ciple. ci nzie followed DoJuNim Ji around the world gaining knowledge MacKe M and a skill in its purest form. Today, DoJuNim Ji calls GM Ken MacKenzie his h ‘American Son’ and has bestowed the title of ‘Chung Kwan-Jang’ upon him. h With affiliated schools worldwide, GM MacKenzie is the President of o the World Sin Moo Hapkido Federation, Sin-Moo Hapkido’s worldgoverning body. “To be the best, you must surround yourself with the best!”, a statement echoed by GM MacKenzie to his many master-instructors, black belts, and students. A strong advocate of networking, MacKenzie enjoys providing educational and training experiences for his students, which number 1000 strong, by regularly exposing them to quality instructors from around the globe. As MacKenzie states, “In the spirit of sharing, the true martial arts can work in harmony with others, devoid of jealousy and ego.” “As masters and curators to our styles, it is incumbent upon us to maintain the richness and content of our traditional martial arts in their entirety”, MacKenzie shares.
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Beyond serving DoJuNim Ji, instructing international seminars, and running his five professional dojangs, it is teaching quality and true Korean Martial Arts that fuel this grandmaster. In particular, it is the sharing of the joys and riches of Hapkido and TKD with young people that motivates him. Nominated for promotion to tenth-dan by DoJuNim Ji Han Jae himself, GM MacKenzie’s mission has expanded to preparing the next generation to lead and indeed to continue the cycle. He works daily on the development of tomorrow’s leaders, so that they may carry the torch yet further, serving humanity deep into the 21st Century. *Gift for the gathering: A seminar teaching Sin Moo Hapkido attacking techniques. Name: 4L?BOQ , 1QQ Title: 5R 5RH 5> $RJ 0FJ Korean Martial Art: -FALHT>K Website: TTT @BOQ>FKSF@QLOV @LJ Finally the time has come for me to place a mini-biography of the martia arts journey that I have been living and breathing for many years. As I writ this article, I hold the rank of seventh-dan under DojuNim Ji Han Jae; am the author of the biography titled, Certain Victory; founder of an art called Kidokwan; holder of the 2009 Hall of Fame Master of the Year by TKDT Magazine; motivational speaker throughout the U.S.; and the President/ CEO of a business that provides the labor that feeds the third largest U.S. Army site in the country. I am a father/husband of three special people, Chairman for the State Business Enterprise Program; a person who went from being a victim to one who is called a survivor; and most importantly, I am a student of Moodo, who truly only has his feet wet in the lifetime study. Truth be told, after writing this special article for the cover of TaeKwonDo Times, the realization that I, myself, am just simply a small beginner in this practice is very apparent. It is clear that much more needs to be learned and achieved for myself to even come close to being equal to these incredible fellow martial artists that I have written about. The fact of the matter is, that along with what I did correctly in life, there are many mistakes that have been made, too. I feel like the amount of confidence I have is equal to the amount of knowledge I need to obtain. Fear is never far from the Flowering Warrior I present to others. However, I can share with others that we, as people, must use our eyes in life as a tool to prevent being deceived. I say to many, that for some, seeing is believing, but for myself, believing has become the true way of seeing. As learned in my study of Moodo, life is going to always have a high and a low; that is part of the natural balance. Because of this, I have found a light in my blindness, a value in my pain, and a love from my heart. This alone has given me purpose that I hope can be shared to all walks of life. *Gift for the gathering: Asked and honored to be the Key Note Speaker for this one-of-a-kind and never-to-be-repeated international gathering of martial artists.
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Traditions
By Doug Cook
L]Vi¸h L^ i] 6aa i]Z @dgZVc Hij[[4 Last year, a highly respected master instructor visited my school, senior students in tow, with the purpose of training. This was his first time at our location and upon observing the traditional décor and appointments that flesh out our physical space, he asked, “What’s with all the Korean stuff?” Somewhat taken aback, I inquired what he meant. Apparently, in his dojang, if that is what he referred to it as, aside from an American and Korean flag, there were no rice paper scrolls adorned with hangul calligraphy, meditation cushions, Kukkiwon certifications, candles, photographs of Korean grandmasters, incense holders, references made to Asian ethical standards intended to govern unbridled technique, and totems of Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian philosophy. Beyond that, I came to discover that the use of Korean phrases for techniques used at our school were replaced by those in English at his facility. Also, many regulations deemed common in classical martial arts were also set aside in favor of a less formalized atmosphere. Now, my colleague had been practicing Tae Kwon Do for almost forty years, in fact under the guidance of the very same grandmaster under which I currently train. So I knew that his comment was not based on disrespect. Rather, it seemed to stem from a willful lack of understanding and reverence for the customs, personalities, traditions, institutions, ritual, pedigree and history that bundle together to create the truly unique Korean cultural treasure that is TKD. I meditated extensively on this and decided I could not completely fault this very capable martial artist for taking a stand of this sort. While I could not imagine creating a disconnect between what my instructors and I teach at the Chosun Taekwondo Academy and its distinctly Korean roots, I attempted to appreciate how others, my colleague included, could. As I see it, the outright refusal to acknowledge the relevance of cultural recognition between the art of TKD and its country of origin is based largely on disillusionment and politics; disillusionment often grounded on the expectations and chemistry that exists between Korean masters
and their American counterparts, and the politics surrounding individuals, ideas and organizations that support vastly contrasting world views within the global martial arts community. Take the Kukkiwon for instance, an institution solidly rooted in Tae Kwon Do history. Just now it is surrounded once again in a whirlwind of controversy instigated by the February takeover of its operations by the Korean government officially placing it under federal jurisdiction. Some, here and abroad, voice their concern as to how this incident will impact the extension of impartiality towards foreign governing bodies. Others wonder if Olympic training methods will, going forward, exclusively favor Korean nationals. Then there are those who may choose not to subsidize, through Kukkiwon dan promotion fees, a government they perceive as being corrupt. And even now, decades later, many Tae Kwon Doists remain at odds reconciling General Choi Hong Hi’s decision steeped in politics, to align the International Taekwon-do Federation with the dictatorial regime in North Korea. Yet politics, in relation to varying points of view, is a necessary evil; it is the grease of change, or more correctly, it is defined as who gets what, when and how. In the mechanizations of the real world, political manipulation is unavoidable, even when it comes to something as potentially virtuous as TKD. Same with expectations; unfamiliar with long-standing constricts regarding the principle of seniority superimposed on Asian society by Confucian ideology, many Western martial artists recoil at the thought of subjugating themselves to Korean masters, either consciously or unconsciously thinking, “Why should I bow to you? What have you
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 2010. He can be reached for discussions or seminars at chosuntkd@yahoo.com or www.chosuntkd.com.
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done for me lately?” Unfortunately, these observations are frequently misshapen by the fact that a vast majority of Korean instructors simply have difficulty voicing their unique philosophical perspectives due to language barriers and not because of a calculated reluctance to share their hard earned knowledge. Frequently, just the opposite is true. Metaphorically speaking, most American citizens would agree it would be difficult at best to realistically describe and appreciate baseball without going to a game, cheering for a team, eating a hotdog, smelling the sweat and the peanuts, then drinking in the visuals of the floodlights and turf, the pinstripes and the crowd. Without a doubt, the experience of being present at the stadium is significantly more meaningful than tuning in on the radio. This holds true for the TKD experience in regards to “all the Korean stuff ”. It is true a cloud of nationalistic influence hovers over all forms of Tae Kwon Do, regardless of whether the style is aligned with the WTF, ITF, ATA or GBTA based on pride in competition, cultural prejudice and, in the case of the Korean people, a desire to recapture a golden past wrapped in innovation and honor that was virtually eradicated during the Japanese Occupation from 1910 to 1945. For each competing nation in the Olympics,
for each individual national governing body, that nationalistic fervor is understandable. Yet, after the smoke clears, it is absolutely essential, at least in my estimation, to remember where the roots of TKD lie. And that is in a nation, roughly the size of Indiana, with mountains masked in swirling mist that rush to meet the sky. This country, along with all its traditional accoutrements, is Korea—land of the morning calm. So, at least for my part, I feel that “all the Korean stuff ” regardless of misguided expectations or politics, is an integral component of Tae Kwon Do, inseparable from physical training and paramount to a comprehensive understanding of the culture and philosophy from which the traditional Korean martial art was spawned. In fact, the more I visit Korea to train and immerse myself in Asian culture, the more I realize that, in many ways, we really are worlds apart. Yet, rather than attempt to rationalize these differences in Western terms and choose to ignore them, it is of far greater value to transform these societal contradictions into a vehicle for enhancing one’s martial arts experience overall, while paying tribute to a vibrant and ancient way of life. In many ways, it is a separate reality; it is the Taegeuk, the Um/Yang, an ultimate resolution of the dichotomy of opposites.
Close Up With Master Doug Cook Master Doug Cook, a fifth-dan and senior student of Grandmaster Richard Chun, owns and operates the Chosun Taekwondo Academy located in Warwick, New York. He has been a TaeKwonDo Times columnist for over nine years and is an author with three best-selling books on TKD. TKD Times: Please define your philosophy regarding “the practice of purpose” in traditional TKD as featured in your new book, Taekwondo – a Path to Excellence.
and personal enrichment aspects of TKD as opposed to those geared towards competitive supremacy. Rather than approach TKD as a world sport, we promote it strictly as the martial art that, I feel, it was originally intended to be. When practicing sport, too many techniques are invariably subjugated or forfeited altogether in favor of those certain to score in the ring. Thus, in my eyes, the term “traditional TKD” reflects a curriculum whereby hand techniques, ki development, meditation, one/three-step sparring, practical self-defense skills and poomsae take precedence over what has sadly developed into a game of combative foot-tag. It is not my intention to alienate those who see great benefit in competition. Yet, at least in my view, sport TKD lacks the depth and value of what I and other like-minded martial artists refer to as traditional TKD.
Master Cook: First, let me say how much I appreciate the opportunity to discuss the philosophical aspects of Tae Kwon Do and congratulations on your 30th anniversary. Regarding “the practice of purpose”: whatever style you are affiliated with, I think we can all agree that Tae Kwon Do is an action art. In other words, one can speak about its history, techniques and virtues, but in order to truly understand TKD in its fullness, we must consistently practice physically with diligence. But even that is not enough. Given the emphasis on self-defense in traditional TKD, it is difficult to gauge its ultimate effectiveness short of severe injury. Clearly, this is not an option. Unlike sport TKD, there is no completion of technique TKD Times: How does this outresulting in a point. So, to compensate, look affect your curriculum and the the Tae Kwon Doist must practice each way you teach? technique with seriousness and commitGM Chun & Master Cook ment as if it were a matter of life or death. Master Cook: At Chosun Taekwondo we Beyond that, this doctrine also applies to the safe and adhere to a stringent curriculum composed of a repeateffective practice of TKD as it applies to adults. Clearly, ing template that increases in complexity throughout the TKD is highly democratic in nature; it is beneficial for various belt levels; for instance, promotion from one rank men and women alike, of all ages. Yet, practicing at an to the next is predicated on proficiency in an escalating advanced age can present a challenge physically. However, series of basics, one/three-step sparring, self-defense, if the element of purpose is introduced, clear intent is poomsae, sparring and breaking skills. Students are also expressed without the danger of full-contact. Either way, expected to learn Korean terminology and the philosothis doctrine lies at the core of traditional TKD training. phy associated with their forms. There is nothing haphazard about our program; every student knows exactly TKD Times: Most readers equate the term “traditional what is expected of them in order to achieve advanceTKD” with the teachings of the International Taekwonment. Everything is clearly written out to avoid confusion do Federation (ITF). How do you define traditional and presented to the student to be included in a journal TKD? they are required to maintain throughout their training. My instructors, all highly qualified adult black belts, and Master Cook: The Chosun Taekwondo Academy is not I, highlight the self-defense, physical fitness, and selfaligned with the ITF. Nor do we practice Olympic-style enrichment components of TKD; this is in keeping with sparring as dictated by the World Taekwondo Federation TKD as a martial way or a path to enlightenment. In (WTF). Yet, in a sense, we share the positive attributes addition, we augment our practice with meditation and of both organizations. While our students are required ki development exercises. I am certain this is the primary to learn the Taegeuk, Palgwe, Kukkiwon Yudanja series reason that our school population is heavily weighted and Moo Duk Kwan poomsae as a prerequisite for protowards adults. Unlike the national average, our demomotion, we place a strong emphasis on the self-defense graphic ratio is 70 percent adults to 30 percent children. 62 July 2010 / taekwondotimes.com
TKD Times: How has your relationship with Grandmaster Chun affected your teaching methodology? Master Cook: As you know, Grandmaster Chun enjoys a high profile in the martial arts community by virtue of his writings, his experience as an international master instructor, and his position as president of the United States Taekwondo Association. As a yellow belt, I recall reading a description of poomsae philosophy in one of his many books. I knew then that there was much more to TKD than kicking and punching and that someday I would seek his instruction. My opportunity came in the late 90s when I met with him, demonstrated my skill, and was subsequently accepted as a student. It was the realization of a dream. Since then, aside from technical skills, Kwanjangnim has taught me the importance of discipline and patience in practice. He has taught me to be stern yet compassionate when dealing with my students. But most importantly, by example, he has demonstrated what it means to be a virtuous human being and martial artist. He is a man who lives the tenets of TKD. I attempt to apply these principles every day when teaching at my school and living daily life. TKD Times: Aside from teaching and practicing TKD professionally, you have been a TaeKwonDo Times columnist for the past nine years as well as a successful author. How did you become involved in writing? Master Cook: Many years ago, as a novice, I recall reading Grandmaster Sang Kyu Shim’s The Making of a Martial Artist. Little did I know then the extent to which that book, coupled with those written by Grandmaster Chun, would affect my development as a martial artist overall. Subsequently, following many years of practice, I thought: “If writing such as that can inspire me the way it has, perhaps I should consider contributing as well.” I had always enjoyed writing both in school and as a hobby. Simply put, I applied this skill to my profession and discovered the honor of articulating my passion through the written word. I was also very fortunate to be accepted as an author by YMAA, a major publisher of martial arts books and DVDs. David
Ripianzi, the company’s president, is a man of high integrity who has consistently kept his word; a rare trait in the creative business environment. He and his staff have made it possible for me to share my views on TKD with the global martial arts community at large. Presently, Grandmaster Chun and I are working jointly on a new book focusing on Koryo poomsae to be released sometime next year. Moreover, holding the esteemed position as a staff columnist for TaeKwonDo Times has been a pleasure and a privilege. Suffice it to say that writing a book is a lengthy process. Conversely, having a venue such as this magazine to express fresh ideas in a timely manner is a great advantage. Finally, writing is the “um” to the “yang” of my physical training; it compliments my TKD practice perfectly. TKD Times: Your new book closes with a description of your training experiences while in Korea. How often do you travel to Korea and what are the benefits of making such a journey? Master Cook: Regardless of the fact that the U.S. is blessed to have so many illustrious grandmasters and masters living within its borders, I sincerely feel one must experience Korean culture firsthand in order to fully understand the roots of TKD. In doing so, the practitioner can make a geographical and historical connection with their physical training. Visiting the Kukkiwon, the various dojangs and universities; meeting the many gifted masters and students of the art such as Grandmaster Gyoo Hyun Lee at his World Taekwondo Instructor Academy, adds color and meaning to one’s practice that can only be appreciated by traveling to the homeland of TKD. We attempt to go every three years and are fortunate beyond measure to be accompanied by Grandmaster Chun since doors that typically remain closed to Westerners, open wide in his presence. In fact, we are journeying to Korea yet again in July of this year. This will be our fifth training and cultural tour and anyone interested in joining us can obtain information by visiting our web site at www.chosuntkd.com or by contacting me at info@chosuntkd.com. TKD Times: Are there any last thoughts you would like to leave our readers with? Master Cook: Yes, although I cannot take credit for this statement, one of my senior instructors, a very wise woman named BJ Quasius, once said “Tae Kwon Do is like a gift to be opened every day.” I could not agree more! taekwondotimes.com / July 2010
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Angel on F light 1447
By Grandmaster David Chaanine
Power resides in what seems gentle and passive. For most of us, air travel is no longer a trip to Shangri La. Instead, it is a journey into the unknown. After the events of September 11, the psyche and consciousness of U.S. travelers has been altered. When traveling by air, you are technically inside a flying tube. Passengers are expected to endure many discomforts ranging from air rage, to confined seats, to mediocre food service. Once on board, tensions heighten and nervous tics begin to surface. We become fixated on the thought of a villain with a sophisticated, diabolical gadget hidden somewhere on his body. Even with all the security measures in place, we still don’t feel safe. On U.S. Airways Flight 1447 from Philadelphia to San Francisco, Lorin Gorman, * a flight attendant from Chula Vista, California, came face to face with trouble Flight attendant Lorin in the skies, when a combative passenger was “flying high” on medical marijuana. Gorman overcame a With a chance to prove herself and validate her Tae Kwon Do training, the fourth- combative passenger. degree black belt and mother of three faced the threat and reacted within the law enforcement tactical term, P.E.D.A. (Perceive, Evaluate, Determine, Act). What Lorin Gorman did on Flight 1447 prevented the situation from turning ugly. She protected herself and her passengers by applying a chokehold to meet the threat. TKD Times spoke to the real life heroine to find out how she did it. Q: What led you to use a chokehold to subdue a passenger?
Q: How are flight attendants trained to handle emergencies and threatening situations?
A: When I became aware that the passenger was trouble, I asked him to sit down. He did not sit down and tried to move out of the row of seats. I held my ground and said, “Sit down now!” At this point, he assumed a solid stance and brought his hands together tightly in a prayer position. Then, without warning, he fired a quick elbow. This is when I put him in an armlock. I attempted to grab his other arm. He resisted, so I put him in a chokehold until the other flight attendants could put the cuffs on him.
A: We are given training every year on how to deal with emergency evacuations, medical emergencies, aggressive passengers, etc. We really receive minimal training on how to defend ourselves, but we are offered more extensive training, at no cost to us, if we choose to do so. Really, we are taught to pay attention to all passengers boarding the flight, and hopefully we will be able to identify problems before we even leave the gate.
Q: How can you describe your feelings during and after the incident? A: I didn’t really have “feelings” in the moment. I just reacted to the situation. I suppose I could have “reacted” and elbowed him back. I attribute my quick thinking to my 15 years of training with Grandmaster David Chaanine. He always emphasizes to use a force based on humanity and justice. I feel I was able to do this in the moment. Afterwards, I felt calm. This surprised me, but I think it was because I had applied the principles I was taught. I knew I had reacted appropriately for the situation.
64 July 2010 / taekwondotimes.com
Q: Have you received any special training in Tae Kwon Do to help you in your work? A: Grandmaster David Chaanine was one of the first to respond to the issue of terrorism after 9/11. A segment was aired on CNN from our school on how to deal with possible terrorist situations on a flight and how passengers could assist if needed. I personally received training on what to look for and what signs might indicate a possible threat. I also received special training on how to respond and defend myself against a terrorist or act of aggression within the confines of an aircraft.
Q: How did your journey with Tae Kwon Do begin and why? A: It began in 1995. I took my son at the time to help him with ADHD. I thought it could help him focus. One day, Grandmaster Chaanine offered me two free introductory lessons. I have been involved in athletics my entire life, so I thought, “Why not!” I knew after the first lesson that this was for me. It was actually more. I felt I was “home.” For 15 years now, every time my feet step onto the mat, I am totally in the moment. I believe everything happens for a reason, and this was meant to be on so many levels. I’ve had some bumps in the road in my life, like everyone. I guess I was ready to face my demons. I know now, I had met my mentor, my guide. I met the person that would guide me from my darkness into the light. Q: You are a single mother in a very demanding job, as well as the parent of a Down syndrome child. Does TKD assist you in managing your energy and feelings? A: As a flight attendant, I miss training with my grandmaster all the days I am gone. I basically train every day I am home. After every class I feel renewed energy and vitality. This helps me deal with the everyday issues with my three children. I have been single with three children for 15 years. My oldest son, Ryan, is 20 and in his third year of college. My next son, Sean, 18, is in his first year of college. They both live at home. Then there is my little angel, Dani Nicole, 16. For me, Tae Kwon Do gives me answers to deal with everyday questions. Many times, I am pushed to the limits of my understanding, because I really don’t understand the mind of my daughter. But what I do understand is the love she exudes by simply being herself. When I contemplate her life and what she gives to the world, I simply realize she is pure love. My grandmaster teaches love, compassion, and justice. My training reinforces what I know through my experience. My grandmaster has always supported me in my home life and especially recognizes the beauty of Lorin with her children, Ryan, Dani Nicole, and Sean.
Lorin has been training since 1995.
“special” people in this world. Did I mention that my daughter is an orange belt in Tae Kwon Do? Q: What is your advice for parents with a Down Syndrome child? A: You have been given a great gift. Embrace it! Treat your child as you would any other, and you will realize that you have received the greatest gift of your life! You are not here for your child…your child came here for you! Q: What is the message you want to spread to your fellow martial artist women? A: If you are like me, you love your art, you have total faith in your master and your training. This is essential! I have trained for 15 years with Grandmaster Chaanine. I have trusted in him because I believe I receive the best training, and I know what he teaches me works in the real world. My grandmaster believes in the beauty, power, and resilience of all women of the world. Train with a master that supports this. Also, just keep coming back. Whether you are a yellow belt or a black belt, savor your training. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else, always try your best, and never give up. Nine times out of ten, you will surprise yourself and do way more than you have ever imagined. Your dojang is your sanctuary. Get the most out of it! Q: How can women transcend being a victim and become a victor? A: Tae Kwon Do is more than just the physical. This is true for men or women. But I think women have more to gain because, if you look at statistics, women are usually the victims of crime and abuse. With the guidance of a good teacher, Tae Kwon Do helps you to grow mentally and spiritually. You cannot help distaekwondotimes.com / July 2010
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covering the power and resilience within. For women who are abused or have been abused in the past, it is very hard to continue this path of abuse. How could you when you now have the mental and physical strength to say, “No more!”? Realize the power you have. As women, we must survive. Tae Kwon Do is the art of hand and foot. There is a science applied to the art. You may be small, but superior technique will win. You can survive by learning this art. Empower yourself! Q: As a fourth-degree black belt and a master instructor, what is your responsibility toward yourself and the world? A: I take my art seriously. I believe in the principle of defending the weak and promoting peace in the world using a force based on humanity and justice. I have a responsibility to uphold this. What good is it to have all this knowledge and not use it in a positive way? My Tae Kwon Do training transcends the dojang. I carry these principles into my home and my work. If I can help one woman (or person) survive, then all I have studied is worth it. I have been so fortunate to train with a world grandmaster. This is significant. I feel it is my responsibility to carry on the teaching of my master. Why? Because he has made it his life’s endeavor to pass on the true are of Tae Kwon Do as he was taught by General Choi Hong Hi. I am a part of his legacy. This is important to me and to my art! Q: Any final remarks for your fellow female martial artists? A: I love training in Tae Kwon Do! I have spent 15 years at my dojang with Grandmaster Chaanine. In 2004, I was invited by him to go to Beirut, Lebanon, to assist with teaching seminars. I met and trained with the women there. It was a great experience. As a flight attendant, I have traveled all over the world. I know there are women out there that love Tae Kwon Do the way I do. I could talk about it day and night. In the near future, I hope to create a blog to talk to women martial artists. I would love to hear their stories and exchange ideas. I believe that we are really just one big family of people that love the art and are striving to bring people together and create a more peaceful world. Q: You have been on Fox News, CNN, NBC and Sirius Satellite Radio. You have also been asked to be a guest on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and many other programs. What is it like to become nationally known? A: One is to stay focused with a goal and purpose. 66 July 2010 / taekwondotimes.com
It’s an opportunity to share the rewards of Tae Kwon Do with other females, especially those subjected to various forms of abuse and imprisoned in fear of speaking up and confronting. Q: Why this area in particular? A: I once was lost and found. I was a frozen lotus as my grandmaster once told me. He taught me how to find my true beauty and value and the courage to climb from the valley to the mountain. The decisive action Lorin Gorman took on Lorin is a fourth-degree black belt in TKD. Flight 1447 can inspire both martial artists and flight attendants alike. She assumed the persona of a Tae Kwon Do master instructor as well as the role of the Air Marshall. She deserves the recognition of her company and a bow from all her black belt brothers and sisters. We will realize our true rank when our martial arts philosophy and skill are confronted with calamity. In responding to life’s diversity, the wisest among us will know if the lessons were well learned, and if what is dormant within us, is a true warrior or just a false one! If water is the symbol of women and fire that of men, then Lorin Gorman embodies all five elements. She truly is, as many other dedicated female black belts, a force of nature. Update: Lorin Gorman was recently asked by the Department of Homeland Security to begin teaching a self-defense program to pilots and flight attendants to increase safety on flights. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: WTF Grandmaster David Chaanine is the father of Tae Kwon Do in Lebanon. He is the author for various publications and three books, practiced investigative and interrogative journalism and worked for the prestigious An-Nahar (media and publications establishment) Beirut from 1970-1976. He is educated in Media, Communications, and Classical Literature and immigrated to the U.S. after surviving two years of civil war. Grandmaster Chaanine can be reached by email at alissarproductions@juno.com. Lorin Gorman can be reached by email at lorinandkids@cox.net. Additional Credits: Typing and editorial assistant: Jordan Lynn *Photography by John Gorman Photography. All others by Chris Houck Photography assistants: Anna Salinas, Frank Brown, David Brown
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Master the Basics
By Stephen DiLeo
I]Z 8VhZ d[ HiVcXZh Most people will tell you to avoid discussions about politics and religion because it generally ends up in an argument. Well, in martial art circles, you will likely get the same response when the conversation turns to the value of fixed stances. Contemporary mixed styles will argue that stances have little or no value, while traditionalists will vehemently defend the use of them. Clearly a polarizing issue! The truth is that almost every system of martial arts utilizes some version of fixed stances; in fact, many sports employ stances, especially combat sports. For example: boxers use a relatively short, semi-open stance with the front foot angled at 45 degrees to the target; fencers utilize a similar stance, although the front foot points directly at the target, allowing for a greater capacity to lunge forward; and wrestlers work from a longer, deeper stance, creating the ability to shoot on an opponent. The term “fixed� is a bit of a misnomer in that, in combat, fighters do not remain in a single stance for very long. If they want to survive, movement and footwork are key. Non-traditional styles often point to that very fact as a case Example of executing a knifehand strike from a sitting or horse stance. Note the lateral stability.
68 July 2010 / taekwondotimes.com
against using any type of stance. So why train with them? Consider heavy construction equipment. In order to lift heavy loads or push large amounts of material, the machinery needs a solid foundation. Martial art technique is no different! It requires the same type of strong base to take advantage of the laws of physics. Specifically, there are at least five reasons to employ the use of stances. First, stances provide a uniform method of training. They give the student a way of learning a technique and the teacher a way of instructing the technique using a common process they both can understand. Maintaining the use of traditional stances may also, in some way, help to preserve the roots of a given system or style, particularly with respect to forms. Second, fixed stances are an excellent way to build balance. Without good balance, the strongest of techniques falls short of its potential power and possibly its accuracy. Relative position and posture between an attacker and a defender can greatly impact balance. Sitting stances or horse stances (as they are sometimes called), provide terrific lateral balance, but are less stable to the front and to the back. Conversely, forward stances are much Reverse punch from a deep forward stance using a low center of gravity and a strong push from the rear leg to generate momentum and power.
less sturdy side-to-side, but far stronger directly in front of an opponent. Knowing the right stance for the right situation could mean the difference between success or failure. Third, employing the use of stances builds leg strength and fitness. When students maintain a deep stance with bent knees throughout certain drills, they are engaging in an isometric exercise that will build muscle as well as endurance. Don’t believe it? Try remaining in a deep sitting stance against a wall or fellow student (with your hands on your head and only your back touching) for one or two minutes. Fourth, in kinesiology, which is the study of human movement, there is a concept called muscle memory. By forcing students to be exact on their foot placement through the use of stances, the instructor is training that person to gain control over his or her body in a way that directs movement with great precision. That is the same precision needed to strike or kick an opponent on target in a tournament match or in the street. Finally, perhaps the best reason to train using fixed stances is to learn how to use the ground to leverage and develop a strong, balanced technique. For example, throwing a punch from a casual standing position does not have the same force as Back stance places most of the ďŹ ghter’s weight on the back leg, freeing up the front leg for kicks. This posture closely resembles a boxing or fencing stance.
one thrown by stepping into a deep stance. The difference is created by momentum and stabilizing the affected muscles by pressing against the ground which creates a reinforced base. In other words, a good stance is a fundamental part of effective technique because it helps generate power, regardless of style. While it is true that fixed stances are generally found in older, more established systems, all styles of martial arts may benefit from incorporating them as part of their training regimen. They should not be included for looks or for the sake of tradition, but instead, because stances have real benefits that will improve the fitness, accuracy, and power of anyone that chooses to use them. Master Stephen DiLeo is an author, martial artist, and instructor who has been part of the Central Pennsylvania martial arts community for over 30 years. He is a fourthdegree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, a first-degree black belt in Tang Soo Do, and has studied several other arts throughout his career. Master DiLeo is a graduate of Penn State University as well as one of the chief instructors and co-owners of the Altoona Academy of TKD. He is also the AAU Chairman for Western Pennsylvania. Over the last 25 years, Master DiLeo has taught at numerous summer camps, directed many tournaments, and has delivered various seminars. He has created a number of programs including: Dynamic Striking for Combat and Conditioning; Cardio TKD Kickboxing Fitness; and Practical Self-Defense. He can be reached at sdileo2020@gmail.com.
By Stephen DiLeo
Rules exist in competition to protect athletes—but no rules exist in the street. In fact, the only law of the street is that anything goes and there is no second place. In the fight game, particularly MMA, the rules define what targets and techniques are legal in order to prevent unnecessary injuries. Injuries disappoint fans and disappointed fans may mean less revenue. Whether rules are there for the safety of the participants or the promoter’s bank account (or both) is irrelevant. The take home message is that some things are out of bounds, simply because they are too dangerous. For self-defense, however, there may be a valuable lesson for martial artists. Consider that the rules are created by some of the best medical minds in the business. Their goal is to create a safe environment, not just to protect the fighters, but to adhere to state and federal laws. Anyone in martial arts is quite familiar with liability and the legal climate of the day. So, the bottom line is that the techniques and targets that are prohibited in a fight are based on solid research and experience. Knowing what is banned in competition may be just the road map martial artists need for survival in the street. For example, strikes to the throat or jabs to the eye are often enough to halt a match between talented, elite athlete—imagine what would happen to the average street thug. Maybe it is time to think outside the box (or outside the ring in this case)! With respect to the participants, rules for most fights may be divided into three categories: techniques, targets, and conduct. For the purposes of this discussion, we will focus on forbidden techniques and targets. Specifically, there are four techniques that are a bit unorthodox, but highly effective in the street. They include the eye gouge, fish hook, pointed elbow strike, and the head butt. In addition, there are targets on the human body that are especially vulnerable and could result in devastating injury, if struck. Among them are the groin area, the throat, and the spinal cord. Not surprisingly, these same locations are, for the most part, off limits in a prize fight. Referees will generally take a point away for strikes to illegal targets, while repeated infractions may even result in a disqualification. 70 July 2010 / taekwondotimes.com
gouging eyes
For life and death situations, an eye gouge can be effective. The victim presses both thumbs against the attacker’s eyes. Only minimal force is necessary to cause significant injury.
Gouging a human eye with the finger tips or the thumb is not a fundamental technique to most systems, although many striking styles may include it as an obscure part of their arsenal. Ask someone if they have the willpower to press an attacker’s eye with sufficient force to “pop” it through the socket and the response will likely be a squeamish retreat from the subject. Why? Maybe, we are conditioned by too many John Wayne movies where “The Duke” sticks to honorable strikes, like haymakers to the face. Newsflash—the movies are not inner city neighborhoods, where attackers are deadly serious. How effective is an eye gouge? Enough so that it is not something you can practice on a classmate in the gym; taking away the sight of an assailant will usually end the attack. This technique is especially good since it is easy to do and requires very little physical strength.
fish hooks
Fish hooking is less known in most traditional systems but has gained popularity in more contemporary self-defense styles that focus on practical techniques. It is defined in most rules as putting a finger into an orifice on the human body. In particular, the rule generally refers to placing a finger at the corner of the opponent’s mouth, pulling towards the side of the face which results in either stretching or tearing the skin. It is extremely painful and at the very least, would stymie the attack, perhaps long enough to allow the defender to escape or follow-up with a finishing technique.
pointed elbows Pointed elbow strikes are a basic staple of Muay Thai boxing. They are devastating attacks that strike with the tip of the elbow in a forward motion with the arm folded back towards the head. If a pointed elbow is allowed, it is commonly restricted to only certain, less dangerous targets, like the top of the head. Normally, the downward version of this technique is prohibited; however, it is lethal no matter how it is thrown, especially against soft targets like the eye socket or the spinal cord.
head butts Perhaps one of the most controversial techniques in martial arts is the head butt. In competition, it is almost always prohibited, but in terms of using it for self-defense, well, let’s just say the jury is still out. Indeed there is no question that a head butt can do serious damage. The question is really about who receives the most damage: the person doing the head butt or the person receiving it. Of course, the answer is: it depends! It depends upon what part of the head does the striking and what part of the opponent gets hit. For example, if the forehead is used to strike the opponent’s nose, the result would be favorable. On the other hand, if a softer part of the head makes contact, the outcome may not be so good for the person doing the head butt. Therefore most self-defense experts stress using head butts only in select situations that guarantee success. For instance, one of the scenarios where a head butt is considered an effective choice is in the case of a bear hug from the rear. The defender can use the back of his or her head to strike the attacker’s face area, causing stunning pain that would allow a chance for escape. Head butts should be used sparingly and only when absolutely necessary. One of the best situations may be an attack from the rear, as in the case of a bear hug. The defender need only snap his head back and make contact with the attacker’s face area, causing extreme pain. While the attacker is momentarily stunned, the defender can escape or follow-up with other techniques.
taekwondotimes.com / July 2010
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hit ‘em where it hurts
One of the most basic self-defense techniques taught in all of martial arts is a knee-strike to the groin area. The damage is obvious!
In addition to specific techniques, certain areas of the body are considered out of bounds. All of them should be well known to experienced martial artists: the groin; the throat; and the spine. The reason they are so susceptible is simply that the body does not offer any natural protection. While striking these vulnerable locations is considered a cheap shot in boxing, Muay Thai, and MMA, on the street these targets should be the highest priority for self-defense. A knifehand strike to
the groin
the throat will cause severe physical damage, possibly resulting in a fatal injury.
One of the most common targets taught in any self-defense class is the groin area. The conventional wisdom is that strikes to the groin are only effective on male attackers; however, the female groin area is also filled with pain receptors which could easily disable a woman. This area is at risk because it is not only naturally unprotected, but it is difficult to actively defend with any type of block or movement. There is little doubt why students and instructors target the groin when the scenario is for real.
the throat The human throat presents a unique opportunity to end a self-defense situation with one focused strike. It consists primarily of the trachea and the larynx which are exposed as a result of no cushion or padding in the way of tissue or muscle mass. One hard punch, elbow, or knifehand in the middle of the neck would most likely do terrific damage. At the very least, the airflow would be temporarily interrupted; and at the most, the attacker may suffer a crushed wind pipe, resulting in possible suffocation.
the spinal cord
The pointed elbow strike can be used on soft targets, such as the nose, the eye socket, or for considerable damage, to the spinal cord.
Finally, one of the most vulnerable areas of the body is the spinal cord, stretching from the base of the skull to the first or second lumbar vertebrae. There is no need to discuss the dangers of spinal contact; consider the number of injuries that result from automobile accidents and professional sports. In particular, a downward elbow strike at the base of the head is especially dangerous and therefore strictly forbidden in nearly all prize fights. Targeting the spinal cord is something that should be reserved for only those situations that are life or death. To summarize, competition rules are created by experts that are interested in preventing injuries to the fighters. Analyzing those rules can prove to be a very good exercise for serious martial artist as they can see what techniques and targets are most effective in self-defense. Smart students look for every advantage because they know that the street is unforgiving with no rules and no second place‌ 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. He may be contacted at sdileo2020@gmail.com.
72 July 2010 / taekwondotimes.com
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Woman of the Times
By Karen Eden
Master Karen Eden sort of mastering the back kick.
I may have written about my older cousin Pearl before, because to this day I still can’t help but ponder her response once during a family conversation. “I’ve never really had anything extraordinarily difficult take place in my life,” she said. And as she sat and ate next to her 70-something husband, I found her statement profound. Was she telling the truth? Or just living in some form of denial? Do people really get to be that old, unscathed from the cruelties of life? While in Japan, I once toured a pearl farm. If there is such a thing as reincarnation…may we never come back as a mollusk! Oysters are destined to live a life of nonstop irritation. And then, after years of such torture, its greatest production, the pearl, is then ripped out of the shell only for the process to start over again. I am a blessed woman. But I must confess that there were times in my life where I’ve felt like I surly must be an oyster. In high school, I was working two jobs, plus holding down a full load of college prep courses. I was forced at an early age into being self supportive—buying my own clothes and school supplies, as well as paying for my mother’s house note. I remember sitting in class and observing other classmates who seemed to have everything handed to them. “How can their lives be so exciting and comfortable, when I’m struggling on a daily basis just to keep my head above water?” I used to ponder. I can now look back and take courage, that everything in my life as a young girl was creating a pearl…something of great value and very rare. You see, any pearl farmer will tell you that the bigger the irritant…the bigger the pearl. For some of us, that irritation may come in the form of health issues, financial issues, or relationship problems. But understand
that each and every challenge that we face in life will manifest a lasting value. Because we all create a pearl of great price with each and every struggle we get through. While recently going through old photos, I found a picture of myself as an orange belt. How proud I looked as I asked someone to quickly snap a photo of me “mastering the back kick.” I struggled with that kick! It took nearly three belt ranks before I could sort of do it and not fall to the floor. Now I know why I had to go through that tedious and humbling lesson. Because in just two more belt promotions, I would have to master the back wheel kick! The mere fact that I had been through it before, was enough to mentally prepare me for what it was going to take to focus and master that kick as well. Yes, life is like a pearl farm, but so is martial arts. With each irritant comes a bigger pearl. And every pearl taken from the shell just better prepares us for the next pearl we may have to cultivate in life. And as for cousin Pearl, she may have never had anything hard in her life, but she’s also never had anything great in her life either. I think General George Patton sums it up the best: “Live for something, rather than die for nothing.” May we all be challenged and “irritated” to the point that our lives take on a sense of value and rare greatness.
Karen Eden is a fifth-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.
74 July 2010 / taekwondotimes.com
#PO ,VL ,VN 3FWFBMFE )XBSBOH 4XPSE "SU
By Guy Edward Larke
Ever since I was a toddler I fancied myself a knight of old, brandishing a stick or whatever was close by as a longsword. I know I was far from alone. As I grew older, I fell in love with Robert E. Howard’s immortal creation of Conan the Barbarian. That grew into a fascination with the bladed weapons of the Samurai and Ninja, which developed into an interest in bladed weapons from all over the world. Twelve years ago I discovered Internet sites on the exotic art of Hwarangdo and became enthralled with the accounts of those amazing young men that fought a millennium ago. Actually it was one of the deciding factors that lead me to choose Korea as my next home. I wanted to see, visit, and research the birthplace of the so called “flowering knights,” the translation of Hwarang. I was disappointed to see many people had no clue of who the Hwarang were or what they represented, let alone their fighting disciplines. In their place was a plethora of silly belt factories that ran like play rooms rather than what we as foreigners envision. I tried Haedong Kumdo or Eastern Sea Sword Art for two years and perhaps it was just the master and looking back, it probably was, but I was left far from satisfied. Most of the moves seemed to be pieced together to look pretty and easy for lazy children to pick up quickly. When asked what
many stances and motions meant, I was looked at strangely or told it’s just for show. I decided after that to focus on empty-handed training until a chance encounter at a Hanminjok Hapkido yearly meeting three years ago in Seoul. Amongst all the typical important chief men, stern looking conservative men with brush cuts and dark suits, stood one middle-aged gentlemen with a beard (although traditional, almost never seen on a Korean man since the Japanese Occupation) and a gold hanbok. With his sword, clothing and presence he seemed to have stepped off a movie set. I discovered the man was Grandmaster Lee Jae-Sik and he was solely responsible for resurrecting the lost art of Bon Kuk Kum or National Sword Art. He explained to my wife and me a bit about this art and Korea’s martial legacy.
GM Lee Jae-Sik practices drawing his sword.
taekwondotimes.com / July 2010
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Practicing with the Weul-Do (halberd), an advanced weapon skill for fourth-dans and up.
#PO ,VL ,VN )JTUPSZ Two things inspired me to come to Korea: my childhood hero, Chuck Norris, and tales of legendary young Korean knights called Hwarang, which existed in the Three Kingdoms era of ancient Korea. They were the sons of the ruling aristocracy in a country known as Silla. These young knights were skilled and educated in all things martial, scholarly and philosophical. Some say they were almost too good to be true. They lived by a strong code of honor and ethics that was more important to them than their own lives. They had five basic commandments. They were: v Sa-gun-i-chung: This meant to serve your monarch loyally. v Sa-chin-yi-hyo: This translates into being a dutiful and filial child to your parents. v Gyo-woo-yi-sin: One should always be a true and faithful friend and ally. v Im-jeon-mu-toi: Never flinch or hesitate when on the battlefield. v Sal-sang-yu-taek: A Hwarang also was to never take a life unless absolutely necessary. So intense was the training of the Hwarang, that it is said they developed the first truly sophisticated sword system in Korean history. Historians claim it was actually the first pure sword art in Asia’s history, but Korea’s first actual sword was in existence many centuries before. These powerful military leaders lead their country to conquer the other two neighboring nations of Baek-jae and Goguryeo. The nation was in power for almost 1000 years. After the reign of the Silla Empire, which also spelled the end of the Hwarang, the unified nation went through a number other dynasties. The most significant was the Joseon Dynasty. In reality, this dynasty sought, through Confucianism, to have the pen subdue the sword. However in 1790, King Jung-Jo ordered a set of military texts to be compiled on all existing combat methods known to the nation. This included armed and unarmed combat, as well as combat done while on horseback. One of the sword fighting methods was entitled Bon Kuk Kum, Bon Kuk meaning “original” or “motherland” while Kum meant “sword”. It was paired with staff 76 July 2010 / taekwondotimes.com
techniques, polearm arts and several other arts, a total of 24, and was released as the Muye Dobo Tongji or the Illustrated Martial Art Textbook. To this day, it is still reprinted by several companies (the English edition is available through Turtle Press). A successful invasion by the Imperial Japanese Army brought about the end of the dynasty and almost totally destroyed what was left of the Korean military tradition. Japanese forces tried to re-educate their new colony by having the Koreans adopt all things Japanese, including martial arts. Bon Kuk Kum went into a kind of limbo for several years. Many years later, Jae-Sik Lee, a skilled artist, devotee to Korean sword arts and grandson of Han-Gil Lee, a fighter for national independence against the Japanese, discovered and recovered historical documents detailing long lost Bon Kuk Kum techniques, while mountain climbing. After the long recovery process, he set out to decipher, analyze and memorize the contents. Shortly thereafter, he set out to revive Bon Kuk Kum.
Posing with the actors he trained for the widely successful KBS TV drama Dae-Jo-Young or King of Bahl-Hae, the story of the Goguryeo Kingdom resisting takeovers from China during the Tang Dynasty.
a specific name, meaning and emulates a specific battle condition. At higher levels of black belt training, other weapons are used. These were considered many times the secondary weapons of the Hwarang and other ancient military adepts. Most noticeably, the weul-do or curved halberd, hyeop-do or light halberd, bong or staff and kwon-bup or unarmed combat. In addition, fighting while on horseback is taught to the most serious of candidates. In March of 1980, he opened the first of over 100 gyms in the city of Masan. He built a reputation and a following. Now, several schools and TV appearances later, his association is spread throughout Korea and is spreading internationally.
5IF 4XPSE 4ZTUFN Like other systems of swordsmanship, footwork is very important. There are numerous positions, but the most basic one is Si-man-se. It resembles the Ap-seo-gi, or walking stance, found in Tae Kwon Do, except that the back heel is lifted. This was copied over from the ancient military text, Muye Dobo Tongji. It allows the fighter to explode from the stance at any moment. In addition to constant stance training, the cuts and blocks are drilled repeatedly in combination with each other. As there is little competition in the art, there is more attention put into studying traditional Korean philosophy and history. Breathing and meditative techniques are daily practice, even for young children. Another subtle difference is when the sword is sheathed and gripped, the sword hand is held over top the pommel, rather on the grip of the hilt. This was in times of war to prevent the enemy from pulling your blade out of your scabbard to use against you. Every part of the sword has a purpose in the forms or as they are called, kum-bup. Kum-bup isn’t learned until red belt. There are few rolls or superfluous techniques in them. The parries or thrusts resemble ripostes from fencing many times and the attacks are quick and brutal. The forms are therefore short and direct, just like a real fight. There are three sets of twelve kum-bup: Bae-Dahl, Hwarang and Taegeuk. Each form has
For more information: There are other many unique aspects to the art, but they really must be experienced rather than discussed. Grandmaster Lee and Master Kang Byung-Su are among the many teachers scattered throughout Korea, eager to share and spread this combat art. You can contact the association through their
8FCQBHF XXX CPOLVLLVN DPN and press the English link. There is a forum you can leave your questions. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Guy Edward Larke sabumnim 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. He now lives in Daejeon city with his wife Gi-Ryung and their son Alexander. He holds black belts in Tae kwon do, Hapkido, Taekkyon, Bon Kuk Kumdo, Korean Kickboxing, Karate-do, Wushu, Cheon Ji Muye Do, and Hoshin-Sul. Currently he teaches Taeglish (English Tae Kwon Do) full time in addition to writing for various magazines and running Kisa-Do Muye (Martial Arts) & Marketing. In the future he plans to relocate to Malaysia to teach martial arts and continue studying. He can be contacted on Facebook or at kisa_do_muye@ yahoo.ca.
Cutting five-year-old bamboo. taekwondotimes.com / July 2010
77
Stretch Yourself By Thomas Kurz
@^YY^Z HigZiX]Zh [dg 6Yja i ?d^cih Ndj =VkZ id 7Z @^YY^c\ Most sports and martial arts instructors apply methods of increasing flexibility on adults that were designed only for children. These methods, proven to be quite effective for children, are much less effective for adults. One would expect an instructor to have read up on functional anatomy and exercise physiology prior to training others. Even a little study of joints would reveal that they change with age, that there are certain positions that make stretches completely ineffective, even harmful, and that there are other positions that make stretches more effective and healthy. Here are examples for just the changes that happen with age: * The angle between the shaft of the thigh bone and its neck (the part that ends with the head of the thigh, which fits into the hip socket) changes with age. At birth it is about 150 degrees, which lets little children abduct their thighs further than adults in whom this angle usually is about 135 degrees. * A deep back bridge requires well retracted and depressed shoulder blades. That in turn requires a good extension of the thoracic spine, which usually bends forward and loses mobility as people age and spend long amounts of time sitting, beginning at school. * Children’s muscles and ligaments are more pliable than those of adults, due to smaller muscle mass around joints and to age-related changes in the fibrous connective tissue. By simply analyzing everyday observations, one can notice what works and what doesn’t for adults. One can notice that gymnastic stretches and methods of flexibility training work best with those who begin their training before
78 July 2010 / taekwondotimes.com
the age of 12, and work very poorly with those who begin past the age of 16, and the later the worse. Such persons would also notice that there is a sport in which all athletes display both great flexibility and great strength (that’s a hint), even though very many of them begin training long past the age of 16. The sport is so strenuous, it puts such a great load on one’s joints (another hint), that if they were not in the safest positions they would be destroyed. What sport is that? A fairly popular one. To know which one, you have to watch more than your own. There are many lessons in other sports that apply to your own, but you have to watch them. Yogi Berra said, “You can observe a lot by watching,” so it follows that if you don’t watch much, you can’t “observe” a lot.
Yogi Berra said, “You can observe a lot by watching,” Anyway, such watching and thinking (what Yogi Berra meant by “observing”), should lead one to applying the relevant exercises from that sport to athletes who are too old for kiddie stretches of gymnastics. How many instructors do that? So far I have not seen evidence of any instructor (other than I) doing that. How many are able to follow the hint in this article and devise a flexibility program effective for both children and adults? Very few, if any, I am afraid. (Those were rhetorical questions.) That is why I plan to release a DVD on such a program, but more about it in my future articles. Now, a question (not a rhetorical one): What is the sport I am hinting at, the one in which all athletes display both great flexibility and great strength? Send your answer to me at kurz@stadion.com and I will tell you whether your answer is correct or not, and point you to the info on this sport that is most relevant for developing great flexibility. 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.
East Meets West
By Master Rondy
G^\]i^c\ V Lgdc\ Just because you can, does not mean you should. The basic black belt character traits of self control and responsibility could benefit so many leaders in so many industries right now. As they say, absolute power corrupts absolutely. Without self control and responsibility, the temptation to misuse power may become overwhelming. In my dojang here in America, I like to think it is my moral conscience and effort to live by the black belt character traits that helps me make the right decisions in dealing with safety, students, employees and my community. Also in my successful business in America, there is an ever present threat of being sued, and that too, is a great motivator to do the right thing. Besides, extra safety checks of equipment, background checks on all employees and striving to be politically correct never hurt anyone. It has been over a dozen years since I lived in Korea. When I lived there, I lived in a small village, not the big city. Perhaps it was the time and place or culture, but what would most definitely have been law suits in the U.S., were handled very differently there. The first situation came to my attention one day when I showed up for Tae Kwon Do class. The students were all there, but the master was absent. I inquired as to his whereabouts. The senior student explained that the master was “righting a wrong”. The master had been sparring with a student and had lost control. The result was a student with a broken nose. I’ve heard of schools in the U.S. having to close down after similar circumstances. But this was handled differently. The master took full responsibility for his actions. He took time off from his business and took the student to all his doctor appointments. In addition, the master took time every day after school to tutor, to make sure the student did not fall behind in his studies. For many weeks, we students trained on our own until the debt had been paid and our master returned to teach us. Thinking that this must have been an unusual and isolated incident, I witnessed it again. The second time was more serious. A Korean acquaintance of mine was giving an American visitor a ride to the airport. Everyone was in a hurry, the airport was over an hour away. A while later I received a frantic phone call from the American visitor. “We hit someone. This woman came out of nowhere and dashed in front of the car!” After
getting the visitor to calm down, I was able to get more details. A middle-aged woman appeared in the road in front of them. They maybe were going a little too fast and were unable to slow down and they bumped the woman, hard enough to send her airborne, but she did not appear to have anything broken. At the very least, she was going to be very sore for a while. I did not understand enough Korean to know how the arrangement was made, but no insurance (if there even was any) or police were ever involved. My acquaintance was learning chiropractic therapy and massage in school. Like clockwork, every few days he would stop at the market and pick up a few groceries. He would then go to the middle-aged woman’s home, put the groceries on the counter and have her lie down on a mat. He proceeded to give her a massage and spinal adjustment. She would point out all the areas that were hurting the most and he would carefully work them out. This continued for months until she was feeling better again. Once the wrong had been righted, they parted ways. Debt paid, lesson learned. In this fusion of cultures, my school strives to use self control in an effort to prevent any and all incidences in the first place. We must also be prepared to take responsibility when even our best efforts fail us and must take immediate action to remedy the wrong.
Master Rondy is a sixth-degree black belt in WTF Taekwondo, a fourth-degree in Hapkido and a second-degree 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.
80 July 2010 / taekwondotimes.com
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By Benjamin Paris
One of the strange paradoxes of martial arts training is that as martial artists acquire more skill in fighting, they become less likely to actually fight. They are expected to avoid violence unless there is no other choice, and by and large this is what actually happens. The training actually makes you more peaceful. This happens for a number of reasons, starting with the culture of the school and including the knowledge and confidence gained from the training. Non-violence among martial artists begins with the culture of the school itself. One of the founding principles of many martial arts is that martial arts should never be misused. It is for self-defense only, and even when this requirement is not written explicitly into a school code, the lesson is consistently reinforced in class. Students who get into unnecessary fights, or worse, use their skills aggressively, will be expelled by any reputable school. Non-violence goes deeper than a current commitment; it is part of the history and tradition of the art. From the religious commitment of the Shaolin monks to modern lore, martial arts tradition reinforces nonviolence as the best approach. Some stories are especially memorable. At my first dojang, my first instructor told me the story of the father who balanced a precious vase over a door that was slightly ajar, so that opening the door fully would cause the vase to fall. The father then told his three sons to enter, one by one. The first son noticed the vase and held it while he opened the door. The father was pleased, because the son had avoided the problem before it started. The second son did not notice the vase, and when the son entered the room the vase began to fall. But the son realized what was happening and caught the vase. The father was slightly pleased. It would have been better to avoid the problem altogether, but the son recognized his mistake and acted properly thereafter. The third son also did not notice the vase, and again it began to fall. The third son then threw a perfect kick that broke the vase into a thousand pieces. This son, said the father, had much to learn. 82 July 2010 / taekwondotimes.com
Stories like this are a part of every tradition. Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan, wrote Win by Losing, a short account of encounters in which he exercised great restraint despite great provocation and ample justification. One of the great Karate masters of all time chose to defuse the situation instead of resorting to violence. On reporting his actions, Funakoshi was praised by his masters, even though these masters had never praised a single kata he had ever performed. Funakoshi wrote, “mingled with the pride was an abiding sense of joy.”1
Besides myths and lore, you can find more of these stories by talking to any serious martial artist. All of us have been in situations that could have escalated into violence had we acted differently. For many of us, these events are among the greatest achievements in our lives. I will share my own such story. I was doing my laundry at the local laundromat one day when I noticed that a confrontation was developing. One of the customers, a very large young man, was upset that he wasn’t getting any hot water. He was yelling at Susie, the owner of the shop, who was no more than five feet tall. Susie was alone. It wasn’t clear whether the man was asking for a refund or if he was just angry. But it was clear that he wasn’t getting any satisfaction out of Susie, who told him to get out. The man threatened to beat her up, but Susie would not back down. “Go ahead, hit me! I’ll call the cops!” she shouted. Of course, this challenge only antagonized the man more. Deciding whether to intervene is always a tough situation. Lots of people threaten violence every day without following through. But this time, it looked like the man was really going to hit her. So I stepped in, not with a kick or a punch, but with words. “Hey, you don’t really want to hit her,” I said. He told me to butt out or he would beat me up. At this point, an untrained person would be well-advised to get out of there. But with my training I had enough confidence to risk sticking around to try to defuse the situation. The next exchange went like this: “Hey, I’m just trying to help.” “I don’t need your help.” “But you’re about to do something that you’ll be sorry for.” “I’m not going to feel bad about beating her up.” “Well, look at it this way, you won’t be proud about it either, right? I mean, when this is over and you’ve beaten her up, there’s no way that you’re going to go home and feel good about what happened today, right?” 1
This story appears in The Overlook Martial Arts Reader, edited by Randy F. Nelson, Overlook Press, 1989, pp. 117-121 taekwondotimes.com / July 2010
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At this point, the tide began to turn. The man was still angry, but he was starting to see that violence wasn’t going to fix anything. He also stopped threatening me, and we began to have a civilized discussion. Well, almost. I told him that I understood why he was angry, but that in this situation the best thing he could do is pack his things, leave, and take his business elsewhere. That was the only thing he could do that he would feel proud about later. We went back and forth a few times, but eventually he figured out that while there was no way he was going to feel good about the whole thing, this still didn’t change the fact that the best thing to do was walk away. He left, but not before shaking my hand and thanking me. After he left, and I breathed a sigh of relief, Susie thanked me, too, but in her proud way that suggested that she still felt as though she could have handled it herself. This was a tough situation, but once it started it could not have ended any better. No one was hurt, no one was arrested. My training helped me cool the situation in part because it gave me the confidence to stick around, despite the danger. I later learned that the man was known as a violent and dangerous person, so my fears were probably justified. Still, I can’t help but hope that this encounter planted some kind of seed in him that could help him change his ways. I’ll never know, but I never saw the man again, and last I checked Susie’s Laundromat is still there. 84 July 2010 / taekwondotimes.com
Other martial artists have similar stories, with similar lessons, and I am sure they feels similar pride. We still care about learning fighting skills, but we are most proud when we can use what we know to make the world a better place. These stories and our feelings about them contribute to the culture of nonviolence in martial arts, and that culture helps new generations take the same steps. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Benjamin Paris is a sixth-dan studying under Grandmaster S. Henry Cho. He has practiced and taught Tae Kwon Do for 30 years. Currently, Master Paris teaches at the Westchester Tae Kwon Do Academy in Port Chester, New York. His interests include expressing in writing the lessons his teachers taught him.
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Raising Awareness
By Alex Haddox
8g^bZ >cY^XVidgh When the average person walks into a convenience store, coffee shop, grocery store or even a bank he or she is usually focused on their immediate task. Mundane things, such as getting milk for the baby, occupy our thoughts as we blow through the door and head directly to the aisle housing the desired product. That tunnel vision creates a complete lack of awareness of our surroundings leaving us vulnerable to all sorts of otherwise avoidable unpleasantries. The good news is that if we maintain our situational awareness, there are usually indicators of potential problems in the store or shop. If we know what to look for, we can hopefully avoid potentially dangerous situations altogether. We are going to list and discuss some of these crime indicators. Please note that any one of these items by itself is not necessarily cause for alarm. What we are looking for are combinations of items that when put together paint a picture of a potential hazard. If we see enough indicators, it is best to leave immediately and shop someplace else or better yet, not enter the facility in the first place. From the moment you enter the parking lot, even while still inside your vehicle, you should scan for signs of trouble. What do you see around the entrance to the facility? Do you see: v A vehicle parked close to the entrance, but in the red no-parking zone? v A vehicle parked facing out (backed into the spot) for quick departure? v A vehicle parked, but with someone in the driver’s seat with the engine running? The moment you enter the building, the first thing you should do is look to the cashier at the checkout counter. One of the best indicators of the condition of the store is the demeanor of the clerk. Is there even a clerk behind the counter? If there is no clerk present, that is a significant warning sign that something could be wrong, such as a robbery in progress. If the clerk is present, how is he or she presenting? In this instance, you are reading body language. What are the unspoken words telling you? Is the clerk: v Nervous? v Moving stiffly? v Stuttering? v Sweating? Alex Haddox has nearly two decades of combined traditional martial arts training in multiple styles including American Kenpo, Hapkido and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. He also holds firearms instructor credentials and is a Level 3 instructor in Jim Wagner’s Reality-Based Personal Protection System. His company, Palladium Education, Inc., offers self-defense training to the general public and workplace violence prevention training to the health care industry. Additionally, he is the creator and host of a free weekly podcast called “Practical Defense” that is heard in over 100 countries. To learn more or contact Alex Haddox, visit www.palladium-education.com.
86 July 2010 / taekwondotimes.com
v Are his or her eyes darting about? v Showing general signs of agitation? v Or smiling casually and being friendly? Next, evaluate who is in the store with you. Use the same analysis criteria for the clerk on each of the other patrons. Eavesdrop on the cell phone conversations of other patrons. What are they saying? Is the guy giving security information to the person on the other end? Criminals often work in teams. One bad guy will act as a scout for the triggerman by entering the facility first and posing as a customer. He or she will relay key information to the triggerman about the number of customers, video camera placement, security glass and if there are any uniformed officers inside. When the time is right, the scout will call in the strike. Whenever you enter any building you should always identify where the emergency exits are located. It does not matter if it is your home, your workplace, your local grocery store, a movie theatre, a hotel or your bank. For example, take a moment right now and think of where the closest exit is to your desk at work. You spend upwards of 40 hours per week there, so you should know exactly where the closest emergency exit is, right? Can you draw a mental path to it from your desk? Could you find it in the dark while crawling on your hands and knees? Maintaining your situational awareness is critical in avoiding any number of potentially hazardous circumstances. Never let your daily routine or busy lifestyle cloud your attentiveness to your surroundings. A few quick glances and a half-second evaluation could save your life.
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Acknowledging & Making History Dr. Dai Soon Lee & The Taekwondo Park At a recent ATU Taekwondo Leaders Forum in Las Vegas, Taekwondo Promotion Foundation Chairman, Dr. Dai Soon Lee, told the true history of Tae Kwon Do. This was one of the first times that a South Korean official acknowledged the history of Tae Kwon Do as it actually happened. Highlights from this historical speech by Dr. Dai Soon Lee include: v April 11, 1955—Tae Kwon Do was founded by General Choi Hong Hi and approved by Korean President Syngman Rhee. v 1966—The International Taekwon-do Federation (ITF) was founded by General Choi. v 1973—The World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) was founded and Dr. Un Young Kim became its president. v 1988 & 1992—Tae Kwon Do was a demonstration sport at the Summer Olympics. v 1994—Tae Kwon Do was approved to become an Olympic medal event by the International Olympic Committee through the work of Tae Kwon Do pioneers. v 2000—Tae Kwon Do officially became an Olympic sport at the Sydney Games. Dr. Dai Soon Lee’s remarks at the recent forum demonstrate a new age for Tae Kwon Do and steps toward unification of the world’s two largest Tae Kwon Do organizations. The slow merger of ideas between the federations is an attempt to make Tae Kwon Do a more appealing martial art to the masses as well as eliminate much of the political turmoil in which the art has historically been steeped. As chairman of the Taekwondo Promotion Foundation, the organization in charge of the creation of the world’s first Taekwondo Park, Dr. Dai Soon Lee’s comments are greatly respected. The Taekwondo Park, a massive and multimillion-dollar park being built in South Korea as a mecca for practitioners and designed by the Weiss/Manfredi architecture firm in New York City, is set to be finished in 2013. Asian brush writing by President Rhee that marks the founding of Taekwondo in 1955.
Dr. Dai Soon Lee
90 July 2010 / taekwondotimes.com
June 11-13 3rd International Taekwondo Championship to be held in Lucknow, India. For more information, email jimmy_jagtiani@yahoo. co.in. 12 International Cup to be held in Ottawa, Canada. For more information, email lustkd@ rogers.com.
16-18 IIMAA Training Conference 2010 to be held in Kissimmee, Florida. For more info, visit www.iimaaconference.net. 17-20 2010 WTF World Cup Taekwondo Team Championships to be held in Urumqi, China. Email chinataekwondo@sina.com to learn more.
18-19 2010 NPTA Grand Nationals to be held in Springfield, Missouri. For more info, visit www.nptatkd.com.
17-1 21st Central American and Caribbean Games to be held in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. For more information, email info@mayaguez2010.com.
28-3 AAU National Taekwondo Championship to be held at Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. For more info visit www.aautaekwondo.org.
27-1 Shindokai Summer Camp to be held in Lituania. For more information, email romas. navickas@shindokai.lt.
July 10-17 2010 Korea Training & Cultural Tour. Join Grandmaster Richard Chun and Master Doug Cook of the Chosun Taekwondo Academy on a journey that will change the way you view the martial arts forever. Train with world-renowned grandmasters. Practice at ancient temples high in the mountains. Sample the rich culture of Korea, homeland of Tae Kwon Do. All inclusive-price. Contact the Chosun Taekwondo Academy at www.chosuntkd.com, info@chosuntkd.com or call (845) 986-2288 or (845) 986-2288 for details.
30-1 40th Brazilian Taekwondo Anniversary Festival & Brazilian Open 2010 Taekwondo Championships to be held in Sao Paulo, Brazil. For more information, email kim@fetesp.com. br. 31-2 AAU National Taekwondo Championship Taekwondo Competition to be held in Hampton Roads, Virginia. For more info visit www.aautaekwondo.org.
August 7 8th Annual International Specially Challenged Martial Arts Championship presented by Possibilities Unlimited International. For more information, contact amkyoshi@ earthlink.net. 21-28 Belarus 2010 Taekwon-Do ITF World Championships to be held in Belarus. For more info visit www.itftkd.org.
September 10-12 AAU Taekwondo Team Trials for selection of 2011 Junior and Senior National Teams to be held at Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. For information go to www.aautaekwondo.org.
October 17 8th Jerusalem Open Championships in Jerusalem, Israel. Learn more by visiting www.isr-tkd.com.
November 5-7 ITF International Instructor Course to be held in Hoofddorp, Netherlands. Visit www. itftkd.org to learn more. 27-28 VII International Taekwon-Do ITF Championship “Sofia Open” to be held in Sofia, Bulgaria. Learn more at www.itftkd.org.
Martial Art
ARIZONA
DELAWARE
ILLINOIS
Defensive Services Intl 4960 S Gilbert Rd Suite 485 Chandler 85249 (480) 985-9700 (480) 895-9755
Korean Martial Arts Institute 2419 W Newport Pike Stanton 19804 (302) 992-7999 KMAIWEB.com
Great River Martial Arts 1647 Hwy 104 Quincy 62305 (217) 257-9000
CALIFORNIA Best Martial Arts Supply 7120 Alondra Blvd Paramount 90723 (562) 251-1600 sangmoosa.com Black Lotus Martial Arts Academy Kuk Sool of San Diego San Diego 92117 (858) 274-4212 KukSool.net DeAlba Productions PO Box 641286 San Francisco 94164 (415) 661-9657 Kenʼs Trading Golden Tiger 9528 Richmond Place Rancho Cucamonga 91730 (909) 980-0841 GoldenTiger.com Jung SuWon World Federation 4150 Technology Place, Fremont, 94538 (510) 659-9920 jungsuwon.com Kuk Sool of San Diego (BLMAA) 4170 Morena Blvd. Suite F. San Diego, 92117 (858) 274-4212 KukSool.net Kuk Sool Won of San Francisco 1641 Fillmore Street San Francisco 94115 (415) 567-5425 Robinsonʼs TaeKwonDo Center 2155 Fulton Ave Sacramento 95825 (916) 481-6815 World Hapkido Federation PO Box 155323 Los Angeles 90015 (714) 730-3000 World KIDO Federation 3557 Valenza Way Pleasanton 94566 (510) 468-8109 kidohae.com World KukSool HKD Federation PO Box 16166 Beverly Hills 90209 (310) 859-1331
COLORADO Colorado Intl TaeKwon-Do Master Roberto Carlos Roena Denver/Wheatridge/Ft. Collins CIT-ITF.com
FLORIDA
International Hapkido USA 1385 N Milwaukee Ave Chicago 60622 (312) 225-4828
American TKD Union 1303 E Busch Blvd Tampa 33612 (313) 935-8888
K. H. Kimʼs TaeKwonDo 3141 Dundee Rd Northbrook 60062
Aruba Karate Institute 7440 NW 79th St Miami 33166 ecco@setarnet.com
Kimʼs Black Belt Academy Grandmaster Tae H. Kim 2230 Ogden Ave Aurora 60504
ATU Headquarters 1303 E Busch Blvd Tampa 33612 (313) 935-8888
Ottawa Martial Arts Academy 500 State St Ottawa 61350 (815) 434-7576
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 Independent TKD Association 2919 E North Military Trail West Palm Beach 33409 (561) 745-1331 USNTA National Team Training Center 5720 Old Cheney Hwy Orlando 32807 (312) 443-8077 USNTA.org United Martial Arts Center 11625 S Cleveland Ave # 3 Ft. Myers 33907 (239) 433-2299 World Class Taekwondo Master Mark Thibodeau Clermont, FL 34711 (352) 394-8485 www.worldclasstkd.com Yeshá Ministries(14 NE FL locations) Grand Master Charles W. Coker 904-399-0404 or 904-838-8585 Yeshaministries.com
GEORGIA
CONNECTICUT
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
Turtle Press 403 Silas Deane Hwy Wethersfield 06109 (860) 721-1198 turtlepress.com
T.S. Lee World Martial Arts 2887 N. Decatur Rd Ste.C Decatur 30033 404-508-3325 www.tsleetkd.com
US TaeKwonDo Federation Chuck Sereff 6801 W 117th Ave Broomfield 80020
HAWAII GM Hee Il Choʼs TKD Center Koko Marina Shopping Center Honolulu 96825 (808) 396- 8900 aimaa.com
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 Ancient Memories Academy 2600 E Euclid Des Moines 50317 (515) 266-6209 Chung Kimʼs Black Belt Academy 1423 18th St Bettendorf 52722 (563) 359-7000 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
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
MARYLAND World Combat Arts Federation PO Box 763 Owings Mills 21117 (410) 262-2333
MASSACHUSETTS AAU Taekwondo Mr. Mike Friello (518) 372-6849 mfriello@aol.com Myung Kimʼs Acupuncture 347 Massachusetts Ave Arlington 02474 (781) 643-3679
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
NKMAA- Iowa Academy of Korean Martial Arts 336 Fairfield St., Waterloo 50703 319-269-0741 theakma.com
American Midwest TKD Academy 315 W Pacific St Webster Grove 63119 (314) 968-9494
Raccoon Valley Martial Arts 104 S 7th St Adel 50003 (515) 993-3474
Choon Leeʼs Black Belt Academy 121 NE 72nd St Gladstone 64114 (816) 436-5909
Two Rivers Martial Arts Inc. 2017 Southlawn Des Moines 50315 (515) 285-5049
Kuk Sool Won of St. Peters #1 Sutters Mill Road St. Peters 63376 (636) 928-0035
KANSAS
Master Jeʼs World Martial Arts 6204 NW Barry Rd Kansas City 64154 (816) 741-1300
Choon Leeʼs Academy of TKD 11453 W 64th St Shawnee Mission 66203 (913) 631-1414
NEVADA
Cane Masters Intl Association PO Box 7301 Incline Village 89452 canemasters.com East West Martial Art Supply 2301 E Sunset Rd Suite 22 Las Vegas 89119 (702) 260-4552 Wheatley Intl TaeKwon-Do 1790 W Fourth St Reno 89503 (775) 826-2355
NEW JERSEY Cumberland County Martial Arts 531 N High St Millville 08332 (856) 327-2244 International Martial Arts 10 Main St Woodbridge 07095 888-IMATKD1 www.IMATKD.com 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 & Yates Martial Arts 302 White Horse Pike Atco, N.J. 08004 (856) 719-1411 MacKenzieandYatesMartialArts.com MacKenzie & Allebach TaeKwon-Do 1833 Route 70 East Cherry Hill, N.J. 08003 (856) 424-7070 GoldMedalFamilyKarate.com MacKenzieʼs TaeKwon-Do & Hapkido Institute. 7710 Maple Ave. Pennsauken , N.J. 08109 (856) 662-5551 GoldMedalFamilyKarate.com MacKenzie & Barnabie Martial Arts 1599-D Route 38 Lumberton, N.J. 08048 (609) 702-0666 MacKenzieandBarnabieKarate.com Richard Chun TaeKwonDo Center 87 Stonehurst Dr Tenafly 07670 (201) 569-3260 World Sin Moo Hapkido DoJuNim Ji, Han Jae/GM Ken MacKenzie Federation PO Box 262, Atco, N.J. 08004 WorldSinMooHapkidoFederation.com
NEW MEXICO 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
Directory Intl Taekwon-Do Academy 54 Nagle Ave New York City 10034 (212) 942-9444 itakick@aol.com
Red Tiger TaeKwonDo-USTC 1912 Welsh Rd Philadelphia 19115 (215) 969-9962 red-tiger.com
Iron Dragon Fitness & Self-Defense 88-8 Dunning Rd Middletown 10940 (845) 342-3413
The Martial Artist 9 Franklin Blvd Philadelphia 19154 (800) 726-0438
New Age TKD & Hapkido 2535 Pearsall Ave Bronx 10469 (347)228-8042
World Tang Soo Do Association 709 Oregon Ave Philadelphia 19146 (215) 468-2121
Pro Martial Arts (866) 574-0228 mauricepromartialarts.com Queens Taekwon-do Center 89-16 Roosevelt Ave Basement Jackson Heights 11372 (718) 639-6998 TĘźaeCole 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 LionĘźs 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
TENNESSEE World Black Belt Bureau Grandmaster Kang Rhee Cordova (Memphis) 38088 (901) 757-5000 worldbbb.com
TEXAS Alakoji Knife & Martial Art Supply San A 302 W Madison Ave Harlingen 78550 (956) 440-8382 Central Texas TKD Council Master Danny Passmore (254) 662-3229 Champion Training 522 W Harwood Rd Hurst 76054 (817) 605-1555 KimĘźs Academy of TaeKwonDo 4447 Thousand Oaks Dr San Antonio 78233 (210) 653-2700
OHIO
Kuk Sool Won of Austin 13376 Reserach Blvd #605 Austin 78750 (512) 258-7373
NKMAA-Ohio Master Doug Custer Nacient Oriental Fighting Arts 608 S Platt St, Montpelier 43543
Kuk Sool Won of Baytown 805 Maplewood Baytown 77520 (281) 428-4930
OREGON
Kuk Sool Won of Clear Lake 907 El Dorado Blvd #110 Houston 77062 (281) 486-5425
NKMAA-Oregon Master Kevin Janisse NW Korean Martial Arts 12083 SE Eagle Dr,Clackamas 97015
PENNSYLVANIA ICF Hapkido 7252 Valley Ave Philadelphia 19128 (215) 483-5070 Intl Tang Soo Do Federation 3955 Monroeville Blvd Monroeville 15146 (412) 373-8666 Mark CashattĘźs TKD School 30 West Broad St Souderton 18964 (215) 721-1839
WASHINGTON Robert Ott Martial Arts 9235 Piperhill Dr SE Olympia 98513 (360) 888-0474
QUEBEC
INDIA
Intl Bum Moo HKD-Hoshinkido 111 Laurentides Blvd Pont-Viau Montreal Laval H7G-2T2 (450) 662-9987
SimĘźs TaeKwonDo USA 9460 Rainier Ave S Seattle 98118 (206) 725-4191
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
ONTARIO Kuk Sool Won of Sault Ste. Marie 40 White Oak Dr E Sault Ste. Marie P6B 4J8 (705) 253-4220
WISCONSIN American Martial Arts Center 2711 Allen Blvd Suite 82 Middleton 53562 (808) 831-5967 amac-tkd.com
PAKISTAN Zulfi TKD Academy of Pakistan II-B 10/2 Nazimabad Karachi Tel: 9221-660-5788
NKMAA- Ontario Master Dusty Miner Sidekicks School of MA 2421 New St, Burlington
J.K. Lee Black Belt Academy 12645 W Lisbon Rd Brookfield 53005 (262) 783-5131
SOUTH KOREA GERMANY World Martial Arts League Klaus Schuhmacher Rhoenstr 55 Offenbach 63971 wmal@mail.com
CANADA NKMAA- Headquarters Master Rudy Timmerman 1398 Airport Rd,Sault Ste. Marie, P6A 1M4
Korean MA Instructors Association SongSanRi 661, BonJi JonNam JangSongKun JangSongUb Chollanamdo Kmaia.org
ITALY
705-575-4854
W.O.M.A. IntĘźl C.P. # 59 Conegliano Tv 31015 Womainternational.Com
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
UNITED KINGDOM Great Britain Tang Soo Do Headquarters for Europe TSD Tel: 01234-766-468 NKMAA – United Kingdom Master Zachary Woon Wune Tang Academy Tang Soo Do 07733008207 wunetang.academy@ntlworld.com wunetangacademy.com
To list your school or business email info@taekwondotimes.com or call 319-396-1980.
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VERMONT Stadion Enterprises Island Pond 05846 (802) 723-6175 stadion.com
VIRGINIA
Master KovaleskiĘźs Tang Soo Karate USA 802 Main St. Dickson City, 18519 570-307-KICK tangsookarateusa.com
USA Tiger Martial Arts 48 Plaza Drive Manakin Sabot 23103 (804) 741-7400
Pan-Am Tang Soo Do Federation 1450 Mt Rose Ave York 17403 (717) 848-5566
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
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USA Taekwondo Looks to the Future
By Bill Kellick nars, develop the organization’s written high perThe core business of USA formance plan and help plot the future course of Taekwondo (USAT) is athlete USAT athlete development. performance and they do it USAT also invested in building a high perforwell. The performance of mance department including devoting two fullUSAT athletes at World time staff members to this effort. Meredith Miller, Taekwondo Federation director of high performance and national teams, (WTF) events has consisand Edward Yoon, director of national programs, tently placed the USA near have added a higher level of professionalism to the the top of competing countries. athlete, coach and referee development programs. The most recent world chamDavid Askinas USAT has created high-level athlete, coaching and pionships in October 2009 in referee development programs that are the envy of Copenhagen, Denmark, garnered USAT a fifthcountries around the world. They are constantly place finish. working with experts in the fields of nutrition, “We had our usual outstanding performances diet, strength and conditioning, and sports science from Steven and Mark Lopez in Denmark and to bring their athlete training into the 21st century, a breakthrough performance from new National as well as developing progressive certification abiliTeam member Danielle Pelham who won the gold ties for coaching and referees to professionalize medal at her first ever world championships,” said and further their abilities. Mark Kaufmann David Askinas, CEO of USA Taekwondo. “Young Under the guidance of Director of athletes such as Steven Lin, James Howe, Danielle Events Mark Kaufmann and Event Holmquist and others also distinguished themCoordinator Jim Lenz, USAT has selves with fine performances in Denmark.” earned a reputation, not just in USAT invested a significant amount of time the U.S. but around the world, for over the past four years building a high-perforputting on the best TKD events. mance infrastructure to ensure that it would have In fact, Kaufmann was listed a strong foundation in place to maintain sustained among 50 “Planners & Places to competitive excellence as it moved forward toward Watch in 2010” in the January issue the Olympics of London, Rio, and beyond. The first step was to stabilize the coaching ranks. By locking in Jean Lopez and Juan Moreno to long term contracts, USAT announced to its membership and the world that the revolving door of coaching at USAT had stopped. In the past, coaches were appointed to events based upon connections to USAT officials. The past programs lacked continuity. Coaches Lopez and Moreno have proven success as athletes and coaches at the highest levels. They also help write curriculum, teach coaching development semi94 July 2010 / taekwondotimes.com
of SportsEvents magazine. Since relocating to Las Vegas, USAT’s U.S. Open has reached new levels of success. Over 1,800 athletes and 500 coaches from around the world poured into the Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas the last two years to make Las Vegas the TKD capitol of the world. The best international fighters made arrangements to compete, making it the premier open event. Event management has improved through the use of a computerized TMS system so that fight report times and ring assignments are better controlled. USAT knows that the event business is very competitive so it is constantly experimenting with new ways to bring a greater user experience to its events. Through a partnership with Brentwood Digital Photography, USAT has experimented with video replay for disputed calls. “The WTF has implemented a video replay system at all WTF events,” added Askinas. “We do not have all the technology resources available to use this at every event but we will probably be making use of it at important events such as national team trials in the future. We have to be at the cutting edge of technology going forward.” “We are examining every facet of our business and how we are structured to build a better model,” Askinas added. “If that means changing
the governance and organizational structure our board is prepared to examine any and all alternatives that would improve the ability of USAT to grow and prosper. We have been challenged in the past by board division and dissension but the current board members are firmly resolved to improve the organization and concentrate on needed strategic planning.” As evidence of dedication to this area, USAT has hired Steven Thompson as director of membership and brand development. Thompson expects to institute greater utilization of partnerships such as those with social networking companies to spread brand awareness of USAT. “We want to create enduring relationships through the development and implementation of pertinent strategies brought to life by every experience one can have with USA Taekwondo,” said Thompson.
To read more about the USAT and David Askinas’ biography, visit www.taekwondotimes. com and check out our bonus content. For more information on USA Taekwondo and its programs visit www,usa-taekwondo.us or call the national office at 719-866-4632.
taekwondotimes.com / July 2010
95
TKD in Tokyo
Story and photos by Peter Blake
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Peter Blake is a visual journalist Over 100 competitors from all over Japan specializing in sport, living in Tokyo, Japan. A native of the UK converged on the Yoyogi Gymnasium in Tokyo and former winner of Sports Photographer of the Year, Blake has been published worldwide. He enjoys cycling, swimming, in March 2010, for the All-Japan Taekwondo and Tokyo nightlife. Championships. This historic building, which resembles the inverted keel of a sailing Tokyo by night ship, was conceived and built for the Tokyo Olympics of 1964. Held under the auspices of the International Taekwon-Do Federation Japan, the competition included five weight classes for women and six for men, as well as a junior division. Top fighters included Seo Byong Su, three-time champion at the under-71 kg weight; Kenji Funamizu, five-time champ at the under-57 kg level; and Akira Tanaka, who has won the last Monorail six titles in the under-64 kg category, and has just earned his sixth-dan. With the two top-placed competitors receiving automatic entry to the World Championships in July, this competition was no pushover. Under ITF rules no body protector is worn, it’s full contact all the way. Juniors and ladies were obliged to make use of head protectors. Only one accidental injury Tokyo Tower at night took place during the whole event, a head-floor off the mat interface, which resulted in the stretcher team being deployed. The MVP award went to Akira Tanaka, who also won the men’s under64 kg category.
96 July 2010 / taekwondotimes.com
(right) Akira Tanaka, men’s under 64 kg champion and MVP, bows to the Tournament Host.
(right & left) Men’s team patterns
Men’s under 64 kg competition Children’s patterns demonstration
Men’s team patterns
Men’s senior under 71 kg competition Women’s senior middle weight competition
Opening speech by the ITF host
taekwondotimes.com / July 2010
97
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The Last Word
By C.M. Griffin
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: there’s nothing like humiliation to teach you a lesson that you should already know. We are a unique lot, open minded but focused; flexible yet determined. We possess a lot of knowledge and admit there is a lot we don’t know, except when it comes to ourselves. Then we are like any other athlete, we jump back into our activities way too soon after injuries. We don’t let our bodies completely heal. How many times have we told our students to wait? But when it comes to us? HA! In 2008, I had a total left hip replacement. This was an extremely un-fun process, physically, spiritually and emotionally. The fact that I couldn’t do for myself for a period of time really wrecked my psyche. I needed help to go to the damn bathroom, not to mention walking, trying to get around and all those things we take for granted. Oh, and then to have a bunch of different people look at my bare backside? I know they were nurses and doctors, but still! It was a minor victory the day I stopped moving like I was someone’s great grandfather with a walker and I was able to use a cane. With my surgeon’s, Dr. Michael Welsh, recommendation, I went to Tekulve Acceleration for my physical rehabilitation. I made progress working with them, unlike the first place. Tekulve is used to working with athletes. After a few months, I was able to walk without the cane. A couple weeks later and I was walking without a limp. A couple more weeks and I was able to climb stairs quickly and walk with confidence. A couple more weeks and I actually started Hwa Rang Do training. Dr. Welsh told me that it may be two to three years before I was ready to get back to hard training and full-time teaching. But with Greg and Rocky Tekulve and their facility manager Nicki Pendleton working with me, I had made huge leaps in my progress. A year had gone by and I felt strong. I believed I was at least at 80 percent strength. I decided I was going to get back into competition and do forms. I knew I couldn’t spar yet because my lateral movements were still suspect. Everyone told me I should wait. Rocky and Nicki demonstrated I wasn’t ready by having me stand on just my left leg. I couldn’t, it wasn’t strong enough to support my weight yet. But I was determined. Our 22nd Annual East Coast Hwa Rang Do tournament was coming up. This was an opportunity to perform in front of my teachers, my Hwa Rang Do brothers and sisters and peers. Two weeks before our tournament I competed in an event in Ohio. I did a form but my leg “gave out” halfway through. I gritted my teeth, tried to relax and I finished the form as best as I could. I was in pain, my left thigh throbbed, but I placed. That inspired me to work harder, even though Nicki and Rocky kept telling me that the muscle wasn’t ready for that kind of training. I needed a period of rest between training days to let the muscle recover so it could rebuild. Somehow I heard what they said, but I didn’t really hear it. Sunday, October 10th, it’s the 22nd Battle of the Orient held at Union High School in New Jersey. The day of the tournament I was assigned a ring along with Roy Stepper, where we judged breaking, weapons and forms. I was also the center judge for sparring. When the children and the underbelts were done, black belt divisions were announced. First, they did breaking, then weapons and finally black belt forms. I gave my name and was ready to go. I was ready to show my teachers Kuksa Nim Yum Ki Nam and Chong Kwan Jang Nim Yum Ki Tae that I was still active, still training. I was ready to show my brothers and sisters, that even after major hip surgery and at 51 years old, I could still perform.
98 July 2010 / taekwondotimes.com
LL Cool J was singing in my head the first line of “Mama Said Knock You Out”—“Don’t call it a come back!” Except, it wasn’t playing that loud or strong. And that calm, relaxed heat of Chi energy that I usually felt wasn’t there either. However, I ignored all those signs. My turn came; I bowed, announced my form and prepared for battle. I did our salutation, jumped up and…it wasn’t good! When I landed, my left thigh muscle screamed. The kihap I did was to control the pain. Oh man, did my leg hurt. When you have a hip replacement, the rehab process isn’t for the new hip as much as it’s to reactivate and rejuvenate the muscles they have to cut through in order to place the prosthetic. You are not working the new hip, you are working the muscles. So, there I was, in front of everybody, with hot spikes of fire piercing my left thigh. I wanted to scream, I wanted to stop and lie down. I wanted ice for my thigh. I could not put any weight on that leg at all. I couldn’t kick because the leg wouldn’t support me, I also couldn’t do certain movements, such as moving forward or pushing off, for the same reason. I had to modify all the techniques, even the hand techniques suffered. I just wanted to shout in pain and frustration. Somehow I finished. I bowed, limped out of the ring and went to the men’s room. My leg throbbed. I know I really looked bad, I felt it. The entire form stunk worse than a New Jersey swamp. I made my way back to the gym and sat by myself in a corner. I heard familiar voices saying, “You’re not ready” and “You have to let the muscle heal.” One of the voices I heard was extremely familiar; it was mine counseling a student about returning to hard training so soon after an injury. And yet here I was. The last voice I heard was someone saying sardonically, “Physician, heal thyself!” Trust me, that feeling of humiliation smacked me back into reality. When I returned to Ohio and told Nicki and the Tekulves what happened, they just shook their heads. Rocky even told me that it may have been worse. Thank heaven I didn’t damage anything. So now, I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing. I’m listening to my trainers and following their instructions to the letter. I’m not pushing it by trying to work out on the days I’m not in rehab. I’m letting the leg rest. Though, I am working on hand techniques, strengthening my grip, trying to improve my punches and strikes all while resting my leg. Let me tell you, humiliation is a harsh teacher, but it teaches you lessons that you will remember.
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TKD Enterprises
Catalog
Martial Art Products
Featured DVDs
WTF Standard Taekwondo Poomsae
Flow and Flexibility
The only WTF-recognized standard poomsae video textbook available used by instructors, demonstrators and referees. Each DVD contains full-length poomsae instruction. Multilanguage version (Korean / English / French / Spanish / German). Item D035 / 4-disk set / $99.00
These carefully chosen techniques from the Budokon System will teach you to address areas of weakness and limited range while cultivating kinetic chains of energy and seamless transitions. Props recommended: fitness mat, yoga brick. Item DPP01 / $25.00
ITF Tul
Power and Agility
ITF Basic Posture, Chon-Ji, Dan-Gun, Do-San, Won-Hyo, Yul-Gok, Joong-Gun, Toi-Gae, Hwa-Rang, Choong-Moo. Vol. 2:Kwang-Gae, Po-Eun, Ge-Baek, Eui-Am, ChoongJang, Ju-Che, Sam-Il, Yoo-Sin, Choi-Yong. Languages: Korean, English and Japanese. 210 minutes. Item D043 / Entire 2-disk set / $55.00
17th Spain World TKD Championships Watch gorgeous techniques of top-level players as they compete in Madrid. Witness the introduction of â&#x20AC;&#x153;sudden deathâ&#x20AC;? and how changing the matches from three to two minutes intensifies the bouts! 240 minutes. Item D040 / $24.95
This is the preferred training tool for experienced yogis, MMA fighters, martial artists, and Olympic athletes alike. Props recommended: fitness mat, yoga brick. Item DPP03 / $25.00
Essential Defense System This three-disc DVD set with Michael Aloia delivers a simple, eďŹ&#x20AC;ective approach to self-protection. Vol 1: methods of E.D.S. Vol 2: striking, takedowns, joint locks, controls and theory. Vol 3: falling, conďŹ ned spaces and weapon defenses. Item DPP04 / $32.99
Secrets of Stretching
Revolution of Kicking This DVD offers basic kicking skills to the finer points of kicking on the master level. The easy explanation with classified kicking can be a model for your training. Vol.1 (50 min.): Front, roundhouse, side, back, spinning and pushing kicks combined in a total of six chapters. Vol.2 (60 min.): Axe, front-spinning, back-spinning, jumping, jumping-roundhouse, jumping-side, jumping-back, jumpingspinning, one-foot-spinning, double, whirl and the 540 turningwheel kicks are covered in a total of twelve chapters. Item D036 / 2-disk set / $43.00
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
Master Jungâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 / $69.99
The Power High Kicks with No Warm-Up! Learn to kick high and with power without any warm-up! Kick â&#x20AC;&#x153;coldâ&#x20AC;? 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
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
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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 / $69.99
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
Elite Israeli Combat DVD Set
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 1 ) ) . ) ) ) ) 4 ) ) 56 , 7 ), * * ) ) 5/ 7 ) ) ) 8 - +, ) - )) ) 9 & :; ) , . ) ) 4 ) ) * )
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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
Featured DVDs
Certain Victory Collection
The Quick Fit Library: 6 Dvd Set + FullColor Book
Certain Victory Special Edition
The Complete Library Set with 17 DVDs with the Quick Fit Library with 6-DVD set and book. Item DPP13 / $594.95
A treasure for any true Korean Martial Arts student or instructor! This Flowering Warrior-crafted special edition includes the original biography Certain Victory By Chief Master Robert J. Ott & the recently completed Part II featuring 9 newly written chapters with new photos, biographies of well known practitioners, philosophies, admiration & a chapter on Tae Kwon Do Times Magazine. Included is a threepage pull-out poster with a description on the Flowering Warrior Enterprises, LLC mark. Also included is the DVD Setting the Course! Preorder Advanced Copy Now! Hardcover Item BPP25 / $49.95 Paperback Item BPP26 / $18.95
Aikido- art in motion DVD series
Certian Victory
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
The Platinum Set-23 Dvds + Book
Original version of Certain Victory Hardcover Item BPP29 / $39.95 SOLD OUT! Paperback Item BPP28 / $14.95
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 – 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
Certain Victory - Book on CD 9 CD audio book version of original Certain Victory with bonus DVD Item BPP27 / $29.95
The Perfect Storm - A Woman in Aikido Aikido, the art of harmony, is a perfect blend of elegance and power. Rooted in fundamental and natural movements, Aikido defines itself as an art designed for a lifetime of journey and discovery. the techniques within the art are both subtle and dynamic - each lending a hand in creating an axis of power exclusive to Aikido Run time approx 30 minutes Item DPP10 / $21.99
The Official Filmed Documentary Certian Victory The official filmed documentary on the life of Chief Master Robert J. Ott with footage taking you through the journey that lives and breathes Pil-Sung! Item DPP16 / $19.95
Featured Books The Book of Teaching &Learning TaeKwonDo
Taekwondo: Korean Traditional Martial Arts: Philosophy & Culture
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 / $59.99
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 / $39.99 Now $15.99!
Taekwon-Do: The Korean Art of SelfDefense A well-condensed version of General Choi’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 threedimensional illustrations of major physical motions. Additional postage required. Item B039 / $74.99
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
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 Choi’s lifelong research into TKD’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 Now $2.99!
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!
Best Instructor + Best School = Best Life! (Korean Version) Item B045 / $25.00 Now $20.00
Order online at taekwondotimes.com or call toll free: 1-800-388-5966
Featured Books Authentic Tang Soo Do By Chun Sik Kim and Joe Goss Learn about authentic Tang Soo Do (Korean Karate) from internationally known and respected authority, Grandmaster Chun Sik Kim. Grandmaster Kim is known for his dynamic technique, as well as his knowledge of Tang Soo Do. This book will make it possible for you to benefit from his instruction. Item B035 / $124.95
Stretching Scientifically 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
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 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
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 self-defense 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 Now $39.99!
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
Featured Books Zen 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
How Akido Changed the World Aikido, as a martial art, embraces both the physical aspects of enhancement as well as the spiritual growth of the individual. Each practitioner discovers and journeys their own unique path gaining a new perspective of the world around them and of themselves. How Aikido Can Change the World is a road map of that journey of discovery. This book discusses Aikido beyond the
physical aspects. While Aikido is a physical martial way, its philosophies and peripherals carry over far into a practitioner’s world if proper focus and realization are maintained. The author conveys his expedition of the art gained through personal experience, exploration and integration. Item BPP23 / $19.99
Chi Gong Medicine From God Lose weight with a seaweed diet. Prevent altitude and divers sickness, and many other advantages of Chi.Item B042 / $19.95
ways to apply Buddhism to many areas of life.152 pages. Item BPP22 / $12.95
Korean Martial Art: The Conquer of America 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
Buddhism in Ten, Easy Lessons for Spiritual Growth The Ten lessons contain fun damental principles of Buddhism along with clear and effective
Featured Training Products & Novelties 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
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
Adidas Adikee TKD Shoes
Adidas Open/ Cross-over Uniform
Ever-popular SM-2 design with a twist of stitch pattern for the upper; available in white with black stripes (ASEB) or white with red & blue stripes (ASEW); sizes #2.5, 4 -13. ItemNPP13 / $49.95
Features cross-over open style jacket made with corduroy material; available in black or white; sizes #2 - 8; Item NPP12 / $69.95
GTMA Taebaek Uniform Textured special fabric w/ embossed GTMA Tiger logo; 3 tone stripes on shoulders and top of pants legs; Martial Arts symbol and GTMA patch; GTMA logo embroidered on back of neck and left wrist area; White unif. w/ Black V-neck only; sizes #000 - 8. Item NPP14 / $70.00
For these products and more visit us online at taekwondotimes.com
GTMA Legend Competition Uniform Lightest uniform we ever made; Designed for top competitors using special dry fit material which is lightest material available; Retains crisp form and bright color and dries moisture quicker; Features GTMA chest patch, 2 color GTMA embroidery logo on right chest, back of the neck and right pants; woven LEGEND patch on sleeve and pants leg, P.U. GT LEGEND emblem on shoulder and GTMA embroidery on tail; Also features inside pants pocket for mouthguards, wallet, coins and etc.; Available in v-neck black or white neck; sizes #000 - 8. Item NPP15 / $125.00
Closeout 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 / $7.99
Tae Kwon Do, Volume I Vol. 1 contains all of Poomsae (forms), Taeguek 1-8 and Palgwe 1-8, required to earn a black belt from the WTF. Item B003 / Vol. 1 / $15.00 Reduced to $2.99!