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The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 7 #10 October, 2016
Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,
Welcome to the October edition of the Chosun Taekwondo Academy e-newsletter! As we approach the final months of the year, don't forget to mark your calendar for the 19th Annual Awards Banquet and Dinner Dance on Saturday, December 3rd which is always the culminating social highlight of the year. When you receive your invitation by mail, please respond as soon as possible to reserve a place for you and your family.Check out all upcoming CHOSUN events on the events page of the CHOSUN website!
View the 2015 Chosun Taekwondo Academy Retrospective
Kamsahamnida,
Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkd
HAPPY HALLOWEEN !
Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 19 years!
Read the entire newsletter...
Subscribe at: www.chosuntkd.com
#taekwondo#Mrs. Pyke#Master Doug Cook#Korean martial arts#Korea Training Tour#Grandmaster Richard Chun#Chosun e-newsletter#Black Belt Poomsae Seminar
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Book Review: The Tao of Gung Fu
Title: The Tao of Gung Fu, A Study in the Way of Chinese Martial Art
Author: Bruce Lee
Editor: John Little
Lightning review
For philosophically-inclined martial arts students (especially those learning kung fu) this book will be inspirational, while instructors will appreciate how Lee explains abstract concepts like yin-yang, wu-wei, and what it means to "be like water", making them accessible, attractive, and applicable.
Bruce who?
Although the actor and martial artist Bruce Lee died in 1973 at the age of only 32, his accomplishments nevertheless paved the way for kung fu to cross over into mainstream Western culture. His film performances were thrilling, his fights spectacular yet largely believable, his manner charismatic and highly engaging. Something of Lee's philosophical approach to life and martial arts came through in these performances and even more so in interviews, and the fact that he died so soon after achieving stardom and in somewhat mysterious circumstances contributed to his mystique.
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An iconic fight scene: avenging his sister's death
At the same time as he was performing on screen Lee was also developing his own eclectic approach to martial arts, which he called Jeet Kune Do. Claiming the mantle of a modernist Lee portrayed his approach as superior to "the classical mess" of traditional martial arts, favouring self-expression and formlessness over adherence to tradition.
The foundation of Lee's martial arts skill was established in around five years of dedicated training in Wing Chun kung fu under prominent master Yip Man, whose life-story has been dramatised in the recent Ip Man film trilogy. Something of a prodigy, Lee had a voracious appetite for training and learning. Where instruction was not forthcoming he would experiment and cross-pollinate by exploring other martial arts methods and integrating aspects into his approach.
As an interviewee, even when faced with ordinary questions, Lee makes a fascinating subject:
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All this adds up to a legacy like no other. The evidence of Lee's charisma, athleticism, and aspects of his philosophy survive on screen, while Bruce Lee books and merchandise continue to sell, and Jeet Kune Do and Wing Chun enjoy a degree of popularity worldwide.
The Tao of Gung Fu
This book is a posthumous publication of a collection of Bruce Lee's writings on Chinese martial arts, edited by John Little.
Tao (pronounced "dow") means way or path and signifies an approach to knowledge that cannot be grasped purely intellectually, but that can be attained through dedication and experience. It is a Chinese word, linked also to the native Chinese religion / spirituality of Taoism. Similarly, Gung Fu (an alternative spelling of kung fu) literally means skill from long practice and dedication, which could in principle apply to the practice of anything, but colloquially has come to refer to the Chinese martial arts.
In his book Bruce Lee describes his approach to the Chinese martial arts, and seeks to frame his over-arching philosophy in terms of selected pieces of ancient wisdom drawn from the classic work of Taoism, the Tao Te Ching (the "Book of the Way of Virtue").
You cannot learn martial arts from a book, but good books make useful adjuncts to study. This text is primarily intended to convey something of the mindset necessary for learning��kung fu, or at least Bruce Lee's account of what worked for him.
Lee is at his best making abstract notions accessible.
For example, he describes Yang and yin as universal opposites. Each contains an element of the other and they can be understood to complement rather than compete. To emphasise one over the other is a mistake. Lee gives the lovely physical analogy of pedalling a bicycle: it won't work if you push on both pedals at once! Linguistically, he observes that Chinese characters representing opposites often come together to form a new concept: good plus bad make quality, buying and selling together construct trade. In a martial arts context Lee instructs the student to seek out these complementary opposites: hardness / softness, attack / defence, striking / blocking. Each includes an element of the other, as illustrated in the yin-yang symbol.
Lee makes a strong case for dedicated training. The central problem of learning is that one goes from ignorance, but with the saving grace of spontaneity (assuming one isn't too inhibited) to being overly conscious and hence stilted. By sufficient practice and training one can return to spontaneity and intuitiveness, but with the advantage of now being skilled. What Lee describes aligns with the Dreyfus model of skill acquisition and the Four Stages of Competence. There's also an element of "Keep it Simple (Stupid)". One of Lee's preferred stratagems against a less skilful opponent is what he terms the stop-hit, wherein the opponent starts an attack, but the defender executes a counter-attack before the assailant has completed his technique. The beauty of the stop-hit is that the opponent is committed to a course of action, so if you can do it there's little chance of his adjusting. To be that fast you need to be reactive and lightning quick: there's certainly no time for conscious thought. The difficulty is you need to be really fast, both in reflex and execution. All of this has antecedents in the classical martial arts, but Lee explains the concepts beautifully.
The best anecdote in the book concerns Lee's personal realisation of the Taoist notion of wu wei or non-striving, that he would summarise as "be like water":
When my acute self-consciousness grew to what the psychologists refer to as the “double-bind” type, my instructor would again approach me and say, “[Bruce], preserve yourself by following the natural bends of things and don’t interfere. Remember never to assert yourself against nature; never be in frontal opposition to any problems, but control it by swinging with it. Don’t practice this week: Go home and think about it.”
After spending many hours meditating and practicing, I gave up and went sailing alone in a junk. On the sea I thought of all my past training and got mad at myself and punched the water! Right then — at that moment — a thought suddenly struck me; was not this water the very essence of gung fu? Hadn’t this water just now illustrated to me the principle of gung fu? I struck it but it did not suffer hurt. Again I struck it with all of my might — yet it was not wounded! I then tried to grasp a handful of it but this proved impossible. This water, the softest substance in the world, which could be contained in the smallest jar, only seemed weak. In reality, it could penetrate the hardest substance in the world. That was it! I wanted to be like the nature of water.
Suddenly a bird flew by and cast its reflection on the water. Right then I was absorbing myself with the lesson of the water, another mystic sense of hidden meaning revealed itself to me; should not the thoughts and emotions I had when in front of an opponent pass like the reflection of the birds flying over the water? This was exactly what Professor Yip meant by being detached — not being without emotion or feeling, but being one in whom feeling was not sticky or blocked. Therefore in order to control myself I must first accept myself by going with and not against my nature.
What a wonderful description of the thrill of discovering something personally meaningful in your training. How much better to realise this for yourself than be handed it on a plate!
Conclusion
What's so inspirational about Lee is that he was able to take what he learned through kung fu and run with it. One of my favourite proverbs is "The Master will show you one corner of the room, but it's up to you to find the other three." Bruce Lee certainly went searching for those other corners, and found some good stuff. Most of what he found was known before, but he succeeded in making what he found his own.
Much of what Bruce Lee espoused has strong antecedents in the classical martial arts, and my recommendation for a future edition would be to include some illuminating commentary and cite earlier sources.
Bruce Lee was never the last word in martial arts, but his writings and films continue to inspire.
My review copy of The Tao of Gung Fu was provided by the publisher, Tuttle.
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"Mrs. Pyke Eats Korea" The Secret's Out!
"Mrs. Pyke Eats Korea" can be seen every month
in the Chosun Taekwondo Academy newsletter
This column is from the September, 2016 newsletter
The Secret's Out!
One of my favorite salad dressings is Korean inspired. I make this dressing at least once a week if not more, just ask Hal! Most of you have tried it at our Chosun Family Picnic each year. I usually serve it with Soba noodles and everyone raves about it! Many times I am asked to share the recipe, so here you go!
Korean Sesame Dressing
6 TBS Toasted Sesame Oil
4 ½ TBS Rice Vinegar
3 TBS Mirin
¼ Cup Crushed Toasted Sesame Seeds
1 TBS Sugar
1-2 TBS Chili Garlic Sauce
Put in a jar and Shake!
This dressing is excellent with any kind of noodles. Soba is my favorite but it’s just as good served with thin linguini or Thai rice noodles. To the noodles add some chopped scallion, chopped cilantro, julienne carrots to start. To fancy it up even more add edamame or snow peas. To make a dinner out of it add seasoned pressed tofu or grilled shrimp.
My go to salad to accompany any protein is to make a slaw with the dressing. Finely shredded red or green cabbage, carrots, broccoli, red peppers, lots of chopped fresh cilantro and just toss with the dressing. But let’s be realistic… I love the already chopped Kale mixes and Shredded broccoli slaws at the grocery store. Rip open the bag and add scallion, cilantro, dressing and you are done! This salad is fabulous with BBQ Ribs or BBQ Tofu. The acidity in the dressing cuts through the richness of the pork. Totally divine!!
I hope you all enjoyed your Summer and are looking forward to a beautiful Fall.
Haengbog meogneum!!
Happy Eating
Pamela Pyke
Subscribe to the Chosun newsletter at: www.chosuntkd.com
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"Mrs. Pyke Eats Korea" Juk
"Mrs. Pyke Eats Korea" can be seen every month
in the Chosun Taekwondo Academy newsletter
This column is from the August, 2016 newsletter
Juk
Fourteen years ago Hal and I were heading out on a life changing adventure to China. We were on our way to meet our new baby daughter, Jian Yue. Little did she know that she too was on a life changing adventure! The flight to China was 23 hours long and when I awoke in the morning , being the foodie that I am I ordered a traditional Chinese breakfast. This was my first experience having Congee or as Koreans say Juk. Congee/Juk is simply rice
porridge. It was extremely plain but was served with all sorts of pickled vegetables and Chinese fried bread. It was just ok, but little did I know I would become a Congee connoisseur. This would be the meal we would order for Eleanor every day during our 3 weeks in China. All Chinese babies eat their congee along with lots of fruit. When we returned home a good friend of our family sent me a wonderful recipe for congee so I could make our own. This time though I learned to add ginger , scallions and ground chicken. It was divine. Eleanor and I would eat it every day when she was a baby.
Koreans make all kinds of Juk and I especially love Saeu-Juk, Shrimp Porridge. The flavors are so much more complex in this Korean Juk. Sesame oil ,garlic, carrots and shrimp are cooked in short grain rice till perfectly soft. Now comes the best part, we drizzle in some Fish Sauce for a kick of Umami and a beaten egg and cook till the egg is just set. I must admit I always add more than one egg!
This Juk sounds amazing to me, Kkaejuk, Sesame Seed Porridge. I haven’t made this yet because I need to go to the Korean market to get some glutinous rice flour! Sesame seeds, rice flour and water are blended till very smooth and cooked till bubbly. Then to serve,
it is topped with brown sugar and an egg yolk. My mouth is watering as I type!! I am looking forward to making this soon.
I have come across a new Korean Cookbook that is so creative and wonderful. It is called Cook Korean by Robin Han. What is so great about this book is that it is a comic book!! The recipes are all authentic and easily followed. Check it out!!
Haengbog meogneum!! Happy Eating!!
Pamela Pyke
Subscribe to the Chosun newsletter at: www.chosuntkd.com
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The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 7 #9 September, 2016
Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,
Welcome to the September edition of the Chosun Taekwondo Academy e-newsletter! It is hard to believe that we have been in our new location for six months! So much has happened and the summer offered a flurry of exciting training opportunities for all! Now as the school year begins, we look ahead to another busy season of events and classes. Please pass the word about our 19th Annual OPEN HOUSE in our new location! See details below...
CHOSUN CLOSED FOR LABOR DAY HOLIDAY:
Saturday September 3rd, Sunday September 4th and Monday September 5th.
Check out all upcoming CHOSUN events on the events page of the CHOSUN website!
View the 2015 Chosun Taekwondo Academy Retrospective
Kamsahamnida,
Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkd
HAPPY LABOR DAY!
Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 19 years!
Read the entire newsletter...
Subscribe at: www.chosuntkd.com
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The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 7 #8 August, 2016
August 1, 2016
Newsletter
News Events Updates
Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,
Welcome to the August edition of the Chosun Taekwondo Academy e-newsletter! Summer is halfway over but there are many more extra training opportunities at CHOSUN to take advantage of FREE OF CHARGE! See the list below. We are also looking ahead to September and hosting our 19th Annual OPEN HOUSE in our new location! See details below...and PLEASE HELP SPREAD THE WORD! Kamsahamnida!
Check out all upcoming CHOSUN events on the events page of the CHOSUN website!
View the 2015 Chosun Taekwondo Academy Retrospective
Kamsahamnida,
Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkd
Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 19 years!
Read the entire newsletter...
Subscribe at: www.chosuntkd.com
#Master Doug Cook#Korean cuisine#Korea Training Tour#Chosun Taekwondo Academy Leadership Team#Chosun summer programs#Chosun e-newsletter
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"Mrs. Pyke Eats Korea" Ginseng Chicken
"Mrs. Pyke Eats Korea" can be seen every month
in the Chosun Taekwondo Academy newsletter
This column is from the July, 2016 newsletter
During the hot summer months of July and August Koreans fight fire with fire! You would think you would eat Ginseng Chicken (Samgyetang) on a cold wintry night, but not in Korea! Ginseng Chicken is served at the height of summer. Long lines are seen outside the Ginseng Chicken restaurants as patrons wait to sweat away the heat of the summer. The idea behind this is if you sweat bullets as you eat this amazing meal you will cool down. This is
considered a very therapeutic experience.
A beautiful Cornish hen is stuffed with short grain rice, garlic, jube-jube (date), ginseng root and lowered into a pot of boiling water. This simmers away for about an hour. Each are served a stone pot with your own chicken. Break open the super tender chicken to reveal the sticky rice, garlic, jube-jube and ginseng root. The chicken and broth is seasoned at the table with salt and pepper. The broth is heavenly. Eating the now tender ginseng root revitalizes your entire being. On our last trip in 2014 the game was to see who could empty their stone pot completely. Cheers would abound as each person displayed their empty bowl!
This meal is easily enjoyed by Americans because it is quite mild compared to some of the more exotic flavors we experience in Korea. I have made this at home and was thrilled with the results. As my chicken simmered I added sliced ginger to the broth to kick up the flavor. So easy and super yummy!
Not all soups are served hot during the summer in Korea. Mul-naengmyeon is a soup that is served icy cold. We experienced a bowl of this at lunch with Master Ahn. A sweet and tangy icy broth served with chewy buckwheat noodles, radish and beef brisket. It was so unusual! I thought I was drinking a salad!
Please consider experiencing these amazing soups with us on our tour in 2016. An adventure awaits your palate and your Taekwondo practice.
Haengbog meogneum !
Happy Eating!
Mrs. Pyke
Subscribe to newsletter at: www.chosuntkd.com
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The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 7 #7 July, 2016
July 1, 2016
Newsletter
News Events Updates
Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,
Welcome to the July edition of the Chosun Taekwondo Academy e-newsletter! With summer in full swing...there is a full schedule of summer events at CHOSUN. Take advantage of the great outdoors and don't miss our annual Summer Training in the Warwick Town Park, Youth Training and Korean Arts & Crafts and don't forget to mark your calendar for the third annual Chosun picnic on Sunday August 7, 2016.
Please take note of Chosun 2016 Summer Schedule which will included in your July invoice and online as of July 1, 2016
View the 2015 Chosun Taekwondo Academy Retrospective
Kamsahamnida,
Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkd
Happy Independence Day!
Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 19 years!
Read entire newsletter
Subscribe at: www.chosuntkd.com
#Totally Taekwondo Magazine#taekwondo#self-defense#Master Doug Cook#martial arts#Leadership Team#Korea Training Tour#Chosun summer programs#Chosun e-newsletter
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Why I Choose to Study in the Martial Arts (Tae Kwon Do is not only for Kids)
White Belt Essay by Cherie Durgin
When I am asked a question regarding the reason I chose a certain decision or direction for my children, the answer is typically not difficult to answer. I simply state what was on my mind at that time and how it would benefit my child. However, the question regarding why I chose Martial Arts for myself is not as easy an answer as I had anticipated. People have asked me why I decided to join, and my answer was never clear. My initial response has been along the lines of, "I am not really sure. I guess it was to join my children in this challenge." I was not really sure how to express the exact reason I chose to study the
Martial Arts for myself that does not include the unoriginal answer of it "providing a mental and physical challenge." It just felt right at the time. This uncertainty bothered
me. Staring at a blank page without thoughts overflowing was unexpected. However, the more I thought about it, the more I realized why. As parents, our children come first.
The choice to put my children into Martial Arts was easy. I realized the benefits it would provide them. As years went on, I have seen individual growth in different ways. Each child has strengths that are being enhanced and weaknesses that are being challenged. The benefits I predicted that Tae Kwon Do would offer them have become a reality, plus more. They continue to grow each time they attend class. Every class I was able to watch, I was intrigued with what they were learning. I was disappointed when I was unable to stay as I needed to be somewhere else. Little did I know that this was a growing urge of wanting to participate in something that I simply thought was an enjoyment in observing.
After some time, it dawned on me that the benefits my children were gaining out of Tae Kwon Do were things that I realized I could use in my life, as well. The meditation helps them remain still and focused for a period of time, reflecting only on the present and mentally preparing for what was ahead of them in that hour. The physical movements of stretching and forms help their balance, coordination, mental processing, and concentration. The self defense skills benefit them to become more agile and aware of the unexpected challenges (physical or mental), they will face as they grow. Their spirit, perseverance and confidence only increase as they work toward their next belt. The appreciation of the Korean culture and history is naturally something that I feel my children need. The vocabulary and lessons learned in class help them to recognize and appreciate the Korean culture which, of course, is already part of their identity. It is difficult to pinpoint each and every reason why Tae Kwon Do is such a beneficial practice as the list is endless. It improves the whole body and mind. I enjoyed watching my children receive these benefits through Tae Kwon Do, and I finally realized something that surprised me: It was my turn.
As most parents would agree, our children are our priority. They come first in every important decision we make. It does not come natural for us to think about ourselves or especially to take time to ponder what benefits us in our decisions. It is not natural for us to dissect the reason of why we choose to make a commitment, if we even make them at all. Joining Tae Kwon Do looked like a quick, "on the whim" decision. Friends were surprised when I joined as was my husband. In actuality, the desire was always there but the justification to do it was not. I realize now, and especially after attending a number of classes, that joining Tae Kwon Do is a life changing decision. It is absolutely something I enjoy sharing with my children. But, most importantly, it was a personal decision to commit to something that would ultimately benefit, challenge, change, and improve...ME. It is my turn.
#traditional taekwondo#self-improvement#self-confidence#parents#meditation#martial arts#Chosun Taekwondo Academy test essay
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"Mrs. Pyke Eats Korea" Gamja Saelleodeu
"Mrs. Pyke Eats Korea" can be seen every month
in the Chosun Taekwondo Academy newsletter
This column is from the June, 2016 newsletter
Here’s a fun Korean dish that would go well with any cookout this summer. So in honor of Memorial Day Weekend here is a recipe for Gamja Saelleodeu, Korean potato salad.
I first tasted this dish at a fabulous lunch we had after training with Grand Master Lee. We entered a beautiful post and beam farmhouse style restaurant and were seated on the floor in the traditional style of dining. The table was filled with a plethora of Banchan, the small side dishes that accompany any Korean meal. One of the dishes was Potato Salad. I thought it seemed odd… potato salad is so American. Well I was in for a surprise!! The Gamja Saelleodeo was so icy cold and soft. The potatoes were more mashed than chunky and the dressing was super sweet due to the fact that some sugar and apple are added. A great compliment to the highly spicy and fermented Banchans on the table. Everyone at our end of the table gobbled it right up! I recall we asked if there was any more potato salad at the other end of the table and if there was to please pass it down!!
Gamja Saelleodeu is served at every Korean restaurant here in the states. So don’t hesitate when you see it!
Here is a recipe from my new favorite Korean cookbook, KOREATOWN for Gamja Saelleodeu.
2 eggs
2 large russets, peeled and halved
1 teaspoon sugar
2 teaspoons kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 apple (Fugi or Gala)
½ cup drained canned corn
1 medium carrot, cut small dice
¾ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoon Biofeel or Yakuitt yogurt drink(optional)
1. Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add eggs and boil for 12 minutes. Run them under cold water to cool, and then peel. Separate the whites from the yolk and small dice the whites. Crumble the egg yolks and reserve them for garnish.
2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Boil the potatoes for 15-20 minutes till fork tender.
3. While still warm, mash the potatoes with a fork, leaving a few larger chunks for texture. Place the potatoes in a bowl and mix in the sugar, salt and pepper. Set aside to cool.
4. Core and cut the apple into small dice. To the bowl with the smashed potatoes add the egg whites, corn, carrot, mayonnaise and the yogurt drink and mix well. Add more salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with the crumbled egg yolks.
Enjoy and have a fabulous summer. And remember don’t be afraid to try new taste sensations!!
Haeng bog meogneum !!
Pamela Pyke
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The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 7 #6 June, 2016
June 1, 2016
Newsletter
News Events Updates
Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,
Welcome to the June edition of the Chosun Taekwondo Academy e-newsletter! After the flurry of opening events in April, we took a short breather and then on to the summer schedule of events at CHOSUN. Taking advantage of the great outdoors, don't miss our annual Summer Training in the Warwick Town Park, Youth Training and Korean Arts & Crafts and the third annual Chosun picnic.
Please take note of Chosun 2016 Summer Schedule which will included in your July invoice and online as of July 1, 2016
View the 2015 Chosun Taekwondo Academy Retrospective
Kamsahamnida,
Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkandd
Happy Father's Day!
Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 19 years!
Read entire newsletter...
Subscribe at: www.chosuntkd.com
#traditional taekwondo.#Master Doug Cook#martial arts#Leadership Team#Korean cuisine#Korea Training Tour#Chosun summer programs#Chosun e-newsletter#Belt Promotion Test
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"Mrs. Pyke Eats Korea" Japgokbap
"Mrs. Pyke Eats Korea" can be seen every month
in the Chosun Taekwondo Academy newsletter
This column is from the May, 2016 newsletter
Tucked away in the quiet town of Salisbury Mills New York is the Korean Buddhist Wonkaksa Temple. This is where we had an amazing seminar with Grand Master Chun some years back. I was a red belt at the time.
At this seminar Grand Master Chun revealed to us Kibon Five. It was an exciting day. There was a wonderful traditional lunch served after the seminar and after every Sunday Dharma service prepared by the women of the Sangha (community). This is where I experienced Japgokbap for the first time. It is rice, but what kind? Japgokbap is a beautiful lavender colored rice that tastes divine. It is soft and sticky with a little sweetness. Perfect wrapped in Gim ( toasted seasoned seaweed).
I turned to my You Tube friend Maangchi to find out what it is. She explained that it is a combination of short grain rice, barley, sweet brown rice and black sweet rice.
After measuring out the ingredients you need to let the mixture soak in water for two hours. This is a crucial step so you must plan ahead or it wont cook properly. After soaking set the pot to medium heat and cook for ten minutes. Then you stir, cover and cook for twelve additional minutes. Fluff the rice with a rice paddle and serve immediately.
The color is a perfect lavender. The color will deepen to purple when you add more sweet black rice. It is up to you to determine how dramatic you want the Japgokbap to be. Traditionally it is always served with seasoned seaweed (Gim).
This goes very well with Sundub-jjigae, a spicy soft tofu stew.
I highly recommend a trip to Korean Buddhist Wonkaksa Temple. You can go to the Sunday service at 11:30 am and then enjoy a fabulous Korean lunch afterward. The grounds are beautiful and you can admire the giant Bronze Buddha’s. The new Temple is still under construction.
Wonkaksa Temple
260 Clove Rd.
Salisbury Mills, NY. 12577
Sunday service 11:30 am all are welcome.
Haengbog Meogneum,
Pamela Pyke
Subscribe to the CHOSUN newsletter at: www.chosuntkd.com
#Wonkaksa Temple#taekwondo#Mrs. Pyke#martial arts#Korean culture#Korean cuisine#Chosun Taekwondo Academy
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The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 7 #5 May, 2016
May 1, 2016
Newsletter
News Events Updates
Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,
Welcome to the May edition of the Chosun Taekwondo Academy e-newsletter! The month of April was chock full of events for CHOSUN students, and community members. From yoga to women's self defense and hapkido, there was something for everyone. The culmination of the month featured our Grand Relocation Celebration and gave CHOSUN students, families, friends and colleagues a chance to mark this very special milestone in the history of the Chosun Taekwondo Academy... Congratulations CHOSUN!!!!!
Please take note of upcoming 2016 Test dates listed below...
View the 2015 Chosun Taekwondo Academy Retrospective
Kamsahamnida,
Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkandd
Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 19 years!
Read the entire newsletter...
Subscribe at: www.chosuntkd.com
#women's self-defense#Totally Taekwondo Magazine#taekwondo#Master Doug Cook#martial arts#Grandmaster Richard Chun#Chosun Taekwondo Academy#Chosun e-newsletter#Black Belt Test
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10 Reasons I keep practicing Jiu Jitsu
One question I often get asked when I catch up with old friends is "Are you still doing jiu-jitsu?". It's fair to ask, since I've been studying it (at time of writing) for almost 25 years – essentially all of my adult life – which bespeaks a certain dedication, or at least dogged persistence.
What I don't get asked – but I'll tell you in a moment! – is why I keep going. I started martial arts because I was inspired by martial arts movies to learn some self-defence and improve my health and fitness. After trying out a few martial arts I stuck with jiu-jitsu because there was clearly lots to learn and I found the instruction method highly effective, despite my lack of conspicuous talent.
But the reasons one starts a martial art inevitably shift as you move from expectations and introductory experiences to sustained engagement and appreciation. In the remainder of this post I will try to give the reader a sense of why I've kept going for more than two decades.
Many of these reasons don't just apply to jiu-jitsu, but to martial arts more generally, and overlap with other disciplines such as yoga.
1. A workout for the mind and the body
When I hear people gushing about going to the gym, running, cross-fit, or whatever I can't help but think "that's great, but I'd rather spend my discretionary time doing more jiu-jitsu". Jiu-jitsu systematically develops strength, balance, flexibility, fluidity and coordination in the pursuit of martial proficiency. Through martial arts training I get the physical benefits of regular exercise, and I learn self-defence, develop my mental sharpness, and much more.
2. Challenge
Jiu-jitsu isn't easy. It's humbling. You learn to re-coordinate your body. You learn the basic drills. You fall (a lot). You realise that you're not going to learn to do anything "right" any time soon, but rather progressively refine, and get stuck for long periods with particular techniques before the next breakthrough comes. But when you struggle, and strive, and hang in there, and then eventually something clicks, and you make the breakthrough it really is a great feeling. And it still happens to me to this day.
3. Practicality
Jiu-jitsu is grounded in a practical and profound approach to self-defence. We learn to fall safely: I've fallen off push-bikes (sometimes spectacularly) and slipped up while inline-skating several times over the years. Every time this has happened I've performed a reflexive roll or breakfall and come away with no more than a graze.
For self-defence, we are drilled against the most common scenarios until they become reflexive. Additionally, the breadth of jiu-jitsu means there's scope to respond appropriately to the exigencies of the situation: from using simple tricks to escape from an unwelcome grab to restraining aggressors with locks and holds to more serious scenarios, experienced jiu-jitsu practitioners can respond in a way commensurate to the level of threat.
4. Fun and Camaraderie
Plenty of drills involve refining your technique, helping others learn, or engaging in friendly competition. It's immensely satisfying to be able to use technique and skill to overcome raw strength and speed.
I also enjoy getting together with people of diverse backgrounds to pursue a common passion.
5. Teaching
Our approach to teaching and learning jiu-jitsu is extremely effective: both systematic enough to support diverse learners and supportive (as time goes on) of individual exploration and expression. It's extremely rewarding to see things click as students and training partners progress on their martial arts journeys.
6. To pass on the art
I can't help but feel an immense debt of gratitude to my instructors and training partners. And the most fitting way to acknowledge that debt is to pay it forward through my teaching and training with others. It's humbling to be a link in a chain stretching back into history, and (hopefully) forward well into the future.
7. Stress-relief
Traditional martial arts have many ritualistic and meditative aspects. Paying our respects, being courteous, and carrying out our responsibilities creates a safe atmosphere and environment for practice. Many martial arts sequences, done well, embody a meditative aspect. We train to go beyond the fight / flight / freeze reaction and cultivate a calm yet alert state in which our perception is clear and our actions are effective.
8. There's always more to learn
The breadth and depth of jiu-jitsu means that it's not just a matter of repeating a small number of drills. With a technical syllabus that spans throws, joint-locks, immobilisations, strangles, striking, escaping from holds, and self-defence applications against unarmed and armed opponents, even after decades of training there's always some area to refine. And, a bit like an onion, once you've grasped one element, there's always another layer to peel back revealing a new aspect.
My late master also built in bridges from jiu-jitsu into other martial arts, so there are commonalities and variations to explore. Truly more than enough for a life-time's study!
9. You can keep getting better with age
Although it is difficult to start jiu-jitsu when you're older, barring serious illness or injury, if you are reasonably accomplished it's feasible to keep going and keep getting better at it. The occasional soft tissue injury takes longer to heal after the mid-thirties, but strength, speed and balance can be maintained to an advanced age, while sensitivity and coordination and efficiency of technique get better and better with dedicated practice. Compared to the youngsters one may not have the same amount of energy, but one is able to use it more effectively and efficiently.
10. Application to life
Beyond learning to fall safely, developing effective methods of self-defence, and staying fit and healthy, I've come to regard jiu-jitsu as a metaphor for many other aspects of life.
Getting up after falling is a constant reminder of the need for grit and resilience. Struggling with a particular technique teaches persistence. Bowing and acknowledging your partner is a reminder of the importance of not taking others for granted. Doing the same warm-ups every session year-in, year-out has taught me to appreciate consistency and subtle variation (and to work through boredom). The strategies for physical combat have analogues in non-violent conflict. The mental training from martial arts prepares you to be focussed and effective in the other crises that life occasionally delivers.
* * *
This post isn't meant to be say that jiu-jitsu is the be all and end all, but rather to state what some of its great benefits have been for me over a substantive period.
My main wish is that more people would consider dedicating some of their discretionary time to jiu-jitsu and similar activities (not just martial arts) that will help them stay healthy and develop as people and help others develop similarly.
When Jigoro Kano founded judo as a way of preserving jiu-jitsu for future generations, he envisaged three levels (in ascending order):
To teach self-defence and physical health
To develop people socially by helping each other to improve
To make the world a better place
One hundred and thirty-four years on, that's still a vision I can get behind.
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"Mrs. Pyke Eats Korea" Jeon
"Mrs. Pyke Eats Korea" can be seen every month
in the Chosun Taekwondo Academy newsletter
This column is from the March, 2016 newsletter
Jeon, Korean Pancake
When we say let’s have pancakes we envision fluffy stacks, dripping with butter and maple syrup. Strawberries, blueberries and whipped cream! A hot cup of coffee and the New York Times. Say let’s have pancakes in Korea and it’s a “Savory” heaven. Potato, Kimchi, Scallion and Seafood, always served with a soy and vinegar dipping sauce. Nothing could be more satisfying than a Jeon, Korean pancake.
Jeon (pancake) can be prepared as one large pancake to share or tiny bite sized medallions. Usually served as a snack with beer or as a side dish (Banchan).
One of my favorite memories of eating Jeon was on our Korea 2012 trip. We arrived at a small roadside restaurant that served only Jeon. The placed was filled with boisterous families enjoying beer and Jeon. They were so surprised and delighted to see this huge crowd of Americans descend upon their local Jeon hot spot! The fathers at one table were pretty much three sheets to the wind and kept toasting us over and over again! We all sat at a traditional low table on the floor and enjoyed an amazing time and meal.
We enjoyed three types of Jeon. A large Gamjajeon (Potato Pancake) was served. So different than a crispy shredded potato pancake that we are accustomed to, served with sour cream and apple sauce. The Gamjajeon are made with a raw potato puree and scallions and sauted till golden on each side. They are so chewy and gooey at the same time. We were then served Pajeon (Scallion Pancake). It was divine. Loaded with whole scallions and a small amount of a flour and egg batter. These are also sauted till golden brown. Last but not least, Haemul-pajeon, Seafoo Scallion Pancake. Super yummy and loaded withsquid and shrimp. This is one of my favorites and you will see this pancake served at almost any Korean restaurant in the U.S.A. As I mentioned before the Jeon is served with a soy sauce and vinegar dipping sauce.
Any vegetable such as zucchini that is coated in flour and dipped in egg is considered a pancake in Korea. I would say close to every meal we ate in Korea was served with Ban Chan (all the little side dishes) and Jeon was always one of these dishes. We had the Hobakjeon (zucchini pancake) many times and also Dongtaejeon (Pollock Pancake). This was a favorite of mine. A Korean fish fry!
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#taekwondo#Mrs. Pyke#korean pancake#Korean martial arts#Korean culture#Korean cuisine#Jeon#Chosun e-newsletter
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Korea Destinations Gyeongbok Palace
article by Jeff Rosser, appeared in the Chosun Taekwondo Academy March 2016 newsletter
Gyeongbok Palace
Gyeongbokgung, or Gyeongbok Palace, is the largest and quite possibly most well-known palace in all of Korea. Located in Northern Seoul, this palace stands as a reminder of the greatness of the Joseon Dynasty. Not only was it a palace, but it was also like a city unto
itself and was one of the first major structures built in Hanseong, modern day Seoul, which was the capital of the Joseon Kingdom. This palace was constructed in 1394 by King Taejo who was the founder and first king of Joseon. Since its construction however, the palace has been destroyed multiple times over the past 425 years by the Japanese. As a result, many of the buildings standing today are newer restorations of the palace’s former grandeur.
Located in the Gwanghwamun neighborhood of Seoul, this palace is easy to get to, is nearby numerous other sites and museums, and features a breathtaking backdrop with Bugak Mountain rising over the palace from the rear. To get to Gyeongbokgung, take Seoul Subway Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station and go to exit 5. The palace is closed every Tuesday but is open on most major holidays.
About the author:
Jeff W. Rosser is a teacher, martial arts instructor, and writer in South Korea. He’s a former AAU U.S.A. National Karate Team member and has competed internationally in Karate and Taekwondo. He also has over 24 years of experience in Karate, Taekwondo, Hapkido, Ju-Jutsu, and Judo. He’s a columnist for Taekwondo Times (“The Hidden Art”), a monthly contributor to Totally Taekwondo Magazine, and the author of “Combative
Elbow Strikes: A Guide to Strikes, Blocks, Locks, and Take Downs” published by Turtle Press. Contact: [email protected] (Email), www.mawriter.webs.com (website)
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Brilliant Illustrations of Martial Arts Principles
Anthony Cheung has been compiling wonderful illustrated notes on the principles of Chen style taijiquan, and more broadly too!
Great stuff: check it out: http://brisbanechentaichi.weebly.com/skill-knowledge.html
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