#213 November 2016 by TaeKwon-Do Times

November 2016

Evolving to Strengthen Future Generations Netflixâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Daredevil Stuntman

Dr. He-Young Kimm Leo Fong & Jeff Jeds

KOREA TRADITIONAL MARTIAL ARTS FEDERATION KOREA TRADITIONAL MARTIAL ARTS FEDERATION KOREA TRADITIONAL MARTIAL ARTS FEDERATION KOREA TRADITIONAL MARTIAL ARTS FEDERATION

Grandmaster Grandmaster Park Sa Kyu Grandmaster KiPark Cheon Mun Park Kyu SaSa Kyu Grandmaster Ki Cheon Mun KiPark Cheon Mun Sa Kyu Ki Cheon Mun U.

Grandmaster Grandmaster Seol Jeok Un Grandmaster Sunmudo Seol Jeok Seol Jeok UnUn Grandmaster Sunmudo Sunmudo Seol Jeok Un TRAINING Sunmudo SEMINAR

Grandmaster Grandmaster Kimm He-Young Grandmaster Han Mu Do Kimm He-Young Kimm He-Young Grandmaster Han Mu Han He-Young Mu DoDo Kimm NOV.Han 11—13, Mu Do 2016

Grandmaster Grandmaster Grandmaster Grandmaster Jeong Gyeong Hwa Kang Tae Won Grandmaster Grandmaster Taek Geon Poong Ryu Seon Do Jeong Gyeong Hwa Kang Tae Won Jeong Gyeong Hwa Kang Tae Won Grandmaster Grandmaster Taek Geon Poong Ryu Seon Do Taek GeonHwa Poong Jeong Gyeong KangRyu TaeSeon WonDo BATONTaek ROUGE, Geon LOUISIANA Poong Ryu Seon Do

S. TRAININGSEMINAR SEMINARNOV. NOV.11—13, 11—13,2016 2016BATON BATONROUGE, ROUGE,LOUISIANA LOUISIANA U.U.S.S.TRAINING PRESENTED BY DR. HE-YOUNG KIMM AND THE HAN DO GROUP U. S. TRAINING SEMINAR NOV. 11—13, 2016 BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA PRESENTEDBYBYDR. DR.HE-YOUNG HE-YOUNGKIMM KIMMAND ANDTHE THEHAN HANDO DOGROUP GROUP PRESENTED PRE-REGISTREGISTRATION BEFORE SEPT. 30. $199.00. AFTER SEPT. 30, 2016, $220.00 PRESENTED BY DR. HE-YOUNG KIMM AND THE HAN DO GROUP PRE-REGISTREGISTRATION PRE-REGISTREGISTRATIONBEFORE BEFORESEPT. SEPT.30. 30.$199.00. $199.00.AFTER AFTERSEPT. SEPT.30, 30,2016, 2016,$220.00 $220.00 PRE-REGISTREGISTRATION BEFORE SEPT. 30. $199.00. AFTER SEPT. 30, 2016, $220.00

QUALIFICATIONS: OPEN TO ALL RANKS AND MARTIAL ART STYLES QUALIFICATIONS: OPEN ALL RANKS AND MARTIAL QUALIFICATIONS: OPENTO TO ALL RANKS AND MARTIAL ARTSTYLES STYLES HOW TO REGISTER: Applicants who register before September 30ART will pay $199.00. QUALIFICATIONS: OPEN TO ALL RANKS AND MARTIAL ART STYLES HOW HOWTO TOREGISTER: REGISTER:Applicants Applicantswho whoregister registerbefore beforeSeptember September3030will willpay pay$199.00. $199.00. For registration packetApplicants or furtherwho information, contact info@hanmudo.com or HOW TO REGISTER: register before September 30 will pay $199.00.

For registration information, oror ForHan registration packetororfurther further information, contactinfo@hanmudo.com info@hanmudo.com World Mu Do packet Association, 4816, Jamestowncontact Avenue, Baton Rouge, Louisiana For registration packet or further information, contact info@hanmudo.com or World 4816, Jamestown Avenue, Baton Rouge, Louisiana WorldHan HanMu MuDo DoAssociation, Association, 4816, Jamestown Avenue, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808, or call (225) 924-2837. World Han Mu Do Association, 4816, Jamestown Avenue, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808, or call (225) 924-2837. 70808, or call (225) 924-2837. Registration after September 30, 2016, be $229.00. Only 100 applicants will be 70808, or callwill(225) 924-2837. Registration after accepted, Septemberso30, 2016,early! will beSpectator $229.00. Only 100 applicants will be register $20.00 Registration after September 30, 2016, will be $229.00.fee:Only 100 applicants will be Registration after accepted, Septemberso30, 2016,early! will beSpectator $229.00.fee: Only 100 applicants will be register $20.00 accepted,soACCOMMODATIONS: soregister registerearly! early!Spectator Spectatorfee: fee:$20.00 $20.00 accepted,

ACCOMMODATIONS: Embassy Suites Hotel, $119.00 per night per suite, up to three people. Continental ACCOMMODATIONS: ACCOMMODATIONS: Embassy Suites Hotel, $119.00 per night per suite, up to three people. Continental breakfast included! Seminar to per beperheld inper thesuite, hotel room Han Mu EmbassySuites SuitesHotel, Hotel, $119.00 night per suite,upconvention uptotothree threepeople. people.and Continental Embassy $119.00 night Continental breakfast included! Seminar to be held in the hotel convention room and Han Mu Headquarters at 4816 Ave., Baton Rouge, 70808 breakfastDo included! Seminar heldininthe thehotel hotelconvention convention room andHan HanMu Mu breakfast included! Seminar totobebeJamestown held room and Do Headquarters at 4816 Jamestown Ave., Baton Rouge, 70808 DoHeadquarters Headquartersatat4816 4816Jamestown JamestownAve., Ave.,Baton BatonRouge, Rouge,70808 70808 Do

Contents

Nov 2016 / Volume 36 No. 6 / Issue Number 214

Features 12

Dr. He-Young Kimm- “MAY-DAY, MAY-DAY: The Travels of Dr. He-Young Kimm During May, 2016” The founder of the Han Mu Do Association spends a month traveling the world, participating in conferences, seminars, and other events.

Alex Gillis- “Daredevil Stuntman Dares to be Different” The stuntman for this Netflix series is known for acrobatic stunts that showcase the precision and control learned from years of Karate and Tae Kwon Do.

Joy Worley- “One Woman’s Dream Became Reality” An early interest in martial arts leads to a many accomplishments and a desire to give back.

Robert Barnes- “The Real Miyagi” A recently released documentary showcases the life of the man behind the character in the well-known film.

Master Guy Edward Larke- “A Promise Fulfilled: Martial World Game Sees Life in America’s Dojangs” A martial artist from a rough background creates games that bring people together.

David Higgs- “Writing Taekwondo History” The mutual love of a master and student for the martial arts and history forms the basis for a collaboration on various writing projects.

Susan O’Connor- “Yoga for Kids” There are measurable physiological and psychological benefits to teaching Yoga to children.

Angela Tortora- “Discovering Myself through Tae Kwon Do” An accidental beginning leads to self-discovery and a love of competition.

Cover- “Evolving to Strengthen Future Generations” From an inauspicious beginning, Chief Master Stephen Westbrook goes on to worldwide success in the American Taekwondo Association.

Leo Fong- “The Origin of Wei Kuen Do Stick Boxing” Wei Kuen Do is an integrated martial art that focuses on versatile and spontaneous expression of technique.

Jeff Jeds- “JEDOKAN-Way of the Versatile Warrior” The JEDOKAN system is a family-oriented system geared toward versatility and self-actualization.

Publisher & CEO Woojin Jung Managing Editor Dom Franco Business Manager Carolin Long Graphic Designer Carolin Long Vice Presidents Dr. He-Young Kimm Dr. George Vitale John Lee Ken MacKenzie Columnists

Bohdi Sanders Guy Edward Larke Terry Wisniewski Rondy Mckee Dr. Tae Yun Kim Karen Eden John Kerwin Noly Caluag

Lead Corespondent Guy Edward Larke

Contributors

Luis Maravi Maurice Elmalem Donivan Blair Park Jung Hwan David Higgs Kathrin Sumpter Suzanne Louden Mark Buckwalter Kang Shin Chul Kayla Fisher Brian Hoﬀ Jessen Noviello Brittany Mosier David Ippen Rahim Mastafa Jane Dillon Rodger Pyle Trina Pellegrini Timothy Harrison Neil Farber Gm John Pellegrini Dr. Leo Chung Harish Anand Dave Scott Erica Linthorst Oscar Gutiérrez-Junco John Godwin Scott Yates

General Advisors Jhoon Rhee Jin Suk Yang Hee Il Cho Woon Chick Park Chuck Sereff Soo Nam Park

Guy Edward Larke Rick Rojeck Tiger Kim Kwang Sik Myung Public Relations Jung Oh Hwang Taek Sung Cho

Michelle Kim General Education Alexander Choi Byungchul Kim Yong Bum Kim Event Coordinator Jun Pyo Choi

Sung Yong Ji Song Son Yu Martial Art Tech. Jae Kyung Kim Scott Greca Barry Harmon Jamie Serio

Dojang Operations Mike Menters Marshall Pereir Alex Suh Donald C. Kimm Marketing Director Scott Warner

Lisa Warner International Department Kwang Jo Choi David Moon Jin Suk Yang (WTF) Yong Son Ri (ITF)

International Correspondents Asia: Changsub Shin Europe: Bum Ju Lee Africa:

Robin Rafferty Argentina: Ricardo Desimone South America: Jose Luis Giarone Australia: Tam Fook Chee

Founded in 1980 by Chung E. Kim

TIMES

Tr i - M o u n t P u b l i c a t i o n s I

Circulation & Business Offices 1510 Mt. Vernon Rd. SE Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52403 USA (319) 396-1980 Editorial Offices editor@taekwondotimes.com Advertising Offices business@taekwondotimes.com

Aiko Jeds- “The Gifts of Martial Arts Training” Training in martial arts contribute to an understanding of self-discipline, diligence and perseverance.

Renegine Alejo- “Growing As a Martial Artist” JEDOKAN provides a sense of belonging and direction in life along with the ability to overcome trials.

Lyn Bee- “Possibilities Ahead” Training in JEDOKAN provides the impetus for a career in nursing.

Lady Lallaine Reed- “Reed’s Active Martial Arts & Wellness Club LLC” This couple, with their eclectic backgrounds and skills, help people realize the benefits of wellness.

Paul Pinckard- “A Fascinating Journey” Studying the martial arts saves a life and leads to an involvement in martial arts action films.

David Deich- “Sifu Shane Lear-Founder of Gen Yuan Kempo” Gen Yuan Kempo combines a variety of martial and healing studies into a seamless blend of martial arts and healing.

William F. Randolph, Jr- “The Lost Art of the Ax Kick” (Part Two) The remaining drills for this challenging and versatile technique are illustrated.

Michael Rowe- “Becoming a Black Belt Communicator” An understanding of verbal and nonverbal communication can potentially deter a physical altercation.

“Master Shin Chul Kang’s Namchang Dojang” The Namchang Dojang derives its extraordinary success from its philosophy and training methods.

Columns 17 32 63 68 73 78

Kick it with Kerwin / Interview with Wesam Keesh Heart to Heart / Letter to the Readers The Joy of Breaking / Let them BREAK!! The Way of the Warrior / Beyond Technique Woman of the Times / 20 Years as a Columnist Business / No Obstacles (Part One)

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Publisher’s Page News Martial Arts Directory

Departments

TAEKWONDO TIMES, is published bi-monthly, (January, March, May, July, September, and November) by Tri-Mount Publications, Inc., Corporate Headquarters, circulation and fulfillment offices located at 1510 Mt. Vernon Rd SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403 (319-3961980). Editorial and advertising 1510 Mt. Vernon Rd SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403 email: info@taekwondotimes.com 319-396-1980. 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 TAEKWONDO TIMES upon notification of their publication. Printed in the United States by J.B. Kenehan Printing Company. Periodical postage paid at Cedar Rapids, IA 52403 and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER, Send address changes to TAEKWONDO TIMES, 1510 Mt. Vernon Rd SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403. Copyright © 2016 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.

Publisher’s Page Don’t Lose the Art The 2016 Summer Olympics have just ended. Many people have complained that the TaeKwonDo competitions are not enjoyable to watch. They say the matches are boring. Why is that? In my opinion, the rules are a mistake. Competitors only touch the electronic chest protectors. This is not true competition. They use a front kick to touch the chest protector and get a point. Then they do the same thing again for another point. A human judge is better. Most other sports use human judges, not electronic machines. The competitors repeat the same kicks over and over. They do not show a variety of techniques. They do not showcase the multitude of techniques that Tae Kwon Do is famous for. My suggestion is to award a point for a front or side kick, for example. Then require the competitor to execute a different kick, not the same kick again. Show a reverse kick, a jumping back kick, or some other kick for two points. Many competitors don’t even bother to hold their hands up to block.

November 2016 / taekwondotimes.com

They rarely use hand techniques. Here too, a competitor could be required to use a different technique after being awarded a point for a punch to the mid-section. The competitors should show the variety and artistry of Tae Kwon Do techniques, not just go for the easy points. It is a problem that Korea, Tae Kwon Do’s home country, has devoted too much attention to sport. Tae Kwon Do in Korea is 95% sport. The art has been lost. For sport, tests and degrees are not important. No one would need a Kukkiwon certificate. Currently, the Kukkiwon is too involved in political games. The ITF and WTF presidents shook hands and signed an agreement two years ago. But they haven’t progressed beyond that point. The ITF was founded first. We need the organizations to work together. Also, the Kukkiwon Committee is currently made up of Koreans exclusively. The committee should include people from all over the world, in percentages according to their populations. The committee should be 80-90% non-Koreans. That would be fair.

Call the business offififfiifice to pick up your copies today! 319-396-1980 or online at www.taekwondotimes.com.

Martial Art News

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World Karate Union Hall of Fame 2016 The 21st annual World Karate Union Hall of Fame awards ceremony brought hundreds of martial arts practitioners from all styles together in the Poconos of Pennsylvania this summer. Award recipients this year include TKDT columnist Master Karen Eden of Denver, Colorado, who was inducted with a “Lifetime Achievement” award. Also 10th Dan, Shihan Gary Alexander of Edison New Jersey was the recipient of the “Most Distinguished Board Member” award. And rightly so. Gary is a Karate pioneer, with over 50 years experience in Isshinryu and close-body combat skills. A former Marine combat instructor, Gary is also Karate’s first international champion, competing and winning in 1962. Over 120 inductions were presented at The Chateau resort in the Pocono Mountains. Recipients were nominated from as far away as South America, Russia, the Caribbean, Canada and Australia. This an annual event is organized and hosted by Frank and his son Trevor Tasetano. It was Frank’s wife Kathi Tasetano who had this vision 21 years ago. She has since succumbed to cancer, but today her legacy lives on with scholarships awarded to many black belts in her name.

1. TKDT columnist Karen Eden receives the Lifetime Achievement Award. Pictured with TKDT contributor Ken MacKenzie. 2. Master A.J. Perry from Cleveland teaches a seminar on proper sweeping techniques. 3. 10th Dan, 81-year-old Gary Alexander teaches a seminar on close body combat techniques and weapons.

4. World Karate Union attendees and award recipients for 2016.

5. 10th Dan and Karate pioneer Gary Alexander doing a take-down.

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November 2016 / taekwondotimes.com

2016 World Martial Arts Masterships to Be Held in Cheongju CHEONGJU, Korea-The 2016 World Martial Arts Masterships are scheduled to take place from September 2-8, just as this issue of TaeKwonDo Times goes to press. Lee, Si Jong, Chairperson of the 2016 Cheongju World Martial Arts Masterships Organizing Committee, says, “The World Martial Arts Masterships [are] under the theme of Harmony of the World Martial Arts. [The event] is comparable to the Olympics and serves as a traditional martial arts competition that [focuses] on eastern and western forms of martial arts. Moreover, the World Martial Arts Masterships will be the most authoritative international martial arts competition in the future. Just as Athens has become famous as the venue of the 1st Olympic Games in 1896, Cheongju City, Chungcheongbuk-do will be the birthplace of the martial arts Olympics.” The event slogan is ”Martial Arts for One World, One World for Martial Arts.” Among the martial arts included are Muay Thai, Wushu, Jiu-Jitsu, Sambo, Kurash, Taekkyeon and Tae Kwon Do. The event is strongly supported by their provincial government. The organizers expect over 2,000 participants from some 60 countries.

Judges Walk Out of Tournament WASHINGTON D.C.-At the Second Korean Ambassador’s Cup all 42 judges walked out halfway through the event.

Kayla Harrison Wins Second Gold, Retires RIO DE JANEIRO-Kayla Harrison won her second Olympic gold medal in Judo after beating France’s Audrey Tcheumeo. She gave a thumbs-up, blew a kiss to the crowd, took a bow and sang the national anthem. “I’m happy,” she said. “I’m retired—as two-time Olympic champion. That’s it.” Harrison became the first U.S. judoka to win backto-back Olympic medals of any kind. At the London Olympics in 2012, she was the first Team USA athlete to win a gold medal in Judo.

Karate in 2020 Olympics The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has agreed to add Karate and four other sports (baseball/softball, skateboard, sports climbing and surfing) to the sports programme for the Olympic Games to be held in Tokyo in 2020.

taekwondotimes.com / November 2016

Martial Art News

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Alexandria Hampton Brings Home Bronze for U.S. at World Taekwondo Championships.

Following up on one of our youth features from January 2016 issue, Alexandria Hampton (1st Dan) of the Choong-Sil Taekwondo Federation (GM Robert Hardin) was focused on conditioning and getting ready for the World Taekwondo Championships that were held in the United Kingdom. Her training paid off because the youngest (12) member of the USA International team didn’t come home empty handed. After multiple rounds of continuous fighting, Alex came home with the BRONZE (14u middle weight division) from a narrow loss in overtime to Ireland’s Lauren Jordan. The World Championships were hosted by the TAGB organization, headed by GM David Oliver, which saw more than 3,000 competitors over the weekend. “It was the best of the best international Tae Kwon Do fighters in the whole world,” says Alex. Alex’s junior instructor Savannah Hall (2nd dan), who is also a member of the US team, has been instrumental in getting Alex up to speed with fighting larger/stronger opponents. The US cadet girls (15 to 17-year-olds) are the closest in age on the team to Alex, so her training does get intense sometimes. “Spending time getting pounded by those girls is best way I know how to push myself to the next level,” Alex stated. Those “girls” Alex refers to (Ms. Hall, Lauren Jones, Julia Shipp and Hope Weaver) all took home medals in team sparring competition, so they know a thing or two about sparring. Alex trains under Master Louie Aregis (7th dan) and Atrel Thorpe (6th dan) five to six days a week in addition to intense USA practices that are managed by Coach/Master Jack Stevens (7th dan). “Everything I’ve done this year has been geared around getting ready for the World Championships. While I didn’t reach the ultimate goal, I walked away from the competition knowing I gave everything I had.” The week previous to the Worlds, Alex was at the AAU National Championships where she also took home the bronze medal in sparring (12-13 female). Alex’s philosophy on competition is she acknowledges that losses are a reality and they will come when someone else has a better day than you and to lose that way is okay. In her final match at the World Championships, nose broken and bleeding onto the floor, she was asked by medics and her coach if she wanted to stop. That conversation was short, as Alex told them to “stuff it up with gauze so I can finish this!” Alex’s mindset, which is instilled in her from both Master Aregis and Master Stevens, is that if you lose because you were “out-worked” or you “held back,” those losses are just unacceptable. Alex summarized with, “The 2016 World Taekwondo Championships was wonderfully run and highly competitive. I really had a great experience just being with people from around the world who all love the same sport. I look forward to returning.” The USA team came away with multiple medals over the weekend, but everyone came away from the World Championships with an evaluation on how to get better. 10 November 2016 / taekwondotimes.com

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MAY-DAY, MAY-DAY: The Travels of Dr. He-Young Kimm During May, 2016

By Dr. He-Young Kimm

The following article is taken from an interview with Dr. He-Young Kimm, president and founder of the World Han Mu Do Association. Dr. Kimm is constantly active with seminars and martial art events throughout the world. His life experiences could fill volumes of books. Here is an example of his work.

May was a busy month, and while I was preparing for the United States Taekwondo Grandmasters Society conference in New Jersey, I was also confirming plans for seminars in Great Britain, Japan, and Korea. For the conference, I was concentrating upon two things; first, as chair of the History Committee, I hoped to record the events of the conference and its highlights. In his address to the USTGS members, the chairman of the Taekwondo Won revealed his plan to invite the members of the USTGS to meet with the Korea Taekwondo Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Society at the Taekwondo Park in Muju in 2018. This will allow for a very historic event and will allow Tae Kwon Do grandmasters from both countries to share ideas regarding the future of Tae Kwon Do. The most special part of the conference, however, was when I was allowed to speak for and interpret the words of my teacher, Grandmaster 12

November 2016 / taekwondotimes.com

Kang Suh Chong. Grandmaster Kang had been selected to receive the Pioneer Award that evening from the USTGS Hall of Fame. I had lost contact with him over the years. The last time I saw him was at the funeral of Grandmaster Lee Won Kuk in 2002. Since that time I learned that Grandmaster Kang had fallen and suffered from memory loss or amnesia. He could not recognize people and remained in hospitals and nursing homes for several years and could contact no one. Recently, he began to regain his memory and health, and was invited to receive this award. Many years ago Grandmaster Kang had advised me to write the history of Tae Kwon Do. He told me not to try to satisfy everyone but to remain objective and provide the evidence. From the evidence presented people could draw their own conclusions. I followed his advice and wrote the book, but I had no chance to contact him and present him with a copy until this conference. The USTGS Conference allowed me the opportunity to present him with my book in the presence of the other grandmasters. Before I presented him with the book, I bowed before him with the most respectful bow. When I handed him the book, the audience honored him with a standing ovation. This demonstration provided students and instructors with an example of the proper relationship between student and teacher. It was a very emotional experience, with both tears and cheers leading to a sobering moment of silence. Returning home, I had to check my luggage for a trip to the United

Kingdom for the Spring Han Mu Do Association Instructors Seminar. Usually forty-five to fifty Han Mu Do black belts from across Europe participate in this seminar. Here they receive instruction from me in the latest adaptations to the Han Mu Do system. I specifically divided the seminar into three divisions. First, was the rank test and promotions on Friday evening. The second division included technical review all day Saturday. The third division concentrated upon Ki training on Sunday. Generally, the European instructors are well disciplined. They carry out life-long traditions, so they adapt to Korean traditions very well. Their standards for the promotion tests are quite high. I have nearly ten high-ranking examiners in the European group (5th dan and above). They decide pass/fail by majority vote. Due to this system, it would be unusual for many candidates to fail the rank test. I respect their decision and follow the majority rule of the examiners. Their physical practice of Han Mu Do techniques, I think, is a lot stronger than among the American students. In the field of Ki training they have more diﬃculty accepting the concept of “Ki” because western culture does not recognize the value of “Ki.” On this trip I again reviewed three concepts of Ki: 1) Accumulation through abdominal breathing 2) Circulation of Ki throughout the body (especially hands and feet) 3)Application of Ki, using Ki in the palm strikes and joint locks Strangely enough, female black belts learn this faster than males do. I think males still try to use more muscle, while females feel they can develop more power through Ki training. I attend the European seminar twice per year, once in the spring and once in the fall.

Each time I face a great challenge in adjusting to the jet lag. Between London/Greenwich time and U.S. time there is seven hours’ difference. When the seminar began at 9:00 a.m. in London, it was 2:00 a.m. in the U.S. Central Time Zone (the middle of the night). In starting the seminar, I stood or walked around teaching techniques for the first couple of hours, never sitting down. If you sit, you go to sleep easily. During the majority of this trip my brain was very confused due to jet lag. After completing the seminars in Europe, I flew to Tokyo and participated in the Korea/ Japan Traditional Martial Arts Cultural Exchange and Demonstrations. On Thursday evening the Korea Traditional Martial Art groups were invited by Keio University Karate Club (established by Gichin Funakoshi in the early 1920s) to a reception. Some of Funakoshi’s students still practice in this club. They are very proud to have learned from Funakoshi, the Father of Japanese Karate. After the introductions, both teams, Keio University Karate Club and the Korean Traditional Martial Arts group, demonstrated their skills. The Keio club demonstrated how a routine class was conducted. First, they demonstrated warming-up exercises and basic punching and kicking. They spent a lot of time on kata. The Korean group also demonstrated their martial art and skills. Then they gathered around the table for a joint celebration. It was very simple, with crackers, sushi, and kimbop, along with beverages. The next day, Friday, everyone enjoyed free taekwondotimes.com / November 2016

time for sightseeing. I separated from them and spent most of the day in book stores.

So we martial artists have to help to make peaceful relations rather than fight each other.”

What I learned was that their Japanese martial arts had changed to accommodate and improve their physical health needs. They use their exercises to correct body position and Ki circulation. Strangely, there are many Tai Chi books and videos to be found in these stores.

On Sunday the Korean team participated in a parade sponsored by Koma County (Korea

On Saturday there were a cultural exchange and demonstrations between the Japanese group and the Korean group at Sama Tama Province Gymnasium. From the Korean group, Han Mu Do, Ki Cheonn Mun, Sun Mu Do, Tae Kyun, Young Ga Mu Do, Poong Ryu Sun Do, E Ship Sa Ban Mu Ye, Teuk Kong Mu Sool, and Tae Kwon Do were represented. From the Japanese group, Shotokan, Iai Do, Aikido, GoJu Ryu, and Shorin Ryu were represented. The comparison I found with Korean martial arts is “big motion“ and a lot of circular and jumping movement. Japanese martial arts emphasize

precision and linear movement. They have simple and clear-cut ending movements. Many spectators enjoyed the event. During the opening and closing speeches, each side said, “Japan and Korea are located very close to each other. Most of the time they do so peacefully. But sometimes they have uneasy relations. 14

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County). This was in recognition of Koma County’s 1300-year-old celebration. During the time when Korea was divided into three kingdoms (Koguryo, Paikche, and Silla), Silla formed an alliance with China’s Tang Dynasty to conquer Paikche in A.D. 660 and Koguryo in A.D. 668. In A.D. 716 a prince of Koguryo left Korea with 1700 followers and went to Japan. This group was highly educated, and the Japanese emperor appointed him as a king and gave him land near Tokyo. It was called Koma Jinja (Koma County). The prince ruled it until his death. The descendants of King Yak Kwan established a shrine and paid spiritual homage to him throughout history. Today sixty generations of Korean descendants have become head of the Koma Shrine. Today the descendants of the 716 immigrants inter-married with Japanese families but are still proud to be Korean descendants. They all participated in the 1300-year celebration of Koma County by marching in the parade and wearing Koreanstyled clothing from that period. From Korea, the governor of Kyang Ki Province led the Korean delegation during the parade and celebration. The Korean Traditional Martial Art Team also demonstrated their skills at the Koma Jinja Shrine. Many spectators came to watch the demonstration. In the opening ceremonies

the representative of Koma Jinja made a long speech about the history of the Shrine. The spectators were tired and had not come to listen to a speech but to see the demonstration. In representing the Korean martial artists, I gave a brief speech. I made a joke to make them laugh. I told the audience, “As you know, during the present time, Korea hates Japan because of past problems, such as comfort women. But for me, a Korean American, I like Japanese products. I have a Japanese camera, a Nikon. I drive a Japanese car, a Lexus. And, do you know what?” Everyone became very quiet. “I like Japanese women!” Everyone laughed. “A Japanese man is very lucky! I have been married for fifty-two years to the same woman, and there have been no other women. But I take a lot of pictures!” After the speeches the Korean Team performed their demonstration. It was a more entertaining demonstration with various movements and techniques, in contrast to the very technical demo by the previous team. The Head of the Koma Jinja gave a nice party in a Japanese restaurant. The Japanese martial artists were also invited, and we had a great exchange of respect and friendship. After the Saturday demonstration, in the evening

everyone gathered at Master Pak Chong Hyon’s dojang. He owns a four-story building, with the first floor available for renting. The second floor is the dojang; the third floor is the apartment of his brother’s family, Pak Chong Yu; and the fourth floor is Master Pak’s family’s apartment.

It is a very well-organized building.nThe party was a great success. When visiting his dojang, I was happy to see the International Taekwon-Do Federation flag and the Han Mu Do flag side-byside on the wall. The Korean masters also saw Pak Chong Hyon as my student and congratulated him on his success. The Keio University party was very Japanese in style, but Master Pak’s party provided a lot of Korean foods. You could see the difference in the cultures. The next Monday I flew to Korea. On Tuesday and Wednesday, I spent my time at the Taekwondo Won in MuJu. I met with the institution researcher, Dr. Jang Hoi Sik. He is the researcher of the Korean Tae Kwon Do History. In 2020 Japan will sponsor the Olympic Games. Karate will be introduced as a demonstration sport. It is the goal of Japan to have it admitted to the Olympic Games as an oﬃcial sport, which could challenge Tae Kwon Do for its current position. In history they could claim Tae Kwon Do was born out of Karate. In that case, how can Korea claim Tae Kwon Do as an original Korean martial art? While discussing this matter, I learned there are two conclusions. Dr. Jang’s view says that Korean shipwrecked sailors taught martial arts in Okinawa. He has footnotes/evidence to support this claim. Okinawa’s Miyagi may have been a Korean descendant. The Okinawa city of Naha was impacted by shipwrecked sailors. Some say that these sailors were imprisoned and taught their skills within this prison to a limited number of students. Further exchange between Okinawa and China saw the introduction of Chinese related techniques, such as Chuan Fa. My viewpoint is that we learned Okinawa-te from Japan. The third generation Korean masters created Korean Tae Kwon Do under the urging of Kim Un Yong, and more kicking techniques were added. taekwondotimes.com / November 2016

books, including martial arts. They used to carry titles that filled two complete sections of shelves. Now they only have books enough to fill one half shelf. Since the previous year, only two new books were published. I felt quite sad.

I spent two days discussing this matter with Dr. Jang at the Taekwondo Won. The Chairman of the Taekwondo Won, Dr. Jang, announced that the World Taekwondo Federation World Championships will be held at the Taekwondo Won in 2017. During this time the Taekwondo Won will also sponsor a symposium for all visiting Tae Kwon Do instructors and masters. On Thursday I visited my hometown. Now, you can no longer find my family house. A lot of building has taken place since I left, but one area that has remained untouched was Highway #1, which was used as the tanks pushed through the defensive lines. The 21st Division of the 24 Regiment of Smith’s Battalion (560 troops) were the first to defend against the North Korean assault, resulting in the Battle for Juk Mi Hill (Osan) near Dong Tan. There is now a large monument on that site to memorialize those who fell during this battle. It is said the 180 soldiers of the 560 died in the battle. That is one third of the total number enlisted in this battalion. Their mission was to delay the North Korean advance until UN troops arrived under General Douglass MacArthur. I took many pictures of the sites of the early Korean War. On Friday I visited many Korean book stores, trying to acquaint myself with the intellectual trends in Korea. I found most books were on how to make money. The fields of “self-help” and “human-nature” were few titles. Still, people are interested in making money. The publication of martial art books in Korea is almost dead. Kyo Bo Mun Go is the largest chain of Korean book stores in Korea. They have the largest collection of domestic and foreign 16

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On Saturday I went to Incheon, where General MacArthur’s stature is located. In high school I visited it one time with my friend Lee Park. I respected General MacArthur so much, as did many other Koreans. During the Korean War, when North Korean pushed South Korean troops almost into the sea, General MacArthur used 5000 ships to produce the Incheon Landing to divide the Korean peninsula in half. North Korean troops retreated through the rugged eastern mountains. South Korean people felt that General MacArthur was the man who saved them from North Korea. They erected his statue on this site. It is important to point out that his is the only statue of a foreigner erected in Korea. As a history major writing my master’s thesis, I wrote about him. I tried to defend him against his unfair dismissal by President Truman. Abraham Lincoln gave much control to his military commanders, but Truman limited his general and blocked MacArthur’s plan. In conclusion, Truman was Commander-inchief and had the right to dismiss MacArthur. When MacArthur returned home, he received a great welcome by New Yorkers. In a joint session of Congress, he gave his famous farewell speech, saying, “Old soldiers never die. They merely fade away.” In the minds of the Korean people, General MacArthur is still their hero and their champion. He remains so in the hearts of the Korean people to this very day. On Monday I returned home. May-Day was over!

Kick It With Kerwin John Kerwin Interviews Wesam Keesh Wesam Keesh is an actor from MTV’s Awkward, where he plays Kyle, the obsessed stalker, who is not-so-secretly in love with Jenna. Wesam is also a 1st dan black belt in TKD. I interviewed Wesam after having him on my talk show as a guest.

JK: What made you want to take up TKD? WK: My dad thought it was very important for me to learn how to defend myself, be strong, and develop discipline. When I was five, he found a good traditional TKD school in New York, and when we moved to Oklahoma, I stuck with it. I continued my training and study at Grandmaster Kang’s TKD.

JK: What is your favorite kick?

WK: I love the roundhouse kick. It’s a classic. One of the very first kicks you learn. Very devastating to use in a competition or in a street fight. I would probably aim a little lower in a street fight, though—maybe the side of the knee or lower shin. I love the front push kick too. It’s good at keeping people at a distance or for ruining a back thrust kick. You know what I mean? They turn their back, and if you time it right, you push on their butt and they fall forward.

JK: What has been the most challenging part of your journey to black belt?

WK: Groin shots. Every single one of them. I’d rather clash legs together then take another groin shot. I did once have a pretty goodsized indentation in my lower shin.

JK: For a second, I thought that you were going to say you had a pretty good-sized indentation from a groin shot. WK: That would be a lot worse.

JK: What is your favorite martial arts movie?

WK: No way can I pick a favorite. Every single one of the martial arts “movie stars” is unique in their own way. I mean Bruce Lee, talk about a guy who dedicated his life to martial arts and paved the way for stars like Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Jean Claude Van Damme, Donnie Yen, Michael Jai White, Tony Jaa, Jason Statham. I mean, the list goes on and on. I have so much respect for every one of them finding their unique way.

JK: Can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned from studying TKD?

WK: Discipline. Discipline. And discipline. I love the old school way of training in TKD. It’s very similar to Northern Shaolin Monk training. Very intense. Makes you dig deep into who you are, both mentally and spiritually.

taekwondotimes.com / November 2016

JK: What have been the benefits of TKD in your life?

WK: It’s exciting and fun. I love every bit of it. I enjoy forms, drills, sparring and breaking boards.

JK: How’s your Korean terminology?

WK: The Poomsae named “Koryo” is my favorite Korean word. First time I heard it, my friend and I thought they said, “Coolio.” So I thought that it was named after the rapper Coolio. I know, ridiculous. It was the 90s. I was young. It makes me smile every time I hear it.

JK: Do you connect with the spiritual side of TKD?

WK: Yes, it started with all the early Bruce Lee movies I used to watch. My dad also ingrained in me to never give up and finish what I started.

JK: We sparred a little bit. How would go about fighting a bigger opponent?

WK: You got some height on me, John. So I’m gonna play a sneaky distance game with you. I’m gonna come in and come out quickly. I might try and bait you to make some moves and counter you with a front push kick to throw you off and then jump in with a front roundhouse. I also have a few tricks up my sleeve, which I will keep a secret. Can’t let you know about them. Who knows, we might throw down one day, haha!

JK: How has TKD helped your acting? WK: Being an actor, you have to be aware of what your body is doing and feeling. TKD helped me become aware of my body and to be able to control it. Awareness is the key to acting, martial arts and life.

JK: What advice do you have for colored belts just starting out.

WK: KEEP GOING. It’s not meant to be easy, ever! As Bruce Lee once said, “I wish not for an easy life, but the strength to endure a hard one.”

JK: Tell us what you’re up to in your career?

WK: I do a weekly podcast for actors and artists called Actors Anonymous. We bring on working actors, directors, and all types of artists and talk about life, craft and the absurdities of everything in between. We laugh a lot on the show. It’s a blast. It’s amazing to hear how unique and special everyone’s journey is. They can find it on iTunes and www.ActorsAnonymousPodcast.com John Kerwin is a TKD black belt under Grandmaster Kim at Double Dragon TKD. He can be contacted at john@thejohnkerwinshow.com

Photo: Lucie Aleks 18

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Daredevil Stuntman Dares to be Different By Alex Gillis

More than a superhero, he’s a super-stuntman. Best known for being the stunt double of the superheroes in the television show Marvel’s Daredevil (2016) and the movie Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), Chris Brewster is well known for his martial arts flips and spins, but one of his most memorable stunts appeared in the movie Switch (2013), filmed in a desert in Dubai. The scene involved Brewster climbing through the back window of a speeding car, climbing on top of it, jumping onto another car, and holding onto the second other car as it slid around. The stunt was dangerous. He ended up rolling on the street after flying off the car going at 35 miles an hour—a great stunt. He wasn’t hurt, and the scene was almost as fun as the time in Fright Night (2011) when he lit his entire body on fire and tackled a vampire (played by Colin Farrell), a risky, five-minute, fight scene for which Brewster won “Best Fire Stunt” at the World Stunt Awards in 2012. Chris Brewster, or “Ninja Brewster” (as he calls himself), has built a reputation doing flashy martial arts techniques for movies—a trend in many films of the past five years. Called “tricking,” the spectacular techniques combine martial arts, gymnastics and dance moves. In Daredevil, he is the stunt double for Charlie Cox’s characters, Daredevil and Matt Murdock, and in The Winter Soldier, he was a double for Chris Evans’ character, Captain America, providing both superheroes with all the corkscrew jumps, jackknife kicks and crazy flips that viewers now love and expect to see in every superhero blockbuster film. Brewster also appeared in Django Unchained (2012), Thor: The Dark World (2013) and Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) and has nearly 150 credits in film and television.

However, he’s best known for doing acrobatic stunts in Daredevil, which will start its third season in 2017. “I’ve had more conversations about that show than I’ve had about every other show combined,” he says. That’s because of the fight scenes and techniques that he creates for Daredevil. “I’ve done everything with kicks from 540-degree to 1080-degree spins and jackknives,” he says. Jackknives are kicks done while spinning in midair. He’s also good at just jumping over people and large objects in a single bound, using parkour and gymnastics techniques. And he’ll get to show off such moves in 2017, when he’ll be a stunt man in The Defenders, the much-hyped film that will feature Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist.

Brewster, 33, was born in New York and grew up in Connecticut and Illinois. When he was four years old, he began training in a program called Ninja Kids, run at a YMCA in Connecticut by Cheezic Tang Soo Do and involving fundamental Karate techniques organized as an obstacle course. He sweated there for nearly ten years, getting a black belt in Tang Soo Do, or Korean Karate. In that part of the U.S., Tang Soo Do taekwondotimes.com / November 2016

and Tae Kwon Do were so similar—the same patterns and techniques, but with more kicking in Tae Kwon Do—that Brewster trained for only three months at another gym, J. T. Woods Martial Arts, in Illinois before he passed his black belt test in Tae Kwon Do there. Brewster also began training with John Sharkey, an expert in two types of Karate—ShoreiRyu and Shotokan—and known for his black belts who become stunt people and “tricksters.” Sharkey trained many martial arts champions, actors and stunt people, including Mike Chaturantabut (founder of XMA) and Matt Mullins (who acted in two Mortal Kombat movies and was leader of Sideswipe, a group of high-energy, martial arts gymnasts who performed on America’s Got Talent and elsewhere). Brewster says that the newest generation of martial artists who are moving from Sharkey’s to California--Craig Henningsen, Micah Karns, Seth Austin and Donald Mills—are phenomenally talented and taking over the stunt world. Like him, they’re experts at “tricking” and stunts that include parkour, acrobatics and such impossiblelooking techniques that viewers can’t guess if ropes and special effects were used. Brewster can jump over a standing person, for example. “I can either leapfrog or flip over a person my height,” he says. He’s five feet, ten inches tall. He’s also a great martial artist, winning many world titles for forms with the National Blackbelt League, World Sports Karate Federation and the North American Sport Karate Association. “I moved to California about ten years ago to get into this crazy world of stunts and entertainment,” he says. He got a few big gigs while part of Sideswipe, on commercials and corporate events, and he and his three Sideswipers landed on America’s Got Talent. He soon met stunt coordinators and began working in live-action movies. He says that Karate and Tae Kwon Do taught him precision and control. “It’s one thing to 20

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jump in the air and do a cool spin move, but it’s another to jump, throw two or three spins and throw a hook kick out of it within a few inches of another character’s face,” he says. “We live in a modern, stylized world in Marvel and DC movies, and the days of big cowboy punches and basic, boring fights is over,” he says. Viewers want to see the kinds of techniques that he’s good at. “Even movies that aren’t superhero related are very stylized, like The Raid: Redemption, where the main character isn’t a superhero but is a badass.” Those movies, along with Deadpool (2016), Daredevil, The Defenders and others, demand exciting hyper-stylized fight scenes. The two seasons of Daredevil, available only on Netflix, are known for Cox’s and Brewster’s amazing fight sequences that are supposed to be realistic looking. Two examples are the three-minute-long Hallway Fight Scene and the five-minute-long Stairwell Fight Scene, both of which contain enough murderous martial arts and R-rated violence to become classics. Being a certified fitness trainer and nutritionist, Brewster trains hard for his movie jobs and knows what he’s doing. “I train six days a

The Hallway Fight Scene (Courtesy of Netflix) week, whether I’m filming for not,” he says. He practices basic kicking, punching and jumping three or four times a week, mixing in parkour, gymnastics and acrobatics along the way, and he does cross-fit training five times a week. However, his training depends on who’s he working with. “When I’m doubling Chris Evans on Captain America or Charlie Cox on Daredevil, they both

gain size, so I do a lot of weight lifting,” he says. “Part of my job is to match their body types. But if I’m the stunt double for a character who’s skinny, I do a lot of cardio.” He also drinks a lot of water, which he says is one of his nutrition secrets, and he tries to eat foods that are organic and unprocessed. Good training and nutrition take him only so far, though. “There are several times when I don’t even know if a move is possible,” he says. That’s when he turns to his team. Every fight scene is a team effort. A technique can be easy when he does it barefoot on a padded floor, but when he adds Daredevil’s twenty-pound costume or does it on a wet, uneven floor with a blindfold on, it can seem daunting and sometimes impossible. “On Daredevil, we spend a lot of time filming at night,” he says. “I’ve taken many moves that are easy for me, like a corkscrew round kick, a move I can do in my sleep, then tested my abilities by doing the moves blindfolded or at night, when I can’t see where I’m landing— so they’re 100 percent from memory.” Brewster and Charlie Cox, who plays Daredevil in the show, do most of the same stunts. Cox has no martial arts training but is an athlete and can mimic what Brewster and others show him. He doesn’t do the spins and jumps in the show, however. That’s Brewster’s role. “Part of my job as a stunt double is to make Charlie look as awesome as possible,” Brewster says. “He learns almost everything on the day of the show. We get Charlie about an hour or two before fight sequences. He memorizes techniques in a couple of hours. Anytime Charlie performs, I’m either

watching him onscreen nearby or next to the camera. I look for anything that doesn’t look perfect. If I tell him he’s dropping his hand on the jab, he fixes it on the spot, and the second take will be perfect.” The actors, stunt people and fight coordinators in Daredevil are committed to avoiding clichéd fight techniques and scenes. The show is known for its unique fight choreography. “There are certain moves that have such notoriety, like the superman punch, that they’ve become clichés,” Brewster says. “On the show, we’ll do a superman jab instead or we’ll have someone come in for a superman punch and take him out in midair while he’s doing it. We like to keep the audience on their toes—and to catch them by surprise.” And Chris Brewster has a few tricks up his sleeve for the next season. He makes it a habit to write down future techniques in his notebooks, and he tapes them to his walls, too, inspired by when Jackie Chan used to do that. “Every move you’ve seen on Daredevil or Captain America—I have the next version of those,” he says. One example is the “DD kick.” “Every season, there’s a Daredevil kick. I have a version three of it for The Defenders and season three of Daredevil.” The “level three kick,” as he puts it, involves popping off his left hand, spinning through the air, throwing a double kick in midair, adding an extra rotation and finishing with a hook kick as he lands, similar to finishing with a hook kick at the end of a 720-degree jumping kick. No doubt, more than a few bad guys will be lying on the ground after that. Alex Gillis is a Canadian journalist and the author of A Killing Art: The Untold History of Tae Kwon Do (www.akillingart.com).

taekwondotimes.com / November 2016

One Woman’s Dream Became Reality

By Joy Worley

I grew up in a large Christian family in North Carolina. I remember begging my parents to allow me to take martial arts. Even though I was never allowed to train as a young girl, I never lost the desire to be involved in martial arts. Truth be told, I loved to fight! I had two older brothers and two younger brothers, so it came natural. I remember sitting with my brothers watching some of the greats and thinking “I want to do that!” Of course, I had no comprehension of the many different styles and organizations; nor did I realize that women in martial arts were a bit rare. Come to think of it, I was a teenager before I remember seeing a woman fighter, period. When I was fourteen, I started working out in the gym trying to do everything I knew how to get fit and reach my goals. Through the years, I became known as a health nut among my friends and acquaintances. This did not deter me, even though at times the ridicule did hurt. I was determined. In college I found that most of the men my age were intimidated by a strong-headed woman! There was one man who was not afraid, Caleb, who is now my wonderful and supportive husband. Shortly after I married Caleb, I 22

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found a martial arts class at a YMCA. Excitedly, I rushed home to ask Caleb what he thought. He said, “Go for it!” Steve Difiore was my first instructor in Youn Wha Ryn Tae Sool. I am thankful for his instructions, and I jumped into everything he taught me. I then met GM Troy Trudeau and was introduced to Tae Sool Won. I was intrigued by the mixture of Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido. I wasted no time immersing myself in Tae Sool Won, and I loved every bit of it. Tae Sool Won was founded by GM Troy in 1996. GM Troy has been trained in several different styles and has trained for over forty-five years. His passion has been to help people through martial arts, especially women and children, by teaching them to defend themselves. GM Troy spent many of his own hours and much of his own money in order to bring me to where I am today. I would be remiss if I did not thank him for all his sacrifice on my behalf. It is because of the grace of God, GM Troy, and my husband that I am where I am today. As I trained, I began to have a strong desire to teach and train others in the same way that I was being trained. With a very technical and hands-on approach, I began to teach with GM Troy. We worked to teach our students about how Tae Sool Won relates to us today. With all the shootings, kidnappings, and

psychopaths running around, it is important to be proficient in some sort of self-defense and not just in tournaments to win trophies. We train our students to approach their training with the reality that something could happen to them or to the ones they love in an instant and that they need to know how to respond correctly in an instant without hesitation. Through the years of training, it has saddened me to see young people come and go, but it is even more disturbing to see how few adults have anything to do with any kind of self-defense, let alone formal martial arts. Women make up an even smaller percentage of people who commit themselves to this kind of discipline. As a matter of fact, GM Troy has promoted many men in the past forty years to the rank of black belt but only eight women. I am the first woman to be promoted to 3rd degree. Am I proud of that? Of course! I have dreamed of this all my life and cannot wait to see where my martial arts journey goes from here. It takes a lot of work, pain, time, and yes, even money, to reach those high goals we tend to set for ourselves. Unfortunately, most people do not stick to the plans they lay out for themselves. GM Troy and I have recently dedicated a good amount of time to teaching ladies self-defense to accommodate women who do not have the time to put into formal training. To all the women that have sacrificed their time and energy to martial arts, no matter the style, I want to say thank you. Thank you for your hard work and for not letting the â&#x20AC;&#x153;normâ&#x20AC;? deter you from fighting for what you want. You are an inspiration to me and a rare kind of lady. Keep it up! You never know who is looking up to you. To all the young ladies who are training, do not give up. You, too, can become what you dream.

With hard work and passion you can reach any goal you set. For me, my goal is to continue training and become better every day.

My husband and I have recently moved to New Mexico to work in the ministry. We moved to New Mexico to plant and work in churches and to reach out to people. With our move, I look forward to training my own students and continuing giving back to those around me. If you would like more information, please contact us. GM Troy Trudeau 114 Farmview Ln. Statesville, NC 28625 704-223-8349 ttrudeau11@live.com Sah Bum Nim Joy Worley 3870 Thurston Ct. Las Cruces, NM 88012 716-213-3504

taekwondotimes.com / November 2016

One Step At a Time Self-Control in Martial Arts When I first opened my Tae Kwon Do school, one of my first students was a male red belt in his twenties from another martial arts school. He had good form and well executed kicks. The only problem was that he had no control during sparring sessions, and thus, he hurt a lot of students. Nobody really wanted to spar with him, and he had very few friends. I repeatedly cautioned him to control his kicks, but it seemed that my advice was constantly being ignored. He replied, “Sir, I don’t know how to control. It was never taught in our school.” “Let me show you how to spar,” I said while putting on my armor. I was in my early forties back then and was at least 15 years older than he was. I said, “Go ahead, kick me as hard as you want.” His adrenaline kicked in, and after our traditional bows to start the match, he attempted to execute a roundhouse kick to my face. I immediately countered with a jumping turning sidekick, which was strong enough to land a point, but not to hurt him. Surprised, he unleashed all his fancy jumping and turning kicks, but none of them made its mark. By looking at his eyes, I could predict his every move, and I countered with several roundhouse kicks to his body, and occasional pulled kicks to his head. After several minutes of sparring, he was out of breath and had not score a point. I said, “That is self-control,” and tapped him in his back. Embarrassed, he bowed and thanked me profusely. I felt sorry for my student, but could not really fault him. His previous master never emphasized the importance of self-control, which is one of the five tenets of Tae Kwon Do. If you lose your temper while sparring because the other person kicked you too low or too hard, then you are letting your emotions control you, instead of the other way around. The bottom line is when you get angry, you cannot think well, and when you cannot think well, you cannot act rationally. 24

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By Master Noly Caluag

Every martial arts instructor has a moral obligation to make sure that self-restraint is taught and practiced by each student, inside and outside the dojang. When you cannot practice self-control inside the dojang, in full view of your instructors and other students, chances are you will behave in exactly the same manner outside the dojang as well.

Self-control means not punching someone in the face because they are teasing you. As a teenager, it also means not smoking, drinking or doing drugs just because everybody is doing it. When driving, practicing self-restraint means ignoring the driver who just cut you off in traﬃc, instead of chasing him down the highway and giving him a piece of your mind. Even police oﬃcers must subdue a suspected criminal without using excessive force. Citizens licensed to carry firearms cannot just shoot a petty thief trying to steal his or her watch, unless their life is threatened. I often mention to my students that if the only thing that they’ve learned from me is how to punch and kick, then I have failed my job as their sahbumnim. Losing self-control means the student may potentially become a bully, and worse, a danger to himself and/ or to others. Teaching somebody how to fight without teaching some sort of self-restraint is downright tantamount to raising a thug. My students have been warned that anybody abusing the knowledge they’ve learned from my school is subject to disciplinary actions from suspension to expulsion. This applies to everyone, regardless of age or gender. Self-control is just one of the many lessons to be learned in martial arts, and it is not learned overnight. You just have to learn it one step at a time. Master Noly Caluag is a 5th degree WTF black belt and has organized over 40 tournaments in Guam. A Philippine Taekwondo Sports Hall of Famer, middleweight champion, and WTF international referee, he has competed in a World TKD tournament, California Open, Asian Championships and the Philippine National Open. He has coached and trained national teams to the Oceania & WTF World Junior Championship. Currently, he is the founder and chief instructor of Guam Taekwondo Center, and has practiced Tae Kwon Do for almost 40 years.

The Real Miyagi Many of us who started martial arts in the eighties realize the importance of a life lesson as a part of learning self-defense and fitness. The majority of us learned this through a great movie called The Karate Kid. It was the perfect example of the spiritual side of martial arts. When I started my martial arts school and my TV show Next Karate Star, it meant a lot to me to put these two things together. There is a documentary DVD out right now called The Real Miyagi that tells the story of Sensei Fumio Demura, an incredible instructor whose part Mr. Miyagi was based on. I was blessed to be able to interview the director, Kevin Derek, and get to know much more about this amazing individual. In 1965, 20 years after World War II, a world champion martial artist from Japan came to the United States with only $300 in his pocket and the clothes on his back. He had left his siblings in search of the American dream, only to find obstacles that challenged his honor.

By Robert Barnes

notice of his impeccable precision and his weaponry skills, such as with the nunchaku and the sai. Soon after, he was approached by such talents as Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris! Later he signed with the largest martial arts publication, Black Belt Magazine and received two coveted Black Belt Hall of Fame Awards. People flocked from all over the United States to see his daily demonstrations at The Japanese Village in Buena Park, CA, where he stunned the audiences with his nunchaku and empty hand abilities. Steven Seagal, living in Orange County at the time, was mentored by Mr. Demura and got his start demonstrating with him. Word about his skills spread quickly in the entertainment industry! This riveting documentary follows chronologically his every step from Japan to the United States. There are interviews with the pivotal people whose lives he touched and changed forever. The documentary chronicles his life from his first-ever audition in Hollywood, which landed him the movie The Island of Dr. Moreau in 1977 to the 1980s, when he became involved in the iconic The Karate Kid films, during which he became the stunt double for Pat Morita, who played Mr. Miyagi. He continued to be the stunt double for Mr. Morita in the television series Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hara, and he appeared in a number of films and documentaries. In spite of all his accolades in Hollywood, he never lost focus on his dojo and the martial arts community. He continues to be a Karate ambassador around the world.

With the support of an EX-CIA agent, he managed to start the first-ever Karate school in Orange County, CA, that paved the way for what was to come! A demonstration at Ed Parkerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International tournament in 1965 led to his notoriety. The Martial Arts community began to take taekwondotimes.com / November 2016

I interviewed Kevin Derek, the producer of The Real Miyagi, about his past with Demura and this project. Also present was Oscar Alvarez. RB: Whose idea was this movie, and how did it come about? KD: In 2009 I was in Florida working on a project when I ran into Sensei Demura for the first time after 20 years. Surprisingly, he remembered me. I was one of his black belts back in 1988. Sensei has always been someone I looked up to; he reminds me a lot of my father. I always bragged about him to my friends about how famous he was. In Florida we went out for lunch at a Cuban restaurant. While reminiscing about the old times, I suddenly sprung the question that I wanted to ask him: “Sensei, I’ve been wanting to make a documentary of your life for the longest time.” Demura looked me in the eyes and said, “You better do it soon because I don’t know how long I have to live.” With that said, I got on the phone with my producer, Oscar Alvarez and started the ball in motion. RB: Where did the story line come from? KD: The story line was purely from Oscar Alvarez and I. Sensei Demura trusted and respected our direction. Obviously, without his help and support this would not be possible. Sensei did put us in contact with people he wanted to include in his documentary. RB: How did the project proceed? KD: One of the first people attached to the project was Pat E. Johnson. They have been good friends since the 70s. You might remember him from the scene in Enter The Dragon where he fights John Saxon on the golf course. He’s a wellrespected fight choreographer in the industry, with films such as The Karate Kid franchise, Mortal Combat and many more. Mr. Johnson was the most knowledgeable about Sensei Demura’s life because they had an extensive work history. One of my favorite quotes from Pat is; 26

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“Nobody ever tries to tell Sensei Demura how great they are. Because when you’re standing in front of greatness, how are you going to impress him with anything you have ever done?” Mr. Johnson explains how Sensei Demura landed the part for Mr. Miyagi’s stunt double and the close friendship he and Demura formed. RB: How did you persuade others to join the project? KD: Slowly, the word got around about our documentary, and we started getting more and more people attached to the project, such as Steven Seagal, Dolph Lundgren, Michael Jai White, Tamlyn Tomita, Sean Kanan, Yuji Okumoto, Isaac Florentine, Billy Blanks, Gerald Okamura, William Christopher Ford, Oscar-winning director John G. Avildsen, and many more! RB: What was his connection with Steven Seagal? KD: We flew out to Arizona to take Sensei Demura to visit his friend, Steven Seagal. Did you know that Mr. Seagal speaks fluent Japanese? He also used to help Demura demonstrate at the Japanese Deer Park Village back in the early 70s. The documentary starts out with a bold statement from Seagal: “There are so many people in martial arts and in the movie business that never studied the martial arts and all they do is bullshit people and talk about all the people they studied with and all the things they did! When they really did nothing! Yet they walk on screen and into the dojo telling people all these lies. Demura Sensei is the real thing!” One question that would have been interesting to ask Mr. Seagal was, “Who are you referring to exactly?” RB: What did Dolph Lundgren say? OA: I truly believe Dolph Lundgren sums it up perfectly in these words, “He’s a true martial artist and that’s the bottom line, and there are not many of those guys still around”. Mr. Lundgren is correct. Sensei Demura is a Karate pioneer and will forever be remembered as the man who brought Karate to the United States

and then continued spreading it around the world. Mr. Lundgren is a true KarateKa and a wonderful human being. When we visited him at his beachfront property in L.A., he greeted us warmly and shared his personal experience and how Sensei Demura made an impact on his life as a young man. Sensei Demura’s students had been in his movie Showdown in Little Tokyo. RB: Can you share some lesserknown facts about Demura? KD: He loves pizza! Before starting this project, I had to do some research on him. The more I read and talked to people, the more I realized what a great human being he is and how much he is respected all over the world! One of the most interesting facts—contrary to everyone’s belief—in 1965, eight years before Enter The Dragon Demura was demonstrating the nunchakus at the LA City College during Mr. Nishiyama’s tournament when Bruce Lee approached him and wanted to learn the nunckaku! So Sensei showed him what he knew. Later Demura signed on with O’Hara publications, where he appeared on a number of magazine covers and published the first-ever book on the nunchaku that came out in 1971.

The other interesting fact—Chuck Norris also trained with Sensei Demura. Mr. Norris always had great footwork, but his hand techniques were taught by Demura. During one of Sensei’s anniversary parties, Chuck Norris credited his success to Fumio Demura.

Also, Sensei Demura is the only martial artist to have a professional running show in Las Vegas. By the way, it was during the same time and place where Elvis was performing! RB: Who was involved in the making of the film? When will it be released? Will it be theatrical or documentary? KD: The main credits go to my producer, Oscar Alvarez, and our executive producer, Pat Nevraumont. The documentary is set to be complete this summer From there we plan on screening the film at festivals around the world. DVDs are available at our website at www.TheRealMiyagi.com RB: Who was most instrumental in bringing this project to fruition? OA: From the inception of this great idea, to capture the real story of a Karate legend, to the long and countless hours of editing this inspirational film of a humble man seeking the American dream and sharing his passion of Karate to the world. I cannot begin to take credit, but instead commend my director, Kevin Derek, on his devotion to the project and his commitment to capture the truth and legacy of Sensei Fumio Demura, which will forever touch our hearts. I believe one of Sensei Demura’s students said it best: “If something happens to Sensei, there won’t be another Demura Sensei.” Thank you, Kevin, for showing your true Karate spirit, which has breathed life into this beautiful documentary film that will touch millions of Karatekas around the world. It was an honor and a humbling experience. Robert “Cobra” Barnes is the host of Next Karate Star TV show and a professional coach and trainer. Guest columnist for Waco Tribune Herald. And host of The Marketing Truth radio show. For interviews or to be a guest school or instructor on his show he can be reached at nextkaratestar@gmail.com. taekwondotimes.com / November 2016

A Promise Fulfilled: Martial World Game Sees Life in America’s Dojangs

By Master Guy Edward Larke

Hollywood makes us believe that we must be champions and we must rise above the masses and beat the odds. But for some people each day is a struggle all its own. It takes someone who has been through hard times to understand others who also are having hard times. Perhaps one of the most profound challenges facing this generation is being born into era of the World Wide Web. Information and sensory stimulation are too fast and too readily accessible. Because of this, more and more young people are becoming loners and living for cell phone apps or the latest PC game. Even as technology brings our nations closer, it drives individuals apart. The protagonist of this piece came from a rough background full of ups and more than a few downs. Rather than getting in his own way, he created a series of small products that may, in a small way, pull our youths’ heads out of their smart phones and back to interacting with one another. These products may not seem very special, but finish this article before you make any snap decisions. You might want these for your gym, or even for you and your kids.

MGEL: When/ where were you born?

I was born in Pennsylvania in 1967 to a hardworking African-American family who moved me to the suburbs of Pittsburgh, PA, in 1970.

MGEL: What was the paradigm of martial arts at that point?

As a kid, Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan movies were great forms of entertainment. In fact, the whole martial arts television and movie genera was fascinating. The storylines were consistent: respect, loyalty, dedication and execution were good principles and won most battles over evil.

MGEL: Did you have self-defense issues? Were you bullied? Did martial arts help you?

Being a minority living in the suburbs exposed me to how cruel some people can be. I experienced many forms of bullying, including crude name calling, physical confrontations, getting beat up, and was even swatted at by a guy hanging out of the window of a passing car. Soon after that day, I learned how being able to defend yourself and others was not just something seen on TV. My friend “Greg” and I were being bullied by a much bigger and older muscle head ignorant person “Jimmy”. My older sister Sandy, who apparently was watching us from afar, ran to our defense and placed herself between us and Jimmy. Sandy (which I didn’t know at the time) studied Kodokan Judo. She showed me the benefits of using selfdefense properly. Jimmy took Sandy’s stance as a challenge and swung. Sandy blocked the punch while trapping the wrist, which she turned away from her body. Jimmy was pulled off balance, had his arm locked behind him, and ended up in a rear, upright choke hold. Sandy had total control of his body and graciously walked him down to his house. Greg and I were amazed, and from that point on, I understood the need for knowing how to properly defend myself. Later I studied three years of “American Freestyle” under a Master Thomas, back in 1976 to 1979, then spent the next three years sparring with a Jiu-Jitsu martial artist who was my schoolmate.

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MGEL: Do you think you would have stayed with the arts if you had gone to a more traditional school?

I believe that if I were in a more traditional school, I would still be practicing martial arts. I love the arts. Unfortunately, my immaturity and my lack of respect forfeited my physical participation. It took many years for me to understand that my loss back then meant that I had to learn respect the hard way. I had to earn it. From those lessons came humility. After humility came knowledge. Now I have regret. It’s fixable, so no worries on my part. It’s just sad. Instead of being encouraging to fight first, I should have been taught how to use better judgment. I believe that a more traditional school would have taught discernment as part of a core foundation. As a result, my foundation was weak; therefore, my experiences were not as positive as they should have been. I mean that with no disrespect to anyone who may read this. This was just my experience from a long time ago. I am a better person now having gone through that experience.

MGEL: What led your younger brother to the arts? What did he study?

My little brother, Freddy, grew up in the same tough neighborhood. However, Freddy was blessed with not having to deal with the same negative situations which my sister and I endured. So Freddy loved the movies, loved to spar and play fight but never wanted to formerly learn anything more.

MGEL: When did you start the design of Martial World? How long has it been in the making?

I started designing the first version of Martial World when I was about 13, and it was about 1980. My little brother Freddy and I were being punished, and he asked me, “Since you like to make games and you and Sandy are into martial arts, why not make a game that focused on martial arts?” Freddy next said, “Make it so that I can be a black belt.” I responded and said, “There is no way anyone should start out as a Black Belt. First you have to learn the basics, and then you have to build on them.” I knew at that moment that I had the core concepts for designing Martial World. We were first published in 1992 by Intromark as “The Karate Game,” and then in 2007 we became trademarked as “Martial World.” We have been refining our games ever since. My brother, tragically, died in the late 90s, and I am keeping my promise. I think that what I am doing it meant to be. After my brother passed, I truly found my inner peace. This game development journey has surprised me many times by the people I have worked with. My first business attorney was a black belt in Jeet Kune Do. The first marketing consultant that I worked with was a black belt Tae Kwon Do school

MGEL: Were you already a game designer by that point?

At this point in my life, game designing was a tool which I used as a solution for boredom. I had anger issues and occasionally got into trouble. I spent a fair amount of time on punishment, and making games was a fun, energizing, activity which kept me busy.

taekwondotimes.com / November 2016

instructor. My best friend is a black belt in Tang Soo Do. My oldest friend (in age 60+) is a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and his best friend (my granddaughter’s grandfather) is another good friend and is also a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. All chance of all of these random true friendships, is something special.

MGEL: How did working on the game help you spiritually?

Working on Martial World helped deepen my appreciation for all martial arts. Each style’s history is important. Each style’s philosophies are important, and practice makes perfect. I also learned that any style, when executed properly, may be effective in many self-defense situations. So our games start with those concepts as the foundation. Next we build on that foundation with advancing card games and then combine the card games with a narrative-based board game series called “Martial World Adventures.”

MGEL: How has it been received so far?

So far we have been well received by those in the gaming industry and by those associated with martial arts. However, when we started out, like most anyone new to an experience, we faced with many challenges and obstacles. While working through those challenges, we quickly learned what not to do and to quickly improved areas of weakness. That’s not to say that we won’t experience challenges in the future. We expect and are prepared for them. As a result, we have developed processes to help mitigate glaring issues by asking for play test reviews from a variety of outside sources. We took the “outsider’s” approach because of knowing that close friends and business associates are very supportive and may not be as non-biased as we 30

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need. Now we regularly reach out to request industry professionals to play test and to provide feedback before we release any new games. Getting back to our feedback results, the feedback from US based gaming groups, as well as various international play testers has been very positive. Each group expressed how easy our games are to learn, how easy they are to play and that winning is not based on a player’s martial arts experience. Anyone who plays may win. We have also received very positive feedback from martial arts students and instructors. Their play testing feedback was more application specific. Students enjoy the storyline and the use of the micro text messages. Instructors appreciate the realistic mental thought process associated with real life sparring. We even tested how well we compare to other games by submitting our games to the Gaming Genius Awards competition. There we received multiple nominations, including “Most Innovative New Product,” “Best Independent Product,” “Best Abstract Strategy Game,” “Best Artwork,” and “Best Writing.” Unfortunately, we didn’t win a single award but we will keep trying. So we have been received very well within our target markets and within the gaming industry.

MGEL: How can it help school owners and students both?

We believe that our games benefit students as well as school owners. One of our core game strengths is that our games focus on martial arts, their philosophies and their histories. For students we provide an exciting card game designed to be shared with friends and family. Our card games challenge players to win martial artsbased sparring matches using technique-based “micro-messaged” collectible cards. Students may

especially enjoy the narrative displayed on each card, which shares positive messages regarding respect, commitment, and so much more. The benefit for school owners is that our games simple enough for young students to understand but strategic enough to entertain adults. We use a point-based sparring process of offensive and defensive maneuver terms which may be selected out of a playerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hand versus a chance play or the draw of a card. We also include a stamina concept, where the more you exert yourself, the more worn out a player gets. Our games are green and toxic free, and most importantly, we are customer service team always eager to help. Lastly, we QA all orders before that may be shipped worldwide.

MGEL: What has been released up to now (as of September 2016)?

The best way to follow our games releases is to visit our Board Game Geek site: http:// boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/40642/martialworld-trainers-edition Right now we have released three of our foundational card games. There are two more card games scheduled to be released by September 2016. We also expect to have two of our board games released by the fall of 2016. These board games will include a feature where players may have their face captured and placed on their player pawn so that players

may play using a character which represents them within the Martial World Adventures.

MGEL: How can our readers find out more? Do you have special rates for packages for schools?

I am in total support of school purchase packages. The quantity ordered will determine the discount and the delivery date, but those are easy things to work through. Besides that, your readers should know that we welcome all feedback and enjoy sharing game info and answering questions. So if anyone has any questions or wants to know more about our story, we may be contacted by email at customerservice@ playmartialworld.com. You may also visit our gamerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s group site here: http://boardgamegeek. com/boardgame/40642/ martial-world-trainersedition This site receives all of our new product feeds and is the location for our new releases and our instructional videos. We may be followed at the following social media sites: FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/ pages/Martial-World-Advanced-TrainersEdition-card-game/132493100172920 Twitter: https://twitter.com/playMWgames

taekwondotimes.com / November 2016

Heart to Heart

by Great Grandmaster Tae Yun Kim My Dear Readers and Fellow Martial Artists,

storage to enjoy for a special occasion.

In the year of the Olympics, do you ever wonder what sets these very special athletes apart, the ones that get chosen to participate, and then even more so, the gold medal winners? Just to get to participate in the Olympics is huge. It is an amazing accomplishment. But what does it take to get the gold?

So I went to that house, through snow and ice, and knocked on their door.

Let me tell you a life experience I had when I was only a little girl and hadn’t been training in the martial arts for very long yet. One day, during the deep Korean winter, as I was walking behind my master, without turning he said, “I smell the melon.” At first I thought maybe he was delirious. We were wading through snow, and for sure there wasn’t any melon around for miles. Of course, my master never said anything just to make conversation, and there was no such thing as making a joke. When he said something, it meant something important, and it was up to me to figure it out. So I thought he must want me to find a melon for him. But how would I do that? It was definitely not the time for melons! But I knew this much: unless he knew that I could do it, he wouldn’t ask me. He wasn’t out to have me fail; his goal always was to make me find a way and succeed, as all wise masters have the goal of making their students realize their own inner strengths and showing them the wisdom and power they already have inside them. So I went looking for a melon. Everyone thought I had lost my mind. Me, the little girl that brought so much unhappiness to her family, now wanted a melon? In the middle of winter? Crazy, right? That didn’t keep me from trying. When I wasn’t successful in my village, I went to the next one. Finally, after a couple of weeks I was told that an elderly couple way outside the village might have kept some in their 32

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I had experienced so many rejections that I wasn’t prepared when they told me that they did have a couple of melons! But they were not about to give them to me. I didn’t have any money to offer, and why would they want to give or sell one when they had carefully kept it for a special day? I didn’t give up. I knelt down by their door and patiently waited. Through the snow and ice, and freezing, I waited. Finally, they asked me why I wanted that melon so badly. I simply told them the truth. The couple was so moved that they gave me one of their melons. You cannot imagine my joy as I carried the precious fruit to my master and presented it, all prepared on a beautiful plate and decorated with pretty wild leaves. My master never said anything, only had the biggest smile, and nodded. That was my gold medal and worth everything. Those athletes with Olympic dreams do not just sit and watch TV and hope that they will be good enough. They don’t spend hours at the mall or playing video games. They don’t indulge in all night parties, drinking and eating whatever they want. They strive with all they have, to reach their goals. They must be disciplined in body, mind, and spirit, and must know that giving up is never an option. This is how they make it to the Olympics. This is how they strive for the gold medal. What about you? Even if you aren’t trying to be in the Olympics, don’t you want to win gold medals in your LIFE? Know that if you can think it, you can do it. You were created in God’s image.

But God gave each one of us the power of CHOICE. Now ask yourself, what category do you belong to? Are you merely daydreaming about your success, wishing and hoping, but not doing the work? Or do you set goals and then halfway through you give up? Or do you allow others to steal your dreams when they tell you it cannot be done? Or do you set goals and then see them through to the end, no matter what? Be completely honest with yourself. Right now, right here, how do you grade yourself? Are you a dreamer, a talker, or a doer? You may be able to slide by and fool others-but you cannot fool yourself. You and you alone have control over your life, your goals, your destiny. Go through this exercise: pretend that today is the last day on earth for you. How would you feel? Would you be proud of what you have done with your life, proud of your accomplishments? Or would you have regrets for not doing more? For not pursuing your most cherished goals? For living like someone else wanted you to live instead of the way YOU wanted to live? Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait! Go for your goals right now! All the way! No more procrastinating! It takes a lot of work, self-discipline, persistence and consistency to achieve any goal, and you owe it to yourself to reach that goal. Always know that you have the power to fulfill your dreams and that the power is in you. It is your personal choice what you do in your life! Go For GOLD! He Can Do, She Can Do, Why Not Me! From my heart to your hearts,

Great Grandmaster Tae Yun Kim Founder & Guide Jung SuWon Martial Art Academy

Great Grandmaster Tae Yun Kim is the founder of the art of Jung SuWon. Author of Seven Steps to Inner Power, Dr. Kim has dedicated her whole life to teaching and helping people to become the best they can be. Feel free to send her an email (greatgrandmaster@jungsuwon.com) to share your comments and questions. taekwondotimes.com / November 2016

Writing TaeKwonDo History: An Extraordinary Experience with Dr. He-Young Kimm By David W. Higgs

I first met He-Young Kimm in 1974 when he presented me with the first trophy I won in martial art competition at the Red Carpet Open Karate Tournament in Vicksburg, Mississippi. I had no idea at the time that our meeting would only be the first of many over the next four decades. I eventually became his student in 1997 after training with several noted instructors in the Southeast. As Dr. Kimm was a well-known historian and martial artist and I was a history instructor, our mutual love for the martial arts and history eventually led us to work together on various writing projects, the greatest of which was the writing of Taekwondo History. For three years we met regularly in his oﬃce in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; at my oﬃce in Wesson, Mississippi; and at a Korean-owned truck stop half-way between the two cities. Although I was acquainted with historical research, this project was by far the largest endeavor I had ever undertaken. As I sat across the table from him typing what he dictated, I was constantly aware that I had to match his stamina and endurance through this process. Take it from me, it was a grand training experience! Who would have thought that the process of writing required such similar discipline to how we trained on the mat? We were not throwing punches or kicks, or grappling, but the perseverance and focus that I learned on the mat came into play during the hours of dictation, discussion, and selection of appropriate material to be presented in the book. Our longest session lasted ten hours. The shortest session lasted four hours. One night in the midst of writing, I realized I was coming down with the flu. As my fever began to peak, Dr. Kimm became concerned and suggested we stop. However, we had a deadline to meet that 34

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night, and I would not stop until he convinced me that we had accomplished his goal. On other occasions I was amazed and inspired as Dr. Kimm drew upon source documents written in English, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and Spanish. His collection of interviews numbers well into the hundreds, and he said he regretted that he was only able to use approximately 1/10 of his resource material. Upon stating this to me, he implied there might be a need for a second volume of Taekwondo History. Many times, Dr. Kimm spent hours with an interview subject, only to have small portions of the interview appear in newspaper or magazine articles. The publication process of the time did not always allow writers to produce in-depth works unless it was technique or training related. This practice frequently frustrated martial art masters when significant cultural or philosophical aspects of their training were cut from interviews or magazine articles. With regard to Dr. Kimm’s Taekwondo History, there are numerous pages of information on the spread of Tae Kwon Do during the Vietnam era that were not included this book simply because it was too much to go into one book. Keep in mind that all of Dr. Kimm’s books range from 700 to 800 pages. Dr. Kimm began collecting information for Taekwondo History when he first came to the United States in 1963. He was enrolled at Southeast Missouri State College (University), Cape Girardeau. Fortunately, he was a history/political science major and the martial art instructor at the college. He became involved with the local martial art

tournament organizations in the Mid-west and came into contact with other martial art pioneers of that time. Because he was a martial artist, other martial art pioneers openly received him when he asked for interviews to begin his project. These masters were unsatisfied with the way their martial art was misrepresented by the press because the non-martial art writers simply did not, or could not, comprehend what the master was trying to convey. As Dr. Kimm traveled throughout the country demonstrating at tournaments or teaching seminars, he became acquainted with the regional experts and the top competitors in their fields. As his seminars spread to foreign countries, he developed the practice of visiting the local martial art masters and pioneers to pay his respects. Years later, as he began compiling his book, these early meetings opened doors for him to interview many of these subjects. They were also willing to send letters of introduction on his behalf to other masters whom he had not yet met. In 1992 he visited a seminar hosted by Master Robert Banham of Norwich, England. Here he met Master Frans van Boxtel from Uden, the Netherlands. In 1994, he was invited to the Netherlands by Master van Boxtel to conduct a seminar. Dr. Kimm asked, “Who is the earliest martial art pioneer to the Netherlands?” Master van Boxtel replied, “Sun Young Soo.” Grandmaster Sun Young Soo was able to refer Dr. Kimm to other pioneers in Germany, France, and Spain. This method of networking created the opportunity that led to the writing of Taekwondo History. Dr. Kimm’s greatest encouragement came from Grandmaster Kang Suh Chong. He mentioned the idea of his book to Grandmaster Kang while Kang was serving as the head of the American Taekwondo Association. GM Kang encouraged Dr. Kimm to pursue his goal but to beware of drawing conclusions. The history of the birth and development of Tae Kwon Do is complex

and filled with various perspectives and opinions. Kang stressed that he should present only information that was factual and could be corroborated with verifiable sources. By presenting strictly objective material from all trusted sources, regardless of organization, Dr. Kimm was able to present the details of the development of Tae Kwon Do and let the reader arrive at his own conclusion. There are areas where the information is inconclusive and various martial artists and historians differ on what took place and how it impacted the outcome. That is a good thing! It merely indicates that more work needs to be done in this area, and it leaves room for future authors and scholars. Due to Dr. Kimm’s teachings, I take no offense when someone contradicts information in the book. It merely means the next generation of martial art scholars have their work cut out for them to produce more publications for the future. I stand amazed at Dr. He-Young Kimm— his skills as a martial artist and teacher, his scholarship as a historian and writer, his worldwide reputation as such, and his leadership of the World Han Mu Do Association. I have been fortunate to have this association with Dr. Kimm. I have traveled the world and met with not only famous grandmasters but also with heads of state. All of this was made possible through fate that allowed my path to cross with his and for us to develop a relationship that has been mutually beneficial. I encourage every student of the martial arts to develop such a relationship with your instructor, master, or grandmaster in order to better develop as a martial artist and as a person. Master David Higgs is a 6th dan black belt and serves as the communications director of the World Han Mu Do Association, headquartered in Baton Rouge, LA. He also serves as the Division Chair for the Social Science Division at Copiah-Lincoln Community College, Wesson, MS, where he has been employed for 23 years. taekwondotimes.com / November 2016

Yoga for Kids: To Enhance their Martial Arts, School and Life By Susan Griego O’Connor

I first started teaching children Yoga in the 1980s, when my kids were young and I was new to the practice. I found from teaching my own children that Yoga has the capacity to change children’s experience of the world and their lives. Years later I used Yoga in my professional practice to help children with ADHD and autism learn to relax, focus and make good choices about their behavior. Now, nearly thirty years later, scientific research is confirming what I instinctually knew about the practice: there are measurable physiological and psychological benefits to teaching Yoga to children. Yoga works on three levels: 1. It stimulates the brain. Studies show that a regular Yoga practice increases the density of the cerebral cortex, which helps us in higher learning. This also helps us change old habits and learn new things by increasing neuroplasticity of the brain, or the brains innate capacity to change. Yoga can then help you learn your forms and techniques more quickly, as well as change old habits in your practice that don’t support the true martial artist within. 2. The central nervous system affects our organs and muscles. A well-functioning nervous system is what allows us to stay calm during stressful situations. The neurons within the central nervous system are cleansed or prepared for stress with the practice of Yoga. The communication between the central nervous system, the brain and your muscles is what allows your physical movements to remain calm as well. 3. The immune system responds to our thoughts. Part of the practice of Yoga relies on peaceful intentions. Learning how to use Yoga as a meditation in motion helps to increase the impulses to the brain that control positive emotion. Being able to control our emotions fortifies our immune 36

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system and boosts antibodies to ward off would-be invaders, like bacteria and viruses. Yoga’s benefits include better flexibility, strength and balance. In addition, Yoga helps relieve the effects of stress and anxiety by lowering the heart rate and blood pressure. Yoga helps you sleep better and improves your outlook on life by providing an avenue for inner calm. Engaging your child in as little as three Yoga poses daily with metered, calm breathing makes a dramatic impact on their ability to focus, concentrate and make better decisions. In addition, research is telling us about how the regular practice of Yoga helps to decrease the body’s reaction to stressors. This fight-or-flight response, which many of us experience as anxiety or stress, is exactly what inhibits our ability to defend ourselves, despite the best martial arts training. Think of the last time you saw a highlevel master practice martial arts. Chances are, you noticed what many people do: the master moves with calm resolve. No sign of heightened arousal or response. The master is in control of his mind and, more importantly, his movements.This kind of training is what Yogis practice each time they are on the mat. Teaching kids to relax, focus and concentrate will not only improve their martial arts but also improve their performance in school. One recent study from California State University showed school children between kindergarten and eighth grade increased their academic performance, discipline, attendance and self-esteem after practicing Yoga daily. The study also showed a significant link between Yoga participation and better grades. Yoga for children has one more profound lasting impact. It also elicits a long-term effect on gene expression. A recent study from the University of Oslo found that Yoga’s effects on the brain, central nervous and immune system may be instantaneous. What this means is Yoga may

very well determine which genes “turn on” in future generations. My hope is more children will begin the practice of Yoga to enhance their well-being, improve their martial arts and have an impact on the integral physiologic

components of their mind and body. Practicing Yoga has a far-reaching effect on not just our children today but, more importantly, it can help our children for generations to come.

Cat

Cow

Bird Dog

Child’s pose

Locust Stick Figure Instructions: For younger children, practice Cat/Cow as one routine 3 to 5 times each day. Bird Dog, Locust and Child’s pose can be used for older children, using cat/cow as a warmup. For a demonstration of these postures, visit https://www.youtube. com/channel/UC2lnvRp2yYFLFWNCVoTFYkQ Yoga Stick figures re-printed with permission by: Scott Coleman LMT CNMT CEMT

Susan Griego O’Connor (AKA SuDevi) is a 2nd degree black belt and master Yoga instructor. To be featured in future articles or to ask specific questions relating to Yoga and martial arts, contact SuDevi on Facebook or www.sudevi.guru. taekwondotimes.com / November 2016

Discovering Myself Through Tae Kwon Do By Angela Tortora

I started Tae Kwon Do when I was eight. My brother and I actually started Tae Kwon Do by accident. My mom’s grooming shop was coincidentally right by a Tae Kwon Do school (YK Martial Arts in Naperville, IL), so my parents decided to send us over while they were busy working so we wouldn’t get in the way. I had lots of fun practicing Tae Kwon Do and won some local tournaments, which is part of the reason why I wanted to continue practice Tae Kwon Do. Now I have practiced Tae Kwon Do for five years, and I am a second dan black belt. I am training with Master Vinson at Flying V Martial Arts in Oak Park, IL. My experience with Tae Kwon Do helped me discover who I am. I found myself to have a better pain tolerance. I started to understand that you had to work hard for what you want and that nothing is just going to come to you. I learned to be patient when I help teach the younger color belt kids. I also discovered I am more confident, even when I don’t win at the competition. In the future I would like to become a family doctor or a pastry chef but have not decided yet. As well as Tae Kwon Do, I also enjoy singing very much. I have joined Young Naperville Singers choir in Naperville, Illinois, for seven years now. Singing and martial arts are my two biggest hobbies I do. I plan to continue Tae Kwon Do in the future. I’ve been competing in Tae Kwon Do since I first began in 2011 at the age of eight, doing local school tournaments. One year 38

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I had even gotten grand champion for poomsae. I had always taken competition seriously, but I have not taken competing as seriously as I have for the last three years now. I love the experience I have received from every competition I have gone to. One thing I love most about competing is the actual competition itself. I love it when I walk onto the mat and all eyes are on me. Then I love to show all the training and hard work I have done to the judges and the audience. Since 2014, I have gone to the state championships in Illinois each time. Each time I have gone to State I have placed. In my first year, 2014, in state I had gotten gold in pair poomsae and bronze in sparring. However, after that year I had decided to stop sparring and stick to poomsae. Durning 2015 of state I had gotten gold again in pair poomsae and gold in team poomsae as well. This year 2016 during the state championships I only participated in individual poomsae and had gotten bronze. I was extremely proud of this bronze because in all three years I have competed in individual poomsae I had not placed until this year. In the past two years I had gone to the national championships and did not place, but I did gain a lot of experience and knowledge to put towards my training. I competed in July in Virginia and placed 9th out of 93 people. How I train for competitions is by always practicing as if it is the actual tournament. When I practice, I try my best to always act as if I am on the mat performing for the judges. One of my favorite types

of training techniques is when we practice as a group. I like this because it puts our teamwork to the test and it helps us understand the rhythm of the poomsae when we practice together. I love the support everyone in my school gives me as well as I give them.

I plan to continue Tae Kwon Do throughout middle school and high school and, hopefully, college. One day I would like to be a part of team USA and compete internationally.

taekwondotimes.com / November 2016

Evolving to Strengthen Future Generations

Chief Master Stephen Westbrook was born in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1961. Growing up in a military family, he understood structure and discipline. His father was in the Air Force, and they continually traveled. Once his father fulfilled his military duties, they began a life in construction and settled in Henderson, KY. As a child, Chief Master Stephen Westbrook was entertained by old Kung Fu movies. Every Sunday he would go to the local theater with some friends and watch one-dollar matinees. Watching these films piqued his interest in martial arts. For six months he reminded his mother that he wanted to take lessons. Eventually, she gave in and took him across the Indiana border, where the closest martial arts school was. They walked into a school that was reminiscent of a garage. There was no air conditioning, no children and no shirts. The equipment was old, tattered, and torn. The air smelled of sweat. A single old boxing heavy bag hung in the corner of the dojo. A makiwara board made of a 2 x 4 and an old fire hose was near the heavy bag. His mother went into a back room to talk to the school director as the boy watched the classes. He saw the Korean instructor commanding students in a language he did not understand, aggressively forcing students to lower their stances and perform techniques correctly. His mother came out of the oﬃce and asked if he was ready to join class. His immediate answer was, “No way! Please, Mom, don’t make me!” She said, “After months of asking 40 November 2016 / taekwondotimes.com

over and over, I signed you up for five years.” That day one chapter in his life ended and new one began that would change his life forever. In 1971 Chief Master Stephen Westbrook began his martial arts career. His first class was very intimidating. The head instructor would have nothing to do with him, an 11-year-old child. For three weeks he was forced to train off to the side with a younger American instructor trainee. The instructor prepared him for what to expect in the main class and taught him the basics. Eventually, Chief Master Stephen Westbrook entered the main class, where the Korean instructor would hold a stick and force students to deepen their stances. This instructor was always on him. He did not believe that martial arts were for children. The instructor worked him hard to get him to give up. Instead, he persevered. In the early seventies, training equipment was unheard of. No one wore protective gear. After six months of training, CM Westbrook’s mother took him to the hospital for bruises on his arms. The doc-tor asked what he had been doing, and they talked about his martial arts training. The doctor said he would be fine and the bruises would heal. When he reflects back to this time in his life, CM Westbrook thinks to himself, “Defeat can be a stepping stone or a stumbling block. You decide by your attitude.” Chief Master entered his first tournament in 1972 as a yellow belt, one year into his martial

arts training. There were two divisions: an older division and a younger division. There were no divisions by rank. This was his first opportunity to prove himself. In Chief Master’s first round he was struck with a spinning back fist and received a black eye. He lost this match and realized how real martial arts are. Six months later Chief Master entered his second tournament. Learning from the first tournament experience, he was able to come out successful. His last match was himself, at the age of 12, against a much older opponent of 15. He won the overall grand champion trophy for the kids’ division. This tournament is when he met his first grandmaster, Grandmaster Duk Sung Son, with whom he trained off and on over the next several years. The success at this tournament catapulted his confidence, and he continued to compete in as many open and closed circuit tournaments as allowed. As a teenager, they would give him the choice to compete with the adults. Since he was training with adults daily, he chose to compete with them. He remembers a match where the competitor knocked him down and jumped on him! This taught Chief Master that you must be able to evolve and adapt to different situations. Your mind always needs to be open to the unknown. He would always remember, “It’s not how many times you get knocked down. It is how quickly you get back up. Once you give up to stand, then you are defeated.” His tournament nickname became “White Lightning” for his superfast kicks. Chief Master Westbrook loved going to tournaments for the competition, but he knew there had to be more to learn. At the age of 14 Chief Master Westbrook started to assist instructing as a brown belt. Two years later, in 1976, he received his 1st degree black belt. In 1977, at the age of sixteen, Chief Master Westbrook opened his first martial arts club in Henderson, Kentucky. His mother

was the business owner, and he was the chief instructor. In 1978, he met Grandmaster H.U. Lee. There was an instant connection, and Chief Master Westbrook made the decision to transfer his training to the American Taekwondo Association. Chief Master Westbrook knew immediately that Tae Kwon Do was his passion and it would always be part of his life. The first testing with ATA was a humbling experience for him. After Chief Master Westbrook completed all the tasks asked of him, he was invited to the front testing table. The judging panel consisted of Haeng Un Lee, Richard Reed, Robert Allemier, and William Clark. No one knew who this transfer student was. Chief Master ran to the table and placed his hands on the table. Immediately, he was told, “Do not to touch the table.” and “How dare [he] disrespect Grandmaster Lee!” The judging panel asked who his instructor was, to which Chief Master replied, “I don’t have one. I’m on my own.” Chief Master Westbrook was asked to stand at attention. Although his testing was a physical success, he still needed to understand the respect that comes with training. This was the first time in his martial arts career he did not achieve the rank he was testing for. It was an eye-opening experience for him. He now knew what was missing in his training; Chief Master Westbrook realized that martial arts aren’t just about tournaments and who is best but about knowledge, discipline, and, most of all, respect. At this point in Chief Master Westbrook’s life he had to choose between joining the military and following his father’s footsteps or going to college. His older brother had chosen the military. His family encouraged him to go to college. In 1979 Chief Master began attending Indiana State taekwondotimes.com / November 2016

University at Evansville. While attending college, Chief Master Westbrook continued with his Henderson school. This is where he met his wife, Pam Braden. He opened up a second school in Providence, Kentucky. He attempted to test for his 2nd degree black belt and was successful this time. After graduating college with a Bachelor of Arts in Business, Grandmaster asked him in 1983 to move to Tulsa, OK, to take over an existing ATA school, as the instructor was leaving. Chief Master Westbrook slept in his car that night, and the owner of the school woke him at 9 a.m. the next morning. The owner was in a hurry, and by 10 a.m. Chief Master was the new owner. The first class was at noon that day. Chief Master was meeting approximately 67 students who had no idea who he was. In the first 60 days the students embraced him; he retained 65 of the students. Trying to financially maintain his schools, he and his wife lived in the back of the Tulsa location on cots, with a hot plate and portable shower. After just six months at the school, he brought the student count up to 100. All the extra revenue was used to keep the school open. Eight months into running the school, Chief Master went to visit Grandmaster H.U. Lee in Little Rock, AR. Chief Master explained that he wasn’t sure if he could continue at this school. Negative cash flow from the previous owner had put him in a bind. He didn’t even have enough money to get him-self back to Tulsa. Grandmaster told him that he was meant to be a leader in this organization and not to give up. H.U. Lee told him to “give it a couple of weeks.” Grandmaster gave him $200 to eat and get back to Tulsa, and he said if things did not turn around, to use that $200 to go back to Kentucky. In that two weeks, Chief Master had signed up 25 new students! This made him believe that there was a purpose for him. Within two years his was one of the biggest ATA schools in the nation,

42 November 2016 / taekwondotimes.com

testing over 200 students on a regular basis, which was unheard of in ATA in the early 80s. Grandmaster H.U. Lee had a vision of how he wanted to see the ATA grow. Since 1969 the ATA was using the Chang Hon forms and the “Pinan.” He noticed that something was missing. With the assistance of some of the senior instructors, he developed forms and a teaching system that allowed kicks to be used in all of their forms. The entire system of Songahm worked together with balance and harmony, reflecting the essence of the art. In 1983, a Certified Instructor Camp was held in Little Rock, AR. This is where the Songahm system of Tae Kwon Do was introduced. The training was several days continuously with very little sleep. There were nearly 1500 pushups done by the attendees. The forms were taught to the instructors in attendance. He recalls a specific night they were climbing a mountain (now called “Songahm Mountain”) at 4 a.m. The instructors were very cautious of snakes, as this area was known for it. As they continued to climb the mountain, they came upon a clearing with a white tablecloth. Candles lit the area and a gong was visible. As the instructors formed lines, they were asked to close their eyes, and the gong sounded nine times. The scrolls of Songahm were introduced and read to them. All the instructors had to perform the first Songahm form, Songahm Il-Jahng, four times in each direction: to the east to honor the homeland, to the west to represent where the art has traveled, as well as the north and south to represent all four corners of the earth. Each of the instructors present was certified to teach Songham, and going forward were required to re-certify every three years. This was history in the making, and Chief Master was honored to be part of it. In 1987, Chief Master traveled to Korea. This is where he had the opportunity to visit the Haeinsa Temple in the Gaya Mountains, located in the South Gyeongsang Province. This

temple is most notable for being the home of the Tripitaka Koreana, the whole of the Buddhist Scriptures carved onto 81,350 wooden printing blocks. More than 200 ATA instructors trained, and this was the largest group of instructors from overseas to ever visit the homeland. This was the first time Americans were allowed in the temple and allowed to eat, sleep, and train with the monks who inhabit the temple. The temple had been a safe haven for martial arts and martial artists throughout history in the Orient. The Koreans were very humble and eager to meet the visiting instructors. They were in Korea for ten days, staying at the temple for three of the days. Chief Master Westbrook was one of eight on a demo team who had the opportunity to display their training in front of the monks and dignitaries of Korea. H.U. Lee believed in Chief Master and told him he was going to be the Regional Vice President for the ATA. This allowed him to oversee Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri. He coordinated group workouts with the regional owners and chief instructors. Over time they developed into a strong region, and within eight years grew to over 30 schools. In 1992, Chief Master Westbrook sold his Tulsa school to one of his juniors and went back to Kentucky. He helped his junior move the Henderson school. Chief Master also assisted in opening up a new school in Owensboro, KY. He stayed there for a year instructing. Chief Master Westbrook went to Grandmaster H.U. Lee and told him that he was ready to take on a larger city. He then moved to Kansas City, where there was one ATA club that was being run in a YMCA. He was approaching mastership and needed to step up and spread Songahm. Chief Master immediately fell in love with the city.

His first school in the Kansas City area was opened in Shawnee, KS, in 1994. From there he branched to Gladstone, Overland Park, Lawrence, Topeka, Olathe, Leavenworth, and Wichita. He made a promise to Grandmaster that he would open ten ATA schools. He has owned and operated 13 schools and kept his promise to Eternal Grandmaster H.U. Lee. In 1996 he received the rank of master. He has since developed 14 masters throughout five states. Chief Master Stephen Westbrook is currently an 8th degree black belt and International Protech Advisor. He is a certified Taekwondo and Protech Instructor, training in 23 different weapons and combative fields. Chief Master is also the head instructor of the Combat Weapons Division for the ATA. With his dedication and passion for combat weapons training, over the last seven years he has been an intricate part of growing the ATA to have over 1000 combat weapon competitors at the Songahm World Championships held every year in Little Rock, AR. Chief Master Westbrook is proud to play a key role in an organization that was a dream of one manâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;to one of the strongest martial arts organizations in the world. This organization has grown by being the first to nationally certify its black belt instructors, the first to have a worldwide centralized computer record-tracking system, and the first large organization to incorporate weapons into its everyday training (totaling 23 different weapons, and specialty training). Additionally, it was the first to outline a year-long mental and physical process to finalize the last phase of mastership and to receive the rank of master. Chief Master loves that the organization changes taekwondotimes.com / November 2016

with the times and continues to stay true to its Tae Kwon Do foundation, but he also understands that everything evolves. The incorporation of weapons training, ground fighting, bully prevention, and pressure point tactics has kept the organization thriving.

respect are important. It was a tough period in his life when he took over the organization after Eternal Grandmaster’s passing. Also essential were Grandmaster In Ho Lee and his dedication to the region that Grandmaster H.U. Lee gave Chief Master Westbrook. With his guidance and perseverance, the region has become one of the Chief Master is an innovator. He created a chest strongest in the US. CM Westbrook also credits protector that the ATA still uses today for all of Grandmaster William Clark, with his business its students. He is currently working with 3DMA prowess and innovative programs. His program to create a 3D virtual training system. This structure and teaching truly helped Chief Master app/program allows you to see Songahm forms Westbrook’s schools become successful. CM in 3D using your tablet, phone, or computer. Westbrook sincerely appreciates the support and While the avatar is performing the poomsae, love of traditional values shown by Grandmaster you can adjust the angle to accommodate Robert Allemier when Chief Master was where you need to see it. An app in Tulsa, Ok. Also, Chief Master that allows students to interact M.K. Lee assisted him with with program at any given the instructional training moment is an instructor’s and helped the ATA to dream. Instructors fight stay in the forefront of to get training time. developing instructors Soccer,football and with top quality martial baseball have become arts. CM Westbrook a full-time sports, and also wants to recognize we must innovate to the Master’s Council help students make for their dedication learning fun and most to the organization importantly convenient. and their ability to lead Chief Master Westbrook Students playing on the 3D app the the ATA’s growth. is working hard to provide the teaching aids that will keep our foundations of martial arts training in the forefront of today’s ever-changing world. With his innovations and knowledge, he continues to be a key player in the success of the American Taekwondo Association. He believes that “Following tradition builds solid foundations, but without innovation and ideas we cannot grow upwards.”

The successes of Chief Master Westbrook are due to the mentors he has had, starting with Eternal Grandmaster, who never gave up on him. Chief Master Westbrook always looked up to him as a father figure. Eternal Grandmaster’s mentoring allowed him to understand how to develop instructors and black belts to become true martial artists. In addition, Grandmaster Soon Ho Lee taught him that discipline, protocol, and 44 November 2016 / taekwondotimes.com

Chief Master Cesar Ozuna joined ATA the same year as Chief Master Westbrook in 1978. Chief Master Ozuna was the key component in bringing ATA to South America. CM Westbrook noticed the passion he had and loved training with him. This gave Chief Master Westbrook all the more reason to visit South America and train directly beside

GM Robert Allemeir & CM Ceser Ozuna

Chief Master Ozuna and his students with their passion, hard work, and never-give-up attitude. Chief Master has since been invited to do many training seminars with Chief Master Ozuna in Paraquay, Chile, and Brazil, to name a few. Finally, Chief Master G.K. Lee has been a true mentor, instructor, and friend. Chief Master G.K. Lee catapulted the combat weapons training and took Chief Master Westbrook under his wing to assist in making this training the fastest-growing competition in the organization. Chief Master G.K. Lee keeps the spirit of Songahm Taekwondo and the philosophy of the Korean culture alive. Chief Master West-brook always says, “Without philosophy, history, and complete understanding of the art, we are just learning to street fight. We must leave a legacy for future generations.” Chief Master Westbrook’s heart and soul rest with his family. Without them he would not be where he is today. He has been married for 33 years to Pam Westbrook. She has put up with months, weeks, days, and hours of seeing Chief Master get home late from tournaments, training, meetings, and seminars. Her dedication and support in seeing Chief Master’s role as a senior martial artist with a vision and a dream have been a huge part of his success. Their son, Jarrid Westbrook, trained in martial arts for 15 years and achieved the rank of 3rd degree. He was competitive in the tournament circuit and was ranked among the top ten in the world. He

met his Brazilian wife, Bia Vasquez, who is also a martial artist and Pan-American champion. Chief Master Westbrook now has a thee-year-old grandson, Nico Westbrook, who is taking after his father and grandfather. At that young age, he is kicking like a true Tae Kwon Do martial artist. Over the years of training Chief Master Westbrook has won many awards. In the 80s he was extremely active in the tournament circuit and won several national championships. He was inducted in the ATA Hall of Fame in 1996. In 1999 he was Instructor of the Year, and in 1998 his school was School of the Year. He won regional VP awards in the late 80s and 90s. In 2012 he was awarded the National Song-ham Service Award. Most recently, in 2014, he was TaeKwonDo Times School Owner of the Year. His dedication to martial arts is known across the globe to thousands of junior instructors and masters. The loyalty of his senior and junior instructors throughout his martial arts career has been a solid foundation to keep his passion going. His family’s support and love have helped him to expand Tae Kwon Do worldwide. He would like his legacy to be remembered as a true Tae Kwon Do practitioner. Chief Master Westbrook has many sayings, but this is one that has stuck with him for a long time: “Dreams are only dreams until you take the steps to make them reality!”

Getting sworn in by GM H.U. Lee

Photo credit goes to ActionHero.photo

Hall of Fame entrance taekwondotimes.com / November 2016

The Origin of Wei Kuen Do Stick Boxing By Leo Fong

In 1974, a year after the death of my good friend Bruce Lee, I was visiting Hong Kong, talking to people who knew and had worked with Lee. I met up with Chaplin Chang, whom I had met earlier in the year in San Francisco while filming a Chuck Norris movie, Slaughter in San Francisco. Chaplin had been trying to get me movie parts in Hong Kong. He thought an article about my connection with Bruce Lee published in The Hong Kong Martial Arts Magazine would help propel my name before the movie people in Hong Kong. (Ultimately, I appeared on the cover of the magazine that August 1974.) While driving to the Hong Kong hotel where the writer of the magazine was to meet us, Chaplin asked me a pivotal question: “What style of martial arts do you practice?” After a moment’s reflection, I replied, “Chaplin, I don’t know. I’ve taken lessons in Jiu Jitsu, Judo, wrestling, Tae Kwon Do, Sil Lum Kung Fu, Choy Lay Fut Kung Fu, Modern Arnis, Serrada Escrima, and BJJ under John Machado. I’ve been taught by some of the top instructors in martial arts, like T.Y Wong, Low Bun, Remy Presas, Angel Cabalas, and Kirby “KO” Donoho (I was a boxer in college with 25 fights in the ring).” After a moment’s thought, Chaplin said, “Why don’t we call your style Wei Kuen Do, ‘Way of the Integrated Fist’? wei means ‘stomach’, kuen means ‘fist’, and do means ‘way.’” I said, “OK, let’s go with that.” Sure enough, at the end of my interview with the magazine’s writer, he asked me, “What is your martial arts style called?” I

confidently responded, “Wei Kuen Do, Way of the Integrated Fist.” Upon returning to the United States, I did some soul searching and came to realize the depth and truth of Wei Kuen Do. I started integrating my martial arts techniques, which included the use of sticks, knives, and everyday items, such as ball point pens, chopsticks, and keys (used as weapons in street fighting), into my boxing. What I discovered during this process of integration is that a person’s mindset is key. Learning how to jab, hook, uppercut and cross, as well as hammer fist, kick, and deflect are all equally important techniques in a great defensive and offensive arsenal. Apply to this various angles of attack in movement, and a person has a decided advantage over a stationary opponent. Wei Kuen Do incorporates four different footwork techniques that, together with the variety of upper body movements, blend to produce an almost unlimited number of offensive and defensive combinations that can include the use of knives, sticks and other weaponry. A mindset that embraces and optimizes this versatility in action is able to deal with any situation. If you were to ask me to describe the essence of Wei Kuen Do in one sentence or less, I would tell you that Wei Kuen Do is the taking of many techniques and expressing them in one manner or way; this is the essence of integration. It is not so much the number of techniques you know but the quality of its application that matters. taekwondotimes.com / November 2016

or get a decisive win. I worked out one such setup at Arkansas Teachers College, across town from Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas, where I was attending. I remember a flyweight named Bill Malone, who, as another boxer Cassius Clay would claim, could “float like a butterfly and sting like a bee.” All Malone had was a left jab, but no one so far could touch him. He would move side to side, jab, half circle, jab. In one serious match, he hit his opponent so many times with that jab in the course of a three-round fight, his opponent was cut around both eyes and bleeding from his nose and mouth. Watching that fight and remembering Billy Walker further ingrained the idea in me that it is quality of techniques, with all its essentials, rather than quantity that results in a positive outcome.

I will never forget a boxer named Billy Walker from North Little Rock, Arkansas. Every time I saw him fight, he would knock out his opponent with a left hook. While fighting on the same card with him one night, as I sat next to him waiting for my name to be called, I asked him, “Billy, I am impressed by how you always knock out everybody with that same left hook. Everyone in the Mid-south knows you have but one punch, the left hook. Why can’t your opponent block and counter it?” He looked at me and said, “Yea, but they don’t know when it’s coming.” I never forgot that—“they don’t know when it’s coming.” As I said before, it’s not the quantity of techniques but the quality of application, of delivery—it’s about timing and deception. In developing Wei Kuen Do, I always keep Billy Walker’s simple statement in mind. In the intervening years, I have developed twelve ways to set up an opponent for a left hook. Billy’s words have changed my perception of the word “set up.” When boxing an opponent, it’s not about the volume of punches you throw but the ability to set up your opponent to knock him out 48

November 2016 / taekwondotimes.com

The guiding principles in Wei Kuen Do are based on the following two main considerations: first is the technique effective in a non-compliant situation; second, can the technique be integrated with other moves and simplified to become an inner expression of spontaneity, rather than a deliberate, prearranged series of movements? Far too many current martial arts “systems” are based on compliancy—the moves are pre-arranged, and success of delivery is dependent on your training partner’s cooperation. The outcome is entirely different, however, when using these techniques outside of your training arena, where neither you nor your opponent knows what kind of attack and/or defense to expect from the other. These preset techniques might work well in a particular training arena, but they become useless when facing opponents with different training backgrounds. This is why Wei Kuen Do focuses on developing techniques that area non-compliant (versatile). Wei Kuen Do also embraces Bruce Lee’s Four Stages of Development: Developing the tools,

Refining the Tools, Dissolving the Tools and Expressing the tools. It is during these four stages that simplification and integration of techniques occur. The ultimate goal is to move up the developmental ladder until you can express the tools; it is the ability to express—and not just deliver—your martial art that is the difference between success or failure. As Bruce Lee once said, “Be like a voice and an echo.” Far too many martial artists today find an ego boost through demonstrations with students who react cooperatively, their instructors having trained them what, how and when to use their techniques in prearranged scenarios. I have more than once seen highly-ranked martial artists bested and severely beaten in street brawls against untrained street fighters. We martial artists have

to maintain perspective. The street thug will not cooperate with you in your prearranged technique. He will throw all caution to the wind. He is there to fight you, not dance with you, and unless you are well-honed in free fighting (i.e., non-compliant) training, you will be embarrassed and very probably serious hurt. Wei Kuen Do is a post-Bruce Lee era approach to fighting, with its roots firmly planted in the essence of Western Bond boxing; yet it goes beyond the scope of Western boxing and Bruce’s Jeet Kune Do. Wei Kuen Do goes beyond the rules. Rather than relying on prearranged, static techniques, Wei Kuen Do relies on the expression of spontaneously fluid and simply effective techniques, rather than the delivery of prearranged ones, in response to an attack. All Wei Kuen Do drills are designed to develop reflective action to unexpected attacks. Wei Kuen Do does not accumulate techniques; it assimilates and integrates them.

taekwondotimes.com / November 2016

JEDOKAN – Way of the Versatile Warrior

JEDOKAN is a dynamic training method developed by its founder Jeff Jeds. JEDOKAN is an exclusive, family-oriented martial arts organization. The acronym stands for J-Jeds (the founder’s initials), E-Evolutionary, Do-Method, and Kan-School. Therefore, JEDOKAN –School of Jeds’ Evolutionary Method of Martial Arts. According to the members, it is best described as “Way of the Versatile Warrior.” The JEDOKAN School focuses on simplicity and non-commercialized training drills. The teachings of the system are geared towards versatility and self-actualization. Its members are taught that their martial arts system is a way of life.

There are martial arts teachers and students who argue that a martial arts system is insignificant in determining the outcome of a situation, but rather, success is dependent solely on an individual’s own ability. However, a particular system programs an individual’s reaction. It is therefore imperative that an individual react appropriately. Thus, a system is equally as important as an individual. JEDOKAN is a unique training method. A style limits an individual into fighting a certain way. JEDOKAN, on the other hand, is a training method that trains its practitioners to be versatile.

JEDOKAN Self-Defense and Weapons System

Our self-defense system trains the members to have stable stances with effective blocking and deflecting skills. Members also learn 50

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our own unique dodging and footwork drills accompanied by swift counter-attacking techniques, making their reactions effective both in sparring and in actual confrontations.

Our weapons system is the extension of our empty hand. The same dodging drills and footwork are applied. Hence, our members move synonymously with weapons as they would in empty hand. This is unlike other martial arts schools, which have different or opposing body mechanics. Their empty-hand and weapons training causes one to have disoriented reflexes. In JEDOKAN, our empty-hand and weapons system complement each other, resulting in fluidity and versatility in skills.

JEDOKAN-The Art of Family

Chief Instructor Jeff ensures that practitioners of JEDOKAN reside in a zone of friendly support during the course of their study. His hands-on approach to teaching, sense of humor, and a true desire to help guarantee that participants will find themselves in a safe family environment. JEDOKAN is not just good for the body or the mind; it is good for the soul. Join the class and find a new brother, sister or friend. Surround yourself with like-minded, goal-oriented, fun people, and you will find your chances of reaching your own goals have increased tenfold.

The Art of Aging Gracefully

JEDOKAN is your home away from home, your pilgrimage to better and brighter days . . . and you are not alone in your quest. Although our dedicated students span many races and ethnic groups, at JEDOKAN we pride ourselves on being a humble, supportive family. Chief Instructor Jeff Jeds has created a safe place for kids and adults to develop their minds, bodies and souls, while learning the path of righteousness, strength and discipline.

What is JEDOKAN SENDO?

Looking for an exercise program can be a daunting task for almost anyone. Where does one start? Do you want to jump into weight lifting? Running? What if it’s been some time since you had any exercise? We’ve all heard the stories of people injuring themselves trying to “get in shape.” So how does one go about getting in shape without winding up in the doctor’s oﬃce? The fact is most sports are designed for those who are already active. Beginning an exercise program the wrong way can be just as dangerous as not beginning one at all! The logical answer is to design an exercise program that will challenge you—whether you are a marathon runner or haven’t jogged in a decade—and at the same time incorporate safe training methods at a comfortable pace that’s just right for almost everyone. Is it possible to find such a program, preferably without spending an arm and a leg or hiring a personal trainer?

SENDO is that program. A unique, holistic rejuvenation of the mind, body, and energy combining the ancient wisdom of the martial arts with modern teaching techniques designed exclusively for people of all ages. SENDO is your gateway to longevity, mental alertness, and sense of inner calm, blended flawlessly with cardiovascular enrichment, deep breathing techniques, core exercises, and the vital increased flexibility, balance, and muscle tone. The question, “What is SENDO?” can best be answered by what SENDO can do for you.

The Art of Stress Management

Designed by Chief Instructor Jeff Jeds, a martial arts instructor with years of experience teaching students of all ages, SENDO will strike you right from the start. If you’ve looked into any form of Eastern “meditation in movement” arts in the hopes of attaining the health benefits, you may have come to a common conclusion: It’s diﬃcult to see progress when all your time is spent learning long, complicated forms. SENDO’s philosophies follow a core belief that an exercise program should be stress reducing, not stress producing. Give us the chance to prove to you that practicing a modern, non-combative martial art will help you find inner calm and tranquility, sleep better at night, and get in touch with your body. Jeff Jeds – JEDOKAN Founder Jeff Jeds, the founder of JEDOKAN began his training in the martial arts at the age of eight years old in the Philippines. He first started with boxing and kickboxing. Later, when he moved to the USA, he continued with Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido. During his junior high school years, he joined a Shotokan club (Filipino Style) taekwondotimes.com / November 2016

while continuing in Tae Kwon Do. Then, when started attending high school throughout his second year in college, he moved to Lengson Karate Arnis. He also cross trained in Krav Maga, Muay Thai, Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, and other Eskrima systems, like the Manois Kali Style. Jeff Jeds believes that in order to be an effective martial artist and an instructor, experience in actual fights is important. Although he has been involved in many street fights, he believes that experience in the ring is equally important. Therefore, he participated in local tournaments in point-system, full-contact stick fighting, and mixed martial arts. Jeff ’s approach to martial arts is reality based. He does not believe in cinematic, or so-called “magical arts,” which involve superstitious beliefs that one can knock someone to the ground by simply staring at the opponent or take someone down without touching them. Jeff believes in factual and realistic forms of training. The focus of his training is the development of the student’s reflexes in unison with proper mental conditioning, thus preparing an individual for physical confrontations, and more importantly, against life’s diﬃculties and trials.

November 2016 / taekwondotimes.com

Jeff does not believe in selling certificates or belts to students. He feels strongly that students must earn their ranks through hard labor and dedication. Hence, he does not conduct belt testing or charge students for such. He expects the students to train diligently, and when he feels one is proficient with the proper conduct, then he will promote that student to any rank deserved. Although JEDOKAN is a modern martial arts system, when it comes to its physical drills, the principles of JEDOKAN are traditional blended with modern-day wisdom. Because Jeff Jeds is a devout Christian, a member of the Church of Christ (Iglesia ni Cristo 7-271914), he often shares his Christian principles with his students, such as the importance of teaching young people to love and respect their parents and their elders, be polite and kind to others, maintain a harmonious relationship with people, and strive to get a good education and successful career. These are some of the secrets why JEDOKAN members are so dedicated, loyal, and supportive of the organization. Jeff Jeds established a family-oriented organization where everyone feels love, respect, support, and no one ever feels like a customer or a client. In JEDOKAN, everyone is family.

The Gifts of Martial Arts Training My love for martial arts began when I was in fifth grade. My parents signed me up for selfdefense classes alongside my brother. My first form of martial art was Tae Kwon Do. Here we were trained to be proficient with our legs. I was able to achieve my junior black belt in this art. Many years later I met Sensei Jeff Jeds, founder of JEDOKAN Martial Arts. My enthusiasm for the martial arts began to flourish. Training nearly every day was something to look forward to. From Sensei Jeff Jeds, I learned the meaning of applying one’s self and true love for the arts. His swift hand techniques combined with his elusive footwork are things that I can only hope to emulate one day. In addition to the physical abilities learned in JEDOKAN, the teachings and discipline instilled in me provided a solid foundation for the challenges I faced outside the training hall. JEDOKAN ingrained in me a strict work ethic, beginning in my youth. Well before high school, I have always kept a job while getting an education. My professional work began as a licensed vocational nurse. Nursing school was challenging, to say the least. However, because of my martial arts discipline that encouraged me to never settle and to strive for my best, I was inspired to continue on with my education. Eventually, I became a registered nurse after a few years of hard work. Parallel to my love for the martial arts, my thirst for knowledge

By Aiko Jeds

continued, earning a bachelor’s degree and ultimately a master’s degree in nursing from UCLA. Today, I am a nurse practitioner. The struggle of going to school while working full time has not been easy. However, with the discipline learned from JEDOKAN, the endurance gained as a member of the Church of Christ (Iglesia Ni Cristo), and the support from my family members (Hedy &amp; Felipe Ramos my parents, and my brother John), I was able to achieve the goals I have set for myself. During the course of my JEDOKAN training, I was fortunate enough to train under Sensei Robert Torres of the Kuroi Samurai Karate Do and Sensei Ben Torres, a former USMC who trained under General Choi Hong-Hi, founder of Tae Kwon Do. From these two extraordinary men, I was further inspired to explore my full potential as a martial arts practitioner. Recently, I have also been fortunate enough to meet Master Leo Fong, under whom I learned Wei Kun Do. Leo Fong is the founder of Wei Kun Do and best friend to Bruce Lee. Training with Master Leo has greatly improved my boxing skills and broadened my martial arts training. If one is lucky, they can meet a genuine martial arts instructor in their lifetime. I was fortunate enough to have met four astonishing instructors who have solidified my love for the arts. Through JEDOKAN, I learned empty-hand combat and weaponry. Aside from the physical lessons, I grew to understand self-discipline, diligence and perseverance. These are the gifts that martial arts training gives. taekwondotimes.com / November 2016

Growing As a Martial Artist By Renegine Alejo

I have been in JEDOKAN since the summer of 2007. I began as a member of the fitness program but joined the martial arts soon after, and I must say it was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. The members are extremely friendly and welcoming, and some have even become closer to me than my own relatives. It has helped me develop qualities that I never had before, such as confidence, diligence, and discipline. I have also learned the art of compassion in teaching and caring for others. When Sensei Jeff teaches, he does not merely focus in physical betterment, but he also addresses psychological and fundamental aspects useful in everyday life. He addresses many situations that people may encounter and helps us to overcome obstacles that one may be facing. He also teaches students about bettering themselves, such as learning discipline, selfcontrol, self-confidence, diligence, loving your family and obeying your parents—all to keep children and other members away from trouble. Before joining JEDOKAN, I was not sure what I was going to do after high school, but then it gave me a sense of belonging and direction in my life. It has inspired me to continue pursuing higher education in order to acquire a respectable

54 November 2016 / taekwondotimes.com

career in which I can give back to those close to me and the JEDOKAN organization, which I love. If I hadn’t joined JEDOKAN, if I hadn’t met Sensei Jeff, my life would not be the same. In fact, I don’t know where I would be today if I never joined. I’m thankful every day that I did. Not only has JEDOKAN helped me improve physically, spiritually, mentally, but it has also allowed me to gain new experiences. I have had the opportunity to travel around the country to demonstrate in seminars and train with grandmasters. I have been able to train with Sensei Robert Torres of the Kuroi Samurai Karate Do; Sensei Ben Torres, a former USMC, who trained under General Choi Hong-Hi, founder of Tae Kwon Do; and also Sifu Leo Fong, Wei Kuen Do founder. I hope that I may continue to train and travel with other grandmasters so I may continue to grow as a martial artist. I recently received my Bachelor of Science in Nursing as well as my license as a registered nurse. During the course of my education JEDOKAN, my spiritual practice as a member of the Church of Christ (Iglesia Ni Cristo), and the help of my family (Renato & Sonia, my father & mother, and my sister Reina), I am able to overcome the different trials I encountered.

Possibilities Ahead It has been a great honor to train under Sensei Jeff Jeds in JEDOKAN Martial Arts, Sensei Robert Torres of Kuroi Samurai Karate Do, and Sensei Ben Torres (former USMC), who trained under TKD founder General Choi Hong-Hi and Leo Fong. I was lacking in discipline, without direction in life. I was already 24 years old and unemployed. I had no motivation to look ahead of me. My future seemed dark, and I did not care that I was blind as I traveled in my journey of life. I was wayward and stumbling, but fortunately, I happened to stumble upon JEDOKAN Martial Arts when I began training in 2008 with Sensei Jeff Jeds, chief instructor and founder of JEDOKAN, and my life changed for the better. I was revived to live again, and not just live, but live healthy and well. My blood began to flow through my veins with ease, as if to deliver the food that my entire body was lacking. For every repetition

By Lyn Bee

of movement in my body from training, my muscles hardened, forming strength, the strength to stand the test of all challenges. Martial arts trained my reflexes so that I can move and react to unforeseen situations that were thrown my way. The unrelenting flow of dodging and attacking created in me endurance and determination. I developed confidence and selfesteem, and I knew I deserved more in life. I decided to go to LVN school to become a nurse. Martial arts motivated me to be more, and what better profession than to be a representative for good health, disease prevention, and quality of life. Also, I am a graduate of June 2016 from the BSN RN program. Martial arts have helped me throughout my nursing career. There are diďŹ&#x192;culties and challenges with nursing due to heavy workload and intensive patient care; however, I have developed ease and the appropriate coping mechanisms to accomplish all tasks during stressful times. I have developed leadership skills and qualities necessary to withstand the world of nursing. I owe it to Jeff Jeds, my sensei, my family members (Leo & Linda Blace my parents, my brother Lenard), and to my spiritual belief as a member of the Church of Christ (Iglesia Ni Cristo). Training has translated to my entire being of spirit, body and mind. There are possibilities ahead. The road is no longer darkened by haze. There is only a clearing for opportunities and open doors.

taekwondotimes.com / November 2016

Reed’s Active Martial Arts & Wellness Club LLC By Lady Lallaine Reed

R.A.M.A. (Reed’s Active Martial Arts) might seem like it’s a new school for most people. Indeed, its legal formation was finalized in April 2015. What they don’t know is the fact that it started as a vision from a married couple who were indefinitely living in Germany in 2012. They wanted to motivate the lowincome people there and teach them martial arts to lead a better way of life. They started teaching/training in their own basement, in their living rooms and in parks. In 2013 Grandmaster David L Reed and Kyosa Lady Lallaine Reed moved from Germany to Los Angeles, California, with a dream to open a martial arts school and a wellness club, and in 2015 their dream was realized. KJN David L Reed has actually 46 years’ experience in the martial arts and 31 years as a black belt. He began martial arts training in 1970 in Judo and Jiu-Jitsu. From 1971 until 1979 he studied Tae Kwon Do, Wing Chun Kung Fu, Jeet Kune Do and Tai Chi. At the same time he began his study of Tang Soo Do. He tested for 1st dan under Chuck Norris in 1984 In 1988 he met and began teaching part-time for Grandmaster Ho Sik Pak at Pak’s Tang Soo Do, then re-tested and promoted to 1st and 2nd dan in US Tang Soo Do Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan (29476), (re-testing required with federation membership). He was featured with GM Pak in Black Belt Magazine in May 1989 in “Tang Soo Do: It Can Sweep You Off Your Feet” and TaeKwonDo Times in March 1990 in “How To Handle Multiple Attacks.” In 1989, 1990, and 1992 he also competed in multiple tournaments, winning championships, 2nd and 4th place in sparring. In 2000 he co-founded

November 2016 / taekwondotimes.com

United American Tang Soo Do Association with Master Mike McPherson. In 2005 he helped co-write Complete Tang Soo Do Master Manual: From 2nd Dan to 6th Dan, Vol, with Master Jack Pistella and Grandmaster Ho Sik Pak. He was recently promoted by Grandmaster In Do Nam of the International Tang Soo Do Federation of Korea to 7th degree black belt in Tang Soo Do. Over the years he has trained under and with GM Chuck Norris, GM Jeong Sook Lee, Master James Edwards, GM Ho Sik Pak in Tang Soo Do, GM Leo Fong (WKD), Sifu Robert Crowder (JKD) Sifu Chris Kent (JKD), Sifu Randy Lyons and Sifu Dale Chen in (Tai Chi Chuan) 24 and 108, Qi Gong, Sifu Clark Tang ( Wing Chun). He is also a clairvoyant, a Reiki master and a minister. He co-founded and opened Reed’s Active Martial Arts and Wellness Club in Germany and in California with Kyosa Lady L. Reed. Also in 2015, he was promoted to a 7th degree black belt in Tang Soo Do and was assigned President of the West Coast International Tang Soo Do Federation of Korea by Grandmaster In Do Nam and a 6th dan in World Dang Soo Do Union under Grandmaster S. K. Kim. He was inducted into the Masters Hall Of Fame in 2015 and into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2016. He is currently training with Kyosa Lady Lallaine under Grandmaster Leo Fong in Wei Kuen Do.

Now, she holds a 2nd degree black belt in Tang Soo Do MDK from ITF of Korea/ 1st Degree in Tae Kwon Do MDK (tested by Master Thien Vo from GM Jack Hwang) and a CMT (AMTA member, MBLEX passed). Kyosa Lady Lallaine Reed started training in Tae Kwon Do when she was studying in De LaSalle University in the Philippines in 1991. After a car accident in 1991, she thought she wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be able to use her feet anymore, so she learned Wado Ryu Karate and got an orange belt in 1993 in Pangasinan, Philippines. She started doing Yoga in 1995. She lived in Germany for almost 19 years and was an avid fan of martial arts, especially Jet Li, Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan. She was training only with the little knowledge she learned in martial arts by herself. When she met her mentor Divina Martens, she learned Tai Chi-Qigong meditation in 1999. After being a certified German oďŹ&#x192;ce clerk, she volunteered to write, edit and make the layout of a newsletter for Phil. Frauen Gruppe e.V. in Hamburg in 2004. She took classes on alternative medicine from 2005-2006 and courses on dealing with special kids as a caregiver for children from 2010-2012 in Baden-Wuerttemburg. Then she was introduced to kickboxing by Giuseppe Demitri in 2008 and to Wing Chun by Sifu Alexander Kapischke in 2009.

She is also known for her poetry, photography, Tinig Pinay Newsletter and is continually working on her Ramayoga, Shibashi, Baduanjin, Tang Soo Do, Tae Kwon Do, Wing Chun, Wei Kuen Do and JEDOKAN forms. As a certified massage therapist, she offers Swedish and deep tissue massage, trigger points, chakra balance, pregnancy and infant massage, geriatric and seated massage, Shiatsu, reflexology and acupressure. She is also a certified Reiki master in Usui Reiki through Bryce Winston and an ordained minister, initiate and volunteer of the Church of MSIA. She was inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame in May 2016 as the Leading Female Black Belt of the year. Together, they believe in helping people activate their power from within and unite their body, mind and spirit by achieving wellness. Through the different styles that they teach and services they offer, they hope to reach people who are on the same path. It is never too late to start and be active. Together they are bridging the gap between martial arts, regardless of race, age, styles or creed. They are now also helping older people and special needs children.

taekwondotimes.com / November 2016

A Fascinating Journey By Paul Pinckard

from them in their teachings in JEDOKAN and Wei Kuen Do. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the real deal. No hocus pocus nonsense. I am proud to call them my friends. Studying the martial arts has saved me and will continue to do so as long as I live. I would love to make great martial arts action films with my friends in the near future. I enjoy working on the set making friends with people, and I often learn something new when I meet other great actors. I have worked with Cary Hiroyuki Tagawa and Quentin Rampage Jackson on Duel of Legends. I also appeared as a chauffeur on The Bold and the Beautiful. One of the films which I worked on was The Moneymaker with Robert Picardo and John De Lancie, which won the 2015 Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival. I was very fortunate enough to be inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2015 and 2016. I began my training in the martial arts after seeing Bruce Leeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s The Big Boss and Enter the Dragon for the first time. It was 1990. I was seven years old. The films of Steven Seagal and Jean Claude Van Damme had a big influence on me as well. They changed my life forever. My parents took me to a great Hapkido school in the San Fernando Valley. I had amazing and knowledgeable instructors. Master Sayed Qubadi was one, in particular. I followed him and I was his first student when he opened his own studio, American Hapkido Karate, on September 1st, 1991. I received my 1st degree junior black belt and 1st degree black belt, and I currently hold a 2nd degree black belt in Hapkido. I also have trained in Muay Thai, Aikido, Jiu-Jitsu, boxing and am currently training with Master Jeff Jeds and Sifu Leo Fong. I had the privilege of meeting them last year. It really is an honor to work with worldclass martial artists. I have learned so much 58

November 2016 / taekwondotimes.com

My journey has been a fascinating one, and with my good friends, I am sure there are more actions ahead. I would like to thank Dr. Jim Thomas, Lori Hallmark, Jeff Meacham, Master Sayed Qubadi, Sifu Leo Fong, and Master Jeff Jeds for all that you do.

Sifu Shane Lear – Founder of Gen Y uan Kempo Shane began his study of the martial arts in 1987 at the age of 16. It all started during a family trip to Tokyo and Hong Kong. Shane was picked out of the crowd to participate in a martial arts demonstration. That sparked his interest. This led to his grandfather’s recognizing an opportunity to channel Shane’s energy and anger issues into a productive activity. Shortly thereafter, both Shane and his grandfather enrolled in Karate classes with Eric Shellenberger in Lima, Ohio. Shane’s grandfather was 59 at the time and practiced with him for a year until a hip injury forced him to the sidelines. He continued supporting Shane’s martial efforts for decades, always willing to take him to classes and tournaments when he was younger and offer advice as Shane turned his martial arts passion into a business. Shane received his first black belt in Okinawa Kenpo Karate from Sensei Shellenberger in 1991 and opened his own school that same year.

By David Deich

• Zanshin Ryu Jujutsu 9th Degree April 2012 • Wild Goose System, Inner Door Student 2015 • Wei Kuen Do 7th Degree April 2016 This knowledge has been put to good use. From the Little Dragon’s class for the youngest members through the adult martial and Qigong classes to the MMA fighters, Lear’s Martial Arts is always a bustling place, offering something for everyone. Shane’s martial work tells only half of the story. Inspired by the holistic life approach used by both his mother and his grandfather and spurred on by his own training injuries, he began to study the possibilities of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine). TCM lead him into the internal arts, including acupressure, massage, TaiChi, Qigong and meditation. And these led him first to massage school in Lima, Ohio, and then to China for further study. • 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2015 -Shaolin Temple - Kung Fu, weapons, Qigong, healing • 2009-Wudang Mountain-Tai Chi • 2009, 2010, 2011, 2015, 2016 -Dayan Qigong-Wuhan

Shane and some of his junior students From that beginning, Shane’s experience has grown across a broad range of martial systems. College friends brought exposure to wrestling, boxing and Muay Tai. A steady stream of diverse training brought in more knowledge. • Okinawa Kenpo 3rd Degree Feb. 1998 • Chung Do Kwon TKD 4th Degree January 2008 • Ryu Kyu Kempo 7th Degree October 2011

As his knowledge and practice have grown, Sifu Lear has branched out, teaching seminars in the US and Europe in addition to running his own school in Delphos, Ohio. Along the way, his expertise has also brought him into the world of movies as an actor and fight choreographer. One of Shane’s most recent developments is the founding of Gen Yuan Kempo. Gen Yuan Kempo is exclusively “Shane Lear’s art.” It represents the melding of all his martial and healing studies under multiple masters in the US and China, taekwondotimes.com / November 2016

meaning of Gen Yuan represents Shane’s desire to always uncover the deepest principles of the arts. It is very easy to try and simply mimic a movement or technique, but much harder to understand all the root principles that underlie any method. The “root source” principles also encompass the yin-yang balance that is inclusive of both healing and martial application. The yin-yang symbol forms the background or “root” of the patch. Understanding and balancing the energies of life (yin and yang) is the fundamental principle of Gen Yuan Kempo.

Shane & Chen Chuan Gang in Wuhan specifically Masters Leo Fong (Wei Kun Do), Steve Cooper (Zanshin Ryu), Chen Guan Gang (Wild Goose), Tony Everett (Kyusho & Tuite Jitsu) and Shi Yan Xie (Shaolin KungFu). The result is a unique mix of old and new principles of combat, also incorporating acupressure, Qigong, massage, and TCM principles into a seamless blend of martial arts and healing. The name Gen Yuan Kempo (根源拳法) represents the contributions from both the Chinese and Japanese arts. The Kanji for the first two characters (根源) Gen and Yuan in Chinese, translate as “the root source.” The Kanji for the second two characters ( 拳法) are Quan and Fa in Chinese and Kempo in Japanese. In both languages they translate as “fighting technique.” Shane has chosen to use a mix of Chinese and Japanese pronunciations in the name, hence “Gen Yuan Kempo,” or “the root source fighting technique.” This resonates with Sifu Lear’s training on many levels. First, the name itself represents his training that spans both the original Chinese and later Japanese perspectives on the fighting and healing arts. Next, the “root source” 60

November 2016 / taekwondotimes.com

There is also a very personal meaning to the term “Gen Yuan.” When Shane was studying in China at Shaolin, Warrior Monk Shi Yan Xie brushed the Gen Yuan characters and gave it to Shane, telling him that this was “his symbol” and represented an important aspect of his life. The central brush work on the patch translates as “Wushu” and also came from an artist at Shaolin. Wushu The patch contains the core five animals that are the foundations of the earliest Chinese arts. Each animal is a different style or perspective of fighting (Dragon, Leopard, Crane, Tiger, and Snake). The five-

animal perspective carries over into all of the methods that are a part of the Gen Yuan system—striking, joint locking, throwing, and ground work—as well as meditation and energy work (qigong). Gen Yuan Kempo is a total system from standup to ground combat based on energies of the five animals of Shaolin. It integrates both the martial and healing aspects of the arts. And, the system will continue to evolve. In the tradition of Bruce Lee, Sifu Lear is always learning and evolving while holding to the concept of maintaining the root principles. The Gen Yuan Kempo instructor’s curriculum includes written and DVD material and is available from white belt through black belt. There are no organization or testing fees associated with the Gen Yuan Kempo Instructor’s curriculum. You do the work, you receive the reward. It’s as easy as that. Since the launch in August of 2015, there are schools in 25 states and in Europe studying the Gen Yuan material. Austin St. John (the Red Power Ranger) came on board in the last year and a will be accompanying Shane with a special training group to the Shaolin Temple in late 2016. These special training opportunities are offered to insure that Gen

Yuan Kempo practitioners have access to some of the best instruction in the world. Perhaps the best insights into Sifu Lear’s accomplishments and goals in the arts come from one of his students. Shane’s longest running student, Lee Plescher, has been with him for 28 years. They actually began training together when Shane was a green belt. Lee sums up his experiences with Sifu Lear in this way: “One of the things that has kept me learning and growing in my martial arts with Shane is you are never wrong. For his entire career, the core of the art has been to evolve and expand. He strives for perfection in simplicity. It is a rarity in life to have an instructor, let alone a friend, that has been a constant source of growth and encouragement in your life. It’s never been just about being a better martial artist with him, but also being a better person.” For more information on Sifu Shane Lear, Gen Yuan Kempo and training trips to China, please visit www.GenYuanKempo.com. David Deich is a long time practitioner of the healing and martial arts. He is a Master Instructor in the Wild Goose System, currently teaching in the Southern Indiana area. The books and videos he co-authors with Shane Lear can be found at Amazon.com.

taekwondotimes.com / November 2016

Has TaeKwonDo or Martial Arts affected your life? Let your younger students have fun and keep if the student didn’t have enough power for a clean break—which keeps more energy in the board and less going back into the student. them excited by letting do something that they love that will also increase their skill . . . let them break PLASTIC boards.

Send your submission to editor@ (It also shows your commitment to the taekwondotimes.com. GREEN movement. Plastic boards can be broken thousands of times and save trees!!)

Stories should be 600 words Master Terry Wisniewski is a 7th-degree black belt in format and per page in Word ITF Tae Kwon Do, founder of Tien Lung Tae Kwon Do. He is a full-time professional Tae Kwon Do include high resolution photos. instructor with three schools. He has trained world champions in patterns, selfdefense and power breaking.

Who knows? You might be featured in the next issue of TaeKwonDo Times! Want to get every issue? Subscribe now! Digital Editions

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Send to Taekwondo Times • 1510 Mt. Vernon Rd SE • Cedar Rapids, IA 52403, USA (319) 396-1980 • www.taekwondotimes.com 62 November 2016 / taekwondotimes.com 64 July 2016 / taekwondotimes.com

The Joy of Breaking Let Them BREAK!! From all my past articles you know that breaking: • Is SAFER than sparring. • Helps students develop physical skills such as power, speed, and accuracy. • Helps students increase their confidence in their skills and themselves.

By Master Wiz

while waiting their turn to break. However, once the students know how to work together, what is expected and how much fun they can have, the classes will pretty much run themselves! Working as a Team

• Is FUN for children, teens and adults. Therefore, it should be a part of your regular training curriculum, and here’s how to do it! For every 6-8 students you will want: • One Board Holder • A variety of boards—levels that are appropriate for the age and size of the group. • Extra boards for higher levels and bigger students so they can combine them. • A thin cushion (such as a flat pool noodle or campers under-pad) for those breaks that sting (like front elbow). • Tape or paint on the floor showing approximate 45-degree angles for each corner of the board.

• Divide the class into groups of similar-sized students of similar abilities so that the amount of time they spend adjusting heights and boards between breakers will be vastly reduced and the group will get more breaks in. • Two to three students should be working in the breaking area at all times: past breaker, present breaker, future breaker. The others will be occupied practicing the break they will be working on by striking paddles or shields until it is their turn to break. • After breaking the board, each student must quickly reassemble the board(s) they just broke (past breaker) while the next person adjusts the board holder height (if necessary) (present breaker) with the help of a friend (future breaker).

Start Up

The first few sessions will go a little slower as you will have to teach the students how to adjust the height of the board holder, how to work as a team in order to get more breaks in, review safety issues and what activity they should do

• The present breaker then installs the board they intend to break, lines up, measures and makes their attempt(s). I like to keep it to as maximum of three attempts, and I like to phrase it in baseball terms: “Three strikes and you’re out!” taekwondotimes.com / November 2016

Safety

• Make sure that the extra boards are not left under the board holder, where they would be a tripping or stumbling hazard. • Use the comfort cushion when appropriate. • Do not crowd the person breaking— only the present breaker in the breaking area when they are lined up. • Students should only break boards up to the level set by the instructor. • If you do not break after three strikes, go get an instructor to watch you for your next attempt.

Instruction

• Gather the entire group in (working on a particular break) so that they can see and hear you explain the technical aspects of the break. • Focus on what TO do, rather than on what not to do. • Demonstrate the break using a (for you) a medium strength board so that you can show perfect technique as well as demonstrate how easy it is.

• Demonstrate how they are to practice on a shield or paddle while waiting for their turn. • Review the safety reminders and send them on their way! • Supervise the class and make sure you are continually hearing and seeing boards breaking. Lower the board levels, if necessary. • If you find yourself correcting the same issue on multiple students, stop the class and bring them in to review that aspect.

Encouragement

Remember, the sooner the students have a successful experience, the more energized and confident they will be, so start students breaking easier boards. You can tell them they have to progress through the boards colors in a certain order to ensure they work their way up to more diﬃcult boards in a safe way but also have the positive experience of the easy breaks in the beginning. For example, yellow, then ½ yellow, ½ orange, then orange, then ½ orange ½ green, then green, etc.

Practice

Encourage your students to get boards and board holders of their own to practice at home. They have baseballs and bats, why not home martial art equipment?

• Set appropriate board levels and restrictions for each group. Master Terry Wisniewski is a 7th-degree black belt in ITF Tae Kwon Do, founder of Tien Lung Tae Kwon Do. He is a fulltime professional Tae Kwon Do instructor with three schools. He has trained world champions in patterns, self-defense and power breaking. 64 November 2016 / taekwondotimes.com

The Lost Art of the Ax Kick (Part Two) By William F. Randolph, Jr. Photographs by Lamar Pacley

These are the remaining ax kick drills that Master Roger Haines of Dayton Tang Soo Do Academy in Dayton, Ohio, taught to his students Aisha Thornton and Tristan Miller. The women’s determination led them both to multiple tournament championships at local, regional, national, and even junior Olympic levels.

6. Jump ax kick Demonstrator: Master Tristan Miller The jump ax kick is a more traditional Korean technique, often not used in sport competition. (1) From a fighting stance, (2) you will raise your rear leg while at the same time cocking your front leg. (3) Point your knee at your opponent and drop the ax kick down on his/her head.

7. Statue of Liberty ax kick Demonstrator: Master Aisha Thornton-Smith This technique is one of Aisha’s favorite fighting techniques and was a spectator’s delight everywhere she went. (1) As you assume your fighting stance, (2) your front leg goes straight up as if you are about to throw a basic ax kick, and then (3) drop your ax kick down on top of your opponent’s head. taekwondotimes.com / November 2016

8. Jump-looping ax kick Demonstrator: Master Aisha Thornton-Smith This technique is used to close the gap on your opponent by jumping in the air, bringing both your knees up at the same time. (1 & 2) Your front leg traveling in a circular motion, (3) almost like a whip cracking your opponent in the face.

9. Defensive ax kick Demonstrator: Master Aisha Thornton-Smith You’re on your toes in your fighting stance, (1) timing your opponent’s rhythm. (2) Lean backwards bringing your front knee up. (3) Drop the ax kick on top of your opponent as he/she moves in.

10. Step-over ax kick Demonstrator: Master Tristan Miller This technique is excellent for Tae Kwon Do competition as well as open competition. (1) Slide your rear leg 90 degrees toward your opponent. (2) At the same time, cock your front leg up, bringing it up into an ax kick. (3) Drop your ax kick on your opponent’s head. What makes this technique work is that your opponent thinks you are about to perform a spinning kick because you are picking up your rear leg and stepping 90 degrees . . . turning your front kicking leg into the ax kick. 66

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11. Jump step-over ax kick Demonstrator: Master Tristan Miller (1) From your fighting stance, (2) jump into the air, picking up your rear leg as if you are going to do a spinning kick. (3) Bring your front leg up and drop it into an ax kick. What makes this technique work is that you jump toward your opponent, closing the distance.

12. Jump back leg ax kick Demonstrator: Master Aisha Thornton-Smith This technique is probably the most basic of your jump ax kicking drills. (1) Assume a horse stance. (2) Bring your rear leg up, jumping into the air at the same time. (3) Cock your front leg up, dropping your ax kick on your opponentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s head as you come back down toward the ground.

13. Short ax kick Demonstrator: Master Tristan Miller (1) From the fighting stance, (2) chamber your knee off the front leg, (3) throw a side kick. (4) Re-chamber your knee and throw the ax kick with the knee bent. William F. Randolph, Jr. is a retired police officer and Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran. He earned his black belt in Tang Soo So under Grandmaster Roger Haines and was inducted into the Eastern USA International Black Belt Hall of Fame. He has been serving as the publicist for Grandmaster Haines, his SWAT (Special Winning Attitudes Team) National Karate Team, and all other associated federations for the past two decades.For more information on these techniques (or others), contact: Grandmaster Roger Haines, Ph.D SWAT National Karate Team c/o 3521 Edgecliff Avenue, Dayton, Ohio 45402 PH: (937) 479-5992 Information about the photographer, contact: Lamar Pacley Shutter Eye Photo PH: (937) 477-3128 taekwondotimes.com / November 2016

Warrior Wisdom Beyond Technique: What Every Martial Artist Should Know Everyone who has ever studied martial arts has learned—or at least been shown—many different physical techniques connected with the specific style that they studied. They have been taught how to kick, how to punch, and how to block. This is routine in the martial arts. But still there is something missing in many martial arts classes—character training. Character training consists of teaching students the internal, philosophical side of the warrior lifestyle. This used to be a major part of martial arts training, but it has fallen by the wayside as the majority of people today are merely interested in learning martial arts for sports applications, such as tournaments and MMA. In fact, in days past, the masters of the martial arts actually would refuse to teach a student if they had any questions concerning the character of the student. It was not all about money, as the vast majority of dojos seem to be today. If you trace the roots of the various martial arts back to the beginning, you will find that character training has always been an important part of the martial arts. Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan Karate, went as far as to state, “The ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory nor defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants.” So what exactly does the “perfection of character” entail? And why have so many instructors today let this goal be replaced by sports techniques and showy routines, which are little more than gymnastic shows? Have martial arts changed that much in today’s world? These are important questions to be considered. Character training is needed more today than at any time in the past, but it is rarely found in today’s dojos. One of the main reasons for this change is the love of money. Most dojos today are a business. When it 68

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By Bohdi Sanders Ph.D.

comes down to it, they are concerned with one thing—making money. This is in stark contrast to the training halls of the past.

Today, martial arts training is conducted on a strict schedule because the instructors need to get one class out of the way in order to teach the next class. The Karate class has to be cleared out to make way for the Krav Maga students, whose class starts 30 minutes later. There is little time to slow down and spend quality time instructing students on things such as honor, character and integrity. As a result, students don’t really put much value on character training today. Most do not seek this information out on their own. Therefore, if it is not taught in the dojo, students are on their own and are easily influenced by the media and popular culture. And, as you probably know, neither of these sources is a reliable source of honor, integrity, or any of the other character traits that students need to learn. Character training is the foundation of the warrior lifestyle. Without character traits such as honor, integrity, respect, courage, etc., there is no true warrior, only another loose cannon waiting to misuse his martial arts skills. The true warrior must focus on his character. The martial arts are about much more than learning to fight or compete. Although there is nothing inherently wrong with learning either of those skills, they are merely pieces of the whole package. If you are not developing your character, you are missing a vital part of the martial arts and are not on the path of warriorhood. If your instructor does not teach character training during your training, it is vital that you study this missing piece of your training on your own. Also, even if your instructor does share his philosophy with you, make sure that his character is honorable before you accept his teachings as

correct. Many martial arts instructors do not have an upstanding character themselves, and they cannot share what they do not have. No one can teach you what he does not first understand. Never accept anything as true if it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t resonate with your soul. There are many instructors who are teaching philosophies that are, at best, wrong, and, at worst, very dangerous. Think about the contrast between Mr. Miyagi and the other instructor in the original The Karate Kid movie. If you have an instructor like John Kreese from the Cobra Kai dojo, it is time to make a change. Character is that important.

Dr. Bohdi Sanders is an award-winning, bestselling author on martial arts philosophy. His new book, Warrior Wisdom 365 is now available on Amazon. com and his website, TheWisdomWarrior.com

taekwondotimes.com / November 2016

Becoming a Black Belt Communicator (Part One) By Michael Rowe MA, CMAS

In martial arts schools around the world you’ll hear many instructors telling their students that it’s far better to talk your way out of a conflict than to ever use any of the techniques that they are teaching. Some may even quote Sun Tzu, who said, “To have 1,000 victories in 1,000 battles is not the epitome of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the highest skill.” The ideal that is communicated is that we should avoid actual physical conflict with people and instead find a way to negotiate a peaceful resolution with aggressors. But how do we subdue our enemy without physical techniques? How do we use communication to defend ourselves and influence others to avoid physical conflict? In most schools you will not see any teaching of communication skills. They are usually neglected on the assumption that students can learn these skills elsewhere. However, harmonious inter-personal communications are not easy. Marriage counselors often state that one of the leading causes of marital strife can be traced to lack of communication. Now, if people who love each other have a hard time with communication, how much harder is it to communicate with someone who is outright antagonistic to us? While it is diﬃcult, it is not impossible, and people can learn how to influence others through verbal communication just as people can learn to do a side kick. All it takes is demonstration, encouragement, and practice. Before long you can be a black belt communicator. People in some professions may be able to put this skill to greater use on a daily basis. Law enforcement personnel (police, corrections, and probation oﬃcers, etc.), teachers, and medical responders, for example, all have high -stress jobs, and effective communication plays an important part in their daily lives. Law enforcement personnel encounter individuals, and sometimes groups, that do not find interaction with representatives of the 70

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government to be desirable, mainly because when they encounter them, it’s because they may have broken a law. People become irate over many things, such as simply being pulled over for what in their minds is not a very serious matter. Perhaps it’s a broken tail-light or the failure to signal a lane change. Many times the encounter was simply going to be an opportunity for the officer to inform the driver of a problem. When communication is not effectively used, altercations may escalate, sometime even to the point that physical force may become involved. Then people can end up in custody and eventually have to deal with the results of poor communication in front of a judge. If an individual continues to utilize poor communication skills, their behaviors could possibly lead to further altercations and difficulties. It has been my experience as a parent, martial arts instructor, and correctional officer that good communications skills can help deter a physical altercation in the formational stages. Communication skills not only help law enforcement personnel but many other groups. Parents and teachers have to deal with defiant children. Business owners sometimes encounter an irate customer. These are just some examples where everyday individuals may encounter potential conflict and need to utilize communication as a first and, hopefully, last line of defense. Before we get into how to use verbal communication to defend ourselves and influence the behavior of others, we should look at what communication is. Communication is the process by which we impart or exchange information between individuals and groups. Communication includes the spoken word as well as the various non-verbal forms of communication (facial expression, body stance, gestures). It’s not just the words that we use but how we say them. Communication experts have found that

being spoken. Is the person saying they are happy but frowning? If this is the case, it’s possible they simply may not be may not be focusing on the moment and what is being said; rather they are instead struggling with internal emotions, problems, etc.

as much as 65% (sometimes even more) of communications can be delivered non-verbally. Learning how to understand these nonverbal communication signals as well as control our own can go a long way toward improving overall communication, whether it’s in our business or our personal lives. Here are some important tips to help you communicate more effectively: • Be aware of facial expressions. When you are talking with someone, does the other person look you in the eye? If not, they may be hiding something. (If you don’t look them in the eye, they may think you’re hiding something.) But be aware that it might simply indicate the person is nervous or even shy. While maintaining eye contact when conversing is important, glaring at someone may be interpreted as condescending and intimidating. It is also important to recognize cultural influences—some cultures feel that it is disrespectful to look a superior in the eye. Another important factor before considering deceit or aggression is looking for signs that they might have some sort of social interaction interference. Some individuals on the autism spectrum are virtually incapable of interpreting and performing acceptable social interactions. • Are the eyebrows raised or crumpled? Raised eyebrows may indicate shock or surprise while a crumpled brow may mean the person is frustrated, confused, or even angry. • Be on the lookout for facial expressions and body language that do not match the words

• Be watchful of the tone of voice being used—both yours and theirs. Raising one’s voice may be interpreted as becoming angry or excited, especially when engaging in a problematic discussion. Instead of raising one’s voice, try softening the tone and stressing certain words or phrases to underscore important points and ideas. • Body language speaks volumes. Crossing one’s arms or standing with elbows bent with one hand on each hip signals an attitude of defiance or defensiveness. Keeping them to each side conveys a non-combative approach, while animated use of the arms during conversation can indicate an engaged conversation with a desire to make a point. • Be conscious of your distance. Give the other person space—literally. Invading one’s personal space is a no-no. It is disrespectful and can be perceived as threatening. There is no better way to shut down lines of communication than invading someone’s personal space. • How are they standing? Is the person slouching? Standing or sitting up straight? Leaning forward? A posture may be interpreted as a sign of a lack of self-confidence or an abundance of confidence and selfawareness or engagement in the conversation. • Is the person you are talking to shaking his or her head in agreement or from side to side in disagreement? These can be signals about the internal agreement with what you are saying. Some people are not even aware they are doing it. They may say they are in agreement with you, but their internal self disagrees, which is shown in a subtle shaking of the head. It’s better to discuss potential disagreements upfront than let them take you by surprise later.

taekwondotimes.com / November 2016

Perhaps they are in front of them gesturing? Are their hands clenched into fists? A person bumps into you on a crowded street. They stop face you and they say, “Sorry.” A simple message, but depending on a number of variables, how we interpret that message can differ. Do they sound arrogant or apologetic? Do they have a look of concern on their face or a sneer? Perhaps they are starting to chamber their arm for a strike or slap. If we recognize these aspects of non-verbal body language, we can more readily defend ourselves. What does the body language of these men say to you? Learning non-verbal ommunication cues and techniques can make you a more effective communicator. Perhaps more importantly, it can make you a better listener as well as help improve your self-defense responses. I know you may be asking yourself, “How can recognizing non-verbal cues help our self-defense?” First of all, we must recognize that in a world where abilities are equal, action is faster than reaction. If a person begins to start punching at me, my reaction is going to be slower than their initial action. So how can I actually stop an attack on my person if their action is faster than my reaction? This is accomplished by my going into action before their action, and then I can be faster than my attacker. We could just make an assumption about what they are about to do and start action based on that assumption. This is, of course, nothing but a guess—a gamble, if you will—and if wrong, the consequences can be drastic. What is much more reliable is to learn to recognize the pre-contact engagement cues that are an integral part of our non-verbal communications. How is a person standing while communicating with you? Are their hands in their pockets? Are they at their sides? 72

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Physical contact is what we want to avoid if possible. So when can we use verbal communication to influence the behavior of another and prevent an altercation from escalating from verbal to physical? The answer is simple: anytime that another person is at least willing to talk and listen. Once the person begins to start to physically assault you, it’s unlikely that anything you can say will stop the assault Instead, it is important to keep the conflict in the verbal arena and prevent actual physical violence. But when faced with the option to de-escalate a potential conflict, we often find ourselves asking, “What do I say?” and “How do I say it?” Next month we will discuss the answers to these important questions to becoming a black belt communicator. Until then stay safe, my friends. Michael Rowe is a 7th degree black belt in Chontu Kwan Hapkido and a Certified Senior Master Instructor with the International Combat Hapkido Federation. He has over 30 years of martial arts and combative experience. He has served three tours to the Middle East, including a tour where he instructed Iraqi correctional officers in modern detainee methods and procedures. He has trained over 5,000 members of the U.S. military services as well as allied security forces. Currently, Michael is a correctional officer and defensive tactics instructor in Omaha, Nebraska, at the Douglas County Correctional Center, and teaches Chon-tu Hapkido at Alpha Omega Martial Arts in Wahoo, Nebraska.

Woman of the Times Columnist Karen Eden: The First 20 Years The year I began writing “Woman of the Times,” Bill Clinton was president. Japan had just launched a new technology called “DVD,” and mad cow disease was feared as becoming the next mass epidemic. My own world consisted of reporting the news for a small market in Johnstow, PA, and writing for Karate magazines on the side. I was the rare combination of being a legitimate journalist, a legitimate black belt, and a pretty good subject for Karate pictures. I had also just gotten promoted to 2nd dan through a very strict and traditional Tang Soo Do organization out of Pittsburgh. I eagerly looked forward to teaching and training at my own Karate school that I had started with my husband, who was also a Tang Soo Do black belt instructor. It was the mid-90s, and women were starting to really make their mark in the training halls. There still weren’t as many female students as there were male students, but that ratio was rapidly changing. The martial arts industry was going through a metamorphosis of its own. Traditional training would become challenged in the 90s. Thanks to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, and other box oﬃce hits, martial arts would become the “in thing” for kids everywhere. We instructors couldn’t have been more grateful for that, until it came down to the hard work and we discovered that most kids wanted to quit once they found out that they

By Master Karen Eden

couldn’t learn how to do a 360-degree flying scissor-kick back–flip combination in their first private lesson. Attributes like discipline, focus and respect would become challenged, and martial arts instructors everywhere would have to decide if they were going to “fluff up” their program or stick with tradition. As a young instructor myself, I would have to compete with other Karate schools that were taking students as young as two years of age and making them black belts by the time they were four years of age. The “McDojo” was in full swing. I set a new rule for my school: If you are still wearing a training diaper, you can’t train for black belt. I thought that was fair.

In some ways, 20 years ago seems so far away, yet it has only been two decades of my life. Within that time, I set my broadcasting career. I did very well as a TV reporter and weather anchor, making it all the way to major markets across the country. I also ended up writing for and appearing in every major martial arts magazine the world, including six cover shots, and I have published four books. Finally, I have sold two product lines to Century Martial Arts, and one Karate product line to Karate Depot. All three products have done very well. But it wasn’t all roses. My marriage would end in divorce, and I would have to leave my school behind. My father also committed suicide that same year. I remember sitting on the floor looking up at my black belt. It was hanging on the door of my taekwondotimes.com / November 2016

room drying out after another hard training session. I was so broken, I wondered how I could keep up the public image that I had now found myself a prisoner of. I actually wondered if I could ever smile again. What I did was write about it, and it was picked up by TaeKwon Do Times. That really changed the way I would use my writing ability. From that point on, readers would write to me about their own struggles. Some were students, and some were instructors themselves going through a hard dose of reality. The biggest change for me in 20 years has been opening up my heart and standing in my truth. Tough times make you tough, but they also make you soft. I still get emails and chats asking for advice. Some are very accomplished martial artists who have been diagnosed with cancer or are losing their school because of financial setbacks. I take the time to answer each and every one of them because I understand what it’s like to have expectations to be the high achiever . . . but to be all the more human. Today after 20 years, I am remarried with my own family. My son is himself a 2nd dan after ten years of training with Mom. I also now have over 20 years in the broadcast media industry.

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But perhaps the greatest accomplishment for me is my inner-city martial arts program to help students get off the streets and train in traditional Tang Soo Do. These are young people who would not be able to otherwise afford Karate lessons. Now, after 16 years, I have promoted several black belts, and they in turn are giving back to their community. Of all of my accomplishments these past 20 years, this is what makes me smile—knowing that my vision to help others in less fortunate situations will continue through my own students … long after I’m gone.

Master Karen Eden is a 6th-degree black belt in Tang Soo Do. She is also a radio personality and television journalist who has appeared on CNN, with feature reports airing nationally on Fox News. Master Eden has authored four books and has appeared in two major Hollywood productions. She can be reached at kareneden@centurylink.net.

Master Shin-Chul Kang’s Namchang Dojang The journey of Master Shin-Chul Kang’s Namchang Dojang began in January of 1988. During the 10th Asian Games held in South Korea, Tae Kwon Do matches were held at SungKyun-Kwan University, located in the City of Suwon. In celebration of winning second place, Master Shin-Chul Kang, the head coach of team Iran, returned back to settle down at the current address where the spirit of “Filial Piety” of King Jeong-Jo of Chosun Dynasty is still breathing. Ever since he was adopted as a son by Grandmaster Jong-Su Hong (deceased) on October 21st, 1998, at Han-Yang University Hospital, Master Shin-Chul Kang (9th degree black belt) has been carrying on the tradition of Moo-Duk Kwan as well as the spirit and the teachings of his beloved teacher. Master Kang began his career as a head coach of the Iranian athletes (both the national team and the sparring team) from 1985 to 1995. From the point when he was appointed as a president of the technical committee of the Iranian Association in 1996, he has been passionately promoting the development of Tae Kwon Do. After leading the instructor training seminars more than 50 times, Master Kang cultivated more than 3,000 Tae Kwon Do instructors, and he began leading the Iranian poomsae team as a head coach with the World Poomsae Championships in 2006. On August, 20th, 2014, Master Kang won the highest honor

from Kiomars Hashemi, a chairperson of NOC, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of his dedication to the development of Iranian Tae Kwon Do. The former and current heads of the Iranian Association and board members, along with the coaches and disciples, participated in the event. The chairman of the Iranian Military Association, the President of Women’s Institute, the President of the Fallen Soldiers Association and the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Islamic Republic of Iran (Woong Yeop Song) also attended this ceremony. Over the last 30 years in his career leading the Iranian national team, the number of medals achieved in the international poomsae and sparring matches totals over 200. In terms of overseas seminars, Master Kang has started to share his ideas and experience with others not only in Iran but also in China (8 times), Japan (1 time), the Netherlands (2 times), Denmark (2 times), Romania (1 time), Tunisia (1 time), Sweden (2 times), Portugal (1 time), Finland (1 time), USA (2 times), the UK (3 times) and Solidarity (11 times). In Korea, he established the Taekwondo Master’s Association (Gosu-Hwe) in 1994, and during his tenyear term as a president of this association, he successfully created the foundations of powerful breaking (gyeokpa), effective ways of demonstrating breaking and poomsae. He has recently founded the World Taekwondo Taedoo Union (WTTU), on which he is concentrating his research, taekwondotimes.com / November 2016

possible by the usual repetitions in their exhausting training routines as well as by the special “Geungi” training method.

believing in his philosophy “Tae Kwon Do is about developing moral people in the dojang.” Ever since Namchang Dojang’s first journey, which began in 1988, more than 3,100 people from over 91 different countries have visited Master Kang’s Namchang Dojang, including Tae Kwon Do athletes, coaches, directors and oﬃcials of various Tae Kwon Do organizations. Up to the present day, the number of gold medals totals more than 300, and there are over 146 trophies won at various national championships, Asian Games and world competitions. These victories by the Namchang Dojang were made

November 2016 / taekwondotimes.com

Master Kang also has many students studying hard as Tae Kwon Do majors in the best Tae Kwon Do colleges in Korea, such as Kyung-Heel University, YonIn University, Korea National Sport University, Gacheon University, Kei-Myung University, Dan-Kook University and SangMyung University. In addition, many of his students are working actively as professors and lecturers to teach Tae Kwon Do, as coaches of the Iranian national team, or as lecturers who passionately introduce Tae Kwon Do to the world through seminars. Namchang Dojang is definitely a place in which people become one in love of family affection through hard work and the spirit of Tae Kwon Do shared by the senior and junior members. It is the dojang that pursues the enlightenment of the world based on the idealism of humanistic values.

On July 24, 2016 presidents of K-Sports Foundation and the Iran Taekwondo Federation signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to expand Tae Kwon Do activities in the two countries.

taekwondotimes.com / November 2016

Business No Obstacles Due to my marketing background, I am often asked or hired to speak at martial arts conventions on subjects such as recruitment, retention, staff development, successful systems and so on. Speaking about procedures that we have incorporated into our system for the past twenty years is easy for me, natural. I describe the need it fulfills, how it works and how we implement it. It’s all very technical. At my next convention, I was asked to give the keynote speech at the opening ceremony. Truly an honor, but my heart jumped into my throat. It is easy for me to talk about a system and how and why it works. This time, I’m being asked to tell my story. Not a system, but about me, my life. I’ll have to admit, this is way out of my comfort zone. But I think that after 20+ years in business, I’m ready to tell the tale. “It’s important that school owners understand big success just doesn’t happen” The convention director is absolutely correct. It doesn’t just happen. It takes a lot to make it happen.” The good, the bad, the ugly— here’s my story of what it took.

Ambition

I was born into an average middle-class family, but I was independent. I moved out early. I chose to be free—but freedom came with a lot less financial stability. I was an artist. We have all heard the term “starving artist.” But not for long. I was proud of my newly purchased pre-owned mobile home. I had drive 78

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By Master Rondy McKee

and ambition to be more and do more. I opened my own advertising agency at 19. I had my eye on the prize . . . a double-wide.

Danger

Success was found working in the downtown Detroit area. I also found myself in a few dangerous situations. It was obvious that some form of protection was needed. Thus started my martial arts training.

Purpose

Working in marketing, I could gauge the success of my advertising campaigns. I could come up with a clever ad or PR event and watch a spike in the customer’s sales. It felt powerful to be able to make a change in people’s buying choices. At my dojang, I experienced another type of powerful experience. Teaching a woman to stand up for herself or building confidence in a child who had been bullied and was no longer an easy target was life changing. I was good at marketing, but teaching martial arts seemed more important.

A Dream

Ok, I’ve stumbled across an art that can transform lives: strengthen the weak, encourage the timid, tame the bully. This is powerful; this can change lives, communities, maybe the world. My marketing background kicked back in. “How can I promote this to more potential students? What is the best way to reach my market? Through demonstrations and public performances.” I went to work on creating a demo team worthy of putting on a show. My master acknowledged my efforts and brought in a stack of VHS tapes of the Korean Tigers, known today the K-Tigers. Music, lights, choreography, action, flying techniques. I could not tear myself away from watching the

tapes. My master witnessed my team’s attempt to recreate some of the sets. “You’re going to die trying that.” He suggested I go to Korea and actually get training tips on how it can be done.

Preparation

Preparation is a vital key to success. The trip was set for six months out. I had time to bulk up on my martial arts classes, hired a personal trainer for extra strength and took on extra jobs to save for the expensive trip. I often slept on the crash mats in the hallway at the school during breaks. There wasn’t always time to go home and get a night’s sleep between jobs. On Sundays I enrolled in a Korean class to learn the language. The only class available was actually for Korean children living in America, offered at a local church. I took it. I provided endless entertainment for the children as I struggled in my studies. But there were snacks and we got naps! I loved when it was time to turn the lights off and just put our head down.

Disappointment

I arrived in Korea with my master. It took a day to locate the infamous Korean Tigers. To my surprise, many others—mostly women—had gathered outside their training facility. I quickly realized I had just crash trained and worked myself to death over the last six months to be a groupie. The coach came to the door and told us auditions were going on and no one could come in except those trying out for the team.

Comfort Zone

“Do you have your dobok in your backpack?” my master asked. “Why?” My voice trembled. Stepping outside my comfort zone was not really a conscious choice. My master pushed me. He had me go around the side of the building and put on my dobok. It was January, and I had a big coat. I came back in uniform. He sent me in.

Discrimination

Long story short, I made the team. Maybe not true discrimination, but certainly a lot of teasing took place as I was “the one who stands out, the one who is different from the rest.”

Also the one who can barely keep up, the one who can’t jump as high. I was nicknamed the “White Tiger.” To make it more funny, my teammates would make circles around their eyes with their thumb and forefinger. I left that part out, but kept the name “White Tiger.”

Isolation

Living, training and traveling the world with the greatest martial artists in the world was incredible. I was privileged to be a part of the team for two years. As I was about to turn 30, reality was settling in. My body could not do this much longer. I was already the oldest Tiger. I needed to return to the states and get a real job again. My plan was to open a school and a marketing company. But I needed a location. Detroit was not an option. First, out of respect because I would not go back and compete with my own master. But the other reason was I did not feel the economy would support the type of school I wished to open. I had to make the hard business choice to leave all my friends back home, all my friends in Korea and venture out –knowing only one other person, a teammate who I had married while on tour. (To be continued) Master Rondy is a 7th-degree black belt Kukkiwon/WTF Taekwondo, 6th-degree black belt Korean Hap-kido Federation, instructor & student of Wing Chun, a WTF International Poomsae Referee, and the only non-Asian member of the Korean Tigers Professional Martial Arts Team.

taekwondotimes.com / November 2016

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Jung SuWon Martial Art Academy 40480 Albrae St. Fremont, CA 94538 (510) 659-9920 T (510) 659-9921 F www.jungsuwon.com www.jsw.com

Martial Arts of Leesburg 1333 South 14th St Leesburg, FL 34748 (352) 315-0213 www.martialartsleesburg.com wctkdleesburg@yahoo.com

HAWAII

Action International Martial Arts Association Koko Marina Shopping Center Honolulu, HI 96825 (808) 396- 8900 www.aimaa.com

Leage of Professional Taekwondo Referees, Inc. 1036 Oak Grove Road #62 Concord, CA 94548 (925) 686-4365 2738 Rocky Point Court Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 800-906-9622 www.lptrinc.com

DELEWARE

Global TaeKwonDo Center Anthony Skinner 50 West Commerce St Smyrna, DE 19977 (302) 670-7494 www.globaltaekwondocenter.com globaltkdcenter@comcast.net

INDIANA

Mellennia Martial Arts Midwest Martial Arts Assn. 2030 N 2nd St Clinton, IA 52732 (563) 593-5094 mellenniatkd@gmail.com www.mellenniatkd.com Two Rivers Martial Arts 2017 Southlawn Dr SE Des Moines, Iowa 50317 (515) 462-2066 http://www.tworiversmartialarts.com

LOUISIANA Cunningham’s Fort Wayne Tae Kwon Do 3726 Allen Avenue Fort Wayne, IN 46805 (260) 471-2500 www. cunninghamsfortwaynetaekwondo. com

Han Mu Do Group 4816 Jamestown Ave Baton Rouge, LA 70808 (225) 924-2837 www.hanmudo.com

Arts Family NEW JERSEY

To list your school or business, call (319) 396-1980 or send your desired listing to business@taekwondotimes.com.

NORTH CAROLINA

Korean National Tourism 2 Executive Dr. Fort Lee, NJ 07024 (201) 586-0303 www.visitkorea.or.kr

Canada QUEBEC

NEW MEXICO

Grandmaster Hee Il Cho’s TKD 8214 Montgomery Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87110 (505) 292-4277 (800) 868-7567

White Tiger Taekwondo Master Rondy 1605 NW Maynard Rd Cary, NC 27513 (919) 469-3553 www.whitetigertkd.com

NEW YORK

WASHINGTON

Dynamics World Martial Supply (800) 538-1995 www.dynamicsworld.com New Age TKD Hapkido School Master George Somersail 2535 Persall Ave Bronx, NY 10469 (347) 228-8042

MauriceProMartialArts.com 684 Britton St Suite 4 Bronx NY 10467 718.652.7100

Pro Martial Arts 584 Bons St, Ste 4 Bronx, NY 10467 (866) 574-0228 www.maricepromartialarts.com

Flowering Warrior Enterprises LLC Chief Master Robert J. Ott Pilsung@comcast.net www.certainvictory.com Author • Speaker • Martial Artist White Crane Martial Arts 129 W 1st Street Port Angeles, WA 98362 (360) 808-2271 www.whitecranetkd.org

International Hoshinkindo Hapkido Federation 111, Boulevard des laurentides suite 200 Pont-Viau LAVAL (QC) Canada H7G 2T2 (450) 662-9987

Guam

Guam Taekwondo Center 136 Harmon Loop Rd #D Dedeo, Guam 96929 (671) 637-7000 www.guamtaekwondo.com

Portugal

Songahm Taekwondo Academy Tanger Rua Silva Carvalho 60,A 1250-255 Lisbon, Portugal info@tkdtanger.com www.tkdtanger.com (+351) 21 388-8453

To list your school or business, call (319) 396-1980 or contact business@takewondotimes.com. Ask about being listed as the school of the month as well!

ENTERPRISES

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 / $250.00

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 $7.00 Item B038B (Korean) / $14.00

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 / $19.00

Martial Mediation: Philosophy and the Essecnse of the Martial Arts This 370 page textbook by Dr. Daeshik Kim and Allan Back examines the essence, distinctions and dynamics between art, sport, martial arts and their history and philosophical perspectives. Hardcover. Item B021 / $22.75

Moral Guide Book

Moarl Guide is a book created by General Choi Hong Hi, the founder of TKD. It is his collection of famous sayings by the greatest Oriental minds of pholosophy ever; names like Lao Zhu, Sun Tzu, Confusious and moany other of Chinese, Japanese and Korean decent. Quotes like “Power must never be lent,” “Real happiness come out of a hard life.” Paperback. Item BPP35 / $7.95

Taekwondo: Korean Traditional Martial Arts: Philosophy and Culture

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

Freestyle Sparring

Build an explosive freestyle sparring arsenal with powerful techniques, precise timing, and superior tactics! Packed with valuable sparring drills and strategies, Freestyle Sparring provides the tools you need to develop and refine your fighting skills. Paperback. Item B298 / $19.95

Taekwon-Do and I vol. 2

The Little Giant, Choi Hong-Hi, created Taekwon-Do as a modern sport and developed it as the world-famous martial art in two decades of devotion. Being a founding member of the South Korean Amred Forces, and the foremost calligrapher of his time, he was at the front of the movement for Korean Unification. The panoramic memoir of his life is an epic drama. Item B043 / $22.50

To order call (319) 396-1980 82 November 2016 / taekwondotimes.com

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