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• The Smiling Soul of Shaolin: Profile of Sifu Wu Shangwei
• Croatia Diary “Anto Nobilo: A Mover and Shaker”
• On course in Switzerland:  Master Abendi Amhand
• Brief Encounters of the TaeKwonDo Type: Jesse Jackson, Jr.
• I get a kick out of you!
• Angels in Red
• TaeKwonDo – In Good Form

Golgulsa Temple: Home of SunMooDo
Peace and Power
Master Erica Linthorst and Master Doug Cook

We awake early to train with Master Cook on a lovely field outside our hotel. Spirits not dampened by the drizzle we continue to practice forms and one-step sparring.

We have become clock-watchers too and are ever mindful of the next point on the excursion.Off we go to Golgulsa Temple where we climb the 108 steps to a mountain cave housing a large Buddha statue and 108 smaller ones as well. It is damp and cool.

One of the monks tells us the history of this place and after a few quiet moments and several photographs, we move to the SunMuDo training center for training. More ancient than TaeKwonDo the monk smilingly explains that this practice combines yoga, qigong, meditation, and martial arts. It is claimed to be a system of healing through harmonization of mind and body. Our initiation is strenuous and has many of us marveling at the strength, speed, and power that can be generated from flexibility. I catch him chuckling as we attempt to perform an “easy” form. We have to smile a bit at ourselves as well.

The treat is when he, along with two others perform for us – each one doing something different to display the slow, controlled motions that typify this art. Then, it is time for the monk to demonstrate a form – I’m so happy to be able to shoot this in video! There are more motions than I can count and each one of them elicits an “ooh” from our rapt audience. Impossible, I think. Yet seeing is believing and I am overwhelmed to be here. (The video clips are outstanding)

After a replenishing temple-style vegetarian lunch, we move on to the nearby Tong-Il Jeon Shrine: a commemorative of the time when the Chinese Tang clan and Silla dynasty banded together to stave off foes. The silence of the surrounding protective mountains evokes a past fraught with intrigues and dangers – the stuff of movie dramas. (In fact, there have been several made!)

The glorious mountains suggest homage duly paid by our uniformed members who silently perform their poomse expelling their kihaps forcefully to echo back the power of generations past who have struggled for the good luck we receive today!

Empowered by the history and strength of those who lived it, we board the bus once more for our return to Seoul. Tomorrow will mark departure but before the trip to Incheon Airport, there is one more, very exciting visit on the agenda.

Korea Travelogue: Journey to Ancient Times
Master Erica Linthorst and Master Doug Cook

We board the bus early to make our 5 hour journey to the heart of history: Gyeongju, ancient capital of the Silla dynasty. The history of this country is worthy of study since it provides the backdrop for our martial art: TaeKwonDo. From the spirit-evoking Namsan Mountain to the plains,

to the tomb mounds of passed emperors,

history surrounds us. Our wonderful lunch is in a small enclave of traditional old houses.

We move on to the museum filled with relics from BC periods that offer insight into a society based upon Confucianism; orderly, stately, strong-willed and all too often beset by the incursion of outsiders.

From here we drive to Bulguksa Temple to experience what we have, by now, read about and seen through museum eyes. The value of this on-site moment helps us soak in the past and find, once more, the grace of the buildings, the intricate and colorful designs unique to Korea, and the silence that helps center us.

There is seemingly no end to the artistic and enticing perspectives provided by the architecture which is said to be planned to perfection to be in harmony with nature.

Temple ceiling and lintels

This is considered Buddha’s country temple. We breather the clean air and feel the peace that surrounds us. We are motivated to demonstrate our appreciation – for our masters and training, for being here on this trip with old and new friends, and for the rich opportunities in our lives.

TaeKwondo friends Masters Doug Cook and Erica Linthorst

Korea Travelogue: On the bus again
Master Erica Linthorst

On Our Own

One of the great possibilities is going outside the tour – and, with my contacts, some of us launch our own enrichment program. I contact Grandmaster Jang Hyo-Seon (of KumYeDo fame; see previous article) and we’re off and running for an evening of Korean swordsmanship. For the total experience, we join GM Jang for a Chinese dinner first, trundle off in his van, and arrive for an incredibly special session that is both instructive and personalized, as two of us have had previous training. Cutting bamboo is a privilege held back for the end of the class. We finish out the evening together with Korean-style fried chicken – definitely a delight!

                    The sub-set                               Jeff practices Jeff                     cuts bamboo

The evening draws to a close and, with a sense of accomplishment, we retire, looking ahead to another wonderful day of training.

Great Grandmaster Lee, Kyu Hyun: A Treasury of Knowledge

The beautiful, winding countryside surrounded by peaceful, calming mountains relieves us from the busy-ness of Seoul. It offers us the spirit and energy to continue our quest for knowledge, self-improvement, and all things TaeKwonDo.

We descend from the bus leaving our daily personas behind and as we don our doboks we become the students we strive to be – eager, absorbent, and humble.

Tour leader Master Doug Cook has sought the very best TKD leaders for our complete experience.

Precision is the theme of this training as our bodies now begin to experience and understand shallow angles, intricate and unfamiliar foot movements, and the changes that have been brought about within this year. As one of us cleverly notes: “Change is part of the tradition.” You can fight it, question it, and compare it to what you have learned elsewhere but it is on this segment of the trip that we learn to embrace it – all the time wondering how our masters and instructors at home will view our evolution.

The session finishes all too quickly, leaving us hungering for more. The personal attention GM Lee and his junior instructor Master Kyu Bok Jung have given us this balm to our TKD selves. We are appreciative and marvel at the nuances which alter our performance. The instruction has unbalanced us – often literally – and unsettled us considerably since within each set of the novel-to-us stances and motions there is so much to take in. This is why we travel to Korea and seek out the finest; this is why, at the end of the day, we are so very appreciative, and realize how modest we must remain throughout our stay here and our TKD lives in general.

Moving on, we arrive back in Seoul, set free as travelers to explore Myong-dong and Namdaemun markets. It’s a city for shoppers with deals and unusual items in every stall and store. This too is why we’ve come here…to enjoy (as the Korea Tourism Organization proposes) “Korea Sparkling”. As the end of another fantastic day draws near,

exhausted we now have some time for reflection and relaxation. Tomorrow will be another big day when we head south through this mountainous country where photo opportunities abound.

Master Erica Linthorst and Master Doug Cook

After a splendid dinner of the finest Korean delicacies at The Korea House, we awake next day eager to get on with what we expect to be a very special day.

We see a bus poster “Korea Run Ahead” we move through the streets of Seoul toward today’s training. The sign is a testimony to the unrelenting determination of this country and its people to forge ahead and stand out among developing nations. With North Korea a mere 22 kilometers from where we are, there is good reason to become and stay strong, persevere diligently, and never give up.

We arrive at the awe-inspiring, world-renowned Kukkiwon. This huge arena plays center to the TKD world where amateur and elite alike meet throughout the year to train, to compete, and to test.

We, a small group of 20, now gather on one of the largest floors in the world to absorb the spirit of TKD and practice this art that has been passed down through generations and now boasts over 70 million practitioners of the form known as Koryo alone.

As we enter this illustrious site, preceding us today is the famed Kukkiwon Demo Team. It’s comprised of perhaps 20 twenty-somethings (only 2 of whom are female) who jump higher than you can imagine, break faster than you can blink – and all with uncanny precision. And that’s just the training session! Their stern director looks on and I think to myself that during their actual performance some of them may be nervous about forthcoming criticism at the end of their day. The quest for perfection is their daily grind and goal and they must live up to high expectations.

Training Instructor, Master Park, Erica Linthorst

Prior to departure, we gather on the steps outside to meet President Song, Bong Sup, President of the World TaeKwonDo Academy who has provided our training today and Kukkiwon President Won Sik Kang. We are ceremoniously honored to be awarded both a Training Certificate and Diploma. This has definitely topped off our day!

Grandmaster Richard Chun (NY, USA), Kukkiwon President Won Sik Kang, Erica Linthorst

Commentary from my fellow travelers includes:

• “Just training here is so special.”
• “The training is excellent especially when the master points out subtleties during our poomse practice. Retaining the corrections will be a huge task. Staying in that moment to also continue the form is an enormous hurdle.”
• “It is so unusual to train with masters in our own group who are students side by side with us. That is an experience I truly appreciate.”
• “It’s going to the heart – the essence of the art [in the Kukkiwon]. It’s really special to be where passion is expressed with such fervor.”
• “It was fun – and I really like being corrected by the head instructor here.”

• “The instructor is very planted; centered. The demo team is awesome.”

It is easy to draw a simple conclusion: if you practice TaeKwonDo then you must make this pilgrimage.

Korea Travelogue: Getting down to Business
By Master Erica Linthorst and Master Doug Cook

July 12, 2010 marks the beginning of our TKD immersion program. We board the bus at 8am to travel across Seoul to the International Kumgang TaeKwonDo Center run by Master Byeong Cheol (Ryan) An. As we walk down a few local market lanes to reach the dojangs we take in the sights and smells of the local area. While we’re distracted momentarily by the fresh fish displays and colorful, small markets, our feet move us toward a full training day. We’re ready!

Here we go: we’ve arrived at the dojang ready to give the session today our all. And Master An and his two assistants are well-prepared.

While the warm-ups already hved us sweating, combination kicking drills abound and are differentiated for black and color belts. This is definitely a no-discrimination lesson, with challenges for all!

Poomse, sparring drills, and self-defense are also included in the program and by the end of the morning and afternoon sessions (totaling about 7 hours), there is not a dry spot on any piece of clothing to be found. Corrections are many – based on 2010 WTF rules and applications so our learning curve is quite high and greatly appreciated. It seems that no matter how many classes a week, month, or year one attends, there is nothing just like the experience of being “on-site” in Korea where decisions are made that affect our TKD lives. (That is said with utmost respect for all our masters and instructors who strive to provide us stimulating curricula with sincerity and dedication each and every day.)

Lunch is extraordinarily special – not only because it is delicious but also because the restaurant is owned by the famous actor, Kim Jong Kyul who actually stopped by our tables to make sure everything was in order. With a smile he allows us to take pictures with him!

We return to the dojangs replenished and refreshed. The afternoon session leaves us panting for air and truly spent – we’re exhausted and proud to have maintained the pace. So,as we bid farewell with generously gifted new doboks and great feelings of accomplishment, we straggle back to the bus for our return to the hotel – swimming and showers for all!

Fortunately, we have time for R&R before we had to travel once again, this time to The Korea House for a beautiful and large buffet of numerous Korean delicacies. This topped off a super day and left us tired and glowing with good feelings about Korea, TaeKwonDo, and the new sites and skills we were able to taken in and absorb this day.

    Cultural immersion continues when we pass through the gates to Geongbokung Palace where we will also visit the National Museum.  It is amazing to think that kings and queens, emperors and empresses have walked these same paths and lived their daily and political lives here where we are today.  The outstanding displays and dioramas illustrate the history and traditional lifestyles of Korea of old.

    We begin to lag but it is not yet time for check in so we break for lunch.  The trip is now over 30 hours underway, we haven’t slept but eating is one way of propelling us through this very long day.  Finally, check-in and dinner bring day #1to an end.  Bedtime now to prepare for the full day of training that lies ahead.

And, in this corner..Eleni Koutsilianos visited
by Erica Linthorst

I found  heavily-medaled, Eleni Koutsilianos, somewhat unexpectedly, in a small ethnic corner of (Astoria) Queens, NY, where Opa! Opa! Restaurant is practically across the street from Taiwan Union Christian Church.  Now, she is working quietly in the fitness industry.  This almost- 23 year old has a noteworthy and lengthy TaeKwonDo resume to rival many others.  Her credentials, in short are

Competition Record


2008  U.S. Open (Bantam): SILVER

2007  Sr. National Team Trials (Bantam): 1st

2006  Pan Am Championships (Bantam): GOLD

2006  German Open (Bantam): SILVER

2006  Dutch Open (Bantam): BRONZE

2006  Sr. National Team Trials (Bantam): 1st

2006  U.S. Open (Bantam): GOLD
2005  British Open (Bantam): GOLD

2005  U.S. Senior Nationals (Bantam): GOLD

2005  World University Games Trials (Bantam): GOLD

2005  U.S. National Team Member

2005  U.S. Open (Bantam): GOLD

2005  U.S. National Team Trials (Bantam): 1st
2004  U.S. Senior Nationals (Bantam): GOLD

2004  Pan Am Championships (Feather): GOLD

2004  U.S. Open Jr. and Sr.: GOLD

2004  German Open: GOLD

2004  Junior Olympics: GOLD

2004  Belgian Open: BRONZE

2004  Jr. Team Trials: GOLD

2004  Canadian Open: GOLD
2003  U.S. Senior Nationals (Fly): GOLD

2003  Team Trials: BRONZE

    With teammates at Pan Ams (right;  third from right kneeling)
 
We spoke frankly about her personal development, training, and mind-set about her life.  As a child, this charming young woman was a determined fighter – learning first from a neighborhood friend then going on to train seriously with her first coach, Master Jin Suh.  (She would later train with Master Peter Bardastos.) After her early preparation and tournament rounds, she was ready to take it to the next level and went to Texas to train with the world-renowned Lopez family.  Competition was high within that circle but she remained determined and was inspired to train harder than ever and perform in larger world arenas.

I asked her which, among all her training and competing trips had been her favorite and she said, “It has to be France because we had a great exchange there with other TKD groups.  I found we trained harder, but together we had a lot of fun.”  There was also a worst trip recollection:  “It was Thailand; my first World Cup fight.  I was only 16.  I was sure the fight was mine but in the last second, my opponent was declared the winner.”  I wondered how that affected her.  Eleni said “I just got back in the ring [in training] and re-applied myself.  It was important to lose because I became stronger as a result of that experience.”

When she looks back, she concludes that although she entered the competitive circuit when she was about 12 years old with complete family support, it was not until a few years later that she began to understand strategy and learn how to control a fight.

Looking forward, Eleni sees dance in her future and would like to do it professionally.  She continues, “Who knows?  Maybe I’ll find a way to combine TKD and dance in the future.”  With a twinkle in her eye as a little smile creeps onto her face, she reflects on the upcoming National Trials and says – “The only thing missing for me is being in the Olympics.”  So – keep your eyes open…who knows who or what is right around the corner?!

TaeKwonDo – In Good Form
by Erica Linthorst
Many people have many questions before embarking on the martial arts journey.
One of the big concerns that may arise has to do with the anatomical wisdom of such an undertaking – what participation could possibly or is likely to do for one’s health, fitness, and general well-being.

I had the privilege recently of consulting a friend and fellow-traveler of mine about just these issues.  Dr. Kathleen M. Favaloro of Great Barrington, MA. has some impressive credentials. She is both a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) and Physical Therapist (P.T.), in addition to being a black belt in TaeKwonDo.

From her professional perspective she sees “grace and balance come into previously uncoordinated and flailing extremities.”  From a personal standpoint she states:  “TaeKwonDo has helped me to achieve physical strength and flexibility, as well as better joint stability.”  Most astoundingly, what she is referring to in herself is a long history of a broken neck (2 times), broken ribs, and a broken back in several places plus a broken tailbone.  All these incidents occurred prior to her initiation into TKD which she entered into gingerly yet trustingly with her Master Thomas Brown, 5th dan (owner and Master Instructor at the Martial Arts Institute of the Berkshires).  After so many previous physical set-backs she joined his dojang because she “felt safe” with him.  She was rewarded with the confidence and compassion he exuded while cheering her on.  Initially, Master Brown modified every part of his program to accommodate her (then) limited abilities while helping her build strength, endurance, and agility.

Having undergone numerous days, months, and years of therapy herself, she was determined to overcome those obstacles that loomed extra large on her horizon.  For her 1st dan test she wrote the following:  “It has been a long, rocky and somewhat difficult road back to wellness [for me} but thanks to [my] determination, and the patience and many long hours of instruction from Master Brown…[I am] here today to fulfill [my] lifelong goal of becoming a Black Belt.”

Personal goals and reflections aside, as a professional she states that as more and more adults over 30, 40, and 50 become involved in action-oriented endeavors, she would highly recommend TaeKwonDo as a means of regaining and preserving strength, flexibility, endurance, and overall wellness.  She states: “It’s good for focus, concentration, memory, and cardiovascular conditioning as well as balance, coordination, and posture.”  She goes so far as to favor it over yoga  which she feels is too slow and often focused more on stretching than strengthening.”  She stresses that both youth and adults benefit in the same ways from the practice and generally sees “growth in every aspect of the future of TaeKwonDo.”

For more information:  Dr. Kathleen Favaloro, D.C., P.T. can be reached at 413-528-5535. You may also contact her directly at cav12@juno.com  or go to her website www.doctor.scenarlife.com

Angels in Red
Travels took me to the Washington Heights section in New York City, at one time a location inhabited by gangs. Instead, on this day, there were awards and non-stop demos by some of the most determined young people you’ll ever see in the martial arts.

It was the 6^th Annual Junior Guardian Angels Recognition and Celebration event, sponsored by leader Dennis “Superstretch” Torres. Sometimes fighting for their lives, always fighting for their dignity and self-respect, and to make the community better and safer for everyone, these very remarkable students practice their techniques seriously and with commanding authority. Until making it to the community center where they now practice, there were times in their history when the parks and streets, rooftops and basements served as their classroom. With strong leadership and a “never give up” attitude, Torres’ disciples emit strength of character, and both great commitment and discipline.

Among the many notable honorees were Dr. Sainz (a local area high school assistant principle) who said, “All children need martial arts for the discipline, self-control, and respect.” Sensei Pete Diaz, who runs “Karate for Christ”, applauding the students said, “Hard work pays off.” The world-renowned founder of Guardian Angels, Curtis Sliwa, was also in attendance and was proud to see how this school had evolved. He urged the students to stay in school to learn the basics – Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, and Respect. Also present were, famed Master Maurice Elmalem (the premier breaking martial artist in the world), “Mo” MahalielBethea of “Empty Hands” notoriety, Senseis Luis Matos and Song Thai, and Grandmasters Jackson and Reno Morales

At the end of the day, “Superstretch” reminded his students – “If you train weak, then you’re weak-minded.” He told the audience “Where champions are made, fools walk away.” That’s the image of a proud leader! For more information on the program, please contact: Director Torres at the Guardian Angels Community Service Center, 718-781-8194.

Author, Master Erica Linthorst with Curtis Sliwa and Master Jackson

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The Real Deal: Grandmaster Jang, Hyo-Seon and KumYeDo

Sometimes you just have to look around the corner and something or someone truly special appears. When Grandmaster Jang, Hyo-Seon of Seoul, Korea comes to Hopewell Junction, NY for a two-weekend long, grueling KumYeDo seminar, you know you’ve encountered the “real deal”! How is this possible? I know personally since I have had the honor to experience it over the past 2 years.

Among the great variety of martial arts traditions the world over, Jang has evolved a new tradition of “sword dancing” based on bi-dang-kum-moo-do, sometimes called kal-chum. Today, it has developed to such an extent that the Korean government selected this style to be preserved as a “Cultural treasure”, representative of an authentic element of Korean history, life, and mindset.

With his regal bearing and internal strength, his commanding presence completely fills the room as he teaches by example. His speed, rhythm, and precision are beyond compare as he glides swiftly and lithely seemingly above the dojang floor. The literal translation of KumYeDo is akin to “the best of the best sword training / art”. Although it is not specifically a martial arts in familiar terms, there are elements of attack – parries, strikes, and blows. Yet, as he wields either a single sword or double swords, you can see a proud, powerful dancer confronting tigers and tyrants with uncanny, deadly precision. You are left with no doubt about his strength and ki. It is simply a breath-taking experience.

Grandmaster Jang says, “The purposed of training is to develop a ‘no fear’ mentality and physical strength that is both deep and hard.”

If this has peaked your interest, there are over 90 schools in Korea with affiliates in France teaching KumYeDo that have grown since 1983. To experience this first hand, more locally, you can reach the US Eastern Regional Director, Master Kwon, Ou-Nam at www.masterkwonmartialarts.com

The author with Master Kwon.

      

We sat at booths next to one another, meeting and greeting the many attendees who passed along.  Yet we still had plenty of time to talk and share stories.
Known to have one of the best kicks in the world, Grandmaster Gary traced his development in martial arts back to 1966 when he first began practicing TKD/karate in Great Britain.  He said that growing up he had to learn to fight quickly and, eventually, he produced a book on self-defense and developed the famous Ty-Ga Martial Art System from which he created the Lightning Euro Karate System.

As he continued to develop his own skills and style, he began to experience a following which has only grown large through his numerous worldwide seminars.  As a result of his rise in popularity, he has also appeared on the front cover of many martial arts publications.

It would not be long until the martial arts movie makers discovered Wasniewski and his rugged marketability.  He is currently one of the top martial arts movie actors and can be seen starring in  “Kill Factor”, “Thunderkick”, and “Thunderkick 3”.

Sitting next to this personable guy, I found him easy to chat with and determined to sweep the US market too as he prepares to take up residency in California – spreading the style, the word, and the entertainment.  Please visit him at www.ty-ga.co.uk

Brief Encounters of the TaeKwonDo Type: Jesse Jackson, Jr.

Ambling along the streets of Washington, DC, I walk around a car parked in a driveway and notice its owner gingerly removing framed, authenticated Bruce Lee memorabilia from the interior. I introduce myself and tell the gentleman I admire his acquisition. He tells me he is an especially big fan of Bruce Lee and when I inquire if he himself is involved in martial arts he replies enthusiastically, “Oh yes! I’ve been practicing martial arts for over 17 years.”

When I ask with which ones he has been involved he mentions mainly TaeKwonDo and Kung Fu. I tell him of my own involvement in TKD and ask with whom he has studied. He proudly replies “Grandmaster Jhoon Rhee. He’s mostly retired now spending a good deal of his time in Korea although he does continue to teach occasionally.” It is beginning to drizzle outside and he wishes to bring his treasures into his home. With verve, he extends his hand and says, “Jesse Jackson, Jr.” (For those of you who do not know him, he is a Congressman from Illinois.) I offer him my calling card saying – somewhat hopefully – “Please send me an email so we can keep in touch regarding the TaeKwonDo world.” What a moment! What a day!