Doug Cook's Blog, page 10

The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 9 #6 June, 2018

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

Welcome to the June edition of the  Chosun Taekwondo Academy e-newsletter! The summer season is around the corner and as is our tradition, a series of special classes and workshops will enhance the Chosun summer schedule. Taking advantage of the great outdoors, don't miss our annual Summer Training in the Warwick Town Park, Youth Training and Korean Arts & Crafts and the fifth annual Chosun picnic.

Chosun 2018 Summer Schedule will be included with your July invoice and will take effect July 1, 2018

Please take note of the 2018 CHOSUN Test Dates below
All tests will be held at the Warwick Town Hall.

View the 20th Anniversary Chosun Taekwondo Academy Retrospective 

Check out all upcoming CHOSUN events on the events page of the CHOSUN website!


Please visit the updated and improved CHOSUN Yelp page!  
Happy Fathers Day 

Kamsahamnida,                                                                                                            
Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkd 
 
                                                                                                                                       
Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 21 years!

Read the entire newsletter...
Subscribe at: www.chosuntkd.com

The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 9 #5 May, 2018

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

Welcome to the May edition of the  Chosun Taekwondo Academy e-newsletter! On April 14, 2018, Chosun hosted its 43rd bi-annual Black Belt Test. Chosun students along with Master Salgunan and seven of his students, of TPM Martial Arts, a Chosun affilliate school demonstrated the required techniques and successfully achieved their Black Belt ranks. Chosun has also been buzzing with other activities including a visit from Grandmaster Chun's long-time student, Kim Gylling and his students from Finland who also tested for Black Belt ranks. Read more below...  

Please take note of the 2018 CHOSUN Test Dates below
All tests will be held at the Warwick Town Hall.

View the 20th Anniversary Chosun Taekwondo Academy Retrospective 

Check out all upcoming CHOSUN events on the events page of the CHOSUN website!


Please visit the updated and improved CHOSUN Yelp page!  
Happy Mothers Day  

Kamsahamnida,                                                                                                            
Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkd 
 
                                                                                                                                       
Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 21 years!
 
Read the entire newsletter...
Subscribe at: www.chosuntkd.com

The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 9 #4 April, 2018

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

Welcome to the April edition of the  Chosun Taekwondo Academy e-newsletter!
There are signs that Spring is coming and Chosun students have been busy with training both abroad and at home... Our first Black Belt Examination for 2018 is right around the corner and candidates are diligently preparing for the momentous day... Please support your fellow Chosun students on their outstanding achievements.

Please take note of the 2018 CHOSUN Test Dates below
All tests will be held at the Warwick Town Hall.

View the 20th Anniversary Chosun Taekwondo Academy Retrospective 

Check out all upcoming CHOSUN events on the events page of the CHOSUN website!


Please visit the updated and improved CHOSUN Yelp page!  
Happy Easter and Passover    

Kamsahamnida,                                                                                                            
Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkd 
 
                                                                                                                                       
Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 21 years!

Read the entire newsletter...
Subscribe at: www.chosuntkd.com

The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 9 #3 March, 2018

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

Welcome to the March edition of the  Chosun Taekwondo Academy e-newsletter!
TIME FLYS! 
It is hard to believe that it has been two years since we started a new chapter in the CHOSUN journey and relocated to our beautiful, new location.  Kamsahamnida to students, instructors and supporters for believing in the Chosun Taekwondo Academy! Onward and upward! 

Please take note of the 2018 CHOSUN Test Dates below
All tests will be held at the Warwick Town Hall.

View the 20th Anniversary Chosun Taekwondo Academy Retrospective 

Check out all upcoming CHOSUN events on the events page of the CHOSUN website!


Please visit the updated and improved CHOSUN Yelp page!  
Happy St. Patrick's Day   

Kamsahamnida,                                                                                                            
Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkd 
 
                                                                                                                                       
Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 20 years!

Read the entire newsletter...
Subscribe at: www.chosuntkd.com

"Mrs. Pyke Eats Korea" Tteokguk Rice Cake Soup

      
                                           As seen in the February 2018 edition of the 
                                           Chosun Taekwondo Academy Newsletter 
Tteokguk  Rice Cake Soup
In Korea everyone celebrates Jeongwol Daeboreum ( Lunar New Year) by enjoying a bowl of Tteokguk, rice cake soup.  The clean white broth signifies a fresh start to the new year and the coin shape of the tteokguk-yong-tteok ( rice cakes) represent good luck and good fortune. This is another example of Korean cooking that is not spicey and would make a great introduction to anyone new to Korean cuisine. Kids will love it too! I have researched two recipes so far and I find this one to be excellent.    INGREDIENTS1 pound sliced rice cakes
10 ounces beef chuck3 cloves garlic5 green onions1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil1 tablespoon light soy sauce (gukgangang)1 tablespoon soju ( drink the rest, ice, soju and pink grapefruit juice, super yummy)2 egg yolkssaltToasted seaweed for garnishFreshly ground pepperSoak the rice cakes in cold water for 20 minutes.Wash the beef in cold water to remove excess blood, pat dry and cut in to bite size pieces.Slice the green onions and garlicHeat a soup pot over medium high heat with sesame oil and sauté the beef and garlic for a quick minute. Add soy sauce and soju and stir. When the beef is no longer pink add 10 cups water and boil for 15 minutes.While your beef is cooking whisk the eggs  and salt and pour into a gently heated pan and create a thin pancake. Flip it over for a second then place on cutting board to cool. Slice into thin strips. This will be a garnish with the Gim (toasted seaweed).As the broth is cooking skim off any foam that forms on the surface, this creates the clear broth.Drain the rice cakes and add them to the pot. Boil for five minutes. Sprinkle in the green onions and season with salt and fresh ground pepper.Ladle into a bowl and drizzle with  sesame oil. Crush the toasted seaweed with your fingers  and add some sliced egg to garnish the soup.Enjoy!!
Happy New Year to you all!! Year of the Dog!!Haeng bog meogneum
Happy Eating, Pamela Pyke

Read the entire newsletter...
Subscribe at: www.chosuntkd.com

The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 9 # February, 2018

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

Welcome to the February edition of the  Chosun Taekwondo Academy e-newsletter! 2018 is officially in full swing and there are a few exciting training opportunities on the horizon. Please see details below about the upcoming USTA Poomsae Seminar that will be held at the Chosun Taekwondo Academy with Grandmasters Pablo Alejandro and Doug Cook.

Please take note of the 2017 CHOSUN Test Dates below
All tests will be held at the Warwick Town Hall.

View the 20th Anniversary Chosun Taekwondo Academy Retrospective 

Check out all upcoming CHOSUN events on the events page of the CHOSUN website!


Please visit the updated and improved CHOSUN Yelp page!  
Happy Valentine's Day  

Kamsahamnida,                                                                                                            
Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkd 
 
                                                                                                                                       
Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 20 years!

Read the entire newsletter...
Subscribe at: www.chosuntkd.com

The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 9 #1 January, 2018

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

Welcome to the January edition of the  Chosun Taekwondo Academy e-newsletter! The beginning of the New Year is a time to look backward and forward... 2017 was marked by two major milestones in the history of the Chosun Taekwondo Academy... And as the um/yang reminds us,  the dynamic forces that shape our lives exist in the balance of opposites. As we celebrated Chosun's 20th year anniversary, we sadly said good bye to our mentor and guiding force for those 20 years, Grandmaster Rhin Moon Richard Chun. We march on into 2018 with our taekwondo and yoga practices to fortify us in the face of adversity and celebrate just how far we have come...continue the journey!

Please take note of the 2017 CHOSUN Test Dates below...

View the 20th Anniversary Chosun Taekwondo Academy Retrospective 

Check out all upcoming CHOSUN events on the events page of the CHOSUN website!


Please visit the updated and improved CHOSUN Yelp page!  
Happy New Year!   새해 복 많이 받으세요

Kamsahamnida,                                                                                                            
Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkd 
 
                                                                                                                                       
Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 20 years!

Read the entire newsletter...
Subscribe at: www.chosuntkd.com

"Mrs. Pyke Eats Korea" 2017 Korea Tour

2017 Korea Tour Korea Tour 2017 Is it time to eat again !! Part 5  As seen in the December 2017 edition of the Chosun Taekwondo Academy Newsletter Korean Chinese Takeout
After an amazing day at the DMZ we return to our hotel to rest up for our last night in Seoul. The Cirillo’s have a fabulous penthouse that has a 180 degree view of the city, including the Seoul Tower. Our guide, Mr. Kim has agreed to order us some Korean Chinese takeout. While we are waiting Rosa Cirillo’s Auntie and cousin come to visit. It was very moving to see them all reunit and to have Nina Rose and Luke meet their Korean family.

There is a knock at the door and the deliveryman arrives with two large hot boxes filled with our order. He arranges the whole buffet on the table. It was more like a catering service than takeout!! Nothing is disposable, glass plates and silverware.
There was…Jjajangmyeon, Chinese egg noodles with a garlicky black bean sauce.Kimchee Bokkeum Bap, kimchee fried rice.Haemul Bokkeum, a sea food stir fry that had clams, shrimp, mussels and the cutest tiny squid that I’ve ever seen.Ka-re Bap, Pork and vegetables in a curry sauce.Eomuk Bokkeum, stir fried fish cake.Dubu Jorim, soy braised tofu.Of course Mandu, dumplings.Wonton soupWith plenty of Mekju and Soju flowing,  what a feast!!Soon it was time for Rosa’s relatives to leave. Those ladies packed up every bit of our leftovers to take home.  Lots of hugs , bowing and tears. It was wonderful to share this moment with Bill and Rosa.Then another knock on the door and the deliveryman comes in to load up all his wares into his boxes and was gone. So very efficient. Here’s something to remember when ordering takeout in Korea, no tipping!!!

Maybe on our next trip we could do another takeout night! Speaking of our next trip in 2019, please consider it. It’s so much fun to throw yourself into another country’s culture and especially trying new food. This will be my fifth trip back to the Land of the Morning Calm and it is so amazing how wonderful it is every time I return. You will train with Master Ryan An and Grand Master Lee. This trip we hope to return to Jeju Island and train again with Master Lee at the Dong Yang Taekwondo School. These masters will inspire all aspects of your Taekwondo training. I can answer any questions you may have about this once in a lifetime experience.
Have a joyous Holiday season.Haeng bog meogneumHappy eating

Pamela Pyke

The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 8 #12 December, 2017

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

Welcome to the December edition of the  Chosun Taekwondo Academy e-newsletter! Chosun students and the taekwondo community at large was shocked and saddened by the passing of our longtime mentor and martial arts legend, Grandmaster Richard Chun. Accepting this reality is difficult but the I Ching (book of changes) reminds us of the constancy of change and the impermanence of all things.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Chun family.
Rest in Peace beloved Grandmaster Chun...
Please take note of the CHOSUN HOLIDAY SCHEDULE below...

Check out all upcoming CHOSUN events on the events page of the CHOSUN website!

View the 2016 Chosun Taekwondo Academy Retrospective 

Please visit the updated and improved CHOSUN Yelp page!  
Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah

Kamsahamnida,                                                                                                            
Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkd 
 
                                                                                                                                       
Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 20 years!
 


Read the entire newsletter...

Subscribe at: www.chosuntkd.com

"Mrs. Pyke Eats Korea" 2017 Korea Tour

Korea Tour 2017Is it time to eat again !! Part 4
As seen in the November 2017 edition of the Chosun Taekwondo Academy Newsletter
The DMZ
Saturday morning we head out for a bus ride heading north to the Demilitarized Zone, more commonly referred to as the DMZ or the 38th Parallel. The DMZ is a border that divides the Korean Peninsula in half. It was created by an agreement with North Korea, China and the United Nations in 1953. When we arrive we are put on a DMZ bus that has blacked out windows, we can see out but they, the North Koreans, can’t see in! As we approach the gates a ROK (South Korean Soldier) gets on the bus to inspect our passports. It’s all very official.  The highlight of the tour for me was going into the tunnels the North Koreans had dug to attempt an invasion in the 1970’s.  The first tunnel was discovered on November 20th1974 by a ROK while on patrol. The second tunnel was found on March 19 1975. The third tunnel was discovered on October 17 1978 and the fourth tunnel was discovered on March 3 1990. We get to take train ride down a shaft deep in the earth. Thank goodness we have donned hard hats because you can easily knock your head! The tunnel is 5,200 ft long and 240 ft below ground. It was a slow and steady decent.  When we reached the bottom we headed on foot deeper into the tunnel.  Then suddenly the tunnel stops and we are as close as you can get to Kim Jong-un !!  The tunnel was sealed after its discovery. We hike out on an extremely steep ramp to the surface. This is not for the light hearted.   The experience was overwhelming for me. My Dad was stationed right at this very spot. I share a photo book with pictures of my Dad at the DMZ with everyone on the bus. Our tour guide Mr. Kim is moved by the photos and thanks me for my Father’s service to his country.
Time for lunch!! We head into a beautiful country town just outside the DMZ. Mr. KIM brings us to Yo Ree. You would have thought we were dining at home!! Yo Ree is a modern Korean restaurant. I will describe this fusion cuisine as Korean meets Farm to Table. The menu was Chef’s choice, so we had no idea what was coming next!  The meal was served family style. First course was a  lovely green salad that reminded us all of home. Next came a very unusual rice cake roll very similar to  a Vietnamese cold spring roll, so amazing.  Acorn jelly seaweed noodles, Spicy Chicken and Peppers, Jeon (vegetable pancakes), can never get enough of these, Beef Bulgoki and a gorgeous  Mixed Vegetable Tempura that had tempura Lotus Roots !!  Tea was served at their roof top sun room which had a beautiful view of the countryside. There was a Korean family celebrating their son’s birthday and we all sang Happy Birthday to him! They shared their traditional Korean Rice Cakes with us and were so delighted that we were Tae Kwon Do martial artists! So what happens next was wonderful…the birthday boy does Tae Kwon Do too, so he, Nina Rose Cirillo and Luke Cirillo get up and do Taeguek il jang!!!  Everyone is clapping and we are all so proud !! By the way Rosa and Luke hit it out of the park!!!What an amazing day it has been. Thank you again Mr. Kim for being the best guide ever. We are exhausted when we return to the Sommerset Palace and we don’t want to dine out. We decide we will party at the Cirillo’s Penthouse (yes it’s true!!) and Mr Kim goes above and beyond...
To be continued…Korean Takeout Chinese Food!!
Haeng bog meogneum !!Happy Eating!!
Pamela Pyke