Doug Cook's Blog, page 15

The I Ching and its Relationship to Poomsae Philosophy

  by Mark McNutt - Brown Belt Essay    
  Light, water, fire, earth, the peacefulness of a lake, the stability of a mountain, the intimidating effect of thunder, the duality of wind that can alter between soothing and destructive: connect these to poomsae and what was once a mere workout for the body becomes exercise for the mind and spirit as well.  What Taekwondo and the I Ching have in common is that they are both meant to be a way of life.  The I Ching is just a book until it is lived by a person who moves and talks and thinks and interacts with other people; Taekwondo poomsae is merely a series of defense moves, not that   practical for daily living, until it is imbued with the spiritual and ethical philosophies of its founders.  
The I Ching, also known as The Book of Changes, was originally composed by the Taoist sage Fu Hsi and became a cornerstone of Taoism; Confucius later amended it. Taoism and Confucianism were two of the philosophies that the ancient Korean warrior the Hwarang, forerunners of Taekwondo, embraced.  I believe its safe to say that here the original connection between the I Ching and Taekwondo was made.  But it was centuries later that someone solidified this connection by putting sixteen specific Taekwondo forms, the eight Taeguek forms and the eight Palgwe forms, together with the I Ching’s eight trigrams.  Their motives for doing so are clear.  They wanted the body and the mind and the spirit to come together and be as complete as the yin/yang philosophy that is at the heart of the I Ching and in turn at the heart of the Korean culture.  They wanted each student of Taekwondo to be a living representation of the yin/yang symbol where the negative and positive of everything is represented by two complete halves forming a perfect circle. 
            So today, each Taeguek and Palgwe poomse has its correlating I Ching symbol.  Taeguek Il Jang along with Palgwe Il Jang have Heaven and Light; Taeguek Ee Jang along with Palgwe Ee Jang have Joy and Lake, and so on.  As with most things spiritual, we are handed down established interpretations by teachers and sages, then encouraged to have enlightenments of our own.  I shall approach the meaning of the I Ching symbols with this in mind.  
            Il Jang-   Heaven and Light 
Here is the concept of Pure Yang.  It points to the Creative Force that lies behind everything.  The actual I Ching interpretation is Sky; to me that suggests openness, perhaps openness to learning and the spontaneous creative process that arises thereof.  

Ee Jang -   Joy or Lake
 Non-aggressive.  Serene.  Gentle.  Spiritually uplifting.  This seems to point directly to meditation and the meditative way of life.  Our spirit, like water in a lake, reacts to agitation.  When left alone, both water and spirit will revert to their natural state, that of serenity, which can also be interpreted as joy. 
            Sam Jang-   Fire and Sun 
This suggests great energy, something that is very lively and unpredictable.  In contrast the sun by day and a fire at night can be a source of consistent warmth and comfort.  It is interesting to note that the forms that coincide with these symbols are very different from each other.  Taegeuk Sam Jang contains quick double punches and ends with a complicated series of low blocks, front kicks, and middle punches; whereas Palwge Sam Jang has no kicks, only singular punches, and at times draws on the elementary and therefore comfortable forms of Kicho Il and Kicho Ee.              As for a personal meaning, I think I spot a bit of yin/yang humor here in this sense.  That while we aspire to be quiet, calm and peaceful, like a lake or the glowing sun, we must avoid boring those around us.  Amidst our tranquility, we must embrace the unpredictability of fire, its vibrancy, its spontaneity.  That way we attract life to us, rather than cause life to sit back and yawn.
            Sa Jang-   Thunder 
A storm and the danger it can bring – Thunder gives this a voice.  The yin and yang of this of this has to do with courage in the face of danger.  Thunder can make a person cringe, and yet by itself it is harmless.  The disrupting effect of a kihop is one way of putting an attacker off-balance, but then it must be followed by action.  Thunder reminds us to be prepared for action and to be on guard about losing our focus.  Courage can be described as a mental and spiritual action, the ideal stance for facing thunder.  Courage has the wisdom to know that trials will pass like a thunderstorm.
            Oh Jang-   Wind
The yin and yang qualities of Wind are obvious.  It is sometimes forceful, sometimes gentle; sometimes it pierces through, sometimes it is yielding; sometimes it is destructive and sometimes soothing.  I was born in the Nashville region, part of Dixie Alley, the Tornado Alley of the South; I am very aware of the destructive power of wind.  Also, the humidity in summer can be overwhelming there, but a gentle breeze can be the ideal answer for it.  A poomse flows and if done meditatively, it can have a soothing effect upon the performer and perhaps upon observers; yet its movements are intended for battle situations where one must be destructive in order to prevent destruction to oneself or to others.                                                                                                                               Yook Jang -   Water
This is the idea of acceptance, flow, and consistency.  Even the idea of forgiveness is here, for being unforgiving creates impasses in one’s path. A person must be malleable to life.  As it has been said in the dojang, water flows downhill and takes the path of least resistance.  Unlike the water of Ee Jang’s lake, this water is moving and meeting obstacles head on and becoming what the situation requires.  A Taekwondoist must accept whatever an attack demands and take the proper shape for defense, while at the same time looking for an opening to flow into with a counter-attack.  Poomse done properly must flow and be as pleasing to the eye as the motion of a stream.  It has been noted that the consistency of flowing water can in time smooth down the rough edges of rocks and even carve out canyons; a student with a black belt is simple a student with a white belt who has had their rough edges worn away by consistency. 
            Chil Jang -   Mountain
My first inclination is to say that this is about stability, perhaps the stability of knowing one’s own mind or the stability of maintaining a healthy and balanced life.  In Taekwondo there is the physical stability of its stances that act as launching pads for all of its moves.  There are also the five tenets of Taekwondo that encourage stability in day-to-day life.However, upon studying I discovered a different meaning.  The actual I Ching interpretation is Top Stop.  In Master Cook’s book Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Warrior this is described as “the wisdom of knowing when and where to stop, as if one is traveling up a steep mountain.”  Coming at it from that angle, I believe this is about setting your own pace, working toward your personal best, reaching for your own goals and not for the goals someone else has set for you.                          Pal Jang-   Earth
Here is the concept of pure yin.  It marks the wholeness of opposites coming together to form perfect balance.  Taeguek Pal Jang and Palgwe Pal Jang equal completeness.  They are the last forms before obtaining black belt status.  Earthrepresents physical creation, the final result of what was begun with Heaven and Light.  Earth must be yielding in the creative process in order to be solid in the end.
            As a final note I will make the observation that like the I Ching, poomse is best when it is internalized. It is good to think, ‘The I Ching says, therefore I should do’, but it is even better to simply do.   When a certain form is in my mind’s memory, I can execute it accurately: but when it is in the memory of my muscles, it frees my mind to go elsewhere, perhaps into those spaces in between thoughts where the act of meditation lies.  But a form should never be mechanical: therefore, its philosophy must be absorbed as well.  Then instinctively an advanced student performing poomse can have excitement like fire, can flow like water, can express inner joy, can be forceful like the wind, can inspire courage like thunder, can know when to start and stop like a mountain climber, and know when to yield like earth.  When I think of the totality of Yin/Yang, from Heaven and Light, the act of creation, to Earth, the creation itself, I realize that a poomse that was created for students is not finished until a student performs it.  Only then is it a complete and solid creation.  In the same way Traditional Taekwondo is not complete until a student lives it in and out of the dojang.  Thanks to the influence of the I Ching students have something to carry away with them, something that will help their daily lives be as balanced as the Yin and Yang symbol is to the eye.

The Chosun e-newsletter Archive Volume 7 #2 February, 2016

Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,

Welcome to the February edition of the  Chosun Taekwondo Academy e-newsletter! The long wait for a new home for CHOSUN will be soon be over and we are excited to be able to offer our current and future students a new and improved dojang and yoga space! We THANK all our students, families and friends for their loyal support during this transition and look forward to the continued success of the Chosun Taekwondo Academy & Hatha Yoga Center!
Please take note of 2016 Test dates listed below...

View the 2015 Chosun Taekwondo Academy Retrospective 

Kamsahamnida,                                                                                                            
Patty Cook, Editor www.facebook.com/chosuntkd
Happy Valentine's Day !
                                                                                                                          Chosun Taekwondo Academy celebrating 19 years!

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Korea "Destinations" by Jeff Rosser from CHOSUN newsletter February, 2016

Jeff Rosser's column can be seen in every monthly edition
of the Chosun Taekwondo Academy e-newsletter
Buyeo, The Gateway to Baekje
     Just a few hours south of Seoul, is a sleepy little town that was once home to one of Korea’s greatest kingdoms. That town is Buyeo, formally Sabi, which was the Baekje capital from 538 AD until the dynasty’s collapse in 660 AD at the hands of the Shilla (Gyeongju) and Tang (China). While most tourists to Korea visit Gyeongju, few have heard of the wonders of Baekje that Buyeo has to offer. Jeongnim Temple Buddha Statue
     At the heart of the city is Busosanseong, a mountain fortress with earthen walls, pavilions, and temples. The back side of the mountain is highlighted by Nakhwaam cliff (falling flowers rock) which overlooks the Baengma River. Legend has it that upon the kingdom’s fall at the hands of Shilla and Tang, 3000 court ladies of Baekje refused to surrender and leapt from this cliff. It is said that the sight of their colorful dresses fluttering in the air looked like flower petals floating down into the river, hence the cliff’s name. From the base of the mountain, you can take a ferry down the river providing you with an excellent view of the cliff.
     Other sites that shouldn’t be missed include Gungnamji Pond, Jeongnim Temple, the Baekje Royal Tombs, and Baekje Culture Land. Gungnamji is Korea’s first artificial pond and is surrounded by willow trees, covered in lotus blossoms, and highlighted by a pavilion atop a small island in the middle of the pond. Jeongnim Temple sits in the center of the city and has its own museum as well as one of only two remaining Baekje stone pagodas and a Goryeo era stone Buddha statue. Baekje Culture Land is also worth visiting. Although a recreation, it’s a magnificent example of how the ancient capital once looked. While Sabi Palace is certainly impressive, it is the 5 story wooden pagoda of the reconstructed Neung Temple that attracts the most attention. Together, all of these sites make Buyeo one of Korea’s best kept secrets.

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About the author:
Jeff W. Rosser is a teacher, martial arts instructor, and writer in South Korea. He’s a former AAU U.S.A. National Karate Team member and has competed internationally in Karate and Taekwondo. He also has over 22 years of experience in Karate, Taekwondo, Ju-Jutsu, and Judo. He’s a columnist for Taekwondo Times (“The Hidden Art”),writes monthly for
TotallyTaekwondo Magazine and is the author of Combative Elbow Strikes: A Guide to Strikes, Blocks, Locks, and Take Downs, an in-depth analysis of the practical applications for five of the most common elbow strikes found in the martial arts. 
Contact info: karatekajwr@yahoo.com (Email)

"Mrs. Pyke Eats Korea" Gim Bap

"Mrs. Pyke Eats Korea" can be seen every month
 in the Chosun Taekwondo Academy newsletter
from the February, 2016 newsletter
     We all love Japanese Sushi Rolls, but have you ever tried Gim Bap?  Gim Bap is Koreas Sushi Roll. Gim; pronounce Kim is seaweed and Bap is rice.      Gim Bap is composed of rice seasoned with sesame oil, various vegetables, meat or seafood. You can make it Vegetarian or not. The main components of this dish are: rice, seaweed, and Danmuji (yellow pickled daikon radish).  You can find the Danmuji in any Korean market. They are packaged as two or more. They are giant yellow Daikon and will keep forever in the refrigerator.
     My favorite combination is with spinach, beef, carrots and eggs. It takes a little time to prepare because each component is cooked, but once that is done the rolling begins.       First we scramble an egg and cook it in a pan like a pancake.  Flip it out on a cutting board to cool, then slice into long strips.  Next sauté sliced sirloin steak in soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar and sesame oil.  Set that aside to cool.  Next blanch the spinach for one minute, rinse under cold water then squeeze dry and chop. Mix with garlic and sesame oil.   Season the short grain rice with sesame oil while still warm. It’s best to have the rice warm to the touch for easy rolling.   You can make the roll without a bamboo mat but I recommend that you get one.  Place a sheet of toasted Nori on the mat and pat down a thin layer of rice (about ¾ cup).  Keep your hands wet so the rice doesn’t stick.  Now you can layer the ingredients one on top of the other.  Pick up the bottom edge of the mat and use it to roll the Gim up and over the fillings. Continue to roll until you have a perfect Gim Bap.  The first time is always a little tricky but by the time you get to the last, you’ll be a pro. Slice the roll into half inch pieces then serve.      Gim Bap is not served with soy sauce like Sushi.  All the flavoring is within the roll.  This is a very popular lunch box food in Korea.   Leftover Gim Bap is dipped in egg and pan fried until golden.  Sounds amazing.
A new You Tube website about Korean Cooking is called: Anyone Can Make.  
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In the Shadow of a Grandmaster by Doug Cook

appeared in Totally Taekwondo Magazine April, 2015 Issue #74


I consider myself and the students I teach fortunate indeed; not simply because we are graced with a comfortable, clean, and culturally focused training environment, but because we are a member of an elite organization under the direction of a world-renowned grandmaster who promotes a traditional style of taekwondo. In today’s world of mixed martial arts and schools boasting curricula “so simple a child can do it”, we sometimes forget the value this inheritance offers. The legacy we as a school Grandmaster Richard Chun and Master Doug Cookenjoy not only reflects the comprehensive nature of taekwondo, but extends to the personalities who molded our discipline through its formative years on up to the present.
It is no secret that the roots of taekwondo were greatly influenced by Japanese Shotokan karate-do as well as various forms of Chinese fighting arts. Furthermore, there currently exists a clear delineation between the traditional martial art of taekwondo and its sportive mate firmly based on Olympic-style sparring. Nevertheless, the present state of taekwondo as it applies to both the defensive art and world sport, coupled with the outstanding success it has achieved as the most popular martial discipline in the world today, is unquestionably linked to the masters and grandmasters native to the Korean peninsula that have refined and transmitted its unique set of techniques and philosophical doctrines over the decades. Subsequently, maintaining a relationship with an elder instructor having a direct link to the founders of the art nurtures respect for heritage in tandem with technical accuracy - benefits that cannot be overstated.
Establishing a modern martial art based on the elements of other traditional disciplines may have its benefits as evidenced by the popularity of jeet kune do - the martial art created by the late Bruce Lee. Yet, in today’s age of internet certification and canned, commercialized curricula, it is far too easy to pick and choose techniques that highlight the physical abilities of an individual instructor, leaving out countless defensive strategies that require years to refine in the process. In many cases the long range efficacy of these endeavors turn out to be questionable at best causing students to question the authenticity of their art. Pitfalls like this can be avoided by following in the footsteps of an experienced and legitimate grandmaster that supports a combat-proven discipline based on tradition.
Training under a grandmaster that is an acknowledged source of traditional skills is akin to being in possession of the original copy of an important document displaying clear and concise print. Undisputedly accurate in its current iteration, copies of this Grandmaster Kyu Hyun Lee and Master Doug Cookdocument, particularly those many generations later, are certain to diminish in quality resulting in distortion and possible misinterpretation. The same principle holds true when learning a kick, block or strike. A simple twist of the wrist, turn of the hip, or snap of the leg, passed on by a human vessel with decades of experience can make the difference between the mediocre execution of a basic technique and a stunning demonstration of defensive skill. The flawless transmission of poomsae, or formal exercises, dramatically reflects this belief. While a great majority of the modern forms have been exhaustively cataloged both in print and on the web, many of the traditional hyung dating back decades in not centuries, are left to the mercy of memorization. Here is where the golden relationship between venerated master and worthy disciple clearly begins to materialize. A legitimate grandmaster with roots firmly planted in decades of Korean martial arts practice, who has doubtlessly performed advanced poomsae hundreds if not thousands of times, has the capacity to correct even the most minute detail within a given form. Yet, left unattended, the practitioner will innocently promulgate error while infecting others ultimately causing the execution of the poomsae over time to stray further and further from the core of its original intent. Grandmasters with an eye for the more traditional components of the taekwondo curriculum are also more likely to focus on authentic training in il su sik (one-step sparring), ho sin sool (self-defense techniques), meditation, and ki development exercises as well.
Moreover, accumulated wisdom is generally a function of age. While there exists many youthful, talented grandmasters, acquired skill of this magnitude is generally attributed to those of advanced years. Time has a tendency of tempering ones outlook on a discipline such as taekwondo making the grandmaster, in many cases, a teacher who is demanding yet compassionate, high in expectations yet forgiving of frailty. He or she is a fountain of knowledge, an advisor at times imparting thoughtful counsel and, as is the case with our grandmaster, a single, unifying symbol of a global organization. Physically, even those of senior rank, years older than their students, can inspire and elicit respect through the execution of basic technique performed effortlessly.
Accepting the leadership of a grandmaster furthermore removes the potential of being hindered by a provincial world view of taekwondo. For the master instructor of a dojang not located in a large metropolitan area, interaction with colleagues can be minimal at best. Therefore, grandmasters with ties to others in the taekwondo community have the ability of introducing their loyal students to peers of equal seniority and interests thus opening the door to new relationships and unforeseen possibilities. Often a confederation of master instructors under the umbrella of a noted grandmaster can lead to mutual training experiences, seminars, association tournaments, and even trips to Korea – the homeland of taekwondo.
But at the end of the day, it is important to remember that the grandmaster is still only a human being commensurate with all the shortcomings that station entails. Students often mistakenly elevate the grandmaster to messianic proportions leaving themselves open to the dual specters of disappointment and disillusionment should their failings become evident. Therefore, just as the grandmaster showers his charges with understanding so, too, must the student exhibit consideration in matters concerning passions of the heart.
Some would assert, similar to a flower deprived of sunlight whose growth and hue is limited by the overhanging branches of some great tree, that a master instructor’s rate of maturity can be hindered by the influence of a seemingly oppressive grandmaster. Yet there are vines and flowers that flourish in shade without the benefit of direct sunlight. Likewise, the humble master, and thus his or her students, can flourish in the shadow of a grandmaster whose sincere intent is to promote the martial art of taekwondo through the inculcation of wisdom, compassion, and technical excellence.  
 
Master Doug Cook , 6th dan black belt, is head instructor of the Chosun Taekwondo Academy located in Warwick, New York, a senior student of Grandmaster Richard Chun, and author of four best-selling books entitled: Taekwondo…Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Warrior, Traditional Taekwondo - Core Techniques, History and Philosophy, Taekwondo–A Path to Excellence, and Taekwondo Black Belt Poomsae: Original Koryo and Koryo, co-authored with Grandmaster Chun along with its companion DVD. Master Cook can be reached for Korea tours, seminars, workshops or questions at www.chosuntkd.com or info@chosuntkd.com.

Yoga at CHOSUN "Dynamics and Dimension"

"Dynamics and Dimension"
One of the gifts that yoga brings us is learning how to work with our bodies in a dynamic way. But what does that mean? The other word most closely associated with dynamic is energetic. But that word alone does not tell the story. It is the quality of the energy and how it is used that offers us a path toward positive change. By learning how to access our core, grounding, and then distributing the energy in a deliberate and direct way, we become conscious of our body's dimensions. In our standing class this week, we will test this vital principle in the posture, Utkatasana or chair pose. 
join us and move dynamically!
Chosun Taekwondo Academy & Hatha Yoga Center 62 Main Street Warwick, NY
Class Schedule:Tuesdays 9:30amWednesdays 6:30pmSaturdays 9:30am
First Class is Free
$15 per class / $130 for 10 classes

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Korea "Destinations" by Jeff Rosser from CHOSUN newsletter January, 2016

Jeff's monthly Korea "Destinations" column can be seen every month in the Chosun Taekwondo Academy newsletter


Seodaemun Independence Park                Located in northwestern Seoul, Seodaemun Independence Park pays tribute to those who fought for Korea’s independence from Japan (1910 – 1945).  The focal point of the park is the Seodaemun Prison History Hall.  It was here that the Japanese incarcerated, tortured, and executed Korean activists who spoke out and fought against Japanese colonial rule.  Pictures of former inmates line the walls and the cells have been left just as they were.  There are also a number of exhibits displaying the torture and abuse inflicted on the inmates by the Japanese guards.  Most areas of the prison are open to the public and serve as a chilling reminder of Korea’s colonial past prior to independence. Seodaemun Prison Hall               At the entrance to the park, you will also find the Independence Gate.  This massive stone gate is of European design and stands in the place where the Yeongeunmun Gate once stood during the Joseon era.  The Yeongeunmun Gate was destroyed in 1895 by the Japanese and the new Independence Gate was erected a year later.  On weekends, the park is a popular destination for locals wanting to relax and tourists seeking to better understand Korea’s complex history.  The best way to reach the park is by taking exits 4 or 5 from Dongnimmun Subway Station on Line 3.About the author:Jeff W. Rosser is a teacher, martial arts instructor, and writer in South Korea. He’s a former AAU U.S.A. National Karate Team member and has competed internationally in Karate and Taekwondo. He also has over 24 years of experience in Karate, Taekwondo,
Hapkido, Ju-Jutsu, and Judo. He’s a columnist for Taekwondo Times (“The Hidden Art”), a monthly contributor to Totally Taekwondo Magazine, and the author of “Combative Elbow Strikes: A Guide to Strikes, Blocks, Locks, and Take Downs” published by Turtle Press. Contact: karatekajwr@yahoo.com (Email), www.mawriter.webs.com(website)

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The Meaning of Indomitable Spirit and How I Apply it in my Life

by Gregory W. SaucedoBelt Rank Promotion Test EssayCurrent Belt Rank: BlueNovember 6, 2015
Indomitable spirit is what makes a person unique and gives them the hope, inner strength
and courage to face each day with a positive attitude. It is defined as a spirit that cannot be
subdued or overcome and allows a person to have determination and the confidence to handle the many challenges and obstacles in life. It is the desire to win and not accept failure. Without indomitable spirit, a person is unable to accomplish all the greatness that Fist Tower: Jeju Island, South Korealies within him or her.
As a Taekwondo student, I am learning each day to find the strength and spirit within me.
I feel that within the last year, I have developed into a stronger and more positive person
because I am learning to believe in myself and what I can do. In the Dojang, you are taught to find motivation within you and your peers so that you are inspired to be and do your best at all times. It is that strength which gives you the ability to look at yourself and realize that anything is possible and you should never give up. I take these lessons that I am learning and I make sure that I apply them both at home and in school. In school, I find myself questioning how I will accomplish all the different tasks and at times I feel anxiety about doing really well all the time.
I realize that I can be strong and I can win. I find that spirit within me that says, “ You can do this.”
The discipline of developing and having indomitable spirit will allow you to think things
through very carefully and always have a positive attitude. I know that as long as I continue to have that indomitable spirit, I will become a stronger and more disciplined person at achieving anything I set my mind to.

Yoga at CHOSUN "Beginner's Mind"

"Beginner's Mind"
It's a New Year and time for New Year's resolutions...but did you know that only 10% are actually kept? What if instead of attempting to make major changes on the outside, we just made a shift in our thinking? Buddhist teachings emphasize living with a "beginner's mind." In other words, having an attitude of openness, eagerness, and freedom from preconceptions when approaching anything in life. Sometimes, the smallest change in our outlook will have the most powerful outcome and possibilities for personal growth abound... small shifts equal big changes!
Join us for a fresh start...

Chosun Taekwondo Academy & Hatha Yoga Center62 Main Street Warwick, NY
Class Schedule:Tuesdays 9:30amWednesdays 6:30pmSaturdays 9:30am
First Class is Free
$15 per class / $130 for 10 classes 

Poomsae and the I Ching

Taekwondo: Poomsae and the I ChingBrown Belt Promotion Test Essay by Sienna Lee
Poomsae and I Ching. Think they aren’t related? Think again. They tie together like Yin and Yang, hand-in-hand, and I’ll explain to you why. First, though, allow me to introduce this term to you: I Ching.
I Ching is an “ancient Chinese manual of divination based on eight symbolic trigrams and sixty-four hexagrams, interpreted in terms of the principles of yin and yang. It was included as one of the “five classics” of Confucianism”, I Ching, to me, represents peace, balance, and consistency. These three words can also be found in the art of Taekwondo, and more specifically, our Poomsae.
The I Ching relates to Poomsae philosophy. I went in circles trying to figure out how, and why, until I came to the best, simplest explanation of them all: “Each form is symbolized by a distinct philosophical component derived either from the I Ching, an ancient Taoist text, or personalities and places drawn from martial arts history”.

I think that the I Ching is an important component in Taekwondo. It brings realism and character to the martial art. The lines of the I Ching symbol represent the Yin and Yang: closed lines for Yang, and open lines for Yin. The Yin and Yang often represent two things coming together to make one whole, complete piece. I think this relates to Taekwondo. Two things in this art stand out to me: hard work and patience. Like the Yin and Yang, these two words can contradict each other sometimes. Hard work means you’re always ready to go, trying your best and not stopping. Maybe being aggressive. at some points. On the other hand, having patience can go a long way. You must have patience in everything that you do in Taekwondo, because it will never all come to you at once. You must be patient and be willing to step back, take a breath, and focus on what’s happening NOW. This can make things difficult for hard workers, and this is where Yin and Yang comes in. You must learn to balance the two to make one beautiful masterpiece: martial arts.

In conclusion, I believe that the I Ching has much to do with Taekwondo and its Poomsae philosophy. Both the I Ching and Poomsae require balance, peace, and time.

Remember this the next time you step into the dojang. Remember that you can achieve balance, peace, and time. Remember that you are a part of the Yin Yang, of the I Ching; of Taekwondo.