Dojang Spring Cleaning at the World Headquarters ...

Grandmaster Kim Soo, Master Sean Kim, and the black belts and students of Spring Branch, pitched in to do some dojang improvement projects last weekend.

Indoor and outdoor projects were done, including pruning, trimming, sweeping, dusting, and cleaning the world headquarters to keep it in fit condition. The dojang is the biggest martial arts training facility in the Greater Houston area.  The school opened in 1968 and has been in continuous operation for the past 45 years.

Here is a gallery of images from Dojang Spring Cleaning Day:

The System Patch History

The 45th Anniversary System Patch

The patches we wear on our doboks identify us as students of a long and rich teaching lineage. They are filled with symbols and meanings, designed by the masters whose arts they represent.
The origins of our school and system patch go back to post WWII Korea, and the masters who founded the schools from which Chayon-Ryu evolved.

These masters each left their mark and are part of Chayon-Ryu. As students of Chayon-Ryu it is vital that we know our lineage and understand its origins. We must always endeavor to respect our teachers martial arts heritage, as we are all a part of it, as the living legacy of these teachers. The chart below gives a basic overview of the patch history of our line.

patch collection

The patch collection, assembled by Sabeomnim Dory West (Austin) and Kyosanim Melissa L. Nichols (Baytown),  is on display at the Chayon-Ryu International World Headquarters Dojang in Spring Branch (Houston), TX, USA. for all Chayon-Ryu students to see.

The collection includes representations from the original schools of Chang Mu Kwan and Kang Duk Wan, and the first school founded by Grandmaster Kim Soo, Korea Taekwon Academy (1963); as well as the first Chayon-Ryu Natural Way patch and original Kim Soo College patch. Also included are the many anniversary editions released over the years.

Grandmaster Kim Soo and Kyosanim Melissa L. Nichols hold one of the 
cases from the Patch Display.

When Grandmaster Kim Soo arrived in the United States in 1968, he inaugurated the Chayon-Ryu system and designed the "Natural Way" patch, and named his school the Kim Soo College of Taekwon Karate, which is our school patch.

The Patch Display now hangs in the world headquarters for
all students of Chayon-Ryu to see.

These two patches are worn on the doboks of all Chayon-Ryu practitioners. It is important that every student learns the meanings of the symbols and characters on our system patch, as Chayon-Ryu is a system which puts great emphasis on the preservation of martial arts history and knowledge.

KIM SOO KARATE returns to Baytown

KIM SOO KARATE of BAYTOWN

Grandmaster Kim Soo has appointed Kyosanim Melissa L. Nichols, (SB) to the position of chief instructor for Kim Soo Karate Baytown.


We hold classes at Cheryl's dance studio located at 401 W. Francis, Baytown, TX. The Studio director, Cheryl Lauersdorf is host to our dojang as well as being a student of Chayon-Ryu. The studio is a clean, private, and designed for instruction in the disciplined physical arts. Hardwood sprung floors (a must in preventing shin splints and other damage to martial arts practitioner's bodies), side barres for stretching, mirrored walls, water fountain, restroom.

Summer session begins in July, and the fall and spring sessions will follow the Goose Creek ISD school calendar. For information about registering for classes, go to the dojang website: www.kimsoobaytown.com.

About the Chief Instructor-

Melissa L. Nichols holds the rank of kyosanim, black belt 1st dan with Grandmaster Kim Soo. She began studying Chayon-Ryu in 2004, started teaching in 2006 as an assistant instructor, received her black belt promotion in 2010, and continues to attend black belt classes and teacher clinics with Grandmaster Kim Soo, and receives specialized training in the instruction of martial arts. 

Ms. Nichols has seven years practical experience in teaching martial arts.

Kyosanim Melissa Nichols and Grandmaster Kim Soo

As is required of all black belts in Chayon-Ryu, Ms. Nichols is involved in the active preservation of the history of the Chayon-Ryu system, the arts contained therein, its teaching lineage, and origins.

Chayon-Ryu is a preservation system, retaining history and forms of the masters of Okinawa, China, and Korea. Many of the forms are disappearing and becoming lost to time, and it is our responsibility to help preserve this knowledge for future generations.

Ms. Nichols is a lifetime member of the International Chayon-Ryu Martial Arts Association, a member of the Chayon-Ryu Yudanja Whey (black belt association),  a member in good standing of the National Women's Martial Arts Federation; and serves as special projects coordinator, and system video archivist for Grandmaster Kim Soo, and is editor in chief for Inside Chayon-Ryu.

Ms. Nichols is a two time recipient of the Kim Soo Kong Award of Merit (2012 & 2013), an award given by Grandmaster Kim Soo to members who work for the continued improvement of the Chayon-Ryu Martial Arts System.

Chayon-Ryu students attending Lee College and studying under Sabeomnim Graeme Cox,  may register for classes at KSKBT and continue their journey toward black belt, once they have completed his Self Defense program at Lee.

Visit the school website for enrollment specials and information on student tuition discounts.

Back by Popular Demand!!!

The Eighth Annual 
WOMEN'S SELF DEFENSE SEMINAR & WORKSHOP

Open to all women & girls! It's not about size or strength.. it's about attitude and skill!



Learn how to use leverage, momentum and vital pressure points against an attacker!  

Learn how to employ practical, easy to learn blocks, strikes and throws from the masters and black belts of the International Chayon-Ryu Martial Arts Association. Led by system founder and world famous Grandmaster Kim Soo, this seminar is offered for FREE to the ladies and girls of the Greater Houston Area. 

Brought to you by Asia Houston Network and Kim Soo Karate, Inc.
GO HERE TO REGISTER

Chayon-Ryu World Headquarters Spring Cleaning coming soon! (MAY 4th)

 

DOJANG CLEANING DAY!

Participating in cleaning the dojang is part of everyday training in Chayon-Ryu. It builds character, creates humility to balance out our egos, and gives us sweat equity in the training space where we gather to gain knowledge and understanding of the martial way.  The annual cleaning is a Chayon-Ryu tradition. 

Saturday (May 4th) is Spring Cleaning day! All students and instructors are encouraged to come take class with Master Sean Kim, and stay to help with dojang improvement projects and cleaning. This is a great way to build good kong and enjoy fellowship with fellow students! 

Bring your dobok, and work clothes to change into, bottled water, and good spirit!

For more information contact Master Sean Kim!

Spring Outdoor Training In The Park

Twice each year, Master Sean Kim, the chief instructor for the Chayon-Ryu World Headquarters branch school teaches an outdoor training class in Houston's Memorial Park. This is a great way to mix training and fun! 

Training outdoors is a unique experience, and it is also a lot of fun. Students from all branch schools are invited and encouraged to participate in this Chayon-Ryu tradition.

Students are invited to train, and bring a picnic lunch, and enjoy the beginning of spring, and the beauty of the park. It's a great time, and a good chance to meet new people, and make new friends. Held in March and November, in spring and fall, this is a Chayon-Ryu tradition that is fun for the whole family! You can even bring the dog (if he is on a leash!).

Photos from March Tuksu Suryon Class

Master Sean Kim, 8th Dan

 Grandmaster Kim Soo, Master Sean Kim, and the masters and instructor level students of Chayon-Ryu trained at the world headquarters for the bi monthly Tuksu Suryon, instructor clinic.

Grandmaster's mission is to create martial arts instructors, who will carry on the legacy of the Chayon-Ryu tradition and teachings.

Group photo from second session - Black and Brown Belt level- (Grandmaster Kim Soo seated, center)

Grandmaster requires all instructor level students to attend teaching clinics four times per year to maintain the integrity of the system, to teach refinements, and keep the high standards of Chayon-Ryu current with all instructors, and those who will take on the mantle of instructor.

Black Belts perform Bong (Long Staff) forms

Jang Bong (Long Staff)

group photo first session- blue, purple, brown, black belt level

Jang Bong Sul practice

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photo credit: Kenneth Young, Sabeomnim, Kingwood, Chayon-Ryu