What is Chayon-Ryu to me?

Chayon-Ryu is so many things. It's a philosophy of martial art and science, it's a scientific teaching method, it's a system containing classical forms some preserved nowhere else in the world, and it is a great legacy passed to us. I treasure it. 

For me it is the definitive martial art because is it all martial arts. Art, I emphasize, not sport, and as an artist, it touches me on many levels. I'm not physically gifted, I'm middle aged, but I can take any principle in Chayon-Ryu's philosophy and apply it to any aspect of my life and the principles remain sound. That is art.

Chayon-Ryu hosts Outdoor Training

 FALL OUTDOOR TRAINING



On Saturday, November 17th, Master Sean Kim, and the students of Kim Soo Karate hosted the biannual Outdoor Training in the park event. 

Held twice per year, in spring and fall, the students enjoy the benefits of training outdoors, and fellowship with chayon-ryu students from branch schools all over the Houston area. Training in outdoor conditions helps prepare students and teach them versatility in applying the Chayon-Ryu techniques.

Dong-Eui University Class - Jang Kwon form

Grandmaster Kim Soo and Sabomnim Robert Henriksen demonstrate the Kwon Beop two man form of Jang Kwon, Hanson Daeryon two man sparring form, and Bong Hyung Sam Jang, for the students at the Dong-Eui University Chayon-Ryu class, at the college of Sport Science in Busan, Korea.

MARTIAL ARTS TAUGHT IN ENGLISH IN BUSAN BY GRANDMASTER KIM SOO

Study Martial Arts in English!
Article by Heather Gaines

FACT: Anything Chuck Norris can do, Grandmaster Kim Soo can do better…and we all know what Chuck Norris can do! He even judged Chuck Norris in a tournament in America!

*New classes just started for August 2012, so get some culture and some exercise!

If you’ve been looking for a place to study martial arts while you’re in Korea (or you’ve been wanting to try something new, or you’re interested in doing something cultural, or you want to get some exercise and eliminate some stress), look no further!
Grandmaster Kim Soo teaches martial arts in English, and he’s an amazing teacher! The class is for all levels, so whether you’ve never done any martial arts before (like me) or you already have a black belt (like my friend), you are more than welcome.

Grandmaster Kim Soo is a 10th-degree black belt and has over 50 years of teaching experience, 40 of which were spent in Texas. Over the years, he has won numerous awards for both teaching and martial arts (http://kimsookarate.com/awards/awards.html). Grandmaster Kim Soo is also the Founder of the Chayon-Ryu Martial Arts System, which incorporates several different styles of martial arts (see below). It’s not every day that you have the opportunity to train (in English!) under a Grandmaster who created the system that you are studying. But the best part of all: Grandmaster Kim Soo’s class is easy to follow and a lot of fun; he is a very patient and helpful teacher who really cares about his students.



To find out more information about Grandmaster Kim Soo and the Chayon-Ryu Martial Arts System, feel free to visit the links below.

Class Information:

When: Monday and Wednesday 8:00pm to 9:30pm
Cost: 40,000 Won per month
Location: Sport For All Busan Assocation (SABA)
Directions: Metro Line 2(Green Line): Busan Museum of Modern Art station, Exit 5
When you exit the metro, go straight (on the pathway) for about 50m and the SABA building (& some tennis courts) will be to your left. Veer left, there will be Olympic rings on the ground outside – that’s the SABA building. Go inside the SABA building, and use the staircase to your left to go up to the 2nd floor. The room is in the far left corner.
Tel: 010-8961-4060

_______________________________________________________________________________
Additional information provided by Grandmaster Kim Soo:

Grandmaster Kim Soo welcomes men and women of all levels and from all nationalities. Note: Grandmaster Kim Soo is fluent in Korean and English and can speak some Russian and Spanish.

Chayon-Ryu Martial Arts System (Natural Way) (http://kimsookarate.com/intro/history.html)

Chayon-Ryu was founded well before the current craze of mixed-martial arts. Most martial arts today focus on sports and competition, and they focus only on the physical aspects of martial arts. The focus of Chayon-Ryu is on training one’s mind, body, and spirit and not on fighting, violence or competition. It is based on those natural movements found within each of its parent styles:
Korean taekwondo
Chinese chu’an fa
Okinawa-te
Hapkido / Aikido
Judo / Jujitsu

Grandmaster Kim Soo is the Founder of the Chayon-Ryu Martial Arts System. He began his martial arts training as a child in Korea. Since earning his B.A. degree in Russian Languages and Literature, Grandmaster Kim founded the Takkyun Kwon-Beop club at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies and the Korean Taekwon Academy in Seoul, Korea.

 He also served as the first Korean correspondent for BLACK BELT MAGAZINE and authored three best-selling books. In 1968, he moved to Houston, Texas and began teaching at both Rice University and the University of Houston.

 In 2010, he moved back to Korea to fulfill a lifelong dream of sharing his knowledge and teaching skills with his fellow countrymen.
Currently, Grandmaster Kim Soo is a member of the Faculty at Dong-Eui University in the College of Sport Science.

For more information contact Grandmaster Kim Soo:
Phone: 010-8961-4060

gmkimsoo@kimsookarate.com

gmkimsoo@naver.com

Skype: Pyung-soo Kim
http://www.gmkimsoo.com
 http://www.kimsookarate.com
http://www.chayonryu.com 
http://www.youtube.com/kimsookarate
http://www.facebook.com/gmkimsoo

Dong Eui University College of Sport Science class

Grandmaster Kim Soo teaches Chayon-Ryu class at Dong Eui University, Busan,  S. Korea

  
Dong Eui University, the leading private university in Busan. Dong-Eui has gained fame in the fields of oriental medicine and engineering and has built solid reputations in other fields such as management, health sciences, nursing, and a range of sciences.

Grandmaster Kim Soo lectures on the principles of Chayon-Ryu.

Joined by Chayon-Ryu Sabomnin, 3rd degree black belt Robert Henriksen, who is visiting Grandmaster in Korea;
Grandmaster teaches the Chayon-Ryu Curriculum  at the College of Sport Science.

Re-introducing traditional martial arts vs martial sport back into Korea has been the challenge for Grandmaster Kim Soo, who in his teaching career has taught over 70,000 students world wide in the Chayon-Ryu system.

Chayon-Ryu is a system of martial arts developed to sustain its practitioner from the inside, uses natural movements and abilities to allow freedom-flow of techniques and balanced routines.

Its philosophy of non-violence enables the individual to practice daily without the need for mere speed, power, and the lure of competition.
Only through patience, diligence, sweat, and an open mind ("emptied cup") can one achieve the goals worthy of a Chayon-Ryu practitioner.

Sabomnim Robert Henriksen

Lifestyle Martial Arts for Health, Success & Longevity

Chayon-Ryu is based on natural movements found within each of its parent styles: Chinese Chu'an-Fa, Korean Taekwon, Karate-Do, Judo/Jujitsu, and Hapkido/Aikido.
Chayon-Ryu teaches natural body motion as the basis of all techniques, in order to promote power, safety, health, and fitness.

The same normal body motions found in such ordinary activities as twisting, throwing, and running are employed in Chayon-Ryu for the delivery of strikes, blocks, and kicks. Relaxed, natural motion flows more smoothly and efficiently, so power generated from natural motion is far greater than from contrived moves.

Grandmaster Demonstrates proper technique

Sabomnim Henriksen leads the class in warm up exercises

Grandmaster and Sabomnim lead kimasae chiruki, center punching drills

Grandmaster poses in a group photo with his students at Dong Eui University

Now More Than Ever CHAYON-RYU Is Needed

we have become a society of stressed angry individuals

Now More Than Ever CHAYON-RYU Is Needed

 by Melissa L. Nichols, Kyosanim, 1st Dan

Something has happened in our society that has caused us to devolve.
We are losing our manners, our courtesy, and sense of duty and personal honor. We are angry. We attack each other on the internet, and behave like it is the wild west in public places, and on roadways.  We have lost our way. This is why I believe that now, more than ever, we need the teachings of Chayon-ryu to help us restore balance and harmony to our lives.

The training in Chayon-ryu helps us to evolve, to build character, to have integrity and respect; things that are sadly lacking in schools and public places today.  Grandmaster has shown us a better way to live and think and be. Through his system, utilizing his teachings, not just in the physical but his many writings about life and the human condition, about the finding of the self, and creating a more perfect union of the parts of self, we can rescue our drowning world.

our children are aggressive and angry individuals

What are we drowning in?  Entitlement issues, selfishness, dishonesty, disrespect, arrogance, and bullies. These things have become the norm, and that is the sign of an ailing society.

But there is a cure, and it is the natural way.  Therefore I understand Grandmaster's position that we, as black belts, have an obligation to take Chayon-ryu into the world and help others. Good begets good.
 Like Johnny Appleseed, planting the seeds for tomorrow's generation of well rounded individuals of good character and integrity.

Recently, my own personal life had gotten out of control to the point where I was miserable. Working so many long hours to complete projects that, while were very creative and challenging, do nothing for me on a personal level. I want to work doing something that will make a difference in the lives of others, and help me, by teaching Chayon-ryu.  An opertunity has presented itself and I am laying the groundwork so that this dream can become a reality, and start a Chayon-ryu program of my own, so I may help others.  And I encourage all my fellowes in Chayon-ryu who are not already engaged in such ventures, to follow suit. It is our duty.

I encourage all students to bring friends to class, and introduce Chayon-ryu into their lives. To help your friends and family to find betterment through the natural way. To preserve the traditions and teachings of the Grandmasters of our system who's life's work we enjoy.

DUTY- a letter from Grandmaster Kim Soo

Duty

Duty.  The force of moral obligation.  Obligatory tasks, conduct, service or functions that arise from one’s position in life or in a group.  Conduct due to parents and superiors.  Respect.

These are just a few definitions of Duty.  In our culture today, duty is all too often forgotten, or worse, discarded by thinking “I paid for it.  I have no further obligation”.  

Sadly, some students think this way about Chayon Ryu.  They train only to get what they want and leave.  This attitude is very selfish.  Your training is worth far more than your monthly dues.  Whether you train three months or a lifetime, Chayon Ryu training is something that will always be with you, it will help you in every aspect of your life; it may save your life.  This knowledge is a priceless gift and it should be shared with others in order to better their lives.

My entire life’s work has been dedicated to learning, to developing and teaching a Martial Arts system that benefits the lives of others.  When I see someone take this gift without sharing it with others, it saddens me deeply.  It is our Duty as students, as instructors, and giving people, to share this gift with those that would receive it and better their lives.  Only this way will the system thrive and be passed on to future generations.

Train, learn, participate in events, teach.  Not only is this our Duty, but it is an Honor to do it.  The more you benefit others, the more you will benefit yourself.

Sincerely,

Kim Soo

Grandmaster Kim Soo

Founder Chayon-Ryu International Martial Arts Association

2012 Crane Festival Chayon Ryu demonstration

INTERNATIONAL CRANE FESTIVAL, PUSAN, S. KOREA

Grandmaster Kim Soo enjoys a visit from Sabomnim Robert Henriksen (3rd Dan), who accompanies Grandmaster and participates in his classes and demonstrations. This is a great honor for any black belt in the Chayon-Ryu system. This video was taken at the International Crane Festival in Pusan and shows Grandmaster and Mr. Henriksen demonstrating many routines from the heart of Chayon-Ryu practice.

The demonstration includes:
A karate kata (Nohai), A black belt level long staff form (Bong Hyung IV), Korean Kwon Beop two man sparring exercise (Hanson Daeryon), Knife and Gun self defense and throwing techniques, Korean Kwon Beop two man form (Jang Kwon), breaking technique, and a classical karate kata performed by Grandmaster.


Grandmaster Kim Soo and Mr. Robert Henriksen demonstrate the arts of Chayon-Ryu at the International Crane Festival in Pusan, S. Korea.

How Chayon-Ryu Changed My Life

How Chayon-Ryu Changed My Life
by Harvey Brauner, Kyosanim, 1st Degree Black Belt
Introduction
I believe that learning and practicing Chayon-Ryu for the last seven years and achieving a rank of 1st Dan has greatly influenced my life and how I live it. There are things in one’s life that can be viewed as trivial to others, perhaps even taken for granted, and yet when discovered for oneself – completely life changing. Chayon-Ryu has been the catalyst for change in my mind, body, and spirit.

Mind – Self-worth / Patience / Attitude

Self-confidence, self-esteem, how you carry yourself in your daily life, how you treat people, how you want to be treated by others, how you view humanity and nature - these are all aspects of oneself that can be viewed as positive or negative. Chayon-Ryu gives you a looking glass into who you are or what you can be. Chayon-Ryu provides a foundation to face major life’s challenges. One of the greatest benefits is learning how to handle life’s day-to-day trials and tribulations. One of the first things I noticed when I started Chayon-Ryu was the banner hanging on the front wall of the dojang which meant “without patience there is no victory.” That banner really stuck with me because being an impatient person meant I was going to be doing forms over and over which involves patience. I realized I was probably not going to get immediate results. This was going to be a long journey.

The way I was going to get through this receptiveness - or my mindset – was to realize that each time I do the form or technique I was going to learn something. That was the key. You can’t hurry. Just like life, you can’t hurry through. I realized that I was going to have to take each training session one day at a time. With every new practice, every new day, every new form, I started to gather bits and pieces of information. Like auto-correcting a down block – you might realize that perhaps the way you’ve done it the past four years is incorrect. Some may view corrections as a negative or a failure. On the contrary, it’s a benefit not a criticism. View it as a positive. Your ego may take a hit if you’ve done it incorrect for four years, but the path through being a better person and a better martial artist is to accept improvement.

Seeing that banner every week reinforced a patient way of not only practicing Chyon-Ryu, but how to live my life. To keep the idea of maintaining patience fresh in my mind on a daily basis, I went ahead and had a replica of the banner to hang in my home. Results are not always immediate. Sometimes you have to work hard at things.
With these mental changes came a better attitude about myself. I acquired a quiet self-confidence in my new ability to accomplish goals even when I didn’t know what some of the goals would be. But I knew the seed had been planted, and with a good attitude and clear mind, would grow and be fruitful.

Body – Health / Strength / Movement

Soon after starting my practice of Chayon-Ryu, I noticed a much needed physical change. I soon found that if I didn’t go to class for 2 weeks, I was more stressed out in my daily life and my body did not feel in balance. I needed to practice regularly to feed my body with movements and natural motion. After a while, I also began to feel myself gaining in physical strength.

Natural motion is one of the basic tenants of Chayon-Ryu. How do we move? You do not walk with your arms attached to your sides. You have a natural swinging motion. You have natural movements which will carry through to the forms, which builds up body control. I’ve noticed outside the dojang that I can feel that control in my movements and how I walk, how I carry myself, even how I can physically avoid minor obstacles. Simple occurrences at the office, like someone walking around the corner on a direct path to collision, I find myself doing a side step away. These simple body movements for avoidance have become second nature. I’ve not experienced a threatening situation, and I don’t know exactly what would I do until it were to happen. But avoidance is key – then defense. I believe I have the capability to do both now.


Spirit – Marriage / Relationships / Work / Death

Although not able to quantify it at the time, Chayon-Ryu training allowed me to find someone special to share my life with. The confident mental state of mind, the more attractive man inside and out – these gifts of Chayon-Ryu greatly contributed to being ready to ask her to marry me and provide her a better version of myself than I had previously been before I started on this journey.

Social relationships and work interactions have all been improved with continued training. I’m calmer at work, taking the higher road in conflicts. Remembering “without patience there is no victory,” I’m able to work my way through the daily issues and work conflicts, usually with good results. The confidence and self-esteem gleaned from doing a form correctly or breaking a brick plays a large part in all of this, but I’m careful to keep in check the negative effect it could have on my ego as far as self-importance. Keeping one’s ego in check is crucial. Chayon-Ryu has taught me that respect for others should never be forgotten. Let the ego go, which is basically what is holding us back to begin with.

Finally, one of life’s biggest challenges is of course, death. Losing one’s parents is one of the most difficult and trying times of one’s life. Everyone goes through the cycle of life, but how does one prepare for this? Chayon-Ryu training has a calming effect that allowed me to progress through a most difficult time of losing my mother. I was able to realize that the journey of passing away is something no one can avoid or defend or fight against. The end of our physical life does come upon us all. Chayon-Ryu gave me patience and inner peace to get through this. For me, good spirit is the best benefit of all from Chayon-Ryu.

Summary
How does one quantify or put a value on what’s been learned? How can I truly express the benefits that Chayon-Ryu has given to me? I go to practice every week, not as a hobby, but as an integrated piece of my life. Now that I have taken the time to reflect upon my practice by writing down my thoughts and thinking about the positive changes I’ve experienced over the years, I realize even more the correlation between my commitment to practice and becoming a better man.

Harvey Brauner, 1st Dan