Grandmaster Kim Soo Awards Students

Recently I was honored with an award from system founder, Grandmaster Kim Soo for my personal contributions in helping to promote and preserve Chayon-Ryu. This is a very prestigious recognition from Grandmaster, who recognizes that dedication and individual contributions outside of attending classes, help to proliferate the natural way.

I was very touched by this gesture, and very honored to receive this award.  I am very proud to be a black belt in Chayon-Ryu. It is a martial arts discipline based in art, science and philosophy as opposed to sport or competition and as a result, those who practice, enjoy better living, health, success and longevity.

GRANDMASTER KIM SOO DAY- January 16, 2012



Each year, the mayor of the City of Houston, TX
issues an official proclaimation announcing
 "Grandmaster Kim Soo Day" throughout the
city, celebrating the anniversary of the arrival
of Chayon-ryu's founder in Texas in 1968.



Inside Chayon-Ryu extends our best wishes and congratulations to Grandmaster Kim Soo who celebrates the 44th anniversary of his arrival in Houston, Texas with the burning desire to found Chayon-Ryu and change the lives of thousands of students over the years.



Balance and Harmony

As a student of  "The Natural Way", I have been of late giving a great deal of thought to the concepts of balance and harmony and how they apply in the dojang, as well as in everyday life.  Balance and harmony are both vital elements to incorperate into one's training, and everyday living.

Balance is defined as a state of equilibrium or equipoise; equal distribution of weight, amount, etc. In chayon-Ryu practice, this refers to balance of motion in body shifting, movement, executing strikes, kicks, and all fundamental movements of martial arts.  This is the physical balance. 

Accompanying the physical balance is mental balance: mental steadiness or emotional stability; habit of calm behavior, judgment, etc.

Harmony is defined as order or congruity of parts to their whole or to one another; accord. Agreement in action, opinon and feeling.  In Chayon-Ryu Practice, this refers to the marriage of body, mind and spirit when all three intersect.

In order to practice good Hoshin Sul (Art of Self-Defense), we must attain a place of balance and harmony. The Um-Yang on our school patch is a portrait of balance and harmony as two opposing forces of nature exist in delicate balance, thus existing in harmony.  Throwing arts utilize the marriage of balance and harmony in both defensive and offensive moves.  Basic movements and fundamental exercises utilize balance and harmony through principle joined with movement, combining the two for practical application of strikes and blocks. Every element that makes up the sum of martial arts training is related through balance and harmony.

But how do we apply this to our everyday lives?  In theory it is a simple matter of finding a balance in all things, and conjoining them together in a harmonious relationship. In reality it is much more complex. But however we approach it, the key to success is to apply the principles of Chayon-Ryu which are based in the natural order of the universe.

Balance work with play, rest with activity, calm with stimulous. Moderation is the key to finding balance, and letting go of the need to acquire more than can be managed, compete for meaningless trophies, and basically not participate in the rat race. Rise above it. Prioritize what is truly important, and let go of things that simply do not matter. Do not obsess over the things you have no control over or say in. Remain healthy in the mind and heart as well as the body. Chayon-Ryu promotes better living and a path to personal growth and enlightenment through the practice of its principles, fundamentals, and philosophy.

Grandmaster Kim Soo - United States Taekwondo Grandmaster Society 2010 Hall of Fame honoree

Grandmaster Kim Soo Honoree 2010 TAEKWONDO GRANDMASTER SOCIETY HALL OF FAME:



Grandmaster Kim Soo was honored by the 2010 TAEKWONDO GRANDMASTER SOCIETY HALL OF FAME.
This is a video tribute to Grandmaster Kim Soo which was presented
at the Hall of Fame. Inside Chayon-Ryu wishes to congratulate Grandmaster Kim Soo
on this lifetime achievement, and thank him for his life long dedication to martial arts,
and teaching.

My Life and Chayon-Ryu

My Life and Chayon-Ryu
By Michael Moore – Saboem-Nim
Bakersfield Chayon-Ryu

My life in martial arts began like many of the children we seen in class.  I wasn’t really a child as I was about 13 or so when I started.  But I had wanted to do something to help me cope with the bullying that I had always dealt with over the years.  I had always been one of the smallest kids in school.  I was often picked on at school and my next-door neighbor relished any opportunity to demonstrate his superior wrestling ability on me and the rest of the neighborhood kids.

I had always been a good student in school.  I tried to make friends with the “right” people.  Many times, however, those friends were not around to watch over me.  I was never physically hurt badly, but my ego and self-esteem definitely struggled.  I was afraid to go into the bathrooms at school.  I was sometimes afraid to walk around the neighborhood.

One summer, I had finally had enough.  I talked my father into letting me attend a small karate school in Brenham, TX where he lived.  It was a Chayon-Ryu school taught by Esau McKnight.  I spent the summer there and, although I do not remember, I think I managed to make it to 9^th gup.  

By a tremendous stroke of luck, it turned out that the headquarters school for Chayon-Ryu was only about a mile away from my home.  I was able to pick up right where I left off, but this time with the architect of the system!  That was the summer of 1983.  I reached green belt just before the summer of 1984.  I would have been a junior in high school at the time.  I remember, clearly, the day that my next door neighbor (a senior at the same high school) no longer bothered to bully me.  I had instigated an event.  I whacked him with a rolled up swimming towel.  He chased me into my class, but that was all it took.  I think just the mere act of challenging him directly was all it took for me to be free of his bullying for the rest of my life.

It was a slow progression that took place over a long period of time.  Within the next couple of years, I realized that I was not afraid to walk places.  I never recognized anyone as a bullying threat to me again.

I stepped away from Chayon-Ryu for a few years after that when I traveled to Austin for college.  After three years I, again, returned to Houston to complete my college education.  During that time, I was also able to return to Chayon-Ryu.  I helped with Grand Master Kim’s University of Houston classes while I also returned to HQ to resume studying as well.

I am the product of a broken family.  Actually, broken sounds like a little too strong a word.  I guess I would call it a fractured family.  My parents divorced when I was pretty young.  My father has always been in my life while I lived with my mom.  I saw him every week and spent summers with him as well.  But, on a day-to-day basis he was not always there.  Grand Master was.  I can remember him taking me under his wing and asking me to join him when the “school” would go to dinner at the Korean restaurant after a rank exam.  I could not afford to pay and I did not have a ride, as I was too young to drive.  It never mattered.  Grand Master made me feel like one of his own kids.  Later, in college when I would help teach U of H classes, he would offer me some of his lunch.  A simple gesture that makes my heart smile when I think about it now.

It was at this time in my life when I started having some difficulties with a relationship.  I was very sad at times and occasionally when I would be particularly upset, I would think to myself, “I should just go and get drunk.”  But then, I would think about Grand Master’s teachings and I would realize that these difficulties would pass.  That to face them head on was the right thing to do.  I do not mean to say it was easier, just that it was right.  Seek perfection of character.  Endeavor.  These are the rules we are supposed to live by in the dojang, but they are just as important to live by outside as well; maybe more.

I left Houston again – this time to Japan for year.  When I returned I headed off to California with my new wife and soon started a family.  Practicing and studying went on hold for a few more years than I would like.  Eventually my children were old enough to begin down their own path of Chayon-Ryu.  I started teaching them in my back yard and resumed my own study.  I refused to give up on the dream of reaching black belt in Chayon-Ryu. 

Eventually I reached black belt and realized my studies had just begun.  I wanted to honor Chayon-Ryu.  I wanted to help others master their own bodies and personal difficulties.  I started teaching other students.  Teaching others has improved my understanding of what I have learned over the years.  I have only had students for a couple of years now.  I approach those students with the same gentle manner that worked so well for me as a student.  And teaching students has helped me better understand the techniques Grand Master Kim and the other senior students have taught me.  I am also learning the painful lesson of losing students.  I know that each person chooses their own path and there are many paths to choose from.  But I find it sad to see students with great potential or a strong work ethic leave my instruction.  It is difficult to not take it personally.  I just try to do the best that I can.  It does make me think, however, how GM Kim must have felt when so many students over the years have come and gone.

Chayon-Ryu is rich.  I feel so fortunate in this life.  Much of that I owe to Grand Master Kim and Chayon-Ryu.  I know that it was me that made the choices as I have gone through life, but many of those choices were guided by many important people. 

Now I feel like an uncle in Chayon-Ryu.  When I travel home to see the family, they are all still there.  Some of my old Chayon-Ryu family has also found their way back to the school.  I have had many wonderful conversations with several masters over the years.  It truly is a family and I refer to that when I talk to new, potential students.  The old dojang holds a lot of memories for me.  I love the smell of that place.  It reminds me of many wonderful times and where I came from and how I got to where I am now.

I am Chayon-Ryu.

______________________________

published with permission from the author and Grandmaster Kim Soo.

Schedule a private lesson with GRANDMASTER KIM SOO

You can train with system founder and martial arts Grandmaster Kim Soo in private lessons at the Chayon-Ryu World Headquarters Dojang in Houston, TX.

Lessons are available on these dates:
12/26/11 to 1/15/12
Cost is $80 for a full one hour session.
Available to all Chayon-Ryu Students. 




For more information, or to schedule your private session contact GRANDMASTER KIM SOO

AN INSPIRATIONAL LETTER

Chayon-Ryu a healing art:


The letter below, published with permission by its author is one example of the healing properties of the Chayon-Ryu method. Chayon-Ryu brings balance and harmony to the lives of its students, and helps them to navigate life with the proper tools of character, integrity and self confidence.

 I have written articles on my own personal experiences on self healting through Chayon-Ryu training, and now I'd like to share those of another student.

Neal R. Conrey and his grandson study at the Corpus Christi Chayon-Ryu School under the guidance of Sabomnim Black Belt Instructor Gerald Tashnek. Recently Neal sent this letter to Grandmaster Kim Soo, and Grandmaster contacted me and asked me to publish it here as an inspirational letter to all students and prospective students of Chayon-Ryu.



Respected Father,

Please allow the heartfelt sentiments of this old man to attempt to convey how grateful I am to you, your organization and our Sabomnim Gerald Tashnek. My grandson, Austin, has come through very troubled times in his young life. After enduring drug abuse and criminal conduct from his parents he has come to live with his Grandmother and myself. His pain and trauma is evident in how he sees himself and the world that has shown him less than love and security. It breaks my heart to see him recoil as he tries to function in a life that has stripped him of his dignity and sense of value.

Though we have attended only a few instructions, this little seven-year old boy is changing right before me! His downcast eyes now rise to meet mine and hold their gaze with growing confidence. He recites his Sabomnim's words with clarity and understanding. His stature and general presence is increasing daily. It's as if I am witnessing the butterfly free itself from its old form and rise, with your help, to spread his wings and take flight.

With tears of gratitude, I am faithfully yours,

Neal R. Conrey
Corpu Christi, TX.

Hoshinsul: the art of self-defense

Self-Defense of the mind..

"Hoshinsul (the art of self-defense) is first taking good care of yourself." - Grandmaster Kim Soo

Hoshinsul: the art of self-defense is first taking care of your own personal health. This is physical health and wellness,

mental and emotional well-being, and the health of your spirit.  All of these things go into makeup the being we

identify as the "self."

 
Externally self-defense is utilized to protect us physically from all kinds of hazards and pitfalls. Not just physical attack from assault, or violent intentions, but other things we encounter in everyday life such as accidents, slipping or falling,

avoiding being cut by a knife or scissors, pricking ourselves with sharp objects such as needles. We employ the principles of self-defense to guard against all things such as these.

 
Interally, the application of self-defense is just as important. And we are under assault internally in our lives far more than

we will ever be externally (unless your occupation is that of high risk). What enemies assault us internally?

• Stress
• Anxiety
• insecurity
• self doubt
• low confidence
• low self esteem or self worth

On that note, these things are vital to personal mental/physical/spiritual wellness:

Stress management- deep breathing (Bokshik Hoheub), meditation (sitting, standing and forms practice)

Positive mental attitude- employ the qualities of the bamboo (honesty, humility, loyalty, sincerity, purity)

Proper diet and exercise- Kimasae Chiruki 100 times daily, regular practice, and work out.  At least 15 minutes a day can make a difference!

Sleeping enough- rest the body and the mind. Sleep deprivation adds to anxiety, and causes physical illnesses.
 

Drink at least 64 oz. of water everyday- dehydration can lead to many illnesses.

Avoid situations that put you at any kind of risk, whether mental, physical, or emotional.- Any encounter with an attack,

whether physical, mental or emotional, can take its toll. Avoid these situations when possible. The first rule of self defense.

Recently I've had a lot of stress in my personal and professional life, caused by negative encounters bullies on the internet who follow me around and harass me, and my business.  why do people do these kind of things? Many reasons, most of which have to do with feelings of jealousy, envy, greed, huberous. Our society has become unkind, and the internet is like the wild west, where people brawl in the streets and bullies run amok. This has created a lot of stress for me and my family, but I have been able to cope utilizing the Chayon-Ryu method of Hoshinsul.
 
Chayon-Ryu helps me to keep sight of my own behavior as well. Do I exercise humility? Am I a good person? It encourages self examination, and introspection. And it teaches us not to let encounters with negative individuals to cause
us to become negative.
 
Chayon-Ryu is for every day of your life, not just in the dojang. Sometimes we cannot go to class, but the lessons we learn

can help us every day, no matter what we face in life. This is why Chayon-Ryu is different from other martial art philosophies and methods. It is training for a lifetime.

TRUE LESSONS

The following letter is published with permission from its recipient, Grandmaster Kim Soo. It was written to him by a black belt in the system, recently promoted to 1st Dan. It speaks of the underlying true lessons contained within the Chayon-Ryu method of training, and the deeper philosophical meanings inside Chayon-Ryu.

Grand Master,
Hope all well with you and yours.

A few days ago, I was thinking about you. I was thinking about how I had come to know you.
Fifteen or sixteen years ago I set out on a mission to learn martial arts.
I wanted to learn self defense and improve my chronic back trouble. At least that's what I thought I wanted.


True, I learned martial arts and self defense, and I am grateful and proud of these accomplishments.
But, the real treasure came in the most unexpected way.

From you I learned patience and humility. I learned to be graceful and contemplative; I learned the true meaning of respect and so much more.
It is undeniable that you are a great martial artist. But your true greatness is that you are a great teacher of life. Martial arts are incidental, merely the vehicle, the medium for the divine teaching the deeper lessons through you. 

The remarkable aspect of this is that you never specifically told me that these were the true lessons for me to learn. You simply continued to teach me forms and
regardless of how much I practiced a particular form, regardless of how accomplished I became at executing a particular movement, I remained humbled by the pursuit of that perfection -- a priceless and timeless lesson. In time I came to understand that learning the lessons I "needed" to learn was far more important than learning the lessons I "wanted" to learn. Of course one was the inexorable pathway to the other.

Thinking of it now reminds me of the story you told me of the hungry man who posed as a famous calligrapher to gain entry to the rich man's house.
The hungry man thought that he went to the rich man's house because he was hungry, but his journey taught him patience and perseverance. Without intending to,  the hungry man indeed became the great calligrapher.

Your teaching was (and remains) an Aristotelian exercise in the infinite  approximation of what Aristotle described as the perfection of the forms, the perfect
circle, the perfect triangle and so on. And all of it taught by a man from the East. What extraordinary intellectual and spiritual elegance to experience the perfect circle of East meeting and becoming West becoming East -- Eastern Zen and Western Existentialism melding, transcending the the limitations of definition and simply becoming itself.

It's interesting how the road of life leads us, and it is important to remain receptive to learning and spiritual enlightenment

In the end  Gracias, Grazie, Merci... its all Thank You
Your humble student, and forever your friend,
Michael Testa, Kyosanim, 1st Dan, Chayon-Ryu

TUKSU SURYON SATURDAY OCTOBER 22nd 2011

 A reminder to all instructor level Chayon-Ryu members (Blue Belts - Black Belts) that this month's TUKSU SURYON Instructor Clinic will be held Saturday October 22, 2011.

Training begins at 10am and will end at 11:30. Afterwards there will be a Chayon-Ryu demonstration at the Houston Korean Festival held downtown at Discovery Green.

Log on to the Chayon-Ryu World HQ website for details.

See you there!

CONTROL

By Grandmaster Kim Soo, 10th. Dan & Founder, Chayon-Ryu Martial Arts

Written by Master Mark Newkirk

When people hear the word control they usually think of sparring, which is important, but control is much more than that. The purpose of training is to have the mind and body together. The mind and body work together toward a common goal, mu shim, one thought one purpose. In sparring the mind and body must have good intension that will keep people from getting hurt. If you lose your temper or are not focused you can hurt someone or get hurt yourself. This is why we should only spar with the appropriate pads. If you use heavy sparring pads or gloves you may not be as careful and your focus is not there. You should only need correct sparring pads and control (mind and body together)Forms are also about control. Forms are moving meditation, once again the mind and body together. That is how you can teach many people at the same time. Asking them questions like which foot to move when they are learning H pattern forces them to keep concentrating on what their body is doing at the moment. They cannot daydream. Some instructors know a lot of forms but they are fakes. They are just showing off. The public doesn’t have a principle foundation and they are impressed. These instructors do not have the mind and body working together. They just go through the motions. They don’t have control. Some people keep track of how many times they have done a form, they can do a form a thousand times and it still looks bad. Why? They only care about how many they have done and they don’t think about the movements. Suryon is physical and mental training together. Ask yourself why you are doing this movement. What is the purpose?

You must be able to adjust to the situation. That’s why we have an eclectic martial art that is based on common sense. If a friend has been drinking and is bothering you, a kick to the groin or a neck chop would be inappropriate. Some soldiers have a hard time adjusting after returning from war because they have lost control.

Our system patch contains the symbol for the mind signifying that everything starts in the mind. At the Spring Branch dojang there is the sign that means dancing in the sky and playing in the ocean which literally means to be ambitious. Everything starts in the mind whether it’s H pattern or a new business plan that you may have.

Control is physically, emotionally and spiritually being together and balanced not only with sparring but forms and everyday life. That’s why we meditate when entering the dojang to prepare for class. This gets your mind to slow down from things outside the dojang and bring your mind and body together.

MASTER SEAN KIM

If you live in the greater Houston area, you can train at the Chayon-Ryu World Headquarters Dojang with 8th degree Black Belt Master Sean Kim. 

Master Sean Kim is the son of Chayon-Ryu founder Grandmaster Kim Soo, and is an accomplished martial arts master and instructor with over 20+ years of teaching experience. 
Master Kim has dedicated a lifetime to the study and practice of the "Natural Way" method. 

Study in a supportive, clean, traditional Asian system under the guidance and expertise of Master Kim. Master Kim is a patient and and energetic instructor with a positive motivating personality.
Master Kim is great with kids.  Master Kim teaches Chayon-Ryu at the University of Houston HPE department.




Follow Chayon-Ryu/Kim Soo Karate on Facebook.
Visit the Chayon-Ryu website for class times and registration information.


Chayon-Ryu, "The Natural Way" is a model martial arts system in GREATER HOUSTON for 43 years, emphasizes a CLASSICAL, OLD-WORLD style of training by utilizing natural body movements for a safe, easy, efficient and effective way of practice.

Rank Test At World HQ October 1, 2011

Inside Chayon-Ryu wishes good luck to all the students testing for rank this weekend! 

White and Orange Belts begin at 10:00 am
Demonstrations by students and black belt level instructors at
11:30 am.
Advanced level students (Yellow - Black Belts) at
1:00 pm

Be on time, be silent, be serious, show good spiritGOOD LUCK!

What does it mean to be a Black Belt in Chayon-Ryu?

My dobok and belt.

What does it mean to be a black belt?

This is a question that every martial arts student ponders from the first time they tie on their new white belt.
For me, it was something I thought about constantly. I studied the black belts who were my instructors, and the ones I would see at rank exams and combined training events. You see a lot as a student, when you are wide-eyed and eager in your first year of training. You tend to put everyone on a pedistool, and see them as larger than life. But, in reality, black belts of Chayon-Ryu are for the most part, reasonably humble people.

A position of responsibility vs. a position of power:

Chayon-Ryu Outdoor Training in the park held twice a year.

The role of a black belt in Chayon-Ryu is very service oriented. We are taught from early on that with greater rank comes greater responsibility. We are expected to teach, and help students learn; to set a good example by cleaning the dojang and observing all of the dojang rules of conduct. We are expected to show a positive attitude toward our Chayon-Ryu family, and actively participate in all aspects of the school, whether teaching, or volunteering for the many combined training events or activities throughout the year.

We are expected to volunteer our talents and time to further Chayon-Ryu. One example is, I keep this blog as a way to reach people and help educate them on Chayon-Ryu; and to help introduce Chayon-Ryu to the world.  I also produce instructional material for Grandmaster in the way of DVD's, and other collateral. It gives me great joy, personally, to help promote the system which has enriched my life so much. Once we achieve our black belts, which is an accomplishment in and of itself, we begin to pay it forward. There is much joy in giving, which to me is one of the greatest lessons Grandmaster has to teach.

When we as black belts teach classes, or give one on one instruction to another student; not only are we helping someone learn life changing skills, we are improving our own skills and cultivating deep mental insight. Grandmaster tells us, "You teach to share your knowledge, and this increases your own understanding." 

Black Belts who volunteer to judge rank contests pose with
students who tested for rank.

Even in the humble act of cleaning the floor there is wisdom to be gained, and a feeling of accomplishment. I think of a Native American saying, "leave the earth better than you find it."  This ideal is present within me when I help clean, sweep and organize the dojang before and after class. The space is there for us to use to increase our skills, knowledge and enrich our lives. Keeping it clean and orderly is a show of respect for the space, and the people who have come before us, as well as an example to those who follow us.
We have to be mindful of who is behind us, because they will be watching and studying us, just as I studied the black belts who stood in front of me.


Recently I received my rank certificate, even though I had my belt for some time. The certificate is the official recognition of rank in martial arts. Seeing it framed on my wall prompted me to think about my role as a black belt.

Grandmaster Kim Soo- founder of "The Natural Way"

Who is Grandmaster Kim Soo?
This short video is an introduction to Grandmaster Kim Soo, founder of the
Chayon-Ryu "Natural Way" martial arts system.

Kim Soo Instructional DVD series

Now Available: for the student, instructor or branch school dojang archive,
this instructional DVD series features system founder Grandmaster Kim Soo,
demonstrating many of the forms, self-defenses, and practical techniques of
the Chayon-Ryu "Natural Way" system.
To order go to the Chayon-Ryu World HQ dojang store.

In commemoration of 43 years of Chayon-Ryu

this poster was designed by Kihop Productions in commemoration of the 43rd anniversary of the
Chayon-Ryu "Natural Way" Martial Arts system founded in September of 1968 in Houston, TX, USA.

LIFESTYLE MARTIAL ARTS- What does that mean?

We hear the term lifestyle martial arts in class, and we read about it in the articles and philosophy of Chayon-Ryu every day.

But what does it mean? For me it is applying the principles we learn in our MA training in every day life. Lifestyle martial arts is for longevity, success, fitness, health and personal growth. It's a path to enlightenment, and becoming a truly self aware being. We can apply principles to any situation and utilize the techniques in ways we never think of when we are learning down blocking, or break falling, or breathing.

I think of a recent discussion that took place on my facebook page. I took a photo of Master Kim Geary's break at her 8th dan rank exam on Dec. 11, 2010. I watched from the sidelines and listened to what was going on. I heard the instruction Grandmaster had given her, and I framed up my shot.

First principle: chew before you swallow. Grandmaster says this to us, and it means to consider all possibilities before we settle on one.

I had the pleasure of training with Master Geary back in 2008 at her newly built dojang. The focused heavily on fundamentals, which is the foundation of our training. I remember the isolated motion lessons for preparation of blocking. Step forward, make the preparation, then execute. But it's more than that, even though those are the very simple basic steps.
True complexity comes from simplicity. We go from the general to the specific in all creative venues. Martial arts is an art, and a creative and living art at that.

She told us to "aim and fire". This stuck in my head. So simple, but so specific at the same time. Three words. A Chayon-Ryu principle of timing and balance of motion.

I framed up my shot...I took aim. Because I am also a martial artist I could anticipate when she would take her strike, and I watched her body. I knew Grandmaster had instructed her to do three practice runs. And on the fourth I saw her body tense in preparation, then came the execution and I took my shot just as her foot penetrated the boards. It was a beautiful shot.
This basic principle I learned in class has helped me become a better photographer.

My Chayon-Ryu training has helped me in ways I never imagined it would. It transcends kicking and punching, and permeates the being. I have gained patience, endurance, a critical eye (which is vital in design work), a very strong work ethic, and am regarded now as one of the top people in my field in this city. I have applied my Chayon-Ryu discipline to my work, both conscientiously and unconscientiously. It is with me wherever I go, it is a part of me.

Chayon-Ryu is lifestyle martial arts.

Lifestyle Martial Arts for Health, Success & Longevity

Introducing our system and philosophy of lifestyle martial arts from local to international points. Martial arts is not about fighting and violence, but instead, about finding harmony through non-competition and respectful balance.


Founded in 1968, KIM SOO KARATE, a model martial arts system in greater Houston, Texas,  for 43 years, emphasizes a CLASSICAL, OLD-WORLD style of training by utilizing natural body movements for a safe, easy, efficient and effective way of practice.

Ideal for adults, teens, and children, Chayon-Ryu is a perfect choice for a family fitness program.  Chayon-Ryu is also ideal for the adult individual seeking a peaceful balance philosophy along with a self-defense system.  Students begin at age five and range in age from five to eighty five. Chayon-Ryu is for everyone!

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
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.

Happy Anniversary Chayon-Ryu- 43 years

Join us in celebrating 43 years of Chayon-Ryu. Chayon-Ryu was founded in Sept. 1968
by Grandmaster Kim Soo. Chayon-Ryu, "Natural Way" martial arts is a world class system
of schools, teachers and students practicing lifestyle martial arts for self-defense, fitness and
longevity!