Grandmaster Keum-Hong Lee Remembered

 

Grandmaster Keum-Hong Lee Rememberedsubmitted by Kyosanim David Bayles

 

Tuesday, February 10, 2015, Chayon-Ryu celebrates Grandmaster Keum-Hong Lees birthday and shows its deep appreciation of his support for Chayon-Ryu and Grandmaster Kim Soo.

 

Grandmaster Kim Soo and Grandmaster Keum-Hong Lee trained together as young men in Korea. Grandmaster Kim was in junior high school and Grandmaster Lee was in senior high school at the time. Although older, Grandmaster Lee was junior in rank to Grandmaster Kim.

 

Within a few short months of Grandmaster Kim’s arrival in the US, he got word that Grandmaster Lee wanted to come to the United States to visit. Grandmaster Lee had no interest in establishing a school here or living here. He had never left the country and wanted to see the United States. Travel then was nothing like it is now. It was very difficult not only to leave South Korea, but to get in to the United States as well. A sponsorship or an invitation from a United States citizen was required to obtain a visa. Grandmaster Kim was not a US citizen and didn’t even have a place for him to stay. He was still sleeping in the vacant building that would become the downtown dojang. He was just able to eat using what little money he was getting from private lessons.

 

Through one of his connections, Frank Zakanini who had a school in Danbury CT, Grandmaster was able to get an invitation sent to Grandmaster Lee. After his arrival he and Grandmaster Kim rented and shared a small apartment in southwest Houston for his month long stay. They walked the area looking at other martial arts schools. Before he left to go back to South Korea, Grandmaster Lee offered Grandmaster Kim $4000.00 to start a school. In 1968, this was a LOT of money. It was offered as a gift, with no expectation of repayment or any strings attached. Grandmaster did not like the idea of taking the money, even if he were to eventually repay it and turned down his offer. Grandmaster Lee pressed him to take it, saying that he would need it someday. Grandmaster reluctantly accepted half.

 

When Grandmaster Lee returned one year later, the downtown dojang was open. Grandmaster Kim repaid the money that he had accepted. He had used a very small portion of it to remodel and open the dojang and made it back. When no one, not even Grandmaster’s family offered support or showed faith in what he wanted to do, Grandmaster Keum-Hong Lee did. Over the years, he and Grandmaster Kim remained friends. Whenever Grandmaster Kim returned to Korea, Grandmaster Lee would host him and the students that accompanied him. He would also visit Grandmaster Kim’s mother on her birthday and other occasions. For his faith, support, and friendship, Grandmaster is deeply grateful.

Master Conrad S. Pickens Passes

Master Conrad Pickens,   7th degree black belt and master level instructor of Chayon-Ryu passed away this week at the age of 85. Grandmaster Kim Soo and the members of Chayon-Ryu International mourn the passing of a life long friend of the system.  Master Pickens was the first chief instructor for Kim Soo Karate of Baytown, from its opening in 1970.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Crespo & Jirrels Funeral Services.

Master Pickens' Obituary

The Dojang Is Part of You-by Grandmaster Kim Soo

The Dojang is Part of You by Grandmaster Kim Soo

How do you think and feel about your Dojang? Have you ever considered it a part of you? If not, think about it. The Dojang is a part of your life, your mind, spirit and body. It is a place where we not only train our bodies and minds, but train to be better Human Beings. It should be treated and cared for as such.

Do you wash your face and hands every day? If you get sick, do you take steps to get well? Do you eat? The Dojang is like your body. It needs to be cared for in many ways. There are those that consistently, humbly contribute by cleaning, mopping, painting and sweeping. Some contribute in other ways. When there are things that need to be done they get them taken care of. These could be administrative duties, replacing a light fixture, getting supplies from the store or taking on any number of tasks necessary to keep our Dojang running smoothly and efficiently.

Sadly, there are those that do not help in any way. Many of these are higher ranking students and instructors. They take and do not give back. Paying your dues is a small part of training and being part of the Dojang. Thinking that all you need to do is pay your fees, train and leave is a very poor, bad attitude. Caring for the Dojang helps you to learn humility, and it is part of your training and it is your Duty as a Martial Artist.

The actions and behavior of some is not only unhelpful, but actually detrimental to the health of our Dojang. 

If you are showing off around beginning students building your ego, sparring too hard with lack of control, scaring, intimidating or hurting people, you are harming the well-being of the Dojang, yourself and those around you. 

This type of behavior is reflective of students that have missed something in their training. It is bad behavior as a Human Being in general and exceptionally so for a student of Chayon Ryu. 

Those that behave in this manner are not qualified to be a Chayon Ryu Instructor, or student of any rank, including senior ranks. These actions are unacceptable in Chayon Ryu. Anyone behaving in this manner should correct it immediately, leave Chayon Ryu, or be dismissed.

Bo Shi is something that you need to know and strive for in and out of the Dojang. It is part of your training. Do you know what Bo Shi is? Have you heard of it? You should have. It is outlined in our website; its precepts are printed and posted in the lobby of Chayon Ryu Headquarters. It has been discussed at various Tuksu Suryons. If you don’t know what it is, please find it, read it, learn it and practice it in the Dojang and in your life every day. Cause no unnecessary harm, help only.

Sincerely,

Founder Chayon-Ryu International Martial Arts Association

January 24, 2015

Grandmaster Celebrates the 47th Anniversary of Coming to America

Congratulations to Grandmaster Kim Soo on his 47th anniversary. 

Grandmaster, Mrs. Kim & baby
Sean Kim at airport, Seoul, 1968

In January of 1968, a young Kim Soo ventured out leaving his home on Seoul, Korea for the unknown. 

He left behind his wife and one year-old son, carrying only $100 in his pocket--and a burning desire to share his martial arts knowledge with the world. His destination: Houston, Texas. Houston of the 1960's had no Korean community, so Grandmaster was on his own upon arrival. 

His struggle to bring his knowledge to us, and challenges he faced, are part of our legacy as his students. Every student should know the story of Grandmaster's life long journey to deliver Chayon-Ryu to the people of the world.

 A man of great wisdom, strength, and integrity, Grandmaster Kim Soo has, since his arrival in the U. S., welcomed students of all backgrounds, ages, races, colors, religions, and both sexes -- an unusual posture indeed for a martial arts instructor in the 1960s. His emphasis on health, safety, and fitness has combined with his technique instruction to build a world-famous traditional martial arts system which is truly a beneficial way of life. Thank you, Grandmaster, and happy anniversary!

This Saturday is the CELEBRATION TRAINING commemorating the 47th Anniversary of Grandmaster Kim's arrival from Korea. We hope to see all our local branches attend (10:30-noon) at the Chayon-Ryu World Headquarters!

BLACK BELT PROMOTIONS (DEC. 2014)

Congratulations to black belts promoted at the 282nd Rank Examination:

Master Raymond C. Nelson is awarded his 6th degree black belt and certificate by Grandmaster Kim Soo

Master Michael Dugas has showed plenty patience of dedication over 35 years finally, achieved his 5th Dan master degree

Master John Rogers presented with his 5th Dan certificate by Grandmaster Kim Soo

• 7th Dan David Bryan Reed (World HQ) 
• 7th Dan John Stephens (Downtown)
• 7th Dan Honor Benjamin Lew (Clear Lake)
• 6th Dan Raymond Nelson (World HQ)
• 6th Dan Lawrence Lee Robinson Jr (Downtown)
• 5th Dan Michael Dugas (World HQ)
• 5th Dan Brian Hammer (Kim Soo Martial Arts of Austin, Texas)
• 5th Dan John Peterson Rogers (Katy Kim Soo Karate)
• 4th Dan Alex Adams (Downtown)
• 3rd Dan Alberto Borjas (World HQ)
• 3rd Dan Sydney Moen (Downtown) 
• 2nd Dan Sarah Geenberg (Wimberley Chayon-Ryu)
   

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

DOJANG NEWS? Send us your stories!

Inside Chayon-Ryu wants to hear from branch instructors! Send us your news, stories, essays and events. Be a contributing source for all things Chayon-Ryu.

MANAGING STRESS WITH CHAYON-RYU

December 3, 2014-Baytown, TX

Dr. Bernick

MANAGING STRESS WITH CHAYON-RYU

Dr. James Bernick, MD, invited Chief Instructor of Kim Soo Karate of Baytown, Melissa Nichols (Kyosanim) to speak at his quarterly MDVIP health and wellness seminar. Held at the Baytown Community Center the seminar was open to senior citizens and their friends and family. The topic of the seminar was Managing Stress. Life can be stressful, and with the holidays, even more so. Dr. Bernick, whose wife (also a physician), is a student of Chayon-Ryu at the Baytown school (Dr. Pam Bernick), asked if there were some methods utilized in Chayon-Ryu that might give his patients new insight into different methods for managing stress.

Kyosanim spoke for an hour on utilizing Chayon-Ryu principles and techniques learned in the dojang to manage stress in every day life. Deep breathing, stretching, mindful meditation and decompression techniques were demonstrated by Kyosanim Nichols, as the class followed along.
Kyosanim said by applying basic Chayon-Ryu principles to everyday living we can better manage our stress. By finding a balance between our physical and mental self, avoiding stressful situations, or individuals, decompressing by breathing, walking, meditation, we can improve our lives and longevity.  The next seminar will cover self defense for senior citizens and will be held in May 2015.

Approximately 30 were in attendance.

Life Style Martial Arts

Life Style Martial Arts

By Alberto Borjas

Alberto Borjas

As a lifelong Martial Arts student and physical educator, I always found a contradiction between Martial Arts training and the health of its practitioners.
I have experienced the many benefits of Martial Arts but also suffered many ailments as a result of its practice.


The goal of Martial Arts in the modern era should be to promote health and longevity; however I became less healthy than people who did not practice martial arts.  

          Two years ago I was about to quit my training because of severe back problems and other ailments.  I tried chiropractic but it didn’t help much.  I was almost 57 years old but I was not ready to quit.  I’ve always seen martial arts not as a sport but as a way of life.  

          One day I decided to contact Grandmaster Kim Soo and he invited me to his Dojang.  After he welcomed me at his office I took my first Chayon Ryu class.  That day I started to understand many things.   I realized that many of my body ailments were not a result of my age but a consequence of poor training methods.  Poor training methods can make you very unhealthy. 
Traditional teaching methods were designed without taking into consideration the health of the practitioners.  That training leads to injuries and makes it almost impossible to keep practicing after you pass your prime. 

          In my experience of more than 30 years studying Martial Arts I’ve found many problems in Martial Art Schools that lead to injuries.  Some of these problems are:

• 1.    No proper warm up and/ or cool down or no warm up or cool down at all.
• 
  
• 2.    No proper structure of class.  E.g. Core training material done at the beginning of the class without a proper preparation.
• 
  
• 3.    Poor teaching methods due to the instructors lack of knowledge of the natural human body mechanics.  E.g. Wrong teaching methodology of kicking techniques can lead to knee and/ or hip injuries.
• 
  
• 4.    Wrong methods of breathing.  Improper breathing rhythm, for example not exhaling during exertion.
• 
  
• 5.    Instructors lack of a deep knowledge or teaching experience. In the great majority of schools most of the teaching is done by junior Black Belts, even teenagers.
• 
  
• 6.    Instructors lack of knowledge of scientific methods of training.  E.g. Improper training methods to increase flexibility can lead to hip injuries.

Another problem in today’s Martial Arts world is the lack of programs oriented to the adult population.  A great number of schools don’t offer adult classes or fall in the following categories:

• 1.    Children focused schools: curriculum is focused on children and adult students simply don’t fit in.
• 2.    Sport oriented schools – curriculum is focused on sport competition and competition is not for everyone especially after you pass your prime.
• 3.    Schools that offer adult classes but their curriculum is not catered to senior students or not deep enough to maintain adult students interest.

Grandmaster Kim Soo designed a scientific
method of teaching martial arts.

 All these are universal problems you will not find in Chayon Ryu schools.  I firmly believe the solutions to these universal problems are in Chayon Ryu.

Chayon Ryu is a new approach to training ancient martial arts in the modern day.  Grandmaster Kim Soo based on his unparalleled knowledge and teaching experience designed a scientific method of teaching martial arts.  He recognized the importance for preserving and improving the health of martial arts practitioners. 
Chayon Ryu or Natural Way is based on natural human body mechanics emphasizing the balance between body and mind to promote longevity and success in life.  Chayon Ryu is not only for talented people or gifted athletes; it is for everyone.  Everyone can benefit from Chayon Ryu practice regardless of age, gender or physical limitations.  The first thing you will notice in a Chayon Ryu school is a great number of students way past their prime training alongside children and young students; that is very uncommon in today’s Martial Arts schools.

In my opinion the first of many virtues of Chayon Ryu is that it allows its practitioners to enjoy the benefit of martial arts training their entire lives:  A true lifestyle martial arts system.

          Now after 2 years of training in Chayon Ryu I can say my body is almost 100% healed.  Chayon Ryu methods of training have helped me to heal my body and I am in the best physical shape I’ve been in the last 10 years.  I am enjoying martial arts training again. 

          In today martial arts world there is a great number of systems or styles that offer Self Defense or Sport competition.  Grandmaster Kim Soo’s Chayon Ryu Martial Arts provides far more than that for modern day practitioners: A life style martial arts system for the 21^st century.

 I think we have the obligation to promote Chayon Ryu so others can benefit from its practice.  Like Grandmaster Kim Soo says “share the good medicine”

FALL OUTDOOR TRAINING SATURDAY NOVEMBER 1st

Outdoor Training at Memorial Park
It is a great event for everyone to attend, from white belt up!  Bring your family and make a day of it.  

Training begins at 10:00 AM.  Wear your uniform and bring sunscreen and some shoes to train in on the grass.

You'll also want to bring some chairs or blankets to sit on after training and something to drink.

Don't miss out on this fun outdoor event!  

Class is taught by Spring Branch chief instructor Master Sean Kim.  For Map and information visit the KIM SOO KARATE website.

Group Training and Motivational Seminar November 8th

Grandmaster Kim Soo presents a training and motivational seminar on Saturday November 8th for all Chayon-Ryu Students (probably most appropriate for junior high and older), and the public.  Students wear your dobok! Tell your friends to come!  They can come in loose fitting clothes, warm up and learn Natural Way movements with us (or just sit on the side or in the back) and stay for the demo and seminar.

The Motivation Seminar will start at 10a.m. and go till noon. 
The 1st session there will be warming up exercise along with stretching, Natural way movements, gun and walking stick self defense demo by system founder Grandmaster Kim Soo.

The 2nd session will start at 11a.m. Students should wear doboks and visitors can wear loose fitting clothes for exercise. Participants should be at school 20 minutes before the start of the first session.  One of Chayon-Ryu's most successful masters of the system will be participating and imparting his method of applying Chayon-Ryu principles to life outside the dojang in various and sundry ways that lead down the path of success.

Master Don Martin – 6^th Dan

Master Martin began training with Grand Master Kim Soo in the mid 70’s in Houston and reached his first dan black belt in the early 80’s. His dream was to open up a branch school somewhere in the US. He and Master Charlotte Hwang decided on Tucson as their base.

After setting up classes at remote locations, he returned to his primary work and taught classes in the evenings. His training commitments included demonstrations, tournaments and leading training retreats.

He was promoted to 6th Dan (Master level) in 2010 and still occasionally travels with Grand Master Kim Soo to visit dojangs in other countries.

Master Martin will be giving an hour long presentation on two topics: "The Training Hall Oath Revisited", and "Kim Soo Karate and Business." with a Q & A to follow and general discussion. You do not want to miss this event!

for more information, log on to www.kimsookarate.com 

UH Downtown Self Defense Seminar

The UHD PE department has been offering a free self defense workshop each semester, and in the Spring & Fall of 2014 they asked Mr. Robert Henriksen to put it on. 

 

In the spring, they scheduled it in the middle of the semester; there were about 30 participants, and it was very well received.

 

Mr. Henriksen asked the program coordinator to schedule the fall event early in the semester, *prior* to the start of the karate class, so that we can hopefully increase enrollment in the karate class. I'm hopeful that we'll achieve that goal.

 

"I spent about 20 minutes discussing self defense principals:

awareness of your surroundings,

leaving your cell phone in your pocket,

avoiding as much as you can,

ways to avoid looking like a good victim, etc.

Then had everyone get up and follow along with natural body movements and some basic self defense techniques." - Mr. Robert Henriksen

Master Benjamin Lew Retires

After teaching as chief instructor since 1982, Master Benjamin Lew is retiring, but will always consider his students as family.

Master Lew began training in Chayon-Ryu nearly forty years ago, and started training Kim Soo Karate Clearlake in 1975. In 1982, he took over as the chief instructor from Mr. Paul Driggers. Master Lew was awarded with a certificate of appreciation from Grandmaster Kim Soo for his years of service and dedication to Chayon-Ryu.

Master Ray Nelson, Mr. Warren Faubion, Grandmaster Kim Soo, Master Lew, and Master Santiago Rangel

Mr. Faubion is appointed new chief instructor for Kim Soo Karate Clearlake

Mr. Warren Faubion was appointed the new chief instructor for Kim Soo Karate of Clearlake. Congratulations Master Lew on forty years of dedication, and to Mr. Faubion for his appointment.