Recently, Grandmaster Kim Soo visited the North Carolina Branch of the Chayon-Ryu family. The North Carolina Chayon-Ryu program is run by Master David Mitchell with Master John Peeler.
Friday, July 24, 2015
SEEKING TAEKWONDO ROOTS IN THE GARDEN OF GRANDMASTER KIM SOO
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| Sabeomnim Jon Lennart Løbak of Norway |
SEEKING TAEKWONDO ROOTS IN THE GARDEN OF GRANDMASTER KIM SOO
interview by Kyosanim Melissa L. Nichols
Jon Lennart Løbak is a 4th degree black belt sabeomnim at Hadeland
folkehøgskole, in Norway, with 15 years of professional experience teaching in the martial
arts. He began his study of martial arts in 1989, and began teaching in 1995. He
speaks fluent Korean, English and Norwegian.
He has come to America, to Houston seeking the roots of Taekwondo and to study with Grandmaster Kim Soo.
I sat down with Jon and asked him about what
drew him to Chayon-Ryu and how he came to meet Grandmaster Kim Soo.
Inside Chayon-Ryu: How did you learn about Chayon-Ryu and come to meet Grandmaster
Kim Soo?
Jon Lennart Løbak: “I was
looking for the roots of Taekwondo. I have been doing this for many years;
reading books, talking with people who know something, searching the internet.
After doing this for a while, I found the Chayon-Ryu system on the internet:
Kim Soo Karate.
I had talked with a Norwegian friend, who knows even more
than me,and he is studying a lot about the
martial arts. He said, yes, he’s heard of these people and this group, so I got
the clue from him, actually—so I searched the internet for Kim Soo and I said,
Oh, I really want to train with him, I want to meet him. It’s far, and costs a lot of money, so it was
just kind of like a dream.
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| Meeting Grandmaster Kim Soo in Korea |
Then, I went to Korea to continue my Korean language
studies, taking one year off from work.
I went to Yonsei University, and still searched the internet for
Kim Soo related information. I found out
from Inside Chayon-Ryu that Grandmaster was going to be in Korea during the same
dates I was going to be there, and I decided I wanted to try to meet him. I was really anxious about that, you know.
How to contact a Grandmaster?
If I write and email, is it rude or pushy? Esteemed people like Grandmaster, probably get a lot of emails from people who are not really sincere, right? So I was worried about that, but I thought if I want to meet him, I have to send the email. So I did that, and he said, yes, come any time to Busan. My time was limited, but he was so flexible, so I had one weekend I could spare to meet with him.
I took the train to Busan. I trained with him for one day, slept at his apartment and we stayed up all night talking about martial arts, then I took the train back.
If I write and email, is it rude or pushy? Esteemed people like Grandmaster, probably get a lot of emails from people who are not really sincere, right? So I was worried about that, but I thought if I want to meet him, I have to send the email. So I did that, and he said, yes, come any time to Busan. My time was limited, but he was so flexible, so I had one weekend I could spare to meet with him.
I took the train to Busan. I trained with him for one day, slept at his apartment and we stayed up all night talking about martial arts, then I took the train back.
After that I decided I want to see him again. I want to go
to Texas, to Houston and be in his headquarters, and meet all the people who
have learned from him, so I decided that one day I will do that, and I couldn’t
wait—so that is why I am here.”
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| Sabeomnim Løbak training at the Chayon-Ryu International World Headquarters in Houston, TX (USA) |
ICR: I was interested by your holistic approach of combining martial
arts with other healing arts such as yoga, massage and herbalism. Do you see
martial arts as a healing art in and of itself?
JLL:
“Definitely. I believe that a lot of the poses we do, if you do them correctly,
it can be a healing itself. If you keep
your body in the correct posture, the energy will automatically flow in a
harmonic way, which by itself will give better health."
ICR: Grandmaster Kim Soo views Chayon-Ryu as a healing art, and he has
designed a specific form for healing and longevity. Has he introduced you to
Jang Su Hyung?
JLL:
“Yes, we did it this morning in class, and definitely I can see why that
form heals. It helps with the flow of the Ki. As far as I know, from my own
experience, if you keep the right intention and the right pose, together with
the correct breathing, a lot of amazing things happen. So I can see the way he
designed the form, definitely it will have a healing effect on human beings.
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| Taking class with the Chayon-Ryu black belts at CYR HQ. |
ICR: You know I also produce and publish Grandmaster Kim
Soo’s video blog for Inside Chayon-Ryu, and he tells stories from his early
days in America. But one of the main points he makes when he speaks about
martial arts, is that martial arts is education, it’s art, science and
philosophy, not sport. What is your view on that?
JLL:
“Well there are some good parts of sport; keeping the body fast, reactions
quick. You can experience what it is like to be on the mat, and you don’t know
what to expect from your opponent. You have to adjust fast and you learn not to
be too tense, or not too loose. So from that perspective, sports can be a good
thing---the problem is if you get attached to winning or losing.
If it’s
balanced, and you practice a traditional martial art, and you can test yourself
occasionally in competition then it’s a good thing. But most people can’t do
that. So they get off track. So in the case where we get attached to winning,
we tend not to believe what our teachers are telling us. So instead of ending up on a track which
might lead to that, it’s sometimes better to keep people in a frame which is
much safer. You have to keep the balance.”
ICR: I know you have a limited time to study while you are here
visiting the world headquarters. What is the one thing you wish to take back
with you from your experience with Chayon-Ryu here, and training with
Grandmaster Kim Soo?
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| Sabeomnim Løbak learning Jang Kwon Hyung from Master Sean Kim and Grandmaster Kim Soo. |
That is what I want to bring back that is what I want to keep practicing. And I want to come back, and improve more—I am really interested in the roots of Taekwondo—and keeping that tradition. To me that is really important.
People want to develop something, to make something new—but they don’t know the roots, so they have made something amazing, but it gets farther and farther away from the original, and it turns into something else.”
Monday, July 13, 2015
Grandmaster Kim Soo's Video Blog-Episode Four: DOBOK IS SACRED
Grandmaster Kim Soo, 10th degree black belt, and founder of Chayon-Ryu Natural Way Martial Arts system. The latest episode of Grandmaster's video blog on Hoshin Sul (Self Defense), and the natural way.
In this episode, Grandmaster Kim Soo demonstrates the traditional and proper way to fold, carry and store your dobok (martial arts uniform).
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
30th Annual Chayon-Ryu Beach Training July 11th
Beach Training (Rain or Shine) - Saturday, July 11th!
On Saturday, July 11th, we will have our annual beach training at Master John Stephen's beach house on Galveston Island. 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 beach. You'll also want to bring some clothes to change into after training and something to drink. Maps will be provided. Be there or be square!!!
If you or your students have never attended this event, the one question to ask yourself is: WHY?? This is one of the best events of the year! It's a great opportunity to train in the elements, on sand and in water, to meet and greet fellow Chayon-Ryu family members from all over the system and have good Suryon. Show support for the hosts of the event, and the system, have good Chayon-Ryu spirit and come on out! It's open to all friends and family of Chayon-Ryu members.
Monday, July 6, 2015
Grandmaster Kim Soo's Video Blog-Episode Three: 38 Special
Grandmaster Kim Soo's Video Blog--Episode Three: 38 Special
Grandmaster Kim Soo came to the United States in 1968 to
teach martial arts. In his video blog he shares the stories from his life, and
his early days in America. A time when the public thought martial arts were
just like in the movies (like Bruce Lee and David Carradine), it was also a time
of racism and social difficulty. Grandmaster faced adversity in his dream to
bring martial arts education to the people of the world... these are his
stories....
Episode Three: 38 Special.
Saturday, July 4, 2015
Sunday, June 28, 2015
Grandmaster Kim Soo launches Video Blog
hits the web on Sunday, June 28, 2015. Grandmaster will discuss Hoshin Sul (Self-Defense) and the natural way.
He shares stories from his early days of teaching martial arts in America, and how he developed his hoshin sul philosophy through years of practical experience.
The first episode will feature a story about he used "clapping" to avoid a fight. Emphasizing that martial art is not merely kicking and punching, but it is Art and Science.
Saturday, June 27, 2015
My Student or Yours?
Over the years I have taught many students and promoted
them to the ranks of Instructors to Masters. Some of them still
live here in Houston. Some continue to train here and some run
branch schools. Others have scattered across the country and even
the world. Many have opened branch schools, all of which teach
Chayon Ryu.
I have observed that some schools show favoritism or care for their students so much
that they feel this is “My” student. They listen only to and follow only that instructor.
It is like they are the instructor’s servants. Some have gone as far as to shield the
student from speaking with others at branch schools. They have even not wanted them to
speak with me!
This method of teaching is a very bad attitude, is wrong thinking and cannot continue.
This is like building up your own private army.
In reality, we are all one school, Chayon Ryu. The students of Chayon Ryu are not my
students and they are not your students. They are students of Chayon Ryu. Please ensure
that your students know that they are part of a large family, a large system and let them
draw on the resources and knowledge that Chayon Ryu has to offer.
Sincerely,
Grandmaster Kim Soo
Founder Chayon-Ryu International Martial Arts Association
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Grandmaster Kim Soo : DUSON DAERYON
Earlier this year, Grandmaster Kim Soo had a leg injury that was rather serious. He developed and infection in the leg, and his recovery has been long and difficult, but through utilizing Chayon-Ryu he is recovering and back to teaching one day a week in the dojang. While he was undergoing treatments, he had an awakening to a new two handed sparring technique.
"While I was receiving treatments from March 2 thru April 3 inside of Hyperbolic chamber, I designed these interesting techniques. I trained to occupy myself to overcome the sickness.
TUKSU SURYON
SATURDAY, MAY 16th, 2015
WHITE GLOVES
GRANDMASTER KIM SOO, INSTRUCTING
Blue-Purple (10:00- 11:30 $15)
Brown-Black (10:00- 1p $20)
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
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.
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
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.
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| Master Pickens' Obituary |
Saturday, January 24, 2015
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
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Grandmaster Celebrates the 47th Anniversary of Coming to America
Congratulations to Grandmaster Kim Soo on his 47th anniversary.
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| Grandmaster, Mrs. Kim & baby Sean Kim at airport, Seoul, 1968 |
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!
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
BLACK BELT PROMOTIONS (DEC. 2014)
Congratulations to black belts promoted at the 282nd Rank Examination:
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| Master Raymond C. Nelson is awarded his 6th degree black belt and certificate by Grandmaster Kim Soo |
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| Master Michael Dugas has showed plenty patience of dedication over 35 years finally, achieved his 5th Dan master degree |
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| 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)
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