RiChaRd Chun doug Cook BlaCk BelT Poomsae

Martial Arts
B2641
Chun
and
Cook
According to the World Taekwondo Federation, there are over 90,000,000 taekwondo
practitioners worldwide. Every level 1 black belt student is required to learn Poomsae Koryo.
Yet few are familiar with the ancestral form known as the ‘Original Koryo.’
Prearranged forms, known as poomsae in taekwondo, are a primary method of transmitting
martial arts skills from teacher to student. As sport preference supplanted fighting preference
in taekwondo’s reason for existence, the Original Koryo was modified in kind to today’s
well-known Koryo.
In summary, students will find in this book:
• History and philosophy
• Technical elements for learning the basics
• Detailed instruction for learning Koryo
• Detailed instruction for learning Original Koryo
Over two hundred photographs, line of motion charts, stepping patterns, and martial
applications are provided throughout this in-depth instructional book.
Grandmaster Richard Chun,
Master Doug Cook, 6th dan,
Ph.D., 9th dan, is one of the
highest ranked masters of
taekwondo in the world.
He is the president of the
USTA and has been a senior
WTF international referee,
among other distinguished
posts. Richard Chun resides
in Tenafly, New Jersey.
is the author of four books. He
is certified by the USTA and the
Kukkiwon in South Korea.
He is a 2006 inductee into the
Budo International Martial
Arts Hall of Fame. Doug Cook
teaches and resides in Warwick,
New York.
Photos: Tim Comrie
YMAA
PUBLICATION CENTER
ISBN-13: 978-1-59439-264-1
ISBN-10: 1-59439-264-1
YMAA Publication Center
1-800-669-8892
[email protected] | www.ymaa.com
9781594395641 cover layout.indd 1
Tae kwon do Black Belt Poomsae
Written specifically for level 1 and level 2 black belt students, this book is a scholarly attempt
to capture, transmit, and preserve as an inheritance the historical treasures and technical
elements inherent in Original Koryo and Koryo, as well as the applications less obvious or even
secretly encoded in these forms. This knowledge will benefit those seeking more than triumph
in the ring or aerobic fulfillment from their taekwondo training.
Tae
kwon
do
Black Belt
Poomsae
Original Koryo
and Koryo
Richard
Chun
and
Doug
Cook
US $18.95
6/14/13 4:37 PM
Martial Arts
B2641
Chun
and
Cook
According to the World Taekwondo Federation, there are over 90,000,000 taekwondo
practitioners worldwide. Every level 1 black belt student is required to learn Poomsae Koryo.
Yet few are familiar with the ancestral form known as the ‘Original Koryo.’
Prearranged forms, known as poomsae in taekwondo, are a primary method of transmitting
martial arts skills from teacher to student. As sport preference supplanted fighting preference
in taekwondo’s reason for existence, the Original Koryo was modified in kind to today’s
well-known Koryo.
In summary, students will find in this book:
• History and philosophy
• Technical elements for learning the basics
• Detailed instruction for learning Koryo
• Detailed instruction for learning Original Koryo
Over two hundred photographs, line of motion charts, stepping patterns, and martial
applications are provided throughout this in-depth instructional book.
Grandmaster Richard Chun,
Master Doug Cook, 6th dan,
Ph.D., 9th dan, is one of the
highest ranked masters of
taekwondo in the world.
He is the president of the
USTA and has been a senior
WTF international referee,
among other distinguished
posts. Richard Chun resides
in Tenafly, New Jersey.
is the author of four books. He
is certified by the USTA and the
Kukkiwon in South Korea.
He is a 2006 inductee into the
Budo International Martial
Arts Hall of Fame. Doug Cook
teaches and resides in Warwick,
New York.
Photos: Tim Comrie
YMAA
PUBLICATION CENTER
ISBN-13: 978-1-59439-264-1
ISBN-10: 1-59439-264-1
YMAA Publication Center
1-800-669-8892
[email protected] | www.ymaa.com
9781594395641 cover layout.indd 1
Tae kwon do Black Belt Poomsae
Written specifically for level 1 and level 2 black belt students, this book is a scholarly attempt
to capture, transmit, and preserve as an inheritance the historical treasures and technical
elements inherent in Original Koryo and Koryo, as well as the applications less obvious or even
secretly encoded in these forms. This knowledge will benefit those seeking more than triumph
in the ring or aerobic fulfillment from their taekwondo training.
Tae
kwon
do
Black Belt
Poomsae
Original Koryo
and Koryo
Richard
Chun
and
Doug
Cook
US $18.95
6/14/13 4:37 PM
YMAA Publication Center, Inc.
PO Box 480
Wolfeboro, NH 03894
800 669-8892 • www.ymaa.com • [email protected]
PaperbackEbook
ISBN: 978-1-59439-264-1
ISBN: 978-1-59439-260-3
All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form.
Copyright ©2013 by Richard Chun and Doug Cook
Cover design by Axie Breen
Editing by Susan Bullowa
Photos by the authors unless otherwise noted.
Photos in parts II through VI by Tim Comrie.
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Publisher’s Cataloging in Publication
Chun, Richard.
Tae kwon do black belt poomsae : original Koryo and
Koryo / Richard Chun and Doug Cook. -- Wolfeboro, NH
: YMAA Publication Center, c2013.
p. ; cm.
ISBN: 978-1-59439-264-1 (pbk) ; 978-1-59439-260-3
(ebook)
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Summary: Every 1st degree black belt student is
required to learn the Koryo kata, but few are familiar
with the ancestral formal exercise "Original Koryo".
Written specifically for black belt students, this
book presents Original Koryo and Koryo, as well as
the martial applications encoded in these
forms.--Publisher.
1. Tae kwon do. 2. Tae kwon do--Training.
3. Martial arts--Training. 4. Hand-to-hand
fighting, Oriental--Training. I. Cook, Doug.
II. Title.
GV1114.9 .C488 2013
796.815/7--dc23
2013935651
1306
Warning: While self-defense is legal, fighting is illegal. If you don’t know the difference you’ll go to jail because you aren’t defending
yourself, you are fighting—or worse. Readers are encouraged to be aware of all appropriate local and national laws relating to self-defense,
reasonable force, and the use of weaponry, and to act in accordance with all applicable laws at all times. Understand that while legal
definitions and interpretations are generally uniform, there are small—but very important—differences from state to state and even city
to city. To stay out of jail, you need to know these differences. Neither the authors nor the publisher assumes any responsibility for the
use or misuse of information contained in this book.
Nothing in this document constitutes a legal opinion nor should any of its contents be treated as such. While the authors believe
that everything herein is accurate, any questions regarding specific self-defense situations, legal liability, and/or interpretation of federal,
state, or local laws should always be addressed by an attorney at law. This text relies on public news sources to gather information on various crimes and criminals described herein. While news reports of such incidences are generally accurate, they are on occasion incomplete
or incorrect. Consequently, all suspects should be considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
When it comes to martial arts, self-defense, and related topics, no text, no matter how well written, can substitute for professional,
hands-on instruction. These materials should be used for academic study only.
Editorial Notice. In an effort to avoid confusion, the authors have chosen to conform to the Western custom of placing
surnames last rather than first, which is routine in Asia. The only exception is General Choi, Hong Hi because he is universally
recognized by this configuration.
ii
Table of Contents
Dedication
Acknowledgements
Introduction
vii
ix
xi
I. History and Philosophy
The Ritual Practice of Formal Exercises
The Influence of Korean History on Original Koryo and Koryo Poomsae
Foreign Influences on Taekwondo Formal Exercises
The Evolution of the Kwans
The Globalization of Taekwondo
The Creation of Modern Taekwondo Poomsae
Philosophical Considerations of Modern Taekwondo Poomsae
Attributes and Technical Performance of Taekwondo Poomsae
Instructional Methodology
1
1
9
13
17
28
37
44
47
48
II. Technical Elements of Original Koryo and Koryo
53
Stances53
Blocks59
Kicks65
Strikes67
III. Original Koryo Poomsae
Line of Technical Motion
Ready Position (Parallel Stance)—Joonbi (Naranhi Seogi)
Slightly Extended Left Knife Hand Middle Block – Wen Jogum Neulligi Sonnal
Momtong Makki
Right Four Knuckle Fist Strike—Orun Pyung Chumok Jireugi
Right Side Kick/Side Hammer Fist Strike—Orun Yop Chagi/Yop Me Chumok Jireugi
Low X Block—Otgolo Arae Makki
Right Hand High Block—Orun Olgool Makki
Left Four Knuckle Fist Strike—Wen Pyung Chumok Jireugi
Right Single Knife Hand Outside Middle Block/Reverse Punch—
Orun Bakkat Hansonnal Momtong Makki/Bandae Jireugi
Open Hand Head Grab/Left Knee Kick—Mori Japgo/Moorub Chigi
Low X Block—Otgolo Arae Makki
Inner Arm Spread Middle Block—Anpalmok Momtong Hechyo Makki
Extend Left Hand to Grab Opponent—Wen Son Neulligi
Right Round Elbow Strike/Left Single Knife Hand Low Block—
Orun Dollyo Palgub Chigi/Wen Hansonnal Arae Makki
73
74
74
75
75
76
77
77
78
79
80
81
81
82
83
iii
iv Taekwondo Black Belt Poomsae
Right Single Knife Hand Outside Middle Block—
Orun Bakkat Hansonnal Momtong Makki
Right Inside Middle Block—Orun Ahn Momtong Makki
Left Inside Middle Block—Wen Ahn Momtong Makki
Right Back Fist Strike—Orun Doong Chumok Chigi
Left Outside Knife Hand High Block—Wen Bakkat Sonnal Olgool Makki
Left Front Kick—Wen Ap Chagi
Jumping Front Kick—Twio Ap Chagi
Double Middle Punch—Doobal Momtong Jireugi
Ready Position (Parallel Stance)—Joonbi (Naranhi Seogi)
IV. Koryo Poomsae
Line of Technical Motion
Ready Position (Parallel Stance)—Joonbi (Naranhi Seogi)
Barrel Pushing Ready Stance—Tong Milgi Joonbi Seogi
Left Knife Hand Middle Block—Wen Sonnal Momtong Makki
Double Side Kick (Right Low Side Kick/Right High Side Kick)
Right Outside Knife Hand Strike—Kodeup Yop Chagi
(Orun Arae Yop Chagi/Orun Olgool Yop Chagi) Orun Sonnal Bakkat Chigi
Reverse Middle Punch—Bandae Jireugi
Right Inside Middle Block—Orun Ahn Momtong Makki
Right Knife Hand Middle Block—Sonnal Momtong Makki
Double Side Kick (Left Low Side Kick/Left High Side Kick)
Left Outside Knife Hand Strike—Kodeup Yop Chagi
(Wen Arae Yop Chagi/Wen Olgool Yop Chagi) Wen Sonnal Bakkat Chigi
Reverse Middle Punch—Bandae Jireugi
Left Inside Middle Block—Wen Ahn Momtong Makki
Left Single Knife Hand Low Block/Right Tiger Mouth Thrust—
Wen Hansonnal Arae Makki/Orun Agwison Kaljaebi
Right Front Kick/Right Single Knife Hand Low Block/Left Tiger Mouth
Thrust—Orun Ap Chagi/Orun Hansonnal Arae Makki/Wen Agwison Kaljaebi
Left Front Kick/Left Single Knife Hand Low Block/Right Tiger Mouth Thrust—
Wen Ap Chagi/Wen Hansonnal Arae Makki/Orun Agwison Kaljaebi
Right Front Kick/Knee Break—Orun Ap Chagi/Moorub Kkukki
Inner Arm Spread Middle Block—Ahn Palmok Momtong Hechyo Makki
Left Front Kick/Knee Break—Wen Ap Chagi/Moorub Kkukki
Inner Arm Spread Middle Block—Anpalmok Momtong Hechyo Makki
Left Outside Single Knife Hand Middle Block—Wen Hansonnal
Bakkat Momtong Makki
Right Target Punch—Orun Chumok Pyojeok Jireugi
Right Forward Cross Stance/Left Side Kick/Left Low Spear Hand Strike
(Palm Up)—Orun Koa Seogi/Wen Yop Chagi/Wen Pyeonsonkeut Jecheo Jireugi
Right Low Block—Orun Arae Makki
84
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
93
94
94
95
95
96
97
98
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
114
Table of Contents  v
Left Palm Heel Block/Right Side Elbow Attack—Wen Batangson Nullomakki/
Orun Palgub Yop Chigi
Right Single Outside Knife Hand Middle Block—Orun Hansonnal
Bakkat Momtong Makki
Left Target Punch—Wen Chumok Pyojeok Jireugi
Left Forward Cross Stance/Right Side Kick/Right Low Spear Hand Strike
(Palm Up)—Wen Koa Seogi/Orun Yop Chagi/Orun Pyeonsonkeut Jecheo Jireugi
Left Low Block—Wen Arae Makki
Right Palm Heel Block/Left Side Elbow Attack—Orun Batangson Nullomakki/
Wen Palgub Yop Chigi
Left Hammer Fist Target Strike—Wen Me Chumok Arae Pyojeok Chigi
Left Outside Knife Hand Strike/Left Knife Hand Low Block—Wen Hansonnal
Bakkat Chigi/Wen Hansonnal Arae Makki
Right Inside Knife Hand Strike/Right Knife Hand Low Block—Orun Hansonnal
Bakkat Chigi/Orun Hansonnal Arae Makki
Left Inside Knife Hand Strike/Knife Hand Low Block—Wen Hansonnal Bakkat
Chigi/Hansonnal Arae Makki
Right Tiger Mouth Thrust—Orun Agwison Kaljaebi
Barrel Pushing Ready Stance—Tong Milgi Joonbi Seogi
Return to Ready Position (Parallel Stance)—Joonbi (Naranhi Seogi)
114
116
117
118
119
120
122
124
126
127
128
129
129
V. Original Koryo Combat Applications
COMBAT APPLICATION 1
Right Side Kick/Side Hammer Fist Strike—Orun Yop Chagi/Yop Me Chumok Jireugi
Low X Block—Otgolo Arae Makki
COMBAT APPLICATION 2
Open Hand Head Grab/Left Knee Kick—Mori Japgo/Moorub Chigi
Low X Block—Otgolo Arae Makki
COMBAT APPLICATION 3
Extend Left Hand to Grab Elbow—Wen Son Neulligi
Right Round Elbow Strike/Left Single Knife Hand Low Block—Orun Dollyo
Palgub Chigi/Wen Sonnal Arae Makki
COMBAT APPLICATION 4
Right Back Fist Strike—Orun Doong Chumok Chigi
Left Outside Knife Hand High Block—Wen Bakkat Sonnal Olgool Makki
Left Front Kick—Wen Ap Chagi
133
133
133
134
135
135
136
136
136
VI. Koryo Combat Applications
COMBAT APPLICATION 1
Left Knife Hand Middle Block—Wen Sonnal Momtong Makki
Double Side Kick (Right Low Side Kick/Right High Side Kick) Right
Outside Knife Hand Strike—Kodeup Yop Chagi (Orun Arae Yop Chagi/
Orun Olgool Yop Chagi) Orun Sonnal Bakkat Chigi
141
141
141
137
138
138
139
140
142
vi Taekwondo Black Belt Poomsae
Reverse Middle Punch—Bandae Jireugi
Right Inside Middle Block—Orun Ahn Momtong Makki
COMBAT APPLICATION 2
Right Front Kick/Knee Break—Orun Ap Chagi/Moorub Kkukki
COMBAT APPLICATION 3
Left Outside Single Knife Hand Middle Block—Wen Hansonnal Bakkat
Momtong Makki
Right Target Hook Punch—Orun Chumok Pyojeok Chigi
COMBAT APPLICATION 4
Right Forward Cross Stance/Left Side Kick/Left Low Spear Hand Strike
(Palm Up)—Orun Koa Seogi/Wen Yop Chagi/Wen Pyeonsonkeut Jecheo Jireugi
Right Low Block—Orun Arae Makki
VII. Reflections on the Maturation of Martial Skill
143
144
145
145
146
146
147
148
148
149
153
Appendices
159
A. USTA Poomsae Competition Rules
159
B. Glossary171
C. English/Korean Translations for Taekwondo Terms175
Bibliography and Sources
181
Organization Web Sites and Addresses182
Index
183
About the Authors
189
Grandmaster Richard Chun189
Master Doug Cook
190
Introduction
This book centers on the history, philosophy, and technical attributes of taekwondo
poomsae: Original Koryo and Koryo. By far the most popular poomsae performed today
by the advanced practitioner, the latter of the two, Koryo, represents a gateway to the
complexities of 1st dan black belt and is a necessary component for promotion to 2nd
dan as advocated by the Kukkiwon and the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF). With
this in mind, we feel a detailed exploration of this poomsae is overdue both in a sense of
fostering an appreciation for its heritage and in cultivating an understanding of its overall
combat effectiveness aside from its competitive value in the ring.
Furthermore, initially established, as we shall see, between 1965 and 1967 along with
the Palgwe set of poomsae intended as a vehicle for practice by the gup holder, Original
Koryo is radically different from the Koryo we know of today. Consequently, practice
of this primordial iteration has been uniformly subjugated in favor of its modern mate
in part due to internal politics coupled with a desire to create a poomsae with enhanced
complexity. Yet, Original Koryo continues to be transmitted from venerated master to
worthy disciple in various taekwondo institutes to this day, albeit with highly attenuated
frequency.
Koryo, in its present state, created in 1972 in conjunction with the Taegeuk series
of elementary poomsae, effectively supplanted its earlier sibling and is today actively
practiced by more than 90,000,000 World Taekwondo Federation stylists in over 200
nations around the globe. Given Koryo’s popularity and its challenging characteristics,
it is routinely rehearsed in preparation for tournament competition at the regional,
national, and international level. Moreover, documentation of this poomsae is profuse;
written and video illustrations depicting the fundamental elements and unique line of
motion are plentiful.
So why add to the exhaustive collection of editorial and visual documentation
already available to the martial arts community at large on this subject? Succinctly
put, poomsae, hyung, and tul clearly represent more than a loose collection of basic
movements strung together for aesthetic or health purposes. The tactics, carefully
annotated within the time-honored sequences of offensive and defensive strategies that
combine to create both poomsae, are more in tune with combat preparedness than they
are to sport, as they were originally intended. Relegating the execution of these tactics
to a position leading to little more than the presentation of a trophy flies in the face
of their authentic martial intent. Subsequently, while true completion of technique is
denied by the overarching principle of honor and compassion prescribed by the tenets
of traditional, defense-oriented taekwondo, it does not imply that the practitioner need
remain ignorant to the practical defensive and offensive applications associated with
xi
xii Taekwondo Black Belt Poomsae
the kicks, blocks, and strikes unique to both versions of Koryo as mapped out in a later
section of this work.1
Likewise, both Koryo poomsae, by virtue of their imprimatur, bear the stamp of pride
imprinted by Korean history. These distinctive poomsae honor the technical, cultural, and
philosophical innovations of the Koryo dynasty while celebrating its accomplishments
with each consecutive performance. Why not then pay tribute to this golden past by
awakening to the historical dimensions of these formal exercises?
Moreover, we feel Original Koryo should be recognized as an heirloom form
containing many tactical strategies not found in subsequent poomsae. Therefore, it is
important to note that the reintroduction of Original Koryo is not intended to subvert
the practice and proliferation of Koryo as an entity for global competition in any way.
Clearly, the vast majority of us are not soldiers; if we were training in taekwondo
merely to inflict injury we would enlist in the military and master the use of firearms.
Yet taekwondo, at least in its orthodox form, is also not dance. So why relegate these
poomsae simply to the level of physical motion within the spatial plane as is so often done
in the modern dojang?
This book then is a scholarly attempt to capture, transmit, and preserve as an
inheritance not only the historical treasures and apparent technical elements inherent
in Original Koryo and Koryo along with their properly calibrated stances, but also
applications less obvious or even secretly encoded for the benefit of those seeking more
than triumph in the ring or aerobic fulfillment from their taekwondo training.
Finally, previous books we have collectively authored have been standardized as
reference materials within the global taekwondo community. It is our hope that this
work will also be utilized as such.
Grandmaster Richard Chun
Master Doug Cook
1 Steven D. Carpener, “Problems in the Identity and Philosophy of T’aegwondo and Their Historical Causes,” in Korea
Journal 35 no. 4 (Winter 1995): 80-94.
I. History and Philosophy
The Ritual Practice of Formal Exercises
Long before the advent of sport sparring and the invention of modern safety gear, in
a time when to fight meant to defend one’s life from almost certain death, an ingenious
method of transmitting martial arts skills from venerated master to loyal disciple was
developed. Legend has it that experienced warriors returning unscathed from combat, a
testimony in and of itself to their martial prowess, mimicked techniques used to vanquish
multiple opponents on the field of battle for the benefit of those less qualified in the
This mural, discovered by archeologists in 1935, appears on the ceiling of Muyong-chong, a royal tomb
in southern Manchuria built during the Koguryo dynasty, between AD 3 and AD 427. The painting
depicts two men engaged in a type of sparring activity. Courtesy of US Institute of Martial Arts at http://
www.emporium.net/taekwondo/history.html. Courtesy of Richard Chun.
1
2 Taekwondo Black Belt Poomsae
ways of war.2 This ritual, performed with and without weapons, may have been practiced
around a campfire, in secret gardens, or in the incense-filled halls of an ancient Buddhist
temple. All of which lends credence to the notion that the dynamic process of cataloging
sequential packets of defensive and offensive skills through formal exercises has existed for
centuries.3 Several examples demonstrating this concept can be traced back to antiquity
with roots found in primitive works of art and ancient yogic postures originally intended
to promote health and core strength in sedentary clerics. Today, poomsae, hyung, tul,
kata, and taolu, all culturally specific terms for choreographed sequences of self-defense
techniques aimed at defeating multiple attackers approaching from various directions,
represent the cornerstone of any traditional martial art.
Generically defined as forms or formal exercises, the core patterns, which support
the technical foundation of Korean taekwondo, Japanese karatedo, and the various
styles of Chinese gungfu, are distilled
from primitive combat elements that
eventually coalesced and evolved
into the subsequent predetermined
routines unique to these classic martial
disciplines. An illustration of this
linkage, particularly as it relates to
traditional taekwondo, can be found
in mural paintings that appear on
the ceiling of Muyong-chong, a royal
tomb built between AD 3 and AD 427
during the Koguryo period (37 BC–
AD 668). Discovered by archeologists
in 1935, these ancient images depict
two warriors engaged in a type of free
sparring. While these tactics in and
of themselves do not constitute the
prescribed combinations of techniques
that comprise forms, they do confirm
the existence of an organized combat
discipline unique to that time and
region.
Likewise, if one were to visit
Sokkuram Grotto located high in the
Image of the Buddha. Courtesy of Doug Cook.
mountains of Korea surrounding the
2 C. W. Nicol, Moving Zen: Karate as a Way to Gentleness (London: Bodley Head, 1975).
3 Richard Chun, Taekwondo: Spirit and Practice Beyond Self-Defense (Boston: YMAA Publishing, 2003).
II. Technical Elements of Original Koryo and Koryo
Poomsae represent combinations of various blocks, kicks, stances, and strikes—the
basic catalog of traditional taekwondo. These tactics are then linked together in a logical
manner to compose strings of offensive and defensive strategies that ultimately combine
to create a thematic whole. To illustrate this point, the discrete elements that comprise a
particular poomsae can be thought of as the words of a sentence. Likewise, these unique
sequences of movements can then be viewed as the sentences that form a paragraph. The
paragraphs ultimately represent the various poomsae in their entirety. Each element must
be executed fully with precision and purpose. No movement is to be abbreviated prior to
its completion. The following elements are represented in Original Koryo and Koryo but
by no means reflect a full representation of traditional taekwondo techniques.
STANCES
Ready Stance—Joonbi Seogi
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Feet are placed one foot width apart, toes facing forward.
Arms are extended in front of the body in a slightly circular manner.
Fists are tight with palms facing abdomen.
Gaze is straight forward.
Weight distribution is 50% on right foot, 50% on left foot.
53
54 Taekwondo Black Belt Poomsae
Attention Stance—Cha Riot Seogi
a.
b.
c.
d.
Left foot is drawn into right foot, heels touching.
Feet are spread 45 degrees apart.
Hands are placed at the sides of the body.
Gaze is straight forward.
Bow of Respect—Kyung Ne
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
From attention stance, body is inclined forward 45 degrees at the hips.
The neck remains in line with the back.
Eyes look downward.
Hands are placed at the sides of the body.
A moment of thought is given to the object of the bow.
III. Original Koryo Poomsae
Hangul for “Original Koryo.” Courtesy of Richard Chun.
Original Koryo represents a technical heirloom as evidenced by the fact that it is rarely
practiced, if at all, in contemporary taekwondo. This poomsae is sometimes referred to
as Koryo One or Traditional Koryo. Original Koryo consists of many techniques that
have been removed from modern training methods largely due to the popularity of sport
taekwondo and its restrictive nature in the ring. Moreover, since Original Koryo was
initially part of the Yudanja set created along with the Palgwe poomsae between 1965
and 1967, we will assign the same standards regarding chambering that apply to all KTA,
Kukkiwon, and WTF formal exercises; that is, blocks originate from the outside of the
non-blocking arm while strikes begin from inside the non-striking arm, a general rule
that applies to all Taegeuk, Palgwe, and Yundanja poomsae.
73
74 Taekwondo Black Belt Poomsae
Line of Technical Motion
Li ne of T ec hni c a l Moti on
A (Sta r ti ng Poi nt)
D
C
B
(Pa r a l l el ) Sta nc e
(Naranhi) Sogi
G69
Joonbi
. Maintain r eady stance,
acing B,(Parallel
eyes fStance)—Joonbi
ocused str aight
ahead.
ReadyfPosition
(Naranhi
Seogi)
osi ti on: Long Lef t Kni f e Ha nd Mi ddl e B l oc k
onnal Momtong Makki
G70
. Slide lef t f oot f or war d towar ds B.
. Assume Extended Lef t Back Stance.
. Simultaneously execute a Long Lef t Knif e Hand Middle Block, f r ont
ar m extended.
d Posi ti on: Ri ght F our Knuc kl e F i st Str i ke
G71
yung Chumok
Jiluki
a. Maintain
ready stance, facing B, eyes focused straight ahead.
b. Simultaneously, place both fists in front of the abdomen, palms in.
III. Original Koryo Poomsae 75
First Position
Slightly Extended Left Knife Hand Middle Block—Jogum Neulligi Wen Sonnal
Momtong Makki
a. Slide left foot forward toward B.
b. Assume left back stance, slightly extended.
c. Simultaneously execute a left knife hand middle block, front arm slightly extended.
Second Position
Right Four Knuckle Fist Strike—Orun Pyung Chumok Jireugi
a. Slide right foot back.
b. Assume left front stance.
c. Simultaneously execute a right four knuckle strike to throat.
76 Taekwondo Black Belt Poomsae
Third Position
Right Side Kick/Side Hammer Fist Strike—Orun Yop Chagi/Yop Me Chumok Jireugi
a. Pivot 90 degrees to the left facing D into left crane stance (still facing B).
b. Bring the left fist to the left hip, palm up, and the right fist on the left fist, palm in.
c. Simultaneously execute a right side kick/side hammer fist strike combination in the
direction of B.
Note: The motions of a, b, and c are executed as one continuous motion.
IV. Koryo Poomsae
Hangul for “Koryo.” Courtesy of Richard Chun.
The word “Korea” derives from the ancient Koryo dynasty. Koryo men were strong in
their convictions and fought tirelessly in battle. They persistently resisted the aggressions
of the Mongolians who were sweeping the world at the time. Their firm resolution and
intrepid spirit, born of wisdom rather than brute strength or numbers, earned them the
title “men of conviction.” The form Koryo can be a way of cultivating the strength that
arises from firm conviction. With every motion, the taekwondoist must demonstrate
confidence and a strong will.
93
str ength that
ar ises
f r om f ir m conviction.
With ever y motion,
taekwondoist must demonstr ate conf idence and a str ong will.
94 Taekwondo Black Belt Poomsae
Line of T ec hnic a l Motion
Line of Technical Motion
A (Sta r ting Point)
R- 1
L- 1
R–2
L- 2
B
Ready Position (Parallel Stance)—Joonbi (Naranhi Seogi)
the
IV. Koryo Poomsae 95
Joonbi
Barrel Pushing Ready Stance—Tong Milgi Joonbi Seogi
a. Assume ready stance at point A, eyes focused straight ahead toward B.
b. Simultaneously raise both open hands to neck and push forward, palms in, with arms
and hands tensed, as if pushing a heavy barrel.
First Position
Left Knife Hand Middle Block—Wen Sonnal Momtong Makki
a. Slide your left foot 90 degrees to the left toward L-1.
b. Assume left back stance.
c. Simultaneously execute a left knife hand middle block.
96 Taekwondo Black Belt Poomsae
Second Position
Double Side Kick (Right Low Side Kick/Right High Side Kick) Right Outside Knife
Hand Strike—Kodeup Yop Chagi (Orun Arae Yop Chagi/Orun Olgool Yop Chagi)
Orun Sonnal Bakkat Chigi
a. After placing your left fist at waist level, palm up, and your right fist over your left fist,
palm in, execute a side kick with your right foot to knee level, toward L-1.
b. Keep fist in same position as in low side kick. Then, without placing your foot on the
floor, execute a side kick with your right foot to the face of your opponent.
N
ote: Kicks should be executed slowly and fully extended, a and b are executed as
one continuous motion.
IV. Koryo Poomsae 97
c. Immediately bring your right foot down one step forward toward L-1 while assuming
right front stance.
d. Simultaneously execute a right outside knife hand strike to the neck, palm down.
Third Position
Reverse Middle Punch—Bandae Jireugi
a. Maintain the stance while executing a left hand reverse middle punch.
V. Original Koryo Combat Applications
COMBAT APPLICATION 1
Third Position
Right Side Kick/Side Hammer Fist Strike—Orun Yop Chagi/Yop Me Chumok Jireugi
a. Execute right side kick to opponent’s chest or face while simultaneously striking with
a side hammer fist strike.
b. As attacker leans forward, grab after completion of strike, pulling him to ground.
133
134 Taekwondo Black Belt Poomsae
Fourth Position
Low X Block—Otgolo Arae Makki
a. Defend against potential kick or strike with X block once attacker is brought to
ground.
VI. Koryo Combat Applications
COMBAT APPLICATION 1
First Position
Left Knife Hand Middle Block—Wen Sonnal Momtong Makki
a. Execute a left knife hand middle block in response to attacker’s lunge punch from an
open fighting stance.
141
142 Taekwondo Black Belt Poomsae
Second Position
Double Side Kick (Right Low Side Kick/Right High Side Kick) Right Outside Knife
Hand Strike—Kodeup Yop Chagi (Orun Arae Yop Chagi/Orun Olgool Yop Chagi)
Orun Sonnal Bakkat Chigi
a. Execute a right low side kick to the knee.
b. After retracting the kicking leg, quickly execute a right high side kick to the face.
VI. Koryo Combat Applications 143
c. As opponent leans forward, from right stance, execute a right outside knife hand
strike to the neck.
Third Position
Reverse Middle Punch—Bandae Jireugi
a. Continue with a reverse middle punch to the rib cage.
VII. Reflections on the Maturation of
Martial Skill
By Master Doug Cook
(In Tribute to the Evolving Expertise of Grandmaster Richard Chun)
It is often said, “Those who cannot do, teach.” While this proverb may ring true in
some vocations, it does not necessarily apply to the martial arts where many of the most
accomplished teachers are nearly centenarians. Even though proficiency in taekwondo is
not automatically pegged to age, stories abound of elderly grandmasters far outdistancing
their younger disciples in aptitude based on years of experience and dedication to their
art.
Yet what is it that induces men and women to forgo the deserved comforts and
entitlements sanctioned by age in favor of disciplined training? Often it is an intuitive
sense that destiny has consigned them the role of vessel in becoming the repository of
an ancient wisdom, rich in philosophy, which must be conveyed with honor in order
to preserve its integrity and effectiveness. Few individuals possess the spiritual stamina
required to answer this call and even fewer can endure its hardships since one must realize
that, as with any sincere pedagogical quest, financial gain is rarely the primary focus. This
is not to say that the rewards are few; on the contrary, becoming an untarnished link in
the great chain of martial arts knowledge, coupled with the unique ability to influence
the lives of others in a positive manner through the transmission of a classical martial art,
is frequently compensation enough for the enlightened few.
Living evidence of these profound principles can plainly be found in the person
of Grandmaster Richard Chun, 9th dan international master instructor, who, over the
decades has inspired thousands of enthusiastic martial artists worldwide. Having tirelessly
contributed to the taekwondo community through personal instruction, visual aids, and
the written word, he has encouraged generations of practitioners to pursue the path to
excellence. Beginning well over a quarter century ago with the publication of five books
focusing on traditional taekwondo, he continues even today with the disbursement of
knowledge, uninterrupted.
Aside from his accurate depiction of basic technique including the blocks, kicks,
stances, and strikes that compose the vast mosaic of Korean martial arts, the works of
153
154 Taekwondo Black Belt Poomsae
Grandmaster Chun have faithfully acknowledged the important role poomsae play in
the traditional taekwondo curriculum. Providing a vital link to warriors of the past,
the individual formal exercises of taekwondo act as a roadmap in cultivating precise
self-defense skill. Through his articulate documentation of the forms endorsed by the
Kukkiwon, the World Taekwondo Federation, and the Korea Taekwondo Association,
Grandmaster Chun has gifted the taekwondo world with a body of knowledge unequaled
in its proportions. This current work is no exception.
Original Koryo, unimpeachably an heirloom poomsae, remains virtually unknown in
many circles, here to be revived. Conversely, Koryo, as mentioned in the text, represents
the single most popular poomsae currently performed by the 1st dan black belt, bar
none. Within these pages, Grandmaster Chun faithfully shares the individual movements
that compose the former, while reenacting his presentation of the latter, first depicted
in his landmark work, Advancing in Tae Kwon Do, published in 1983. However, it is
through his superior performance of Koryo, now, that the maturation process, owing
to a lifelong practice, reveals itself to the learned eye. To the uninitiated, the sequential
images may appear identical to those captured decades ago. Yet upon closer examination
the wondrous phenomena of ki projection, united with pronounced intent and purpose,
quickly becomes apparent. These attributes, earned by tenure, should be construed as the
ideal, motivating the novice black belt as he avidly ascends the ranks to greatness. Clearly
and simply, technique of this magnitude evolves with age amplified by action and is not
merely a function of sincere desire.
By way of illustration, compare for a moment the skill portrayed in the following
set of photographs; all exhibit, whether from the 1983 vintage or the present collection,
extraordinary stances steeped in balance, weight distribution and efficacy, the elasticity
that supersedes blocks, and the unmitigated power of strikes. Undoubtedly, all images
expose a true mastery of the art.
But look in the eyes, principally paying attention to the more recent set of photographs.
The perceptible extension of ki, the animating life force harnessed by the martial artist
for the purpose of magnifying technique many times over, is largely manifest by the
confidence and attitude reflected in the gaze. Miyamoto Musashi, the undefeated Asian
swordsman once stated long ago: “In battle, if you make your opponent flinch, you
have already won.” Consequently, if the taekwondoist is successful in short circuiting
his opponent’s negative energy even before the first strike is thrown, then, through this
communicative power, he has already triumphed. Fortunately, the camera was successful
in catching this fearsome, ocular talent as Grandmaster Chun executes a head level front
kick (Fig. 1b).
VII. Reflections on the Maturation of Martial Skill 155
Figure 1a31
Figure 1b32
Equally as fundamental to the meaningful performance of poomsae is martial intent.
Since the practitioner is engaged in a battle without bloodshed then purpose becomes
paramount. The blocks and strikes called for in Original Koryo and Koryo, intended
to deflect the offending hand or penetrate an intended target, must be executed with
remarkable precision even without the physical article being present. This is the essence
of poomsae training. The depth of this intent in tandem with the relaxation that develops
with increased poise, are framed in the maturing, yet ever expanding proficiency of
Grandmaster Chun.
Nevertheless there remains another ally in the quest for poomsae perfection. The
brand of self-assurance needed to send a shock wave of terror through the heart of an
attacker lies embedded within the kihap, or spirit yell. Grandmaster Chun is no stranger
to this tactic having applied it more than once in threatening situations across the years.
However, since the kihap and the dread it elicits, both audibly and spiritually, cannot
be captured on the printed page, one must use the imagination to judge its effect when
called for in the poomsae. Make note when this occurs in the text (Fig. 2b). Perhaps,
then, the reader will experience the resonance implicit in the act.
31 Richard Chun, Advancing in Tae Kwon Do. 2nd ed. (Boston: YMAA Publication Center, 2006), 151. Photo originally
taken in 1983.
32 Photograph by Tim Comrie, 2012.
Index
ahn momtong makki, 61
ahn sonnal jireugi, 70
Chun, Grandmaster Richard
tribute by Doug Cook, 153
akumson jireugi, 68
Chun, Sang Sup, 25
anpalmok momtong hechyo makki, 81, 107, 109
ap seogi, 57
combat applications, 130
Koryo, 141
Original Koryo, 133
arae makki, 59
crane stance, 58
Art of War, The, 7
Da Mo, 6
attention stance, 54
dan/kyu ranking, 15
Azato, Yasutsune, 14
Disorder Period, 18
back fist strike, 71
doobal momtong jireugi, 90
back stance, 56
doojumok jireugi, 67
Baduanjin, 6
doong chumok chigi, 68, 69, 71
bakkat palmok hechyo makki, 63
double middle punch, 90
bakkat sonnal chigi, 69
double punch, 67
bandae jireugi, 67, 79, 97, 100, 143
double side kick (left low side kick/left high side
ap chagi, 65
barrel pushing ready stance, 95, 129
batangson makki, 63
blocks, 59
kick), 99
double side kick (right low side kick/right high side
kick), 96, 142
Bodhidharma, 5
dwi koobi, 56
Book of Changes, The, 44
Eight Pieces of Brocade, 6
bow of respect, 54
Eighteen Hands of Lo Han, 5
capoeira, 50
Eight Pieces of Brocade, 6
Chang Han set, 37
embedded strategies, 50
cha riot seogi, 54
empty-hand fighting arts, 8
Ch’oe family, 11
empty-hand self-defense, 13
cha riot seogi, 54
Ever Youthful Institute of Martial Arts, 25
Chang Han set, 37
extend left hand to grab opponent, 82
Chang Moo Kwan (Jung Ang YMCA Kwon Bop
formal exercises, 13, 17
Bu), 23
four knuckle fist strike, 71
Choi, Hong Hi, 26, 30
front cross stance, 58
Chosun Dynasty, 12
front kick, 65
Chosun Yun Moo Kwan Kongsoodo Bu, 25
front stance, 55
Choue, Chungwon, 36
Funakoshi, Gichin, 14
chuan fa, 7
Funakoshi, Gigo, 15
183
184 Taekwondo Black Belt Poomsae
hakdari seogi, 58
Kim, Un Yong, 31, 36
hansonnal arae makki, 127
King T’aejo, 9
han sonnal momtong makki, 61
knee break, 106, 108, 145
Heian kata, 15
knee kick, 66
hidden techniques, 50
knife hand low block, 127
high block, 60
knife hand middle block, 62
high forward (walking) stance, 57
Kobayashi Shorin ryu, 14
high knife hand block, 60
kodeup yop chagi (orun arae yop chagi/orun olgool
Hong, Il Dong, 26
horse stance, 57
hwarang, 8
yop chagi), 96, 142
kodeup yop chagi (wen arae yop chagi/wen olgool
yop chagi), 99
Hwa Sun, 8
Koguryo, 7, 9
hyung, 16, 22, 37
Hwa Sun, 8
Kon, General Wang, 9
I Ching, 44
Korea Kongsoodo Association, 25, 29
inner arm spread middle block, 81, 107, 109
inside knife hand strike, 70
Korean history
poomsae Koryo and, 9
inside middle block, 61
Korea Soobahkdo Association, 22
Internal Elixir, 6
Korea Taekwondo Association, 22, 30
International Taekwon-do Federation, 31
Korea Tangsoodo Association, 22
Itosu, Yasutsune “Anko,” 14
Koryo dynasty, 9
Ji Do Kwan, 25
Koryo poomsae, xi, 43
joonbi (naranhi seogi), 74, 91, 94, 129
Koryo sovereignty, 11
joonbi seogi, 53
Kukkiwon, 27, 32
ju choom seogi, 57
jumping front kick, 65, 89
kwans
unification of, 27
Kang, Suh Chong, 24
kwon bop, 7, 8
Kano, Jigoro, 15
kyung ne, 54
karate, 16
Lee, Won Kuk, 18
Karate-do Kyohan, 17
left forward cross stance, 118
kata, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17
left four knuckle fist strike, 78
Kee, Hwang, 8, 21
left front kick, 88, 104, 108, 140
kenpo, 7
left hammer fist target strike, 122
Keumgang poomsae, 4
left inside knife hand strike, 127
Keumgang Yuksa, 4
left inside middle block, 85, 101
ki, 6, 49
using with poomsae, 9
left knee kick, 80, 135
kicks, 65
left knife hand middle block, 95, 141
kongsoodo, 17
left knife hand low block, 124
Index 185
left low block, 119
orun agwison kaljaebi, 102, 104
left low spear hand strike (palm up), 112, 148
orun ahn momtong makki, 84, 98, 144
left outside knife hand high block, 87, 139
orun ap chagi, 103, 106, 145
left outside knife hand strike, 99, 124
orun arae makki, 114, 149
left outside single knife hand middle block, 110, 146
orun bakkat hansonnal momtong makki, 79, 84
left palm heel block, 114
orun batangson nullomakki, 120
left side elbow attack, 120
orun chumok pyojeok chilki, 147
left side kick, 112, 148
orun chumok pyojeok jireugi, 111
left single knife hand low block, 83, 102, 104, 137
orun dollyo palgub chilki, 83, 137
left target punch, 117
orun doong chumok chigi, 86, 138
left tiger mouth thrust, 103
orun hansonnal arae makki, 103, 126
line of technical motion
Koryo, 94
Original Koryo, 74
orun hansonnal bakkat chigi, 126
long knife hand middle block, 62
orun koa seogi, 112, 148
long left knife hand middle block, 75
orun olgool makki, 77
low block, 59
orun palgub yop chigi, 114
low knife hand block, 59
orun pyeonsonkeut jecheo jireugi, 118
low X block, 77, 81, 134, 136
orun pyung chumok jireugi, 75
Mabuni, Kenwa, 15
orun sonnal bakkat chilki, 96, 142
meditative practice, 51
orun yop chagi, 76, 118, 133
Moo Duk Kwan, 8
otgolo arae makki, 77, 81, 134, 136
moorub chagi, 66, 80, 135
otgolo makki, 64
moorub kkukki, 106, 108, 145
outside knife hand strike, 69
mori japgo, 80, 135
Palgwe poomsae, 40
mural paintings, 2
Palgwe set, xi
Muye Dobo Tongji, 6, 8, 22
Palgwe Yook Jang, 49
Muye Jebo, 7
Palman Daejanggyeong, 10
Muye Shinbo, 7
palm heel block, 63
nampa, 16
Pinan (Peaceful Mind) kata, 14
Neo-Confucianism, 12
Pinan set, 14
Nicol, C. W., 8
open hand head grab, 80, 135
poomsae
attributes and technical performance, 47
eight trigrams, 45
learning, 48
self-defense techniques, 2
technical elements, 53
Original Koryo poomsae, xi
poomsae koryo
Okinawan/Japanese kata, 13
Okinawan karate, 15
olgool makki, 60
Olympic Games (1988), 36
orun hansonnal bakkat momtong makki, 116
orun kaljaebi, 128
About the Authors
Grandmaster Richard Chun
Grandmaster Richard Chun, a 9th dan black belt
began his formal martial arts education under the
direction of Ki Whang Kim and Chong Soo Hong at the
famed Moo Duk Kwan or “Institute of Martial Virtue”
in Seoul, Korea. By age fourteen, he received his first dan
black belt. Following the outbreak of the Korean War,
his family moved to Cheju Island where he attended
high school. In 1954, at age nineteen, he returned to
Seoul. Once there, he enrolled in Yonsei University and
graduated in 1957. While at the university, he served
as captain of the taekwondo club and participated in
several competitions. Entering the United States in
1962 as a student, he lived in Washington, DC and
began studying for his Master’s Degree in Business and
Marketing at George Washington University.
In 1964, with the assistance of past-WTF president Photo courtesy of Henry Smith.
Dr. Un Yong Kim, he officially established the Richard
Chun Taekwondo Center, a school that has cultivated champions, such as Joe Hayes, and
catered to movie stars and sports figures including Ralph Macchio (The Karate Kid), and
dancer/actor Gregory Hines. The Richard Chun Taekwondo Center became a mecca for
many practitioners both locally and worldwide. During the same time period, with the
help and support of General James Van Fleet, he created and organized the first Annual
Universal Taekwondo Open Championships. Richard Chun earned his MBA at Long
Island University. He eventually went on to obtain a Ph.D., becoming a professor of
health and physical education at Hunter College in New York City.
In 1973, Grandmaster Chun was appointed head coach of the USA Taekwondo Team,
leading them to a second-place victory in the first World Taekwondo Championships
held in Seoul, Korea. He has traveled and lectured extensively at martial arts schools
around the country as well as appearing on many popular television talk shows. He went
on to establish the United States Taekwondo Association in 1980, an organization whose
mission it is to promote the ancient and evolving art of taekwondo, and currently he
serves as its president.
Dr. Chun played a major role in organizing taekwondo as an event in the Olympics
and has served as Senior International Referee at international championships and
189
190 Taekwondo Black Belt Poomsae
Olympic competitions. For his many achievements in promoting taekwondo within the
borders of the United States, he received the Presidential Award from the president of
Korea. In 1999, following a training and cultural tour of Korea, he was named Special
Assistant to the president of the World Taekwondo Federation. He has also received many
citations over the years from the Moo Duk Kwan and World Taekwondo Federation.
Grandmaster Chun shares his knowledge of taekwondo through the written word
with five best-selling books to his credit, all of which have been translated into several
foreign languages. All are used as reference guides by thousands of practitioners and
schools worldwide. Dr. Chun has also produced a number of instructional DVDs on selfdefense, sparring, and forms, available through the United States Taekwondo Association
website and YMAA Publication Center of Wolfeboro, NH.
Richard Chun has been a member of the Lions Clubs International for more
than four decades where he has served as District Governor of New York. He was
appointed Ambassador of Goodwill by the Lions Clubs International Association for his
humanitarian services worldwide and has been repeatedly honored by the president of
Korea for the same. With two children both pursuing successful careers of their own, Dr.
Chun his has been happily married for over thirty-five years.
Master Doug Cook
Master Doug Cook holds a 6th Dan Black Belt in
the Korean martial art of taekwondo and is certified
as an instructor and in rank by the United States
Taekwondo Association and the Kukkiwon. He is a
six-time gold medalist having frequently participated
in the USTA Invitational Championships, New
York State Championships, and the New York State
Governor’s Cup Competitions. Master Cook has
trained in Korea on multiple occasions and currently
administers training and cultural tours to the
homeland of taekwondo. He holds a D3 status as a
US Referee and has received high honors from Korea
in the form of a “Letter of Appreciation” signed by
World Taekwondo Federation past president, Dr.
Un Yong Kim. In 2003, Master Cook was awarded
the Medal of Special Recognition from the Moo
Photo courtesy of Henry Smith.
Duk Kwan in Seoul, South Korea. In 2004, while
attending a training camp in Korea, Master Cook received a Special Citation from the
Korean government for forging a stronger relationship between Korea and the United
About the Authors 191
States through the martial arts. A six-page interview featuring Master Cook appeared
in the May 2005 issue of TaeKwonDo Times focusing on taekwondo philosophy and his
views on the role the martial arts will play in the twenty-first century. In June 2006, he
was inducted into the Budo International Martial Arts Hall of Fame as “Taekwondo
Master of the Year.” In 2007, Master Cook was invited on several occasions to speak as a
guest lecturer at the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut. Master Cook was recently
listed in Black Belt magazine as one of the Top Twenty masters of the Korean martial
arts in America. In 2009, he was invited to speak at the prestigious Korea Society in
New York City and will appear in Legacy, an upcoming television documentary centering
on taekwondo, scheduled for release in 2013. Master Cook recently appeared on the
cover of Totally TaeKwonDo magazine, an issue that also featured an eight-page in-depth
interview. He was inducted into the TaeKwonDo Times 2011 Hall of Fame as “Writer of
the Year.” At a ceremony honoring Grandmaster Richard Chun in 2011, he was again
awarded a Special Recognition Award from the Moo Duk Kwan in Korea. In December
of 2011, Master Cook received a Special Citation from the Ambassador of South Korea
at the nation’s embassy in Washington, DC, in recognition of his editorial contributions
to taekwondo and was recently interviewed by the ABC-affiliate, Univision, regarding
the 2012 Olympics.
Master Cook is credited with the creation of the Chosun Women’s Self-Defense
Course. He has also provided training for the US Army National Guard/42nd Division
prior to military operations, and has instructed agents from the Department of Homeland
Security, the New York Police Department, and the Bronx County Sheriff’s Department.
Master Cook was called upon to demonstrate taekwondo as part of a three-man team
at the annual Oriental World of Self-Defense held in New York City’s famed Madison
Square Garden. There, he and the team were cheered on by martial arts legends such as
Richard Chun, Henry Cho, and Chuck Norris.
Because he is a traditionalist, Master Cook places great emphasis on the underlying
philosophical principles and self-defense strategies surrounding taekwondo. He
demonstrates this belief by infusing meditation, breathing exercises, a strong attention
to basics, and the practice of the classical forms, or poomsae, in his instructional
methodology.
Aside from continuing his martial arts education under the tutelage of worldrenowned, 9th Dan Black Belt Grandmaster Richard Chun, Master Cook owns and
operates the Chosun Taekwondo Academy located in Warwick, New York—an
institute specializing in traditional martial arts instruction and ki, or internal energy,
development. Master Doug Cook currently shares his knowledge of taekwondo through
numerous articles he has written for TaeKwonDo Times, Black Belt, Totally TaeKwonDo
and the United States Taekwondo Association Journal, as well as various other martial arts
publications. For the past twelve years, he has written a monthly column for TaeKwonDo
192 Taekwondo Black Belt Poomsae
Times called “Traditions.” Master Cook is the author of three best-selling books focusing
on taekwondo titled, Taekwondo: Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Warrior, Traditional
Taekwondo—Core Techniques, History, and Philosophy, a finalist in ForeWord magazine’s
Book of the Year Award, and Taekwondo—A Path to Excellence, released in 2009, a USA
Book Award finalist. All editions are published by YMAA Publication Center and are
available online and at booksellers throughout the world. Master Cook can be reached
at [email protected] or at www.chosuntkd.com, and is available for seminars,
workshops, book signings, and lectures.