January Students of the Month!

Congratulations to our Students of the Month

Nima Nikravesh & Farhad Shafa!

Name: Nima Nikravesh
Education Level: 5th Grade
Belt rank: Green II

Q. Describe yourself in 3 words:
A. Strong, smart, funny.

Q. Name one thing you wish you knew before joining TKD:
A. How to defend myself when in a situation.

Q. Your biggest vice:
A. Playing basketball

Q. Your favorite food:
A. My favorite is pizza.

Q. How has TKD changed you?
A. It changed me by learning to work hard and not give up.

Q. What is the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in TKD?
A. I fell down during a kick.

Q. What are your hobbies?
A. Doing TKD and playing basketball.

Q. What made you want to join TKD?
A. To learn how to defend and steps to become strong.

Q. What are you best at in TKD?
A. I am best at forms.

Q. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
A. I will be fifteen and I see myself teaching class.




Full Name: Farhad Shafa
Occupation: Dentist
Belt rank, Training since: Blue, January 2010.

Q. Describe yourself in 3 words:
A. Detail oriented, focused, friendly.

Q. Name one thing you wish you knew before joining TKD?
A. I should have started TKD sooner.

Q. Your biggest vice:
A. Don't give up, train hard.

Q. Your favorite food?
A. Steak

Q. How has TKD changed you?
A. Increased my energy level, I do not get tired at work easily although my job is very physical.

Q. What is the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in TKD?
A. Forgetting my left and right.

Q. What are your hobbies?
A. Movies, movies, and more movies!

Q. What made you want to join TKD?
A. Had some training in martial arts so I missed it and tried to get back.

Q. What are you best at in TKD?
A. Forms.

Q. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
A. Definitely getting my black belt.

December Testing Results

DECEMBER 2010 TEST RESULTS

YELLOW BELT

Austin Joo

Boudi AlSadoun

Diego Moyal

Giovanna Samuel

Jacob Perlmutter

Jaxon Tonley

Luca Aiche

Luke Riley

Minki Shin

Nathan Sellam

Parker Unger

Slind Lars

Willow Edwards

YELLOW I

Alessandro Ipson

Alex Austin

Benjamin Ruskin

Gautam Gupta

Jacob Ruskin

Joey Austin OUTSTANDING

Kristen Sarkisian OUTSTANDING

Lukas Roybal

Trainor Kinloch

PURPLE

Arya Danesh OUTSTANDING

Branden Esrawi OUTSTANDING

Clay Skaggs OUTSTANDING

David Skaggs

Delanie Wilson

Henry Fried OUTSTANDING

Kai Moran

Len Moran

Lucas Szentgyorgyi

Nicolas Smith

Parnya Danesh

Sara Sarkisian

Sara Weinberg OUTSTANDING

Wilfredy Quintanilla

PURPLE I

Camden Lewis

Cameron Khosravi

Gabriel McGrade

Josh Park OUTSTANDING

Marcus Ho

Tatiana Guerin

ORANGE

Alex Aizenman

Andrew Chung

Ava Hinojosa

Evan Aizenman

Ezra Frain OUTSTANDING

Hendrick Koster

Michael Rubin

Miles Lin

Phil Singleton

Sam Varzandeh

Samuel Rubin OUTSTANDING

ORANGE I

Brandon Damico OUTSTANDING

Jake Damico

Samuel Rubin

BLUE

Farhad Shafa

Greg Campbell

Jacob Accardo

Kaelyn Choi

Xavier Franco

BLUE I

Alicia Richards

Cara Heverly

Ethan Esrawi

Isabella Samuels (*) see office

Isabella Slim (*) see office

Shana Mehrdad (*) see office

GREEN

Chacta Brice

James Lee

Y-Thien Lam

GREEN II

Nima Nikravesh

Lauren Kim

RED

Brandon Gleeson

RED II

Anna Gordon

BLACK BELT 1^ST DAN

Elaine Sir OUTSTANDING

Mateus Pare

Nicolas Ryu

Ramiro Pare

BLACK BELT 2^ND DAN

Matthew Gooden

Stephanie Texdahl OUTSTANDING

Yong Chong

BLACK BELT 3^RD DAN

Armen Safarian

Jonas Basom

December Students of the Month!

Congratulations to our Students of the Month!
Evan Aizenman & Randy Lue!

NAME: Evan A. Aizenman
EDUCATION LEVEL: Grade 4
BELT RANK, TRAINING SINCE: Purple white stripe, January 2010.

Q. Describe yourself in 3 words:
A. Fast, strong, kind

Q. Name one thing you wish you knew before joining TKD:
A. That I should've joined TKD sooner!

Q. Your biggest vice:
A. Electronics

Q. Your favorite food:
A. I'm not sure but I like anything spicy.

Q. How has TKD changed you?
A. I focus more now.

Q. What is the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in TKD?
A. When we were ducking under bostaffs, I knocked one over!

Q. What are your hobbies?
A. Hiking, swimming, electronics, and yes, TKD.

Q. What made you want to join TKD?
A. I thought it would be cool to do a martial art.

Q. What are you best at in TKD?
A. Sparring and sword fighting.

Q. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
A. A black belt.

RANDY'S PHOTO COMING SOON!

NAME: Randy Lue
OCCUPATION: Quality Assurance Technician
BELT RANK, TRAINING SINCE: Red, Started briefly in 1987, returned in 2009.

Q. Describe yourself in 3 words:
A. Old-fashioned, humble, shy

Q. Name one thing you wish you knew before joining TKD:
A. I wish I started TKD at a really young age.

Q. Your biggest vice:
A. Overeating and making excuses to avoid working out.

Q. Your favorite food:
A. Steak, chinese, fish and chips.

Q. How has TKD changed you?
A. TKD has made me a stronger, healthier person. I am more energized and have gained greater flexibility.

Q. What is the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in TKD?
A. I was paired with a female student for technique exercises. She looked at my drenched uniform and said, "Randy, you're all sweaty!"

Q. What are your hobbies:
A. Avid anglophile, manchester united football fan, reading, exploring new paces to eat, playing with my dog, Edmund.

Q. What made you want to join TKD?
A. I was advised by my doctor to undergo some form of regular aerobic activity.

Q. What are you best at in TKD?
A. I enjoy forms, practicing forms is moving meditation. I find it relaxing and an opportunity for artistic expression.

Q. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
A. Attaining the rank of black belt. Training in the martial arts is an endless lifelong journey. I am very proud to be amongst Grandmaster Chong's lineage of practitioners.

Students of the Month!

November Students of the Month!
Brandon Damico
&
Chacta Brice!

Full Name: Brandon Damico
Education Level: 1st Grade
Belt Rank: Purple Stripe

Q. Describe yourself in 3 words:
A. Fun, loving, and cute.

Q. Name one thing you wish you knew before joining TKD:
A. Nothing, I love everything about TKD.

Q. Your biggest vice:
A. Competitive.
Q. Your favorite food?
A. Chicken nuggets

Q. How has TKD changed you?
A. I'm much stronger and confident.
Q. What is the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in TKD?
A. I don't know.

Q. What are your hobbies?
A. Soccer, Basketball, driving my mom crazy.

Q. What made you want to join TKD?
A. My mom made me.
Q. What are you best at in TKD?
A. Everything

Q. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
A. A black belt for sure.


Full Name: Chacta Isaacs Brice
Education Level: 12th Grade
Belt Rank, Training since: Blue Belt, November 2009.

Q. Describe yourself in 3 words:
A. Determined, funny, and powerful.

Q. Name one thing you with you knew before joining TKD:
A. How addicting it could be.

Q. Your biggest vice?
A. Whipped cream.

Q. Your favorite food?
A. sushi, creme brulee, gelato, and crab.

Q. How has TKD changed you?
A. It has made me more aware, reserved, and less fearful of a dangerous or challenging situation.

Q. What is the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in TKD?
A. I fell throwing a round-house kick.

Q. What are your hobbies?
A. Tae Kwon Do, hanging with friends, and watching movies.

Q. What made you want to join TKD?
A. I wanted to be able to move like the people i saw in Ong Bak and Enter the Dragon.

Q. What are you best at in TKD?
A. I'd say breaking, sparring, forms, and my drop kick. Love a good drop kick...

Q. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
A. I see myself still training Tae Kwon Do as well as other martial arts. Also owning my own business.

OCTOBER 2010 TESTING RESULTS!

Congratulations to everyone who tested! The belt ceremony will take place Friday, October 29, during your regular class times.

YELLOW BELT

Alex Austin

Brett-L Strong – OUTSTANDING

Clay Skaggs

David Skaggs

Even Szentgyogyi – OUTSTANDING

Joey Austin

Jonathon Mani

Kristen Sarkisian – OUTSTANDING

Parkertazz Strong

Sara Sarkisian

YELLOW STRIPE

Arya Danesh – OUTSTANDING

Henry Fried

Kai Moran – See Office

Len Moran – See Office

Lucas Szentgyogyi – OUTSTANDING

Parnya Danesh

Sara Weinberg

PURPLE BELT

Astro Halliday – See Office

Elijah Goodwin

Gabriel McGrade

Gyula Kangiszer

John Phillip Singleton - OUTSTANDING

Josh Park – OUTSTANDING

PURPLE STRIPE

Andrew Chung

Ava Hinojosa

Evan Aizenman

Hendrik Koster

Lucas Hron

ORANGE BELT

Brandon Damico – OUTSTANDING

Isaac Amsterdam

Jake Damico – OUTSTANDING

Shayne Liggins

Swapnil Dash

ORANGE STRIPE

Cameron Cooper

Jacob Accardo

BLUE BELT

Advik Paharia

Benjamin Simon

Catherine Denton

Erik Garcia

Ethan Kim

Henry Kraft – OUTSTANDING

Hunter Griswold

Jackson Gross

Xavier Franco – See Office

BLUE STRIPE

Chacta Brice

Shanna Merhdad – See Office

Y-Thien Lam

GREEN BELT

Alex Alas-Arellano

Benjamin Lee

GREEN STRIPE

Ariella Ahdout

Renata Lovetman

Robert Sheehan

Shaun Ahdout

GREEN DOUBLE STRIPE

Afsaneh Safavi

Crystal Miles

Jack Lue

Layla Chessman

Renee Spei

RED

Benjamin Schlange

RED STRIPE

Ryan Abrishami

RED DOUBLE

Brian Weinberg

Kimberly Sheehan

Fun Foto of the Week

Yong Chong performing a backflip at the WUMAO 2009 Tournament Demonstrations.

If you have any good photos that you'd like to submit, email them to me at junchong411[at]gmail.com. Enjoy!

Fun Foto of the Week!

Grandmaster Jun Chong, Master Jim Goller, and Mrs. Ada Chong celebrate Hawaiian-style at the Master's Reception 2009 the night before the15th annual WUMAO tournament.

If you have any good photos that you'd like to submit, email them to me at junchong411[at]gmail.com. Enjoy!

Fun Foto of the Week

This week's fun foto of the week is actually a video of our fabulous Wilshire demo team performing at our June 2010 Open House. If you haven't seen them in action, make sure to attend the 16th annual WUMAO tournament tomorrow at Pasadena City College! Demonstrations start at 1pm!
Check out all our fun videos on our youtube channel!

If you have any good photos that you'd like to submit, email them to me at junchong411[at]gmail.com. Enjoy!

Fun Foto of the Week

I'm having way too much fun posting videos on our Fun Fotos of the Week now!

Alright. So for those who don't know, Grandmaster Jun Chong's first movie was a starring role in a Korean film back in the late 70's. When it was distributed to the United States, the smart people of them movie industry decided to change the title to "Bruce Lee Fights Back from the Grave" (as Bruce Lee had just passed away), but mind you the movie has nothing to do with Bruce Lee and all they did was add sound effects of all the "aws" and "owowows" that Master Chong did not dub.

In any case, Yong Chong found this fight clip from the film on youtube.com, and although it's a cheesey-sounding clip, the action still shows how talented the young Jun Chong was. If you ever do get to rent the film, you'll see the old Wilshire school featured in the film! Enjoy!

If you have any good photos that you'd like to submit, email them to me at junchong411[at]gmail.com. Enjoy!

Testimonial by Black belt Dexter Parker

"Principles of TaeKwonDo (1st dan essay)"
by Master Dexter Parker, 4th dan

I feel that the basic principles of Taekwondo is to make a better person out of the practitioner. Through intense study and research of this art, I've noticed a change in many types of people, but always for the better. It is a delicate art form but also a science because, just like science does something to change the environment and its people, so does Taekwondo over a period of time.
Secondly, I feel that Taekwondo is one, if not the most, devastating forms of martial arts today for self defense. It is for this reason we must train a person to use it for good and not for evil. Martial arts is like a weapon, much like a gun or knife, and its outcome is based on the person who uses it. Our job is to train people to handle this weapon correctly through mental training and growth in order to put it in the right hands. This is the deepest principle of the art.

STUDENTS OF THE MONTH!

Congratulations to our Students of the Month!
Henry Kraft & Crystal Miles

FULL NAME: Henry Kraft

EDUCATION LEVEL: 2nd Grade
TRAINING SINCE, BELT RANK: Fall 2009, Orange Stripe

Q. Describe yourself in 3 words:
A. Skinny, energetic, and enthusiastic

Q. Name one thing you wish you knew before joining TKD:
A. How fun it is so I would join sooner.

Q. Your biggest vice:
A. I drink too much juice.

Q. Your favorite food:
A. Mac n' Cheese

Q. How has TKD changed you?
A. I have become more focused.

Q. What is the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in TKD?
A. I got caught playing with the string hanging on my uniform.

Q. What are your hobbies?
A. Baseball, Basketball, and Football.

Q. What made you want to join TKD?
A. My friend Hunter recommended it.

Q. What are you best at in TKD?
A. Front kicks.

Q. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
A. A black belt.



Full Name: Crystal Lee Miles
Occupation: Video & Audio Equipment rental agent. BA in Communications
Belt Rank, Training since: Green white, Sept 2008.

Q. Describe yourself in 3 words:
A. Loyal, adaptable, inner strength

Q. Name one thing you wish you knew before joining TKD:
A. I wish I had started sooner in life. I also wish I could do splits before I started and that I had more patience with myself.

Q. Your biggest vice:
A. Sugar and working too much

Q. Your favorite food:
A. Pizza, Roti, thin mint Girl Scout cookies

Q. How has TKD changed you?
A. It has made me more confident. Also it has made me more disciplined and balanced in all areas of life.

Q. What is the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in TKD?
A. I've managed to have some pretty embarrassing falls on my butt during class. Other than that I'm usually embarrassed when I leave a big ol' sweat mark on the mat!

Q. What are your hobbies?
A. TKD, Playing with video gear, Video games, and soccer.

Q. What made you want to join TKD?
A. I started when I was younger and had to stop. A friend convinced me to start again.

Q. What are you best at in TKD?
A. I wouldn't say I'm the best at anything but I like sparring.

Q. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
A. Hopefully happy, healthy, and still studying with Master Chong.

Fun Foto of the Week

We are very proud of our student Cameron Cooper who showed a lot of strength in breaking his first board at the Parking Testing last June 2010. He didn't hold back and even with his eyes closed broke his board! Congrats!

If you have any good photos that you'd like to submit, email them to me at junchong411[at]gmail.com. Enjoy!

Fun Foto of the Week

How funny is this picture!?!
Bill "Superfoot" Wallace always knows how to put on a show! He grabs the boom mic from our videographer and starts to sing during the Sparring Seminar 2010! It can't get any better than this!


If you have any good photos that you'd like to submit, email them to me at junchong411[at]gmail.com. Enjoy!

Fun Foto of the Week

A great big thank you to Bill "Superfoot" Wallace for coming out on August 29th and teaching our annual Sparring Seminar! It was a great success and students were thrilled to learn from such a master and legend. All participants received a free shirt and certificate of completion, and a few students were able to lunch with him as well!


If you have any good photos that you'd like to submit, email them to me at junchong411[at]gmail.com. Enjoy!

STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR STUDENTS OF THE MONTH ANNA GORDON & SHAYNA GARCIA!

Photo coming soon!

Full name: Anna Rebecca Gordon

Occupation or education level: 8^th Grade

Belt Rank, Training since: Red I, July 2006

1. Describe yourself in 3 words: Awesome, happy, and persevering

2. Name one thing you wish you knew before joining Tae Kwon Do: I feel like I knew everything that I needed to know before joining Tae Kwon Do.

3. Your biggest vice: I get distracted easily

4. Your favorite food: Baked ziti

5. How has Tae Kwon Do changed you? Tae Kwon Do has made me stronger, more athletic, and perseverant.

6. What is the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in Tae Kwon Do? Once, after cleaning up an area with a lot of duct tape, I had a piece of duct tape stuck to my butt and didn’t realize until halfway through the class!

7. What are your hobbies? Tae Kwon Do of course! I also like to read a lot.

8. What made you want to join Tae Kwon Do? I thought breaking boards sounded really cool

9. What are you best at in Tae Kwon Do? Sparring

10. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Hopefully a black belt

Photo coming soon!

Name: Shayna Garcia

Education Level: High School, 11th Grade

Belt Ranking, Training Since: Red, 2007

1. Describe yourself in 3 words: Outlandish, funny, smart

2. Name one thing you wish you knew before joining TKD: I wish I knew how to do the splits

3. Your biggest vice: Hair dye and school supplies.

4. Your favorite food: Popcorn

5. How has TKD changed you? It has made me less shy and more confident.

6. What is the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in TKD? It's always embarrassing when I mess up on a kick or can't do a combo.

7. What are your hobbies? Tae Kwon Do, swimming, painting, photography, and architecture.

8. What made you want to join TKD? I always wanted to do a martia art and TKD seemed fun, interesting, and educational.

9. What are you best at in TKD? I don't think I'm "best" at anything. Theres always room for improvement, but I think my spinning heel or roundhouse kicks are good.

10. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Doing hair and makeup for runways and magazines.

Fun Foto of the Week

Look at Isabella go! Our little orange I belt tested in August 2010 and passed with flying colors, just like her flying sidekick!

Thanks to her grandma for submitting this picture!

If you have any good photos that you'd like to submit, email them to me at junchong411[at]gmail.com. Enjoy!

Testimonial from Black Belt Anett Murray

Master's Corner

by Anett Murray, 4th dan black belt

It almost felt surreal to finally receive the degree of TKD Master in 2008 after all my years of training. It was such a memorable moment, being presented with the new belt and certificate on the last day of the old Wilshire school. I was elated. I hadn't expected that I would encounter so many people surprised by my achievement - was it because I am a woman that I don't look like I could be a Master, or simply the accomplishment itself? I had worked hard, with pride and dedication, and when I look at how far I have come, I can see that 30 years of training have made me a different person. I am stronger, calmer, and more capable of taking things in stride. I have an immense appreciation for the discipline required of every student of TKD, and find that it is very valuable in life outside of the dojang. I also found that the 5 years I spent as program director for the Wilshire branch was a huge learning experience in addition to my training.

Maybe I don't have the typical appearance of a TKD Master, but martial arts is something that grows in your heart, no matter who you are.

Fun Foto of the Week

Our China 2010 trip consisted of visiting the local temple and pagoda in Huangzhou. It was drizzling but at least it was a little less humid than usual! Next year's trip is Korea/Japan 2011!

If you have any good photos that you'd like to submit, email them to me at junchong411[at]gmail.com. Enjoy!

AUGUST 2010 TESTING RESULTS!

AUGUST TESTING RESULTS

YELLOW BELT:
Alessandro Ipson
Arya Danesh
Finnegan Atkins
Gautam Gupta – OUTSTANDING
John Phillip Singleton Jr.
Nicholas Smith - OUTSTANDING
Nicolai Feldmen
Parnya Danesh
Theo Burstyn-Paulju
Trainor Kinloch
Wyatt Edwards – see office.
Yehudei Senehi
Yosef Senehi


YELLOW I:
Brandon Esrawi
Josh Park

PURPLE:
Alex Aizenman
Andrew Chung
Ari Alva
Camden Lewis
Evan Aizeman
Hendrick Koster
Marcus Ho

PURPLE I:
Brandon Damico
Jake Damico
Kyle Espinal
Sam Varzendeh
Samuel Rubin – OUTSTANDING
Swapnil Dash

ORANGE:
David Rubin
Farhad Shafa
Greg Campbell
Jacob Accardo
Xavier Franco

ORANGE I:
Benjamin Simon – OUTSTANDING
Ethan Kim
Henry Kraft
Hunter Griswold – OUTSTANDING

BLUE:
Alex Munzon – OUTSTANDING
Chacta Brice – OUTSTANDING
Ethan Esrawi – OUTSTANDING
Isabella Slimp
Oshea Chilton
Y-Thien Lam – OUTSTANDING

BLUE I:
Max Levotman

GREEN:
Benjamin Lee – see office
Ryan Nikravesh
Yael Balakhane

GREEN I:
Ariella Ahdout – see office
Harry Lake
Nima Nikravesh
Shawn Ahdout – see office

RED:
Cameron Pari
Matthew Jefferson
Nicholas Grib

RED I:
Lily Chang

RED II:
Di Wu – see office - OUTSTANDING
Saeyoung Kim - OUTSTANDING

Fun Foto of the Week

Aw, the good ol' days! Here is Jun Chong with Phillip Blackman in front of the old Wilshire school.
Friendships through martial arts lasts a lifetime!


If you have any good photos that you'd like to submit, email them to me at junchong411[at]gmail.com. Enjoy!

AUGUST STUDENTS OF THE MONTH!

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR STUDENTS OF THE MONTH, OLIVER LEONE-SEID & MATTHEW JEFFERSON!

Name: Oliver Leone Seid
Education Level: 6th grade
Belt rank, training since: Green belt, age 4

Q. Describe yourself in 3 words:
A. Strong, creative, and proficient

Q. Your best advice:
A. No matter what always try hard.

Q. Your favorite food?
A. Sushi
Q. What is the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in TKD?
A. When I tested for green belt, I was sparring with a red belt and I got kicked in the crotch. I started to cry but got up and finished my test.

Q. What are your hobbies?
A. I like Karate, reading, and soccer.
Q. What made you want to join TKD?
A. When my mom became a black belt, she signed me up.

Q. What are you best at in TKD?
A. I think that I'm best at sparring and my forms.

Q. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
A. I see myself standing next to Master Chong taking a photo of me and him with my black belt on.


Name: Matthew William Jefferson
Education level: 9th grade
Belt rank: Green II

Q. Describe yourself in 2 words:
A. Strong and tall

Q. Name one thin you with you knew before joining TKD:
A. I wish I knew how to punch correctly
Q. Your biggest vice:
A. Not cleaning up after myself

Q. How has TKD changed you?
A. It has helped me focus, learn discipline, and be more confident.

Q. What is the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in TKD?
A. I fell doing advanced kicking number 6.

Q. What are your hobbies?
A. I collect old coins.

Q. What made you want to join TKD?
A. I wanted to.

Q. What are you best at in TKD?
A. I am best at handgrabs.

Q. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
A. I see myself in college with a black belt.

Fun Foto of the Week

Congratulations Sebastian Casalenuovo on his black belt stripe test last June at the park! He did a stupendous job, as you can easily see in this photo of his "five finger break."

If you have any good photos that you'd like to submit, email them to me at junchong411[at]gmail.com. Enjoy!

Testimonial from Grandmaster Jun Chong

Master's Corner

by Grandmaster Jun Chong

People think of martial arts mostly in terms of a body's strength, flexibility, and power. Many miss that the mind is just as important as the body. Without your mind, your body is just kicking and punching without focus, energy, or spirit.

A black belt signifies the mastery of uniting mind and body together. This mastery should not only reflect in martial arts, but in your outside life as well, influencing the overall satisfaction of everything you do.
Master Phillip Rhee is a great example of someone who teaches entirely with his mind, body, and spirit. Though he has been an instructor here for many years, his energy is always present at all times and students know the expects nothing less of them.
Remember that everything you do requires the connection of mind and body. You may have a great strong body, but if you have a weak mind you will be defeated, whether it's against opponents on the mat or challenges in life.

Fun Foto of the Week

This is BY FAR one of my favorite photos EVER!
Master Greg Williams and Grandmaster Jun Chong pose a la Bruce Lee style for this photo.
Look at how young and buff everyone is!!!
circa 1975-6...?

If you have any good photos that you'd like to submit, email them to me at junchong411[at]gmail.com. Enjoy!

Fun Foto of the Week

Who's this crazy-eyed gal?
It's Kaelyn Choi dressed up for our Halloween event 2009!
For more fun photos from this event, click here.


If you have any good photos that you'd like to submit, email them to me at junchong411[at]gmail.com. Enjoy!

Interview with Instructor Stephanie Texdahl

Ms. Stephanie Texdahl has been training for a number of years with Jun Chong Martial Arts, receiving her 1st dan black belt in 2006 and teaching the same year.

Her background:
Stephanie is a late comer to the martial arts scene and began training when she was 28. Over the course of nine years her passion has led to a life long dedication to instruction and the hope to eventually promote and develop a broader community of practitioners within the Los Angeles area.

Her devotion has also expanded into other areas of martial arts to include a love of weapons and styles that compliment her Tae Kwon Do training. Stephanie’s weapon of choice is the nunchukas and more recently she has added bo staff and kamas.

Above all, Stephanie ardently believes in the physical, emotional and spiritual growth that ensues when one follows any discipline with passion. “Tae Kwon Do is a way of life. There are many ways to live; this is the way I choose.”

Her Philosophy:
“Discipline with fun. If you aren’t having fun, what’s the point?”

What to expect in her Martial Arts Classes:
Stephanie instructs children and under Grandmaster Chong’s guidance has developed a fast pace, energetic and engaging workout. “Kids have shorter attention spans. You have to keep the class moving and insert material that requires more focus in between drills students like. It's important students leave class on a positive note so they want to come back for more, but you also have to instill the techniques necessary for progression. It’s not always perfectly executed, but feedback from parents is students enjoy my class.”

Interview with Instructor Stephen Howison

Mr. Stephen Howison has trained with Jun Chong Martial Arts since he was in 1st grade at the North Hollywood school. He received his black belt in Taekwondo and Hapkido in 1994 and began teaching at the Wilshire school in 2009.

His Background:
Stephen comes from a family of black belts including his mother Diane, and his 2 sisters Heather and Caitlin. He was a member of the North Hollywood Demo team and has also trained in weapons including Escrima, Iaido, and various other weapons. Stephen was also involved in the military and trained in the Marine Corp Martial Arts Program.

His Teaching Philosophy:
"I believe that students should learn the intricacies of Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido techniques and have a firm understanding of the basics."

What to Expect in His Classes:
"Students can expect to learn basics and techniques in a consistent environment."

Fun Foto of the Week

Yummy! Stephen Kim enjoys Rocco's Pizza at our first Movie Night last July 2009.
Our Summer Movie Night starts Friday July 23rd at 8pm. RSVP in the office (323) 658-7570 early so we know how much pizza to get!


If you have any good photos that you'd like to submit, email them to me at junchong411[at]gmail.com. Enjoy!

July Students of the Month!

Congratulations to

Nikolas Papageorgas & Terry Ayzman
July Students of the Month!

Full Name: Nikolas Papageorgas

Occupation/education level: college
Belt Rank/Training since: Red 2, training since 2003

Q) Describe yourself in 3 words:
A) Good family man

Q) Name one thing you wish you knew before joining TKD:
A) To know TKD before so he can join soon

Q) Your biggest vice:
A) Not consist w/ class and lazy

Q) Your favorite food?
A) Lamb Chops

Q) How has TKD changed you?
A) discipline, balance for every work

Q) What is the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in TKD?
A) Forgot a form in blue belt & testing in a group of little kids in Santa Monica.

Q) What are your hobbies?
A) Soccer, swimming

Q) What made you want to join TKD?
A) At first it was to encourage my son to continue.

Q) What are you best at in TKD?
A) Sparring

Q) Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
A) If I'm healthy, then in TKD.

Full name: Terry Ayzman

Education Level: 5th Grade
Belt rank/training since: Orange belt, about 1 year

Q) Describe yourself in 3 words:
A) funny, cool, and creative.

Q) Name one thing you wish you knew before joining TKD:
A) Knowing how to do a goo split.

Q) Your biggest vice:
A) Having a hard time concentrating.

Q) Your favorite food?
A) French Fries

Q) How has TKD changed you?
A) It made me more disciplined.

Q) What is the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in TKD?
A) Made a really smelly gas (no one heard it).

Q) What are your hobbies?
A) Studying mythology, TKD.

Q) What made you want to join TKD?
A) The cool nunchakus, swords, and bo staff.

Q) What are you best at in TKD?
A) Splits and kicks.

Q) Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
A) The coolest black belt ever!

Fun Foto of the Week!

Here is black belt instructor Stephanie Trott with her adorable daughter Natalie at our annual Jun Chong TKD Halloween party and "Witch's Cooking Show." The class included obstacle courses, games for kids, showing off their costumes, and a wicked cooking show from the Witch of Wilshire Blvd. herself!

If you have any good photos that you'd like to submit, email them to me at junchong411[at]gmail.com. Enjoy!

Fun Foto of the Week

Don't Hate!
Yes, some of us are on the annual Korea/China trip right now, and it's FABULOUS!!!
Here's a random but gorgeous photo of a boat in China. The details are amazing!
We'll be back soon so we'll share more photos then!

If you have any good photos that you'd like to submit, email them to me at junchong411[at]gmail.com. Enjoy!

Testimonial from Black Belt Phillip Blackman

Master's Corner

"Injuries in the Martial Arts" by Master Phillip Blackman (Blackman TKD, New Mexico)

Taekwondo is typically associated with minor injuries: sprains, strains and swelling. On April 20th, I had to have surgery to repair my shock absorber in my right knee. I thought that I would share a 5 step plan to help minimize our exposure to severe injuries.

1: Warm up properly before you begin practice or enter competitions. This includes walking, jogging, jumping rope, or a variety of light aerobic exercises that will increase blood flow and oxygen to your muscles.
2: Cool down after practice. Return your body to a resting state by gradually doing stretching, deep breathing, and other non-aerobic exercises. It's the best way to avoid stiffness and pain and prevent injury brought on by a lack of conditioning.
3: It is our duty and as black belts to teach students proper "form." We must be able to adjust a student's body posture and movements so that they are executed with as little stress to the body as possible, especially when they are learning new techniques.
4: I have worn knee braces, as preventative. I enjoy feeling the added support. If you have any weaknesses, I strongly encourage braces or wraps until you are healed, or if it is chronic.
5: Weight train apart from your Taekwondo training. Your focus should be to help increase your body's natural support of joints and bones to prevent breaks, strains, and sprains.

I wish everyone continued success and good health and be sure to train smart!

Fun Foto of the Week

Like Father, Like Daughter!
Master Greg Williams with his daughter Shelby Williams at the Park testing June 2005.
Shelby recently had a baby, congratulations!

If you have any good photos that you'd like to submit, email them to me at junchong411[at]gmail.com. Enjoy!

You're Invited to our Summer Open House!

You're invited to Jun Chong Martial Arts' Summer Open House on Summer Open House this Saturday!Date: Saturday June 26th
Address: Jun Chong Martial Arts, 6340-B Wilshire Blvd. LA 90048
Time: Kids class-Choose 10am, 10:40am, or 11:15am. Adults Class 1pm.

Everyone is welcome to try a martial arts class for free and stay for the festivities afterward!
* Bounce House
* Free Massages
* Food and Drinks
* Face Painting
*Performance by the Jun Chong Demo Team
* Raffles, Prizes, and Giveaways for everyone!

ONE GRAND PRIZE WINNER: To the student who brings the most friends, receive a Grand Prize of your Choice!

And don't forget that for every friend that signs up at Jun Chong Martial Arts, you get ONE FREE MONTH OF CLASSES! And family members get 10% off when they join together!

For flyers, click here or pick them up at the Studio Office.

Hope to see you there!

Thanks from Hancock Park Elementary School!

Hancock Park Elementary School had their Annual Carnival and Silent Auction on May 22nd in Los Angeles. Jun Chong Martial Arts was happy to offer 3 silent auction items to the school that helped raise over $20,000.00 thanks generous supporters.

Fun Foto of the Week

Students learned from Kendo instructor Jay Schlauch at our annual WUMAO Weapons Seminar on May 16, 2010.
This year we featured workshops in Kendo, Knife, and the Bo Staff. All attendees received a Certificate of Completion and a commemorative t-shirt. For more photos, check out our gallery.

If you have any good photos that you'd like to submit, email them to me at junchong411[at]gmail.com. Enjoy!