Grandmaster Y.H. Park Named USAT Director

USAT Announces Two Regional Membership Directors

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12/1/2014 11:46:57 AM

Master Lee and Grand Master Park to Help Develop Membership

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO.—(Dec. 1) As previously announced by USA Taekwondo CEO Bruce Harris, USAT is selecting individuals who have volunteered their time and energies to serve in the capacity of USAT Regional Membership Directors. Those selected to these positions will be reaching out to club owners in their area in an effort to generate and increase club and individual memberships for USA Taekwondo. These are volunteer positions, not paid positions. 

USA Taekwondo is proud to introduce the first two individuals selected to serve as USAT Regional Membership Directors: Master Han Won Lee (Colo.) and Grand Master Y.H. Park Jr. (N.Y.). Master Lee will have responsibility for developing membership in the north-central area of our country, while Grand Master Park will have the responsibility for recruiting and increasing membership in the northeast region of America.

Other announcements will be made in the near future. A big thank you for those who applied for consideration and who are interested in helping USA Taekwondo to grow its membership.

Mangano And Former U.S. Olympic Coach Present $4,000 Donation To The Safe Center LI

(From nassaucountyny.gov Press release 11/18/2014)

Mangano And Former U.S. Olympic Coach/Korean-American Businessman Present $4,000 Donation To The Safe Center LI 

Pictured (left to right) are: Instructor Jason Aptekar; Former United States Olympic Coach/Korean-American Businessman Y.H. Park; Sandy Oliva, Co-Executive Director of the Safe Center LI; Cynthia Scott, Co-Executive Director of The Safe Center LI; County Executive Edward P. Mangano; Edward Park, Co-Director of NY Open; and Instructor David Zabransky.

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and former United States Olympic Coach/Korean-American Businessman Y.H. Park today donated $4,000 in proceeds from the Annual New York Open Taekwondo Championship/Korean Cultural Festival - held earlier this year - to The Safe Center LI. The Safe Center LI assists in saving and changing the lives of the victims of domestic or dating abuse, child abuse, and rape and sexual assault. The funds will be used to help replace furniture at the safe home for abused families.

“Y.H. Park understands that charity begins at home and I applaud him for his generosity and hope others follow this incredible example of giving,” said County Executive Mangano. “I have always believed that local organizations and businesses are the heart of our community, and this donation is a great illustration of giving back to the community."

“We are very honored to partner with Nassau County and County Executive Edward Mangano, in such a wonderful cultural festival that was able to bring people of all races and creed together,” said Y.H. Park. “It has always been a goal of our organization to give back to the community and we couldn’t be happier to donate to the Safe Center LI, which does amazing work to help those in need. Thank you to everyone who was a part of our event and we look forward to many more charitable events with County Executive Mangano."

Sandy Oliva and Cynthia Scott, Co-Executive Directors of The Safe Center LI, were on hand to accept the check on behalf of The Safe Center LI. The safe home which was last renovated in 1995 has been utilized by many individuals since then. The furniture and window coverings are worn out and need to be replaced and these funds will make that possible which will help create a comforting and uplifting environment for those individuals escaping violence at home.

“We are grateful to Mr. Park for his generosity and strong community spirit and thank him and County Executive Mangano on behalf of the women and children who will benefit from their support, said Sandy Oliva, Co-Executive Director of The Safe Center LI.

The 2014 New York Open TaeKwonDo Championships/Korean Cultural Festival consisted of competitions in forms, pairs forms, sparring, board breaking, weapons and Team Demo Competition.Over 350 competitors entered the championship tournament that included over 2,000 people in attendance. Highlighting this year’s event were amazing Korean Cultural performances and a showcase of National Level competitors during the Opening Ceremony. Nia Sanchez, Miss Nevada USA, made a special appearance. She is a fourth degreeblack beltinTaeKwonDo, which she began practicing when she was eight years old. This exciting sports and cultural event featured seminars prior to and during the festival, which included Korean style food, Korean cultural performances, the Korean Percussion team, a traditional Korean sushi making demonstration, plus much more. The event was recognized by the World TaeKwonDo Federation and sanctioned by the United States TaeKwonDo Leaders Union. In addition to being supported by Nassau County, the event was sponsored by Flushing Bank, The Korean Cultural Service of NY, AT Center of New York, Dynamics World, Korea Tourism Organization and Korean Cuisine Globalization Committee of East Coast, USA.

The 2014 NY Open TKD Championships is One Week Away!

http://www.nyopentkd.org

September 2014 Taekwondo Times Magazine Features The YH Park Taekwondo Academy at the 2014 NY Times Square Festival

September 2014 Taekwondo Times Magazine Features The Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy at the 2014 NY Times Square Festival

July 23, 2014- The upcoming, September 2014 issue of Taekwondo Times Magazine features a full page article and photographs from the 2014 NY Times Square Taekwondo Festival, held on June 27, 2014, in NYC, written by Lead Correspondent and Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy 1st Dan, Marc Zirogiannis.   The article quotes Grandmaster Y.H. Park, as well as highlighting Master Edward Park's presentation of a Nassau County Proclamation to Miss USA, Nia Sanchez, a 4th Dan in Taekwondo, as one of the key moments of the event.

The Y.H. Park Demo Team's dramatic performance is featured in the photographs, including a capture of a sidekick by 2nd Dan Instructor, Jason Aptekar.

The September issue also includes feature stories on Miss USA, Nia Sanchez, as well as a feature on Country Legend, Willie Nelson's, martial arts career, both written by Zirogiannis after extensive interviews with the subjects.

Look for this issue and other exciting events at the Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy, 3701 Hempstead Tpke, Levittown, NY 11756.

Master Edward Park with Miss USA, Nia Sanchez

Grandmaster Sam Um Presents Master Willie Nelson with 3rd Dan

Video Highlights from the 2014 NY Times Square Taekwondo Festival

Video Highlights from the 2014 NY Times Square Taekwondo Festival

(June 27, 2014 NYC)

YH Park Taekwondo Black Belt Sits Down With Miss USA

YH Park Taekwondo Black Belt Sits Down With Miss USA

From the desk of TaeKwonDo Times Senior Writer, and YH Park Academy Black Belt, Marc Zirogiannis:
On Thursday June 12, 2014 I had the privilege to sit down with newly crowned, 2014 Miss USA, Nia Sanchez for an interview. Miss Sanchez has the distinction of being a 4th Dan in TaeKwonDo, in addition to a competitor in the upcoming Miss Universe Pageant.

During our hour conversation I learned a lot about her, but three things really stood out, which I wanted to share:

1. She was well aware of the YH Park legacy. The YH Park Taekwondo Academy is a universally known and respected martial arts institution. Grandmaster, Master Edward and our Dojang are respected as serious martial artists and as contributors to the globalization of the art. It is a privilege to train at the YH Park TaeKwonDo Academy.

2. Miss Sanchez reinforced the sense of family and generosity that exists in the Taekwondo community. She recalled traveling the world and visiting Dojangs, where people did not know her, and where she didn't speak the language, yet the TaeKwonDo community embraced and supported her. TaeKwonDo is, truly, more than just our sport. It is our way of life.

3. One of the most important views she shared with me is how she believes TaeKwonDo practice is a key to developing the strength to be true to who you are as a person. She praised Taekwondo for helping her live the best life she could without fear of judgment or persecution from anyone else, and without allowing others to determine her self worth. This is true wisdom, beyond her 24 years.

My entire interview with Miss USA Nia Sanchez will be published in TaeKwonDo Times Magazine in the Fall.

Two Amazing Demos-Team YH Park and The Woosuk University Team-2014 Manhattan Open

Two Amazing Demos-Team YH Park and The Woosuk University Team

2014 Manhattan Open

May 12, 2014

TEAM YH PARK at the 2014 Manhattan Open

The Woosuk University Taekwondo Team at the 2014 Manhattan Open

YH PARK TAEKWONDO ACADEMY INTRAMURAL BOARD BREAKING TOURNEY A HUGE SUCCESS

YH PARK TAEKWONDO ACADEMY INTRAMURAL BOARD BREAKING TOURNEY A HUGE SUCCESS

Competitors, Judges & Masters Celebrate a Great Event

Tournament Style Scoring

APRIL 19, 2014- The Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy of Levittown, NY held its annual intramural Board Breaking Tournament earlier today and it was a tremendous success.  Students competed in divisions, in a championship style setting, with strict tournament rules.  Competitors had the opportunity to impress the judges with two rounds of creative breaking techniques in as many stations as they desired for a given period of time.  Scoring was done by a three panel group of senior Black Belts that used Taekwondo Championship scoring criteria for the event.  

The Coveted Trophies

Students praised the event as fun, educational, and useful in helping them to prepare for upcoming tournaments outside the Dojang, including the 2014 NY Open Taekwondo Championships and Korean Cultural Festival in the latter part of the year.

Esteemed Judging Panel

Prior to the event the students and their parents were treated to a world class Demonstration by TEAM YH PARK the school's elite demo team.

For more information on other upcoming events, please visit:  http://www.yhpark.com

Competitors Came Prepared

Master Edward Looks on as 2nd Dan Excels

Accuracy, Speed and Power Were Judged

The Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy Board Breaking Tournament

YH Park TaeKwonDo Academy’s

In-House Board Breaking Tournament

Featuring a Team YH Park Performance

Demonstrate your Breaking skills in a FREE STYLE CONTEST against your friends at the Academy.

Tons of fun and everyone wins a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place TROPHY and CERTIFICATE!

Saturday, April 19th, 2014

Team YHPARK Performance: 9:30 am

Tournament start time: 10:00 am

Registration deadline: Wednesday, April 16th, 2014

Event Fee: $35

(The registration fee includes 3 boards – additional boards are available for purchase)

31 Reasons To Get Physically Fit At The Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy

31 Reasons To Get Physically Fit At The Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy

February 25, 2014-There is no better time than today to make a commitment to your health and physical fitness.  Whether it is practicing the martial arts at The Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy, or committing to any other type of exercise, you will reap countless rewards and improve the quality of your life by introducing a physical fitness component to your schedule.

So here are 31 reasons to get, or stay in great shape (written by Marc Perry, CSCS, CPT is the creator of BuiltLean based in NYC).:

1. Reduces Cholesterol ¹

Regular exercise has been proven to reduce “bad” cholesterol levels (LDL) and increase “good” cholesterol (HDL)

2. Sleep Better ²

Exercise can help you sleep better. People who exercise tend to fall asleep quicker and stay asleep longer.

3. Improves Self Esteem ³

Regardless of your body appearance, regular fitness helps improve your self-esteem.

4. Reduces Blood Pressure ⁴

Exercise not only reduces high blood pressure, it helps prevent it.

5. Decreases Back Pain ⁵

By increasing muscle strength, endurance, and improving flexibility and posture, regular exercise helps to prevent back pain. Studies show that exercise is an effective treatment for recurrent low back pain.

FOR THE COMPLETE LIST OF REASONS TO GET IN SHAPE, PLEASE CHECK OUT THE COMPLETE ARTICLE AT:

http://www.builtlean.com/2010/10/19/31-reasons-get-in-shape-and-exercise/

2014 Lunar New Year Highlights featuring The Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy

2014 Lunar New Year Highlights featuring The Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy

February 12, 2014-   http://youtu.be/nPmdeZHiQHw

Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy To March in 18th Annual NYC Lunar New Year Parade

Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy To March in 18th Annual NYC Lunar New Year Parade

February 1, 2014-Saturday, February 8, 2014 marks the 18th annual Lunar New Year Parade to be held at 11:00 AM in Flushing, Queens.  This event is one of the largest Korean-American gatherings in the country.  Korean and Chinese organizations and culture will be prominently displayed as the community welcomes The Year of the Horse.  The Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy will be participating once again this year by marching and demonstrating along the parade route.

2013 Lunar New Year Parade Photo-Flushing, NY

Participants should be in uniform and will meet at 10:30AM at 3705 Union Street in Flushing.

Come represent your Dojang and be prepared for a great celebration.

27 Years Ago in Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy History

27 Years Ago in Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy History

The New York Times-June 1987

January 31, 2014-  It was the Summer of  1987.   Thanks, in large part, to the work of Grandmasters Yeon Hee Park and Yeon Hwan Park Taekwondo was expanding greatly throughout the United States and the world.    In June, the New York Times, the world's most respected newspaper, prominently featured the Y.H. Park Park Taekwondo Academy in their Sports section, in a feature entitled "A Martial Art Makes Western Friends", establishing nationwide credibility for the sport and for the Dojang.  This was the verge of an explosion of popularity, and this is all part of the proud history of the Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy.

21 Year Ago In Y.H. Park Taekwondo History

21 Year Ago In Y.H. Park Taekwondo History

Grandmaster Yeon Hee Park (L) and Grandmaster Yeon Hwan Park (1993)

January 6, 2014- The time was July 1993.  The world's most famous Taekwondo brothers and Grandmasters, Yeon Hee Park and Yeon Hwan Park, graced the cover of Tae Kwon Do Times Magazine.

"Best of the Best" is how the esteemed Taekwondo publication characterized these icons of the sport.  Now, over 20 years later and that phrase still applies to "One of the Premiere Martial Arts Schools in the Nation".  This is all part of the proud 40 year legacy of the Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy.  This magazine cover and many other Taekwondo memories can be found at the Dojang in Levittown, NY.

20 Years Ago in Y.H. Park History-The 11th Taekwondo World Championships (1993)

20 Years Ago in Y.H. Park History-The 11th World Taekwondo Championships (1993)

Grandmaster Yeon Hwan Park interviewed by ABC Sports at the 1993 World Championships

20 Years Ago in Y.H. Park History-11th World Taekwondo Championships at MSG

December 26, 2013- It was 20 years ago.  The most significant Taekwondo Tournament in the World, the 11th World Taekwondo Championships, was brought to NYC's Madison Square Garden by none other than Grandmasters Yeon Hee Park and Yeon Hwan Park.

This historic event set the stage for full Olympic Medal Status.  This is all part of the rich history of the Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy.

Honoring 40 Years of the Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy

Honoring 40 Years of the Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy

December 20, 2013-   2013 was a very memorable year for the Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy. While there were many achievements and accomplishments throughout the course of the year by the Academy, it's students, and instructors, the year was, particularly, significant because it marked the Academy's 40th Anniversary.  Over the past 4 decades the Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy has distinguished itself "as one of the premiere martial arts school in the United States" (The NY Times); focusing on personal growth, as well as physical excellence.  

This short video celebration premiered at the 2013 Taekwondo Holiday Night Ball, held on Sunday December 15, 2013 in Flushing, NY.  While this video highlight's some of the amazing accomplishments of the past 40 years, it only scratches the surface of the countless numbers of students touched, milestones reached, and paths forged by this amazing institution.

As we embark on 2014 the best chapter of the story is about to be told as we begin to create the story for the highlight reel of the NEXT 40 YEARS of the Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy.   

Find out more at http://www.yhpark.com

Grandmaster Yeon Hee Park (left) and Grandmaster Yeon Hwan Park (circa 1973)

Grandmaster Y.H. Park with Master Edward Park (l)
& Master Elliott Park (2013) (Photo Credit: James Haxton)

Grandmaster John Buran-2013 Golden Award Winner

Grandmaster John Buran-2013 Golden Award Winner

December 17, 2013- Grandmaster John Buran, Flushing Bank President, and Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy founding member, was honored at the 2013 Taekwondo Holiday Night Ball held on December 15, 2013 at the Dae Dong Manor in Flushing, NY.

As part of the evening's festivities and celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy, Grandmaster Y.H. Park bestowed the Golden Award upon Grandmaster Buran for his decades of contributions to the global development and enrichment of Taekwondo. Grandmaster Buran has distinguished himself as a community leader that has selflessly leveraged his goodwill in the support of the Taekwondo mission of "One World Through Taekwondo".

This award was presented on behalf of the NY Open Taekwondo Championships & Korean Cultural Organizing Committee and the U.S. Taekwondo Education Foundation, as well as the U.S. Taekwondo Leaders Union.

Thank you, Grandmaster Buran, and congratulations.

Grandmaster John Buran (left) and Grandmaster Yeon Hwan Park
at the 2013 Taekwondo Holiday Nightball

Grandmaster Yeon Hee Park (left) and Grandmaster John Buran (circa 1990)

The 2013 TaeKwonDo Holiday Night Ball & 40th Anniversary Celebration

The TaeKwonDo Holiday Night Ball & 40th Anniversary Celebration

December 16, 2013- Over 200 members of the regional Taekwondo community gathered, with the Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy, last night at the Dae Dong Manor in Flushing Queens for the TaeKwonDo Holiday Night Ball.   This fantastic event marked, not only a celebration of the success of 2013, but also a celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy.

Members of various Taekwondo schools dined as Master of Ceremonies, Master Edward Park, lead a program of music, raffles, awards, honors and celebrations.  In the backdrop of the cocktail hour the crowd had an opportunity to watch informative videos about the opening of the new Taekwondowon training facility in Muju, Korea.  During the evening they were treated to, first rate, live musical performances by, none other than Y.H. Park's own, Nina Park, and Jeeminn Lee.  Throughout the event the crowd was delighted by the musical stylings of Master and DJ Elliott Park.

In addition to a spread of gourmet food, drink and first class performances, several significant awards and scholarships were given out, including the Presidential Service Award to Y.H. Park Student and 3rd Dan Black Belt, Roy Garzon.   Fellow Y.H. Park Student and 2nd Dan Black Belt, Eman Tan, was awarded a Scholarship for his high academic performance and strong, personal character.

Grandmaster John Buran, founding Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy member and President of Flushing Bank was honored with the Golden Award for his countless contributions to the development and enhancement of worldwide Taekwondo.  The presentation of a massive trophy to Grandmaster Buran and the heartfelt praise of Grandmaster Y.H. Park was preceded by a moving, video tribute.

At the conclusion of the dinner portion of the event, the guests had the opportunity to view a video tribute honoring the 40th Anniversary of the Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy with photos dating back to Senior Grandmaster Park's days in South Korea, through the World Championships of 1993, the Olympics, the NY Open Championships and Korean Cultural Festivals, Citifield Demonstrations and so much more.  

Following the formal portion of the program, the crowd joined on the dance floor to conclude what, really, was a joyous celebration of the holidays, of 2013, of the promise of 2014, and of 40 years of excellence, both in and out of the Dojang.

YH Park TKD Academy Teams With Nassau County For Sandy Victims

YH Park TKD Academy Teams With Nassau County For Sandy Victims

November 20, 2013-  In the boardroom of the historic Nassau County Executive's Office in Garden City, NY Grandmaster Y.H. Park and Master Edward Park delivered to, newly re-elected, Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano a check for $4,000.00 as a donation towards assisting the victims of Hurricane Sandy.  

This donation represented the proceeds of the admissions fees from the 2013 NY Open Taekwondo Championships and Korean Cultural Festival held last month in Nassau County, at the historic Cantiague Park Ice Arena.  The Parks and the YH Park Taekwondo Academy are no strangers to philanthropy, as they have a long history of community activism and charitable works.   Donating the proceeds of the annual NY Open Championships and Korean Cultural Festival has become an honored tradition, which has demonstrated the strength of partnering private and public agencies to help the local community.  Past recipients have included F.R.E.E. and North Shore Family Guidance Center.

Father Kevin Smith, who runs the Nassau County Hurricane Sandy Recovery Fund, was on hand to accept the donation and expressed his gratitude in the Academy's generosity, which comes a year after the devastating storm and will help so many of the families still in dire need of aid.

At the event Grandmaster Park presented County Executive Mangano with an honorary GOLD Medal for his support of athletic programs in Nassau County and Nassau County Executive Mangano handed out Citations to honor key volunteers.

To find out more about the exciting activities involving the YH Park Taekwondo Academy in Levittown, NY visit www.yhpark.com 

January 2014 Taekwondo Times Magazine to Feature The YH Park Taekwondo Academy

January 2014 Taekwondo Times Magazine to Feature The YH Park Taekwondo Academy

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

November 8, 2013- The January 2014 Issue of TAEKWONDO TIMES Magazine will feature:

Grandmaster Y.H. Park

Master Edward

& Master Elliott

in a three (3) page, Full Color Article entitled “Passing The Torch”.  This article was written by YH Park 1^st Dan Marc Zirogiannis, with photos by student, James Haxton.  This exciting interview explores the foundations and history of the YH Park Taekwondo Academy, from Grandmaster's days in South Korea until today's thriving program, under the direction of Master Edward Park.  This is just the most recent in a long history of publications, over the last 40 years, to feature the accomplishments of the YH Park Taekwondo Academy, from Black Belt Magazine to the New York Times.

In order to be able to purchase a sufficient number of copies of the issue for the Dojang they are taking pre-orders.  If you are interested in reserving a copy of the issue please visit the Dojang, or email epark@yhpark.com.

The cost for the issue will be $7.00