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.

YH Park Taekwondo Teams Up With Miss USA Against Bullying

                       

YH Park Taekwondo Teams Up With Miss USA Against Bullying

Miss USA, Nia Sanchez, inspiring the children

Officer Thorsten & Master Park

August 8, 2014-  On August 8, 2014, Edward Park, Master and Director of the YH Park Taekwondo Academy of Levittown NY teamed up with 2014's Miss USA, Nia Sanchez, to present an Anti-Bullying workshop for the Police Youth Association of NYC.   This volunteer event was organized under the Community Affairs Division of the NYC Police Department and gave Master Park and Miss Sanchez an opportunity to provide the150 children, in attendance, a fun filled and educational program on a topic of vital concern.

Master Edward Park

Master Park discussed the importance of living a life highlighted by five aims: Respect, Humility, Perseverance, Self Control, and Honesty.  While Park is a Master of the ancient martial art of Taekwondo, he encouraged the children to use their greatest weapon in the defense of bullies, their minds.   He emphasized verbal skills and self confidence over violence in addressing bullying in the schools and on the streets.  The children, ranging from ages 10 through 16, had the opportunity to react to live bullying scenarios "one to one" under the supervision of Park and the supervising police and School Safety staff in attendance at the event.

Nia Sanchez, 2014 Miss USA, is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo and spoke with the students about adhering to the value of integrity in all aspects of their lives.  She recounted for the children how she overcame adversity, as a child that spent time with her mother in a women's shelter, to achieve her dreams of becoming Miss Nevada and, most recently, Miss USA.  Her message of empowerment resonated with the captivated audience.

The Children of the PYA

The program concluded with the children performing well choreographed, international dance numbers for the presenters, as well as an autograph and photo session, which lasted over 90 minutes.

Miss USA, Master Park and smiling faces

The ongoing mission of the PYA is to provide Community Outreach through interaction with the children of the local community, by providing ongoing programming, such the Anti Bullying one held at IS-145 in Jackson Heights.  Throughout NYC, the PYA program provides free services to over 2000 children.

Miss USA with NYC's Finest

Miss USA with some PYA Staff

Registration Open for the 2014 New York Open Taekwondo Championships

Registration Open for the 2014 New York Open Taekwondo Championships 

July 31, 2014

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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.

2014 NY Times Square Taekwondo Festival

2014 NY Times Square Taekwondo Festival

May 30, 2014-  

Event:                          2014 NY Times Square Taekwondo Festival

Place:                          42nd Street-NYC

Date:                            Friday June 27, 2014

Time:                           8:00AM-5:00PM

Sponsor:                     USTEF

Information:               http://www.yhpark.com

Featuring:                  TEAM YH PARK DEMO TEAM

Book Recommendation: Success Through Stillness by Russell Simmons

Book Recommendation:  Success Through Stillness by Russell Simmons

May 2, 2014-  The practice of Taekwondo is one of body and mind.  At the Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy, in Levittown, NY, the development of a holistic Taekwondo practitioner and human being is a primary goal of the Academy.  To balance kicks, punches, and blocks students engage in a curriculum of written study, personal responsibility, and meditation.  

It is meditation that is the subject of Russell Simmons' new book, Success Through Stillness. Simmons is an unlikely candidate to teach meditation to those unfamiliar with his resume'; however, he is a 15 year veteran of the art of meditation, as well as yoga.  He has studied and exchanged meditation philosophies with the likes of Deepak Chopra, Oprah Winfrey, Bob Roth, Rick Ruben, and more.    He presents a intelligent, easy to read, extremely practical guide to meditation for students at any stage of their  journey.   The book is divided into several sections, including a great counter to the arguments against meditation, the history of Simmons' journey from debauchery into peaceful mediation, medical evidence supporting meditation for wellness, and a Practical Simple, STEP-by-STEP guide to mediation itself.  It is the last section that should read more than once.

I highly recommend this book for all Taekwondo practitioners looking to improve their meditation skills.

The Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy Demo Team Wins Best Team Work!

The Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy Demo Team Wins Best Team Work!

Grandmaster YH Park with Some of The Demo Team Winners!

April 4, 2014- Congratulations to the Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy Demo Team for their "Best Team Work" trophy at the 2014 USTEF Open Taekwondo Championships which took place on Saturday March 29, 2014 in Springfield, MA.   Their performance and hard work, after a long night of traveling from New York, in inclement weather, made TEAM YH PARK proud.  This event featured numerous Demo Team's competing from the Mid Atlantic and New England region, all for the benefit of the United States Taekwondo Education Foundation, a not for profit devoted to introducing  Taekwondo programs into the public school curriculum.

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)

Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy Annual Family Board Breaking Day is March 22nd!

Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy Annual Family Board Breaking Day is March 22nd!

March 10, 2014- Saturday March 22, 2014 will mark the annual Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy Family Board Breaking Day at 12:30 PM EST.   This beloved event gives students the opportunity to test their skills in speed, power and accuracy as they engage in the Taekwondo tradition of board breaking.  Family and friends will have the opportunity to participate and parents will get the chance to hold for their children.  Whether its 1 Board ($2.99) or 10 ($25.00-15% Savings), students are encouraged to use this time to prepare for the upcoming colored belt graduation, where board breaking will be a requirement of the exam.

Sign up at the Dojang at 3701 Hempstead Turnpike, Levittown, NY 11756 soon, as space is limited.

Below is a video from last year's St Jude's Children's Hospital Break-A-Thon event:

http://youtu.be/ZMQ2VDIkwCw

and here is an advanced breaking demonstration:

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http://yohttp://youtu.be/2ydiUucUBOAutu.be/2ydi

The 2014 Dynamics World Catalogue Featuring Master Edward Park and Master Elliott Park

The 2014 Dynamics World Catalogue Featuring Master Edward Park and Master Elliott Park

 issuu.com/dynamicsworld/docs/catalog_2014?e=0/6707066

March 6, 2014- Here is the complete digital 2014 Dynamics World Catalogue featuring, not only Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy's, Master Elliott Park on the cover, but Master Edward Park and Master Elliott Park throughout the book in some great professional photos.   Please be sure to peruse the entire catalogue for some great photos and merchandise.

Y.H. Park Taekwondo Master to Grace the Cover of the 2014 Dynamics Martial Arts Supply Catalogue

Y.H. Park Taekwondo Master to Grace the Cover of the 2014 Dynamics Martial Arts Supply Catalogue

March 1, 2014-The Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy's Master Elliott Park has been selected to appear on the cover the 2014 martial arts supply catalogue issued by Dynamics Martial Arts Supply.  This cover was revealed earlier today at the Floral Park headquarters of Dynamics.  Congratulations Master Elliott.

Pre-Registration Begins for the 2014 Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy Summer Camp

Pre-Registration Begins for the 2014 Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy Summer Camp

2013 Camp Highlights

February 17, 2014- The Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy announced the opening of its pre-registration period for its 2014 Summer Day Camp.  Between now and March 31, 2014 students can register for just $499.00 for either of the two sessions to be held:

Session 1: July 7th- 18th

Session 2: August 4th- 15^th

Camp Times: Mon-Fri from 9am-2pm

With the success of last summer's program this year is expected to close registration early.   The camp highlights include:

• Exercise
• Martial Arts Fun
• Creative projects
• Reading Time
• Talent Shows
• Team Building Games
• Field Trips
• so much more

Sign up now and reserve your child's chance for a great a summer.

Regular registration begins after March 31, 2014 and is $599.00 per session.

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.

Y.H. Park Demo Team Performs For Korean Veterans

Y.H. Park Demo Team Performs For Korean Veterans

January 27, 2014- On Saturday Night the Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy of Levittown, NY excited a crowd of Veterans of Korean-American descent, and their families, at the ROK Korean Veterans Annual Dinner held at the KumGangSan Restaurant in Flushing Queens with a spectacular Taekwondo Demonstration.  This event gave the Demo Team the opportunity to interact with Veterans from all sectors of the military, to honor them for their service,  and to demonstrate what the Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy is doing to preserve and perpetuate the Korean Culture.   This was another proud moment in Y.H. Park history.

1971 Black Belt Television "Lost" Bruce Lee Interview

1971 Black Belt Television "Lost" Bruce Lee Interview

TAE KWON DO: ARTICLES, INTERVIEWS & EXERCISES

TAE KWON DO: ARTICLES, INTERVIEWS & EXERCISES

By MARC ZIROGIANNIS

View this Author's Spotlight

Paperback

Preview

A compendium of articles and stories about the practice of modern Tae Kwon Do, including an in depth interview with, Grandmaster Yeon Hwan Park, the former United States Olympic Coach, a series of martial arts supplemental training exercises, tips for returning to training after a long layoff, news stories, feature stories and Tae Kwon Do perspectives. Written by a lifelong Tae Kwon Do practitioner and martial arts journalist.

http://www.lulu.com/shop/marc-zirogiannis/tae-kwon-do-articles-interviews-exercises/paperback/product-21392002.html

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.

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.