Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Grandmaster Y.H. Park Named USAT Director


USAT Announces Two Regional Membership Directors




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.

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

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 

Korean american donation
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.

Saturday, August 9, 2014

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, 2014Edward 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

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

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

Saturday, June 14, 2014

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.

Friday, May 30, 2014

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


Friday, May 16, 2014

"The Dream of the Blue Bird"-Woosuk University Taekwondo Demo Team

"The Dream of the Blue Bird"-Woosuk University Taekwondo Demo Team



May 15, 2014-  A video of highlights from the Woosuk University's "Dream of the Blue Bird", Korean historical performance about the Japanese occupation of Korea at the turn of the 20th Century and the brave revolutionaries that resisted colonization.   This event took place on May 10, 2014 at Hunter College, NYC, where the Y.H. Park Taekwondo Academy Demo Team was a guest and performed as well.

Friday, May 2, 2014

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.

Monday, April 28, 2014

The 2014 NY State Metro TKD Championships

The 2014 NY State Metro TKD Championships

Join the YK Park TaeKwonDo Demo Team which will be participating in the Demo Team Competition!

When: Saturday May 3rd
Where: Regina Pacis, 1258 65th St, Bk, NY 11219


Information and applications are available at the Dojang.


One Family, One Vision
Proud History, Proud Tradition

* Respect * Humility * Perseverance * Self Control * Honesty *

YH Park TaeKwonDo Academy
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Saturday, April 19, 2014

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

Saturday, April 5, 2014

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.




Wednesday, April 2, 2014

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)




Tuesday, March 11, 2014

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:




and here is an advanced breaking demonstration:

Thursday, March 6, 2014

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





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.

Monday, March 3, 2014

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.

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

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:

Monday, February 24, 2014

May 10th, 2014 -- 2nd Manhattan Open and TKD Demo Performance

May 10th, 2014 -- 2nd Manhattan Open 


February 22, 2014-  POSTED AS A COURTESY

Dear Masters,

We are proud to present the 2nd Manhattan Open on May 10, 2014 at Hunter College. This tournament, we are featuring our Challenger Breaking Competition along with a special performance by one of Korea's top performing TKD Demo Teams, Woosuk University. Coming all the way from Korea, the Woosuk team will perform their award winning TKD demonstration, "Dream of Blue Bird". Check out our poster below for more information.

Any school that wishes to participate as an opening demo exhibition team, please email us at ilovenyctkd@gmail.com or call212.779.2803.


Thank you,
NYS TKD Event Organizing Committee

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

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- 15th
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.




Sunday, February 2, 2014

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.

Friday, January 31, 2014

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.

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Upcoming FREE Wellness Event at YH Park Taekwondo Academy

A NEW-R You! Presents

YOUR 6 WEEK ROADMAP TO VIBRANT LIVING IS HERE!
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The A NEW-R You! Program is about learning how to incorporate simple and effective healthy  habits to help you increase your energy or find your ideal weight!

Education and support comes with this proven and simple lifestyle program!
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A word from the presenter:
This is a free one-hour wellness presentation that will review the basics of a healthy living lifestyle. Facts and statistics about what is going on with our health and the health of our children will be mentioned. The focus though is on health and what we can do to be healthier. I am launching my A NEW-R You! 16 week weight and energy rebalancing program, and I will talk about that too. The program itself is free, with my support as a health coach for sixteen weeks. However, people are responsible for the cost of the food based supplements, and their own food of course! There is also a private Facebook support group that comes with the program, a 16 week plan to follow, a recipe book, tips, menu ideas and the support of the coach through the whole time at no charge. 

Thanks so much. I have a mission this year to empower 1000 people to be healthier!

Regards
Rebecca
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Many of you will know Rebecca as the mother of Hannah and Daniel who both currently hold YH Park TaeKwonDo Brown Belts. Rebecca herself currently holds a Purple Belt and is one of those parents who regularly inspire us to participate in the lives of our kids and our community!

She is also the principal of Vibrant Life with Rebecca:
Empowering people between the ages of 35 and 65 who are concerned about age-related health issues to use natural methods to regain and maintain their health, beauty, happiness and vitality. Using a comprehensive paradigm for whole person wellness, you will have my support with a completely individualized, sustainable life plan that addresses your issues around aging and wellness on all levels.

You can find her on FaceBook or LinkedIn and we are happy to have her in our Family!