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Introduction and Background Information
Overview
Ever wonder what intensive training in Korea is like? In August 1999, several members of the U.C. Martial Arts Program and two of its affiliated programs (George Washington University and Trinity College Taekwondo Clubs) had the chance to find out first hand. Under the leadership of Dr. Norman Link and Master Bong Kwon Park, this lucky group attended the 1999 International Martial Arts Summer Camp hosted by Yong-In University. The camp director and coordinator, Professor Sun Jin Park and Professor Jin Bang Yang, respectively, made certain that the group experienced a broad range of training activities. This program provided the participants with both introductory as well as advanced levels of training in several different martial arts including taekwondo, hankido, judo, and kumdo. In addition, the participants were offered instruction in other activities including tsirum, kuksundo, self-defense, advanced kicking techniques, and elite team fitness training.
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Dr. Link practicing hankido throws and Dr. Yang explaining the Secrets and Science of Taekwondo.
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The siteseeing portion of the program, conveniently scheduled to coincide with much appreciated periods of rest, provided the group with the opportunity to experience other aspects of Korean culture and history (Korean Folk Village, War Memorial, Odusan, Namdaemun, Itaewon, and the Kukkiwon).
When all is said and done, the overall program lived up to its billing as a unique and comprehensive program of training that would fully satisfy the most discerning martial artist.
Yong-In University
Formerly known as the Korean Judo College, Yong-In University changed its name to reflect the wide variety of Korean martial arts and cultural education it offers. Founded by prominent martial arts leaders in 1953, the Judo College was the first college level institution specializing in martial arts in Asia. Today, Yong-In University comprises not only vastly diverse martial arts programs, but five different colleges as well:
- the college of Martial Arts,
- the College of Physical Education,
- the College of Fine Arts and Music,
- the College of Natural Science, and
- the College of Liberal Arts.
The training available to the martial arts program at Yong-In University is unparalleled anywhere in the world. The majority of Korea's Olympic and world medalists in judo and world medalists in taekwondo and other combat sports have come from this university. Most of the coaches and lecturers are former national team members and international medalists, insuring that the level of all atraining and instruction is state of the art. Currently, there are approximately 1500 students attending four year degree programs. Among the teams in this program, the judo, taekwondo, and kumdo teams rank with the best in Korea and the world. Yong-In University's taekwondo, judo, and hapkido demonstration teams are world-renowned and continue to set the standard for innovation.
The university is located on Pua mountain near the city of Yong-In, approximately 30 miles south of Seoul. The campus' peaceful mountain setting makes it an ideal environment for martial arts training. The students enjoy the experience of its campus and surrounding natural environment, and the benefit of more than ten dojangs throughout the campus.
Summary
The program began in earnest on the day after our arrival in Korea at 6 am with a brisk morning workout. Following breakfast, we had a morning training session, lunch, two afternoon workouts, and dinner. This set the schedule for our full training days. On alternate days, we would have a break in the afternoon and travel. This schedule allowed us to have a day-plus for training and a welcome half-day to rest. The evenings were filled with demonstrations or additional training.
As mentioned above, the calibre of the martial arts students at Yong-In is impressive, and to train with them is a truly exciting experience. Their collective intensity and skill is inspiring. Even with several days of exercise, sore muscles, jet-lag, and other assorted conditions linked to training and travel, the group was continually invigorated with the opportunity to learn a new technique or martial art from an accomplished instructor and train with accomplished students. From practicing kumdo in the morning to attacking the paddles with combination kicks in the afternoon to twisting into impossible angles in the evening, this program was an ideal martial arts training program.
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