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The USTA poomse sessions have exposed me to a broader world of Tae Kwon Do. Grandmaster Cook’s knowledge of, and passion for, the history and philosophy of Tae Kwon Do and the various forms is deep and inspiring. I leave every session having learned valuable insights and feeling more connected to the larger chain of martial artists who have come before me.
Steven E. Stemler, Ph.D. (he/him/his)
Professor of Psychology
Professor of Education Studies
Wesleyan University
207 High Street, Middletown, CT 06459
Steve Stemler, 3rd Dan, Wesleyan University
This USTA program is the best decisions I have made in my 20 year martial arts journey. I am in my second season with this program and I intend to sign-up again for future sessions. The students that I am training with are other dedicated devotees of martial arts training. We are supportive and inclusive. The program is designed to lift up each of our martial arts journeys and connect the dots between the Hyung we practice more commonly and the Hyung that represent the historical evolution of Taekwondo. Learning these concepts while performing the physical motion creates what I can only call a Meta-Relationship to Taekwondo. I found a true sense of awe or Ah-Ha moment when I completed the first course. There is a beautiful interconnectedness between the Hyung and Time that opens the doors to improvement with the poomsae that I practice more commonly. My stances, motion, balance, and energy all are improved through this Meta-Relationship. Even in round two, I notice it since each practice deepens the insight.
Jennie Rubenstein, DVM
Jockey Hollow Veterinary Practice
3 Jockey Hollow Road
P.O. Box 208
New Milford, NY 10959
jhvet.com
845-986-9900
Jennie Rubenstein, DVM, Jockey Hollow Veterinary Practice
A few years ago, when GrandMaster Cook first announced this program, I did not see muchvalue in it. As a student of Chosun Taekwondo Academy, I felt that the poomsae classes offered at the Dojang were more than sufficient. About six months into the program, I decided to join and have rejoined each iteration since. My participation in this program has greatly expanded my knowledge of both rare Hyung like the Kibon and Pyung-Ahn sets but also of more well-knownforms like Balsek. Adding on the opportunity to learn from a venerable GrandMaster and join the great link of Taekwondo knowledge makes this program invaluable to me both as a student and an instructor. My initial assessment couldn’t have been more wrong, and I am grateful to GrandMaster Cook for providing this opportunity and immensely proud to be a participant.
Brian Parkinson
Poomsae are the heart of traditional taekwondo. In the USTA Poomsae Training Series, Grandmaster Cook teaches forms both ancient and contemporary, going deep into technique and history. The sessions are intellectually and physically gratifying. Through this course, Grandmaster Cook ensures that the heart of traditional taekwondo is beating strongly.
John Peterson, 3rd Dan
The USTA Poomsae session program has put new life into my forms. Little intricacies that I never knew that my forms were missing came to fruition and life. The program showcases the word authenticity of Taekwondo forms as well as the meaning and essence behind them. A true treasure chest worth joining or embarking on.
Arun Salgunan