34 January 2018 / taekwondotimes.com
they step into our schools. We have a great
team of masters and instructors who take
personal responsibility for connecting with every
student. Th is has what has led to our growth.TKDT: How important is
tradition in your schools?
GM Chong: Th e traditional culture, philosophy,
and Tae Kwon Do curriculum is the core of or
school. Tae Kwon Do is the exclusive focus of our
training from white belt to fi rst degree black belt,
and it has proven to be engaging and benefi cial
to all ages of students. We focus on fundamentals
and giving students a deep understanding of
their techniques. We also educate students to
understand that hard work and gaining skills
is fun! I believe that our success is based just as
much on HOW we teach as WHAT we teach.TKDT: Besides Kicking For Miracles,
what other events do you conduct for
your students throughout the year?
GM Chong: In addition to running great
classes, we also host a variety of special events
throughout the year. Some of the events,
such as tournaments and training camps, are
designed to enhance our students’ skills. Other
events—such as our annual picnic, Mom and
Me Class, Dad and Me Class, and annual awards
ceremony—are designed to bring our students
closer together. When students and families
become friends with their classmates, it provides
an additional motivation to attend classes
regularly and stay committed to their training.TKDT: What is your opinion
on the value and benefi t of Tae
Kwon Do tournaments?
GM Chong: Competition was a large
part of my own Tae Kwon Do career.
(Editor’s note: Grandmaster Chong was a Korean
National Champion and selected MVP of the
prestigious Presidents Cup in 1973.) In addition to
being a competitor myself, I served as the head
coach for Team USA. I also was the national
tournament committee chairman for several
years, and oversaw the operation of the largest
tournaments in the country, including the Junior
Olympics, U.S. Open and even the 1993 World
Championships in Madison Square Garden. I
always believed that tournaments are the “face”
of the host organization. It is vitally important to
display to the competitors and to the public that
a tournament carries over the principles of Tae
Kwon Do training, including courtesy, respect,
and fairness. When a tournament is well orga-
nized, then there is a great deal to be gained by
participating. Whether they win or lose, a com-
petitor should come away from a tournament
with an increased understanding of their own
skill level and a greater determination to improve.
We host our own tournaments so that we can
ensure the right atmosphere for our students.
Tournaments can be a valuable tool to provide
students with a fun and rewarding challenge.
At the same time, competition is only one facet
of Tae Kwon Do training, and we do not over
emphasize it in comparison to other elements
such as fi tness, self-defense and personal growth.TKDT: What do you feel is the essence
of the teacher-student connection?
GM Chong: Th e student and teacher commit
to go on a journey together. Th at journey is
one of personal development and requires
open mindedness and adaptation on both
sides. Th e instructor needs to learn the
individual’s students’ capabilities and how to
best expand them. Meanwhile, the student
needs to have trust in their instructor’s expertise
and judgment. Over time, both student
and teacher benefi t and grow as a result.