From The Editor

Welcome to the May 2026 edition of HOONLYUN, the Journal of the United States Taekwondo Alliance. As always, it is our privilege to bring together voices, stories, and insights that reflect the depth, tradition, and evolving spirit of Taekwondo.

In this issue, we are honored to feature an in-depth interview with Master Byung Chul (Ryan) Ahn, the founder and head instructor of the International Kumgang Taekwondo Center. From his Seoul-based dojang, Master Ahn has dedicated his life to sharing not only the physical discipline of Taekwondo, but also the rich cultural heritage and identity of Korea. His work continues to inspire practitioners around the world, fostering connection, respect, and a deeper understanding of the art beyond technique.

This edition also offers a diverse collection of thoughtful contributions. Jacob Gendelman explores the path to personal fulfillment through Zen practice, inviting readers to reflect on the internal journey that parallels martial training. Ørjan Nilsen provides a detailed examination of the origins and development of Taekwondo forms, shedding light on their historical and technical foundations. Dr. Steven Stemler presents a compelling look at the psychological benefits of Taekwondo, reinforcing what many practitioners experience firsthand—the art’s profound impact on the mind as well as the body. Master Michele Radakovits contributes an examination of Chintae, an heirloom poomsae of the USTA, while Grandmaster Doug Cook offers a meaningful discussion on the enduring principle of the master–disciple relationship.

In addition to these feature articles, this inssue includes our regular USTA Affiliate School News, highlighting the continued growth and achievements within our community. We also present a cultural spotlight on the Haenyeo sea women of Jeju Island, whose resilience and tradition echo the values we uphold in the martial arts. We are especially excited to introduce a new column, Principal Profile, where we will recognize and celebrate the leaders of our USTA affiliate schools. To round out the issue, we offer a curated reading list for those looking to deepen their study of Taekwondo.

It is our hope that this issue provides both inspiration and guidance as you continue along your training path, expanding not only your skills but also your perspective.

Respectfully,

Mary Sudul, 4th dan

Editor-in-Chief

From the Publisher

Welcome to Volume VIII/No. 2 of HOONLYUN: The Journal of the United States Taekwondo Alliance. One of our principal goals at HOONLYUN has been to provide enlightening and provocative interviews, introducing our readers to notable personalities who have significantly influenced the art of Taekwondo, locally and around the world. Across the past fifteen issues, we have been fortunate indeed to capture scholarly gems of wisdom, freely given, by those who have dedicated their lives to making our art a more worthy pursuit. This issue is no different. I have had the privilege of knowing Master Byung Chul Ahn—this issue’s featured martial artist—since first we met in Seoul during a mutual training session in 2004. Since then, we have made the journey to his International Kumgang Taekwondo Center an essential component of our many CHOSUN/USTA martial pilgrimages to the Land of the Morning Calm. His relative youth, business acumen, enthusiasm, and technical prowess, is infectious and leaves those who engage with him richer for the experience. Aside from our conversation with Master Ahn, in this, our first offering for 2026, we are pleased to feature in-depth articles authored by practitioners inside and outside of our organization in an effort to present differing views as they relate to taekwondo. This edition’s authors include Ørjan Nilsen sharing his research on the “endangered” hyung, or forms of the primordial kwans; Zen priest and practitioner Jacob Gendelman discussing mindful meditation; a piece by Master Michele Radakovits examining Chintae hyung, and insightful thoughts on Taekwondo by USTA-member Steven Stemler, Ph.D. But perhaps the greatest surprise in our Korean Culture section, will be an introduction the Haenyeo (sea-women) of Jeju Island, by Patty Cook. And, rather than centering on one particular publication in our Book Review, we have chosen to provide our readers with a reading list of time-honored tomes.

Nevertheless, this journal, released twice a year, and available now in both hard-copy and digital formats, is not about any one individual; it is a representation of the academic and technical resources offered up by the collective efforts of devoted martial artists at large, unhindered by paid commercial advertising, relying instead for its survival through the dollars and support of its readers. If you feel that this beautifully-edited, full-color periodical is of value, please alert your colleagues to the existence of HOONLYUN and invite them to visit our web sites at www.hoonlyun.com and www.ustaweb.com where this edition and past issues may be purchased.

To all our readers, on my behalf and that of my late teacher and founder of the USTA, Grandmaster Rhin Moon Richard Chun, stay safe, be well, and train hard.

Grandmaster Doug Cook
9th dan, Publisher/Pemako Press