By Zach Arbogast

zarbogast@oglecounty

news.com

An internationally-known Tae Kwon Do Grand Master came to Mt. Morris to help students test for ranks and perform a martial arts seminar, and received a surprise in time for his birthday.

Sung Jae Park, a certified ninth degree black belt, Grand Master of Tae Kwon Do, traveled all the way from Indianapolis, Indiana, for the tests at the Mt. Morris Coliseum.

The busy day for the Oregon Martial Arts Institute kicked off bright and early at 8:30 a.m. with black belt testing.

Park, 71, said he has taught more than 10,000 students since coming to the United States in 1972 to attend DePauw University, Greencastle, Indiana.

He currently leads a Chung Do Kwan Tae Kwon Do school in Indianapolis.

“When I first started, it was all about teaching the youngsters,” said Park. “Get them learning discipline, and off of the streets; get them successful in life, and using their abilities to lead good lives.”

The institute, which has operated out of the coliseum since February, is lead by Master Randall Cook, a sixth degree black belt certified by the Kukkiwon - the World Tae Kwon Do Headquarters in Seoul, Korea.

Park is his mentor.

Jesse Petty, of Oregon, and Jennifer Shouer, of Byron, both students of the institute, were testing for the first degree of black belt, and were successful after completing a series of trials testing their technique, strength, awareness.

According to Shouer, the belt signifies for more than just rank; it was the fruits of hard work and self-improvement.

“Studying Tae Kwon Do helped me overcome fear, shyness, worry and insecurity,” said Shouer. “I have experienced the joy of accomplishing things I never thought possible like flying through the air, kicking a board and breaking through my limitations.”

Shortly after the testing, Park held a hands-on demonstration seminar for 18 students, all varying in age and rank.

Park showcased several techniques in striking, capturing strikes, taking down opponents, and escaping grapples, which students then practiced on one another.

Park and Cook floated in between students to help with form, and were assisted by Federico Treviño, of Elgin, and Brad Pattat, of Oregon, both veteran students capable of instructing the others as well.

“It was just incredible to get him down here, for my students to meet him, and to see him teaching them things we’ve already touched on in class,” said Cook. “It helps reaffirm for the kids that they’re learning real, important techniques.”

For Cook, having Park visit the class was far more than simply a service in officiating testing or guest-teaching. He accredits Park for keeping his drive and passion for Tae Kwon Do burning.

“There was a point where I was ready to quit Tae Kwon Do and move on, and right around that time, I ran into Grand Master Park,” said Cook. “He not only got me to keep with it, but kept urging me to open a club and teach.”

Cook, 47, has been practicing Tae Kwon Do since his days in elementary school, which is even more impressive considering he lost his eyesight to rod-cone dystrophy at the age of 17.

Wanting to express his appreciation before Park’s return to Indianapolis, Cook had one more event for the day in store, which he kept in secret from his mentor: a surprise early birthday celebration.

In the basement of the Evangelical Free Church of Mt. Morris, a celebration of traditional Korean cuisine was served to honor the Grand Master, who turns 72 on Oct. 10.

“Jennifer [Shouer] credits me with this, but really, she did about 90 percent of the work for this, maybe even more,” said Cook. “This was a culmination of efforts from everyone, and we just wanted to say ‘thank you’ to someone special.”

A day that started early with kicking, sparring, and taking one another down, finished nearly 12 hours later with laughter and the sharing of food, reflecting the brotherhood and respect that Cook says represents what a martial arts school is about.