Taekwondo Demo Adds to Korean Thanksgiving

Sep 28, 2011

Participants in the Senior Nutrition Program and students from the Oak Leaf Independent Study group through Mattole Valley Charter School’s Mount Shasta Learning Center were treated to a celebration of Korean Thanksgiving on September 16. Those in attendence at Mount Shasta City Park watched an energetic taekwondo demonstration by children in the Mount Shasta Martial Arts Program and sampled fresh, authentic Korean food from Silva’s BBQ Family Restaurant.

Children, ages 7 to 12 from Sisson, Golden Eagle, Mattole, and Castle Rock schools, demonstrated their taekwondo skills with kicks, forms, and board breaks.

Warming Up
Warming Up
 
Warming Up
 
 
Getting Ready To Show Their Skills.
Children are excited to connect with the seniors for Chuseok. They’ll show their some taekwondo skills, share authentic Korean food, and enjoy bridging the gap between generations.
Go to: Learn more about Chuseok
 

Elizabeth Coleman, 70, received her taekwondo yellow belt in Sacramento over 40 years ago and was a keen observer of the action.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the presentation,” said Coleman. “I appreciate that the children came to join us today. It’s a wonderful thing to do for us.”
 

 Building Community

The buffet included bulgogi (barbequed beef), japchae (cold noodle salad), kim bop (Korean-style sushi), pa jun (fried vegetable pancakes), dduk (soft red bean dessert with pine and chestnuts), and a Korean staple, kimchi (spicy pickled cabbage).

In preparation for this event, Mattole students studied the Korean holiday, Chuseok, including the emphasis on bringing together the generations.

“I think it is a great opportunity for students to experience traditions of a different culture,” said Amy Cambou, Independent Study Instructor at the Oak Leaf branch. ”The connection between the students and the seniors is an aspect I’d like to see much more of in this community. Learning to show respect and being of service is what builds community.”

“The idea of ‘strong roots creating a plentiful harvest’ fits well with the theme of Chuseok,” added Chuck Buhs, head instructor of MSMAP. “Koreans feel that connecting with their past brings rewards in the present. Perhaps something simple like sharing a meal and some quality time with our local seniors can allow us to build strong ties between past and present within our own community and collectively create a more prosperous future.”

Recreation & Parks District Administrator Mike Rodriguez hosted this event.

“Following a very successful, summer martial arts camp, co-sponsored by the District and MSMAP, the District was pleased to partner, once again, with Chuck and his students to bring this unique, cultural celebration to our Senior Program,” said Rodriguez.

“It’s just like Korea,” shared Clyde Hall, 63.

The Recreation & Parks District is the official provider for the senior meal program thru a contract with the CA Department of Aging and Planning & Service Area 2 - Agency on Aging. Year-round donations of food and money for the Senior Nutrition Program can be made by calling 926-2494.

 
A Little About MSMAP
MSMAP, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, offers dynamic and modern martial arts training for children, teens, and adults five days each week. More information can be found on their website at www.MtShastaMA.org, email ( ), phone (530.859.2024), and on Facebook (MSMAP on Facebook). And, learn much, much more about Chuseok.

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