October 6, 2009
Iowa State professor named one of world’s most influential taekwondo leaders
Grandmaster Pak to be honored in South Korea
Grandmaster Yong Chin Pak instructs his students during a taekwondo class in the gym of the Forker building. Pak will be honored as one of the world’s most influential taekwondo leaders in South Korea in November. |
By
Michelle Rydell
Grandmaster Yong Chin Pak walks purposefully through the throng of students practicing roundhouse kicks, at times correcting their movements or simply nodding his approval. Beads of sweat appear on the brows of Pak’s students, but no one seems ready for the lesson to end.
Later, the students sit in a circle around Pak as he shares a parable about Gandhi. The 61-year-old’s words come out quietly, but there’s no need to raise his voice – his students are listening with rapt attention. As Pak finishes the story, he leaves his students to ponder ancient morals.
“The reason that I share this story with you is to help you to think about other people, not necessarily poor or rich,” said Pak, a senior lecturer in kinesiology and martial arts instructor at Iowa State University. “Then, our society will never have to deal with cheating and lying and other crimes. I hope this message is one that prompts all of you to think like Gandhi in your daily lives.”
Pak is a well-known master of judo, hapkido, and taekwondo. His roots in martial arts began nearly 50 years ago as a child in South Korea. He was recently identified as one of the 150 most influential taekwondo leaders worldwide, an honor given by the South Korean government. He will be recognized in November at a week-long event in South Korea at Muju, the site of the future World Taekwondo Park.
For students learning taekwondo from Pak, an eighth-degree black belt, his instruction is valuable, and not to be taken lightly. Junior Josh Sager, a teaching assistant for Pak’s class, says it’s clear why Pak is considered one of the best martial arts leaders in the world.
“He has a very complete perspective of taekwondo,” Sager said. “He helps you apply the principles that you learn to real life, and he makes you a better person because of it.”
Pak, who serves as vice president of the United States Taekwondo Committee, is particularly known for developing collegiate taekwondo programs across the world. Under his leadership, the Iowa State Taekwondo Club has won several national collegiate championships.
Pak’s list of national and international awards is lengthy, but he is quick to downplay the many honors that are bestowed upon him. Though the recognition of being one of the world’s best instructors brings him great pride, he says, his real driving force is his students. Since he began working at Iowa State in 1973, he has taught more than 35,000 students, and remains in touch with many of them, he said.
“I touch personal lives, and that’s why I feel proud of myself,” Pak said.
Pak’s mission of bettering his students is in line with taekwondo’s most basic philosophy, which includes five major tenets: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit. While the practice of martial arts results in better physical condition, Pak says his main goal is to improve the minds and spirits of his students.
Teaching at Iowa State has helped Pak achieve this goal, he said. Though he competed professionally for years in Korea, he has found that it teaching young people the intricate art of taekwondo is what provides him the most fulfillment.
“Hopefully, I will be able to provide inspiration for students for a long time through martial arts,” Pak said. “These students become not only the best students, but they become best at life.”
