Stephen LeGrow
June 21, 2002
International Course in Mississauga
My favorite moment with General Choi was in the seminar in April 2001 in Mississauga, Ontario.
The participants were extremely quiet during this seminar. It was to the point that General Choi was starting to
crack more jokes to get us smiling. He thought this group was too serious.
He was then explaining about the way we can identify a true Taekwon-Do technique by its realism and effect, regardless
of sex, age and size.
He asked me to grab his small but strong wrist. I grabbed him with both hands on one of his wrists. At first he
told me not to be afraid and grab more tightly. When I grabbed as tight as I could (and I am over 6 feet tall weighing
over 200 lbs.) he asked if I was weak or strong? Then he released out of the grab and said "I win, he dead."
The sense of humour in the General Choi was incredible. He knew how to keep a seminar running smoothly while keeping
it serious and fun at the same time. During the seminar while going back and forth performing fundamental exercises
he stopped me and told me "you no need practice." "You help correct".
For me, it was also the first time he asked what my name was. I replied my name is Steven LeGrow from Ottawa sir.
He gave me this face like he didn't care where I was from and then said "You very good". That was one
of the best compliments a practitioner could have.
I will never forget the founder. I have attended 4 of his seminars and I believe that a man such as this one will
never be replacable. I will ensure that I continue to follow his teachings of this wonderful art to which we all
owe great thanks to this great General.
Taekwon
Steven LeGrow
C-4-97
Earl Wiess
June 21, 2002
Chicago and Newfoundland
Certainly, hosting General Choi here in Chicago was a highlight. Spending time informally revealed a wealth of
information. A second highlight was at a dinner in Newfoundland at the 2001 course. GM Park was present as was
Master Lu, the host, Mr. Downey, Mr. Stanley, and others. General Choi asked us "Do you think General Choi
will live forever?" To which I replied, "So long as people do Taekwon-Do, General Choi will live forever."
Earl Weiss
Phil Mageau
June 21, 2002
Instructor Seminar
This is not my favourite moment, but it is the one I remember most...
I was attending an International Instructor Seminar, which was held in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in 98, and I volunteered?
to demonstrate Do-San. After performing the pattern General Choi ripped it to shreds. While executing the straight
fingertip thrust he decided to go into a long in-depth explanation of the move. I had a friend videotape the seminar;
he told me that I was holding that move for 8 and a half minutes.
While doing the pattern I didn't really notice the length of time I was holding the move, but once I thought about
it and attempted to match that time, I realized that's a long time to hold a straight fingertip.
My favourite moment would be when I demonsrtated Chon-Ji with another black belt, one of General Choi's little
competitions, as he called them; this was also at an Instructor Seminar in '95. He asked the crowd whose was better,
the vote went 50-50, so he choose me!
I hope he enjoys the FUTURE of his Martial Art!
Phil Mageau
THE FOUNDER: Favourite Moments with the General
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