The following are excerpts from the various testimonials voluntarily given over the years by individuals with first hand experience training in Oom Yung Doe. This represents only a small number of the individuals who have trained and benefited from Grandmaster "Iron" Kim's knowledge of traditional Moo Doe. Many of these individuals have gone on to live happier, healthier, more balanced lives as a result of their experience training in Oom Yung Doe.

My name is Maryse, and I am 50 years old. When I joined the Oom Yung Doe School, I didn't think that the moves I learned were going to be beneficial to me so quickly-I thought it would take a lot longer. I frequent Davis Square a lot, and I've passed by the Oom Yung Doe school dozens of times. Finally, one day, I decided to fulfill my curiosity, and I walked in and inquired about the school. Shortly after, I registered for a two month trial. I began the lessons, and quickly realized how much I was enjoying the classes. Not only did friends and family notice an improvement in me, but I also noticed how much more energetic I was. I was smiling more and less stressed-just genuinely happy. Not only were there mental and emotional changes, but there were physical changes as well. As I lost more weight, I became more focused.

The most defining moment for me was when I fell down two flights of stairs. The lessons that I learned regarding fall techniques, I feel, saved my life. As I first started to learn how to roll, I was making faces and thinking that "Are you kidding me? I, Maryse, roll!" I thought it was something I would never accomplish, partly because I was scared and partly because of self doubt. With the careful tactics of my instructors, their patience, and their professionalism, I became more confident with my rolling lessons. The roll techniques and the "learn how to fall" lessons saved my life. The lights were out on the stair well, and I missed the first steps of the stairs. Without even giving it a second thought, I immediately changed to a roll position using my right hand to protect my neck and left hand to land on my side. As I reached the bottom of the steps, I honestly believed I had broken my neck. It took a few minutes for me to readjust myself, but I did. After a few minutes, I shifted my hand and realized that, while I was a little sore, I was ok.

If it weren't for the lessons I learned at the Oom Yung Doe School, I probably would have been severely injured, or maybe even paralyzed.
Maryse C. International Level Training Program Testimonial (PDF)

Today, I learned a bit about the power of Foundation level movement. What I learned was truly amazing, and one of the more exciting experiences I have had to date at Oom Yung Doe.

I recently signed up for a course specifically designed to address my mid-body strength and flexibility. As part of this course, I have the opportunity to learn a Foundation level movement passed down from the International Teaching Team. This movement is supposed to target my ability to move my hips and mid body.

I was definitely curious what to expect from a Foundation movement. To be honest, the movement itself does not seem particularly remarkable to me. It is challenging, yes. But so are many of the movements I practice. Nothing about the movement was particularly striking.

But when I went into practice today, I noticed a few things that really shocked me.

First, unlike usual, I did not need a 10-15 minute warm up before I felt like I could begin to move correctly. Despite the fact that it had been 4 days since my last practice, my first few kicks snapped from my hip so strong and high that I thought I was going to fall over backwards.

The next shock was when I reached down to do some stretching. Despite my years of practice, I have a problem with my mid body flexibility, and normally, when I get to school, I can stretch down somewhere halfway between my knees and my toes. Once I'm warmed up, I can usually reach my toes.

But today, still not warmed up at all, I reached right down, past my toes, until my fingers were entirely under my foot! Without the slightest trace of a bend in my knee! And it actually felt good! Never in my life have I done that before today.

By now, I'm looking around the room to see if anybody else is seeing what I'm seeing. (Of course they're not... I'm just stretching.) I start moving around, trying to see what else is going on with my body today, and I realized one more remarkable improvement.

For the past 3 months, I have been nursing a hip injury. It was a bad sprain at first, but I was able to practice on it, and within a few weeks it settled into mostly a tightness and an ache. But it had hung around for the past few months, requiring that 10-15 minutes of slowly working into my practice to really get warmed up.

But today, for the first time, there was really no sign of it. No sign that it was ever there.

There were a few other moments during the practice, along the same lines. But it's basically summed up in those stories. The fact is, my flexibility had changed pretty significantly, and in a very short time.

But the most remarkable part of my experience is exactly how short a time it was. The benefits I'm describing will be experienced by anyone who practices traditional Moo Doe movements consistently. But I saw these benefits as the result of a single practice. One 30 minute session practicing this Foundation movement, and the next time I go into school I can wrap my fingers under my foot, and I can move in and out of T position in a way that has never quite felt comfortable before.

To me, that is a bit difficult to believe, and hard to explain. I wanted to share the experience to show how powerful the right movement can be. This movement, for me, at this point in my training, with all the work I have done to allow me to practice it more correctly, seems to be just what I need. I'm very thankful for the opportunity to learn, and all I can say is, keep practicing hard; you never know which movement will be the key to unlock the next step on your path.
Brendon B.
Brendon B. Moo Doe Conditioning Program Testimonial (PDF)

I would like to tell you my story of how, I have been helped both physically and mentally by attending Oom Yung Doe classes twice a week. First of all, I am very grateful for my instructor's patience and understanding.

I am a 76 year old female and for about forty years, I have suffered with pain and limited movement in my right shoulder. About one year ago I had surgery to repair my rotator cuff by stitching the torn muscles, tendons and ligaments back together. After several months of physical therapy I had some recovery; but I still had limited range of motion in my shoulder. I also was having difficulty with small muscle control in my right wrist and fingers. After one of my Tai Chi classes I mentioned my concerns to my Instructor. He told me that he might be able to learn movements from his higher belts to help ease the stiffness in my shoulder and ease the pain I was still having in my neck.

I told my Instructor that I would be willing to try this recovery plan for me. He gave me some suggestions as to how I could use the program to improve my health; not only my shoulder but my overall health. He showed me some movements that at first were a little difficult, but within a very short period I began to feel and see improvement. After a few weeks we added a small amount of weight to the movements and I began to feel improvement in my strength. Very soon, I noticed a change for the better in the strength I had in my shoulder muscles, as well as a much greater range of motion.

The next thing was to begin meditation to relieve the stress and tightness in my neck and back muscles. I also found that this technique helped relieve emotional stress. Another aid to my continuing recovery was the "Herbal Muscle and Joint Kit," which is a paste that can be applied to ease soreness, along with a spray to further aid recovery. I am very happy to pass along the success I have had with my progress. This therapy is doctor approved. My husband, who has been a medical doctor for over fifty years, has been impressed with my improvement and encourages me to continue using Oom Yung Doe to benefit my well-being. Another benefit I have received is that I sleep better; because I am no longer awakening several times during the night with shoulder pain.

Thank you so much for improving my quality of life.
Sincerely,
Cynthia H.
Cynthia H. Moo Doe Conditioning Program Testimonial (PDF)

My name is Steve and I am a Second Degree Oom Yung Doe Instructor. I trained in Oom Yung Doe from the age of 28 until I was roughly 35 years old. I left school to focus on other things and pursue a number of personal goals. I am now 43 years old and returned to training this past September. I can't even begin to explain how happy I am that I did. Training was always a source of strength, confidence and great health for me. However, the level of knowledge that is now being passed by Grandmaster is astounding compared to before. I am 100% certain that it will not only expedite my ability to regain what I once had from training but, it will also help me quickly move far beyond where I was mentally, physically and spiritually back then.

When I was 21 years of age I was in a very bad car accident. The vehicle I was driving was sandwiched between a car and a van almost simultaneously and I then crashed into a telephone pole head-on. The driver of the car that struck me blew through a STOP sign at about 35 miles per hour while she was looking for a contact lens in her vehicle. I was not wearing a seat belt and my car was totaled. At the age of 21 a man feels invincible and that, coupled with some bad medical advice had me in a back brace and back to work the day after the accident. I was told by doctors at the time that I had "sprained" my back and the brace would help. The brace only made things worse and for nearly a year I walked crooked. I have lost count of the number of times in the past two decades when I have re-injured my back, been unable to walk upright or been hospitalized with serious back problems. I have also seen every type of "expert" and tried every type of "treatment" without real success in terms of truly correcting the problems.

Now that I am 43 years old, the injuries I sustained back then have begun to catch up with me and affect my health and my life very negatively. I recently signed up for the Back Program at the Natick School and after only one month into the program, I just know wholeheartedly that, in time, the issues I have had with my back will be resolved once and for all. Presently, I am practicing a special series of about six movements about five times per week. The series of movements was designed specifically for me by the International Team based on detailed information I provided them about my condition. After only about one month's time, I can already tell that the movements are exactly what I need. I am experiencing the strengthening and re-alignment of some of the injured areas as well as some pretty amazing and powerful flows of energy and heat throughout the injured areas that I have never felt before. I can tell things are healing. I am certain that the Back Program is exactly what I need to correct my major body problems once and for all so that I can move forward in my training. For me, it's like taking two steps back in order to take five leaps forward later on. It is a very worthwhile investment. Without our health we have nothing.
Steve P. Moo Doe Conditioning Program Testimonial (PDF)

Three weeks ago I started my program for my shoulder and upper back and neck pain. All my life I have had problems with my posture. Because of it I have lived with constant pain in my upper back and neck. Then in September 2008 such acute pain started in my left shoulder that the discomfort disrupted my job and my ability to practice Oom Yung Doe. I could barely write on the white board and needed my students to help me. I sought hot packs, ice packs, acupuncture, deep message and medical help where my orthopedic surgeon prescribed extensive physical therapy. When he displayed my x-rays I could see the bony hook that had developed on my rotator cuff due to arthritis. My Doctor told me that eventually people like me have surgery to shave down the bone. I decided to invest in the program. The first few times I practiced the exercises they kicked the wind out of me. I felt completely drained, exhausted and I would shiver with chills. Then after a few days practicing the movements released a surge of sobbing emotion that seemed to spew from my shoulders, neck and upper back.

I continued to practice and the movements either made me feel exhausted or make me sob. I cried either because of the emotional release or because the exercises had made my body feel unbelievably relaxed and comfortable. Feeling good was unfamiliar. It was like I had been in a prison my entire life and let loose without twenty dollars to find a room, meet my probations officer and start a new life.

My very chains and I grew friends,
So much a long communion tends
To make us what we are: - even I
Regain'd my freedom with a sigh.)
from THE PRISONER OF CHILLON by Lord Byron
(1788-1824)      

Now after three weeks of practicing these movements every morning I go for many hours with comfort. I have had to face some challenging situations this last week and I was able to do so without my neck and upper back developing a crippling spasm. I am now writing on the white board in the classroom again and I look forward to being able to practice movements in Oom Yung Doe that I have avoided for the last six months.

Martha, Age: 48, Occupation: Math teacher
Martha M. Moo Doe Conditioning Program Testimonial (PDF)

"I would recommend Oom Yung Doe training to anyone most highly and without reservations and look forward to continued joint work aimed at optimizing our physical and mental facilities" - Sincerely I. Elman.

I'm writing this just after returning from practice. I'm almost always more focused and clear-headed after a lesson, it brings me back to life after a long days work. I get more done starting at 9:00 or 10:00 after getting home from the school than I ever did getting home from work at 6:00 before I started practicing Oom Yung Doe. My life had reached a kind of dull stasis about four years ago. I was working a job that didn't challenge me, provided no future and I wasn't doing anything about finding something better. Having recently graduated with a Bachelor in Music, I was not pursuing any of my dreams with any sort of vigor, and I wasn't seeking out new experiences or seeking any of the opportunities (musical or other) for which I had moved to Boston originally. I wasn't depressed, I was just kind of floating waiting for something to happen I suppose. It was a classic wishing for something to happen and then getting distracted and trapped and forgetting to follow through with those goals. It also affected my relationships as I was also just floating through them, not challenging or seeking anything new out of them. Then one Christmas as a present I was given a 2 month program at the school in Davis Square. I had always wished to try some sort of martial art but again never actually followed through with it. I started noticing I had more energy after only about a week or two of practice, and I would start getting excited about going. I think I went 6 days a week for the first 2 months of practice before signing up for the degree program. In the last two years of practice in writing this I'm seeing how much I've accomplished. I now work the job I wanted originally coming out of college, which I credit to the incredibly focused energy I would have after practice allowing me to start writing music at 10:00 or 11:00 at night which was the only free time I had. I play in several other music groups around Boston, and most importantly have found some great relationships with friends and family. The reason I've been able to do all this is because I can see myself clearer and see the pitfalls that I would normally fall into. Instructors would always say that the practice room is the place to challenge yourself, and test your mental strength to carry on, because unlike the real world, there are no irreparable or painful consequences if you are not strong enough. I find this to be absolutely true. There is literature in my school with the translation explained as "forged in flame". This always rang the most clear to me, as through the movement and forms I would be able to push myself further and further not through pain, but through giving myself good enough excuses to stop. Each time there was a seemingly brutal Pal Gae practice, I would feel the swirls of excuses, pain, and every other thought I had during the day start to form a barrier where my mind would inevitably have to crash into. However, each time I could break through and find my focus and find the strength to keep my breathing, keep my eyes, and keep my thoughts clear, I would leave the practice room with an overwhelming sense of pride and warm feeling, even if I couldn't really walk very well. That strength has carried outside of my movement, I started to notice this when I would work 5:00 in the morning to 6:00 at night, and then go to rehearsals from 6:30-1:00 in the morning for 2 to 3 days in a row for about 2 months. I would normally start to feel sorry for myself and quickly build up a lot of stress and a negative shroud around myself hoping for other people's sympathy at how hard everything was, but that was not the case. With my practice I still had plenty of energy, I never got sick during that period, and even though at that point in time I was still working the job I despised, I kept a very positive outlook and was able to manage the stress. I feel more human and more natural than I ever have, and I feel more connected to others than ever before, and that is why I keep practicing and plan to continue. After going to the weeklong and practicing the meditation practice, I've discovered a new feeling. I have never felt any sort of connection to something greater, believing that everyone was detached from each other. In my meditation I started trying to connect with nature, and meld into it. After about two weeks of the meditation, one night I had some sort of epiphany. I envisioned myself sitting in a forest by the water, and I removed everything that was not in a state of nature from my mind. I could feel other life breathing, with the thought that we were all put on this planet with nothing, and we would eventually all leave, and that was something that every living thing shares. With this bond I felt a sense of comradery with other life, and I felt an energy surround that. I then suddenly and completely relaxed like there was a cool breeze that just washed everything in my head away, and there was absolutely no stress. I started breathing, breathing that energy into me, allowing it clean me, and each breath felt like I was becoming more and more with the trees I was sitting by. I can return to this peace now each time I meditate depending on how much time I have. This is one of the reasons I want to teach other students. I am coming around to realizing that there is nothing else as important as the bond we all have with each other. To be able to heal and help another's health is more important than anything else. Teaching also teaches me more about my character than anything else I've ever done before. It challenges me to challenge others without letting them give up on themselves, which is a problem I've always had. It also challenges me to have confidence I've not previously had. I am also better learning how to connect with people, and how to reach them through teaching them movement. Some of the best feelings I've had have been after a lesson where I've given a hand. Nick Warseck (PDF - printable version)
The training I have received has been remarkably efficacious. The learning environment is positive, challenging and highly supportive... I have increased energy, reduced stress, a clearer focus and a healthier perspective. Barbara Chandler Business owner Age 48 (PDF - printable version)
...3 hours had already gone by yet I was very energized. I find every time I attend a Sae Gae MooDoe seminar my mind and body become moreharmonized, and, at such an accelerated rate. Beau Inman Winter Springs, FL (PDF - printable version)
I turned 47 and after years of ignoring my health I found myself over weight, out of shape with my cholesterol at almost 400... I had a check up at my doctor, after being in the program for only 10 weeks. My doctor asked me what I was doing differently. Not only had I lost 10 lbs, but my cholesterol was down to 246 and overall I passed my physical with great results. Birgit Ehk June 21st 2006
Even if it was not for the monetary gain, Oom Yung Doe would still be the best investment I have ever made in myself. Robert Wysong Graduate Student (PDF - printable version)
Before the seminar I felt unbalanced due to some of the negative I was dealing with at the time. I knew that the seminar would rebalance my condition, but I had no idea to what extent. After the weekend I literally felt like a whole new person, like my condition had been completely rebalanced. Charlie Praksti 1st Degree
This school is totally different than most other martial arts schools. The Benefits that I have been able to attain through training could not be found By going to a gym or practicing in just any martial arts school. Charles Praksti 1st Degree Pittsburgh, PA (PDF - printable version)
Best of all, I now have the energy to play with my children. Middle age will have to wait for a while longer! Charlie Price Attorney 3rd Section Age 40 (PDF - printable version)
...I even began to run again. Each morning I would run 2 miles down the beach to get my body moving in the morning. I had run in high school and college, but was unable to run after Fibromyalgia set in. Again, the training that Oom Yung Doe was passing on to me was working and healing my ten years of pain... I am stronger than ever... even stronger than I was before Fibromyalgia. Chris Gruler (PDF - printable version)
As I continue my growth as a man, and someday as a physician, husband, and father, I consider myself to be extremely fortunate to have "stumbled" into Traditional Moo Doe. Through Moo Doe, I have become a much stronger, more compassionate and humble human being Dan Paik 6th Section Medical School Student (PDF - printable version)
...my ability to cope and find healthy ways of dealing with anger, pain, stress and even euphoria is dramatically more successful. Although I still have difficulty in unorganized social situations, public interactions have become much less fearful... Emmamarie S. Atilgan 1st Section Maplewood, MN (PDF - printable version)
I also found all the challenge and potential for growth that I could ever have wanted - in mind, body, and spirit. Through the training, I've gained a lot of self-discipline, will-power, and inner strength. Helena Park (PDF - printable version)
Oom Yung Doe is the third martial arts school that I have attended and by far the best. The other schools had their attributes, but they didn't help my health, mental state, and physical condition like Oom Yung Doe. James A. Yakita (PDF - printable version)
Traditional Moo Doe movement has challenged me time and time again, but I have found that I am stronger, faster, more accurate, and overall healthier than I have ever been Jeff Alas Age 19 Second Section (PDF - printable version)
...my body and mind are now improving rather than deteriorating as I grow older. That is a rather remarkable thing! My body is becoming more flexible, stronger and my mind is more at peace than I have felt in many years. As a side benefit, I've lost 30 pounds without even trying to lose weight. Jeffrey W. Moore 3rd Section (PDF - printable version)
...I was unable to enjoy watching my daughter as she grows, or my husband as we move through each stage of life together. I've made so much progress with Oom Yung Doe that I can now look forward to a better quality of life with both of them. Jill McGuire, 48 Public Health Nurse, Wisconsin (PDF - printable version)
Even more startling is how much I can use my body - bending my knees, circling my upper body to the floor and over my head - things I have not done since high school. Branching out beyond Tai Chi, there are many movements I am practicing that have benefited my condition. Kay Harbach, 58 Fourth Section, Wisconsin
I am aging well-free of arthritis and with great energy. The better care I take of myself, the better care I can take of others. I have a quality of life I cherish and look forward to continued achievements and knowledge with the help of Oom Yung Doe. Catherine M. Meyers (PDF - printable version)
Realizing that I was at ground level in my training, I demonstrated 5 forms I had learned. To say the least, he was shocked and from his mouth came the words "I'm jealous. How could you learn all that in several months... those are high level forms of Kung Fu - I don't even know those." Roger LeBlanc 1st Section International Degree Student Software Support Manager (PDF - printable version)
I have become an independent women doing things as much so, that my husband no longer has to take care of me. Sandy Hammel 3rd Section (PDF - printable version)
I slept better the first week than I'd slept in years... I can't explain how much Oom Yung Doe knowledge has helped me. What I've put down here is just the tip of the iceberg. I can't express what it's like to live in pain, every minute of every day, and then find it gone. S.G. Largo, FL
Now, after two months of almost daily sessions....What can I say? ... (many days, I feel like I am in my mid-thirties rather than in my sixth decade of life). I no longer "waddle" and can "skip" down the aisles at my local grocery store. Better still, my energy level is higher than ever, my outlook is positive. Sigrun "Sigi" Donegan Largo, Florida
There are many benefits I have gained in my training: flexibility, strength, and determination. But, I would like to share with you why I decided to be come an instructor. Sincerely, Todd M. Facello LMT 2nd Degree Instructor (PDF - printable version)