One of Master Amsell’s suggestions was training in the outdoors. It was something that Master Amsell found to be interesting in traditional martial arts schools in the orient. GM Kim noted that Koreans love to train in the outdoors as a way to commune with nature, and he was excited to introduce that kind of training to American students. Beach training was born in the mid 70’s, and Doheny State Beach was selected as the first location.

When Master Amsell created the AMK, he continued the beach training activity almost every year thereafter. The activity has proven to be one of the most popular activities with AMK students, instructors and family members. In almost every training session, AMK members are joined by other martial arts clubs of various disciplines.

This year’s Beach Training was organized like past events, however, due to the current budget crisis in California, Doheny was not available so we opted to conduct the training at Corona del Mar State Beach. While not as spacious as Doheny; it still had the basic elements to allow us to conduct our traditional training regimen.

To enable us to capture a training area, the activity began at 7 AM. As always, that consisted of light calisthenics such as jogging through the area and policing (cleaning) the training area. GM Nam-Ku Yun gave an inspirational opening speech. As GM Yun’s health has declined in recent years, giving talks to students and instructors has become a very meaningful to him. The attentiveness of the class was greatly appreciated.

 This year, we were joined by an excellent Black Belt team—Masters Jack and Lisa Amsell, Instructors Terry Owens SBN, Marcus Krieter SBN, Jason Nguyen SBN and, from San Jose, Teresa Langford SBN. Each took turns at leading the different activities that ranged from warm-ups and basics through specific martial arts techniques.

Tug-o-War - Terry SBN takes on a bunch

Taekwondo training was followed by grappling arts training in Judo, Jujitsu, Aikido, and Hapkido self-defense. Students and instructors practiced many of the same training exercises as they do in classes, but for our visiting instructor it was a chance to experience new techniques. In additional, all students learned to perform techniques on different terrain, such as rocky outcroppings, to have a completely different experience than that of the classroom.

The grappling session was followed by several games and fun activities. We all celebrated Marcus SBN's 21st birthday in traditional AMK style. That was followed by games that consisted of relay races, wheel barrel, football, and tug-o-way. The games focused on teamwork and effort rather than winning. Students and instructors continued on to the beach for our traditional Belt Sparring and Sumo Practice. Unlike ever before, we saw students and instructors last a lot longer in the Belt Sparring that usual. Elmier Penid put on a clinic for everyone on how well someone could keep their balance and not go down. Several lessons of being strategic and paying close attention were learned in the Sumo ring. One of the standout lessons was: trying to end a match quick by being too eager doesn't always work. The students competed heartily and had a great experience. The final aspect of the training was to move to the water’s edge for aqua-aerobic and balance training. As always, the students found this aspect to be a tremendous challenge, but lots of fun.

After the beach and ocean training all students returned to the grass area for a formal conclusion to the training. While the students joined their family and friends for lunch and relaxing; all the instructors joined GM Yun for an important lecture on the traditional meaning of martial art training. GM Yun noted that many of the senior grandmasters have become disappointed that this kind of interaction with the senior instructors has disappeared from many dojang. His lecture focused on three important aspects of instruction—respect for seniors, perfection of skills and knowledge, and dedication.

Usually, the training ends by noon, but this year we ran until 1 PM. The session concluded with lots of tired but happy participants. As GM Yun noted, “This is a chance for everyone to train in Nature’s dojang.” All participants learned some important lessons such as teamwork, overcoming unique challenges, and working in harmony with nature. All members, from the youngest to the oldest, worked together as partners and friends. Without a doubt, students, instructors and their supporters will return to the regular classroom training inspired and re-energized. They bring with them an experience that will expand their vision of martial art training unlike any other.