Maurice L

My name is Maurice, 49. I like to stay active, and since I move up here from France, I have been looking for any physical activity, in order to keep me active and healthy. I have tried the fitness clubs: YMCAs and others, but was not totally satisfied. Because I have impression that I got more building of muscles, that was not my goal. I wanted to move in a certain way.
July 2007, on a day off, I decided to tour my neighborhood, especially visiting martial arts schools on Aurora Avenue in Seattle. Before I made up my mind, I went on Greenwood Avenue, there were a sign “Oom Yung Doe” of the Grand Master “Iron” Kim Style. I have never seen that name before; by the window, was a TV screen, showing the Higher Belts moving. I stayed watching over and over, so impressed I decided to walk in the school to get some information about the school from the instructor, Adam. It was Friday, the next Monday, I came back for trial, but it did not take me much time to decide that, this is what I am planning to do. I signed up for a 2 years degree program.
My training started well on July 15, 2007, with some difficulty any beginner student has. But in September 2007, I start feeling some back pain, not unusual thing, we all have back pain some times in our life, especially when we grow older, and overall doing the type of job that I was doing at that time: caregiver.
I started taking some ibuprofen pills, and continue practicing every day, and hiding my pain from my instructor, expecting that will go away, but it didn’t, instead it went from bad to worse. I could no longer bend down to wear shoes without help, very difficult to sit down, to stand up, sleepless over the night, to get into the car, or to step out the car. As a single father with 5 kids to care for, all the household tasks became so difficult for me to fulfill. On November 15, 2007, I was taking one of my sons to the basketball practice, he just signed up and had to meet with the coach for the first time. While we were walking outside the door, I felt my right hip just went off, I almost fell on the floor, I couldn’t walk straight any longer, I don’t remember experiencing such a pain in my entire life, I started crying, but I still wanted to drive my son to the practice, I tried to get into the car, but no way, I could not bend down, even with the help of my son, who started crying as well for seeing me in such a pain.
In December 2007, my Dr. sent me to Swedish Hospital for a MRI, which cost me $4,800.00 since I did not have the insurance coverage. The diagnostic of the MRI was terrifying: the 5th vertebra was completely out of is location, and was pinching the sciatica nerve, which cut the blood circulation to my lower right leg, causing the permanent numbness on my leg since November 15 2007. According to the Dr. the only option I had was surgical, meaning to open my back and remove that vertebra. I was very concerned about my back, I maybe handicap for the rest of my life, and financially how I would afford it etc.
I went back to my local Oom Yung Doe School at Greenwood, talked to Instructor Adam about all this news, with the possibility that I may never be able to practice Oom Yung Doe. Instructor Adam advised me to talk to the Higher Belts before I decide to schedule the surgery. At first, I did not see why. But in the beginning of January 2008, the Oom Yung Doe International Teaching Team, came in town, at the Bellevue School. I decided to go see them. While I was walking in Bellevue School, National Instructor Bob saw me limping. He came closer and asked me what was wrong, I told him all about my condition, and that I was about to schedule a back surgery following my Dr.’s recommendation, but National Instructor Bob started laughing at me, then calmly told me, “Tell your Dr. that you will never have a back surgery.” I did not believe him totally, because we all rely on our Dr.’s, they know our bodies more than anybody else, so I did not say much.


He told me to sit down, remove my shoe from my right leg and put that leg on the table at the school lobby, which I did. He gave me some toes movements to practice 40 times right there, and to be continue at home. Then, he recommended me: Bath Herbs, Herbal Muscle and Joint Kit and special teas to use for about 2 weeks, along with series of personal movements.

I went, and continued to use this treatment as recommended. In about a week, I felt the sensation back on my toes, I was able to sleep better every night. After a month, I was not only able to recover the sensation on my leg, but also to sit down, drive the car, walk, go back to school, and continue to practice my personal movements. In May 2009, I added the Moo Doe Special Back Program, in order to complete my back healing process. Gradually, I integrated the regular Moo Doe lessons as other students. I was 2nd Section level at the time the injury, today I am 6th Section level.
Until today, I never had the surgery, my family is so glad to see me practice like nothing had happened before, I can use almost the full potential of my body, although I still have some physical challenges due to my age, but I feel glad to practice and challenge myself every day. I am so thankful to the Grandmaster “Iron” Kim style, to my Instructors at all levels and to the other students who helped me going through this. Also special thanks to my family for their 24/7 care for me.
I like to say that, I am the perfect living example of what Moe Doe is capable to change in our life. This is not a legend, but a true story, it happened just not too long ago.
Maurice L.

Pacific Northwest Schools of Oom Yung Doe

Southern California Schools of Oom Yung Doe

Midwest Schools of Oom Yung Doe

Wisconsin Schools of Oom Yung Doe

Cynthia H

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 "Chi 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)

New England Schools of Oom Yung Doe
Southern California Schools of Oom Yung Doe
Midwest Schools of Oom Yung Doe
Wisconsin Schools of Oom Yung Doe

Sherry P.

I was diagnosed with acid reflux disease 5-6 years ago. My symptoms of clearing my throat constantly, nausea, and my throat closing continued to worsen through the years. Even stressful situations were beginning to effect and worsen the symptoms. I heard about the programs and asked if acid reflux could be addressed. I was told I would be doing pressure points and movements, along with drinking a special tea 3-4 times a day. After a month I felt 75% better, all symptoms had improved greatly. I can say after being on the program the past 3 months, I feel better than I have in 5 years regarding my symptoms.
Sherry age 61
Pacific Northwest Schools of Oom Yung Doe
Midwest Schools of Oom Yung Doe

Tom G.

The Moo Doe Program for my neck and back has completely reduced the discomfort I was having in my lower right back at the edge of the ribs. The tightness I had across my lower back has decreased. The most notable change has been in my neck. During a recent Gom practice my neck all of a sudden loosened up and within 3 days came into balance left to right. I attribute this sudden change to the weekly practice of the neck and back Moo Doe Program movements over the last four months.
Tom G., age 44, software engineer
Pacific Northwest Schools of Oom Yung Doe
Wisconsin Schools of Oom Yung Doe

Martha M.

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)

New England Schools of Oom Yung Doe

Steve P.

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)

New England Schools of Oom Yung Doe