Lessons from a master

Every Tuesday afternoon for the past month, the Youngstown Phantoms have departed from their usual routines, stepped out of their comfort zones and into Grandmaster Moon Park’s domain.

Park, the South Korean-born president of Master Park Martial Arts International, has made his home in the Youngstown area for more than four decades and has a track record of teaching the valuable tenets of martial arts to local athletes.

“Most of the focus [in martial arts] in this country is on fighting,” said Park, who has instructed past Phantoms players, Youngstown State University football teams as well as baseball, basketball, soccer and track and field athletes. “I teach this program as a way of life. It develops relaxation, discipline and respect and encourages confidence and teamwork.”

A former mechanical engineer in the Korean Army Special Forces, Park implements proven physical and mental techniques to improve his students’ strength, flexibility, speed and balance.

“From my experience in the military, I know that hard, demanding training builds teamwork effectively,” he said from his Boardman location on Route 224. “I want this to have an impact on their lives.”

Even though most of these Phantoms are experiencing formal martial arts training for the first time, Park has been very impressed by the progress they’ve made in four hour-long sessions.

“Their flexibility as a group has improved so much,” he said. “I’m putting special attention on that because it’s key to their safety as athletes and they are responding well.”

Park has traditionally enjoyed working with Phantoms hockey players and this year’s group, despite the increased talent level that the USHL demands, has been no different. He made sure to compliment their discipline, determination and pleasant demeanor as a group.

It’s clear that no matter whether their games are headed north or south, the Phantoms will always have a Far East Master in their cheering section.

“I always encourage them and tell them how good they are so they can have confidence for life,” Park said. “I tell them every time that they could be in the NHL next year!”