The Iron Butterfly

Memoir of a Martial Arts Master: The True Story of a Mermaid's Daughter

By: Choon-Ok Harmon, Ana Maria Rodriguez

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Hardcover | 1 March 2011

At a Glance

Hardcover
224 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
23.5 x 16.1 x 2.41

Hardcover

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A powerful and cathartic memoir-Helen Tse, author, Sweet Mandarin, a finalist for the Portico PrizeWhile growing up in a rural fishing village following the Korean War, Choon-Ok Jade Harmon discovered how to fight for survival at an early age. She was the youngest of seven children, and her destitute family faced constant hunger, bitterly cold winters, and an often-abusive father. Despite these obstacles, and her learning disability of dyslexia, she sought the courage to break free from poverty and succeed in the martial arts form of Kuk Sool Won.Today, Harmon is the highest-ranking woman in Kuk Sool Won, a traditionally masculine sport, with a ninth-degree black belt. Beginning with Harmon's difficult youth in Koje-do, this compelling biography recalls her arduous path to self-fulfillment and financial independence, documenting Harmon's dedication to Kuk Sool Won, her move to America, and her marriage to a fellow martial artist. The chapters on Harmon's childhood provide insight into Korean culture and their women of the sea. Her feelings of resolute determination resonate from each page.

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You Can Find This Book In

Non-Fiction Society & Culture Social Groups Gender Studies Gender Studies: Women and Girls Biographies & True Stories Biographies Sport Biographies Sport Autobiographies Memoirs Autobiographies Sports & Recreation

Combat Sports & Self-Defence Oriental Martial Arts

Introduction: Before I Tell You My Story	p. 9
Living in an Island of Mermaids
Haenyo, the Sea Woman	p. 15
Rough Beginnings	p. 19
"Do You Want Me to Tell You About My Mom?"	p. 27
The Octopus in the Cave	p. 39
No Money for School	p. 51
Rising Waters	p. 61
"We Live Together, or We Die Together"	p. 65
Dad	p. 69
Life in the Big City
Going to Pusan	p. 75
Life Goes On	p. 81
When I Discovered Martial Arts	p. 86
Real-Life Self-Defense	p. 93
The Best School	p. 100
No Cutting in Line	p. 106
Finding My Power	p. 117
Mom Said No!	p. 122
Mom's Change of Heart	p. 131
The Visa	p. 137
"And You Want to Marry Her Because...?"	p. 144
Life in a New Country
Going to America	p. 153
Honeymoon at the In-laws'	p. 160
"He Has No Money!"	p. 164
Accidents	p. 170
"What Are You Doing With My Sword?"	p. 173
Testing for Master Level	p. 178
Becoming Parents	p. 183
A Year in Korea	p. 192
Early Delivery	p. 199
Of Dog Rules and Riding Horses	p. 208
The Little Girl on the Beach Smiles	p. 214
Appendix	p. 218
Index	p. 223
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.

The Iron Butterfly

Memoir of a Martial Arts Master: The True Story of a Mermaid's Daughter

At a Glance

Hardcover

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How to return your order

Defective items

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