‘Villens United by Chris Haskell

For the last ten years, the Goode brothers have been teaching and healing locals with a rare form of martial arts. Twin brothers Jonathon and Alex Goode were raised in Somerville and sought out martial arts in their teens as a form of exercise and healthy discipline. Today they instruct their students in Oom Yung Doe; a form of martial arts rarely taught in the states that combines several different styles to achieve overall physical and mental health improvement. I had recently been looking for interesting new ways to keep in shape and a friend had set up an appointment for me with Jonathon and Alex for a lesson in Oom Yung Doe.

The style of Oom Yung Doe was founded by Grandmaster Iron Kim who had trained with martial arts masters in the mountains of Korea from a small child until adulthood. After fighting in the Korean War, Master Iron Kim brought His Oom Yung Doe style west and began teaching in the United States in the 1970s. Since then it has quietly developed a following and now there are almost 20 schools in the country.

Alex Goode (left), Jonathan Goode (right) of Oom Yung Doe New England.

My first lesson was very basic, but not easy. The brothers took the time out to show me some fundamental stances and stretches that start off most lessons. After holding some stretches for a few minutes I began to sweat bullets and really felt my core strengthening. My knees that had been damaged long ago in car accident, struggled to keep me up off the floor. I was definitely getting the workout I came looking for. Luckily I survived and was then taught some meditation techniques to help calm my mind and body. Although I hadn’t felt as if I had done much, I was already feeling the benefits of the practice. Shortly after my lesson, my knees had felt better and sturdier than they had in years.

If there is any physical proof of the health benefits of Oom Yung Doe, it may just be the brothers Goode themselves. While growing up in Somerville, Jonathon suffered many illnesses including blood disease, asthma, and back problems. He credits his discipline to the practice for the healthy young man he has now become, and enjoys sharing the same life-changing experience with others.

“Many of the people who come to our school are simply looking to feel better and want a better quality of life, Alex tells me.

“I had an elderly woman who could barely walk come in for classes because she wanted to get out of the house and get some exercise, Jonathan recalls.

“She needed a walker just to get through the door her first lesson; but after a couple months she was full of energy and walking from her house to the studio without any assistance. People are often amazed at how much better they feel after a few lessons.”

The brothers currently oversee a couple Oom Yung Doe studios in the area and hope to branch out even more. They had originally opened in Davis Square, but raising rents drove them out and Alex later opened their Medford location in 2008 and a Cambridge location soon followed. Oom Yung Doe New England often performs at live events; hoping to bring in new students. The brothers have recently performed during a Celtics game at The TD Bank North Garden, Chinatown festivals, and they also have a Fenway performance coming up during a Red Sox game on August 31.

Oom Yung Doe New England is holding an Open House on Tuesday, June 14, 7:00 p.m. at their new Cambridge location (31 Belmont St.) for anyone interested in coming in and learning all about Oom Yung Doe and the possible benefits it may hold for you. Classes range in age anywhere from college students to senior citizens so don’t feel as if you it’s not your scene. I can honestly say that you will walk out of your first lesson feeling like a new person.

Oom Yung Doe New England

31 Belmont St. Cambridge, MA 02138 (New location!)

Open House- Tuesday June 14th at 7:00 p.m.

Check out their website for more info @ http://www.oomyungdoe-ne.com

Later ‘Villens. Enjoy your summer in the ‘Ville! Tank top season is here! Sun’s out, gun’s out! (Guns meaning arms here, people)