Jeonghee Lee is perhaps the most accomplished soroban expert in the world, and the only master to have achieved the 11th-dan level at the apparatus.
Originally from South Korea, she lives in New York and is currently running Abakidz, a tactile learning center.
In addition to her many medals at Memoriad and the Mental Calculation World Cup, she is the current world record holder for Addition and Division, and has the second-fastest-ever time recorded for Multiplication.
For how long have you been doing soroban?
I began training on the soroban when I was 10 years old and by the time I was 12 years old, I had already received the 8th degree. At that time, 8th degree was the highest degree available. When I was 16 years old, the Association developed additional levels up to the 11th degree so I was able to obtain the 11th degree at the age of 16. After receiving the 11th degree, I continued training for another year and stopped. To this day, 11th degree is the highest level available in soroban.
Do you use the soroban for all Mathematics?
Yes. Soroban can be used for everything – addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, fractions, and square roots. It is used for daily calculations and becomes part of a life skill that’s not only faster than a calculator but also more accurate.
You’ve been teaching soroban for a long time. Is it something that everyone can learn?
Yes, definitely! Students can start as young as 4 years old if they know their numbers from 0-9 and can write these numbers. Students can really be any age to learn soroban but the earlier you start, the better and stronger the mental math foundation will be, allowing strong mental math abilities. The ability to develop and visualize the beads will be stronger for younger students. However, one can always develop with continued and consistent training and practice.
Does learning the soroban improve your skills outside of mental calculation?
Training on the soroban, students will gain confidence in all aspects, not just numbers. This is due to improved working memory, better focus, and perseverance. Speed reading is also possible as the training and ability to see the bead is improved. Memorization and problem-solving skills will substantially improve with working memory improvement.
What affects your performance in calculation in general – does your speed or accuracy fluctuate?
My physical condition can sometimes affect my performance. If I am in good physical condition, no matter what noise is around me, my performance will not be affected as I am able to focus completely. If I am not in good physical condition, accuracy is affected first, and speed can then be affected.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working in calculation?
I enjoy hiking and going on nature walks as it strengthens both my body and mind. I also enjoy cooking and trying new recipes. I am also trying to improve my English so I read or watch TV when I have spare time.
I’ve seen a video of you participating in a conversation while doing Flash Anzan – what’s the most complicated anzan multi-tasking you can do?
Flash Anzan is visual so I am able to do the mental math and have conversations or answer questions without any problems because I can utilize separate parts of my brain simultaneously. I once sang while doing Flash Anzan and can calculate Flash Anzan with the numbers flashing upside down. I can do Hosan (where numbers are called out to me instead of presented on a screen) while answering questions and having conversations as I am able to separate conversations and noise.
Thanks for sharing your experiences Jeonghee, and hopefully we’ll see you again at a future competition! To get in touch with Jeonghee, she receives email at info@tactilebrain.com.
Thanks for sharing your valuable
experience….