Korea Kendo Association Opens 65th President's National Kendo Dan-level Championship

Held at Geumsan Sports Complex in Chungcheongnam-do from July 25 to 27
Over 550 athletes participating

The Korea Kendo Association (President Cho Taewon) will hold the "65th President's Cup National Kendo Team Championship" from the 25th to the 27th at the Geumsan Sports Complex in Geumsan County, Chungnam. Opening ceremony scene (Photo by Mo Seokbong)

The Korea Kendo Association (President Cho Taewon) is holding the "65th President's National Kendo Dan-level Championship" from July 25 to July 27 at the Geumsan Sports Complex in Geumsan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do.

The athletes held the opening ceremony at 10 a.m. on July 26, marking the beginning of their journey toward victory.

Opening ceremony scene (Photo by Mo Seokbong)

This tournament is hosted by the Korea Kendo Association and organized by the Geumsan-gun Kendo Association and the Chungcheongnam-do Kendo Association, with a total of about 550 athletes participating. In particular, for the Men's 4th, 5th, and 6th Dan divisions and the Women's 4th Dan division, the number of participations in this dan-level tournament will be reflected in the central examination.

Vice Chairman Kyunghee Lee is delivering the opening ceremony address on the 26th. (Photo by Seokbong Mo)

Vice President Lee Kyunghee stated in the opening address, "This is the oldest tournament held by the Korea Kendo Association," and added, "This is a competition where both elite and recreational male and female athletes compete together to select the best dan-level athletes. I hope every athlete will be able to fully demonstrate their skills."

She continued, "I hope that for all the athletes participating in this tournament, it will be a valuable opportunity to go beyond simple wins and losses, to share skills with each other, and to grow together through kendo."

Beom In Park, head of Geumsan County, is giving a welcoming speech on the 26th. (Photo by Seokbong Mo)

Park Beomin, Governor of Geumsan-gun, said in his welcoming speech, "I sincerely welcome all the athletes and officials who have come to Geumsan-gun, the home of Korean ginseng with a proud 1,500-year history and the ginseng capital of the world."

He added, "Kendo is more than just physical training; it is a process of cultivating both body and mind and completing one's character. I hope this tournament will provide an opportunity for each of you to fully demonstrate your abilities, and I wish for a meaningful time to strengthen the bonds among kendo practitioners."

Kim Kiyun, chairman of Geumsan County Council, is delivering a congratulatory speech on the 26th. (Photo by Mo Seokbong)

Kim Kiyoon, Chairman of the Geumsan-gun Council, said in his congratulatory address, "Kendo is not just a martial art, but a noble discipline that trains both body and mind and cultivates character based on courtesy and self-control. I hope all athletes will be able to fully demonstrate the skills and spirit they have developed through sweat and effort at their respective dojangs."

Taeyoung Lee, chairman of Geumsan County Sports Council, is delivering a congratulatory speech on the 26th. (Photo by Seokbong Mo)

Lee Taeyoung, President of the Geumsan-gun Sports Council, said, "Kendo is a martial art that trains both body and mind based on courtesy. I hope this tournament will be a time to rediscover the profound resonance and value of kendo through matches that shine not only with skill but also with attitude and dignity, and through fierce but respectful competition."

Photo by Mo Seokbong

Meanwhile, the chairman of this tournament's organizing committee is Kim Hongsik, President of the Geumsan-gun Kendo Association, and the head of the operations committee is Kim Jinhong, Executive Vice President of the Geumsan-gun Kendo Association.