Hapkido: From Tradition to the National Sports Festival Stage

◆ "Hapkido Officially Adopted as a National Sports Festival Event...A Historic First Year"
◆ "Etiquette and the Way, the Path to Building Spirit and Character"
◆ "Seoul Hapkido, a Festival for Expanding the Base"

The 23rd Seoul Association President's Cup Hapkido Tournament was held on August 31 at the Mapo District Sports Center in Seoul.

They are taking a commemorative photo after the awards ceremony for contributing to the promotion and development of traditional martial arts and the creation of a vibrant and healthy society.

This tournament, hosted and organized by the Seoul Hapkido Association and sponsored by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Sports Council, is especially meaningful as it marks the first competition since Hapkido was officially adopted as an event at the National Sports Festival.

◆ "Hapkido Officially Adopted as a National Sports Festival Event...A Historic First Year"

Kim Kyunghwan, President of the Seoul Hapkido Association, stated in his opening address, "This year, Hapkido has finally been officially adopted as an event at the National Sports Festival," adding, "This will be a historic first year in which the long-cherished wish of Hapkido practitioners has come to fruition."

He also emphasized, "With national support and the full-scale revitalization of the discipline, athletes can now compete with pride and confidence in Hapkido."

He went on to explain the identity of Hapkido, describing it as "a martial art of self-defense that not only protects oneself by effectively handling external threats and attacks but also subdues opponents," and defined it as "a practical martial art that combines tradition and modernity."

◆ "Etiquette and the Way, the Path to Building Spirit and Character"

Honorary Chairman Lee Jooyoung highlighted the spiritual values of Hapkido in his encouragement speech. He said, "Hapkido is not merely a technique, but a traditional martial art that values etiquette and cultivates both body and mind through training," evaluating that "the training process, which encompasses physical strength, character, and emotion, is a proud cultural asset that preserves our spirit."

Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Inyoung also emphasized in his congratulatory speech, "Hapkido is a martial art that builds strong character upon a trained body, based on the spirit of self-control and returning to etiquette."

He added, "The National Assembly will also support Hapkido so that it can become a source of hope for more people and a foundation for a healthy society."

The participating athletes are attentively listening to the opening address by Kim Kyunghwan, President of the Seoul Special City Hapkido Association.

◆ "Seoul Hapkido, a Festival for Expanding the Base"

Tae-Sun Kang, President of the Seoul Sports Council, discussed the significance of this tournament in the context of Hapkido's development in Seoul. "The President's Cup tournament has played a crucial role not only in discovering outstanding athletes but also in expanding and revitalizing the base of Hapkido," he said. "I hope that participating athletes will share their skills, gain practical experience, and use this opportunity to improve their performance."

He also encouraged, "Today is a festival for everyone who loves Hapkido. I hope you have an enjoyable and meaningful time, prioritizing fair competition and safety above all else."

With Hapkido making its debut at the National Sports Festival this year, this tournament was more than just a competition; it served as a stage showcasing the 'modern leap of traditional martial arts.' The event highlighted not only the self-defense value of Hapkido but also its philosophy of character development and etiquette, reaffirming the authenticity of Korean martial arts.

As tradition shines once again on the modern stage, Hapkido is establishing itself not just as a martial art, but as a 'cultural asset.'

Clockwise, President Kyung-Hwan Kim of the Seoul Hapkido Association is delivering the opening address, Honorary Chairman Ju-Young Lee is giving an encouragement speech, National Assembly Member In-Young Lee of Guro District A is delivering a congratulatory speech, President Tae-Sun Kang of the Seoul Sports Council is giving a congratulatory speech, and Senior Advisor Jung-Yeol Koo is delivering a congratulatory speech.