From New York to Washington D.C.: Kumdo Elite Gather in the Capital for the 1st KKF President's Cup

STERLING, Va. — The resounding cracks of bamboo swords and the fierce, spirited shouts of martial artists filled the Sterling Community Center as over 120 kendo and kumdo competitors representing seven major regions across the United States — including New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles, Virginia, and Maryland — converged in the Greater Washington D.C. area.

Held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, the family-friendly event marked a historic milestone for the martial arts community: The 1st President's Cup Kumdo Tournament. Hosted by the Korea Kumdo Federation in USA Central (KKF), the tournament was the first official competition organized by the newly formed federation, established earlier this year under the Korea Kumdo Association's (KKA) initiative to revitalize and expand Kumdo throughout North America.

For many participating dojangs (schools), the event carried deep emotional significance, representing their first opportunity to compete under the official KKA umbrella since the fall of 2019.

"Today we make history together," declared Organizing President Gary Cha in his welcoming address. "This inaugural President's Cup gathers our entire kumdo family under one roof — from our youngest elementary students to our most seasoned masters — united by the discipline, courtesy, and indomitable spirit that define our art."

Co-managing the event was the esteemed grandmaster and martial arts pioneer, USHRK Kumdo Master Soon Chil Chang. As head of US Hwarang Kwan (USHRK) — one of the largest organizations under the USA Korea Kumdo Association, operating dojangs in Chantilly, Virginia, and Ellicott City, Maryland — Master Chang played a pivotal role in organizing this landmark gathering.

USHRK capped off the day by taking home the tournament's Overall Championship Title, continuing its strong legacy of performance previously demonstrated at national tournaments and the Korean American National Sports Festival.

"US Hwarang Kwan will take the lead in ensuring that our excellent Korean Kumdo takes firm root in the American martial arts landscape and establishes itself within mainstream sports culture," said Master Soon Chil Chang following the victory. "We remain committed to nurturing the next generation, expanding the reach of Kumdo, and supporting its growth across the United States."

To strengthen the tournament's official authority and support the technical advancement of American practitioners, the Korea Kumdo Association dispatched a special delegation of six highest-ranking Dan grandmasters from South Korea to serve as Guests of Honor and tournament officials.

The distinguished delegation included Park Hak-Jin (Beomsa 8th Dan), President of the Incheon Metropolitan Kumdo Association and inaugural champion of the Korea National 8th-Dan Kumdo Championship in 2011; Song Gwi-Young (Beomsa 8th Dan), Executive Vice President of the Seoul Kumdo Association and KKA Central Jury Member; Lee Myung-Kwang (Beomsa 8th Dan), Executive Central Jury member for the KKA; Kim Gook-Hwan (Beomsa 8th Dan), Vice President of the Chungbuk Kumdo Association; Lee Won-Hong (Kyosa 8th Dan), former martial arts professor at the Korea National Police University; and Park Kyung-Ok (Kyosa 8th Dan), Head Coach for the 17th World Kendo Championship and Executive Director of the Gyeongnam Kumdo Association.

In addition to presiding over the tournament matches, the visiting delegation conducted official Dan promotion examinations and qualification evaluations at the USHRK headquarters, directly supporting skill development and credentialing for U.S. competitors.

The day's competition encompassed 8 individual divisions and 5 team divisions, featuring high-stakes matches and cultural demonstrations. Delegations from major martial arts hubs — including powerhouse teams from New York, Illinois, and California — brought top talent to the floor.

In the Adult Team division, USHRK A claimed first place, followed by USHRK B in second and SYK B and USHRK C sharing third. The elite 3 Dan & Above division was won by SungMoon Lee of Illinois Kumdo, with Jin Sun Choi (USHRK) in second and Min Pak (USHRK) and Christopher Jonson (SYK) sharing third. In the Yudanja + 50 & Above division, SungMoon Lee again took first, followed by Min Pak (USHRK) in second and Dongsoo Kim (USHRK) and Christopher Jonson (SYK) in third.

SungMoon Lee of Illinois Kumdo earned top individual honors, securing first-place finishes in both the 3 Dan & Above and Yudanja + 50 & Above divisions — a remarkable double that cemented his standing as the tournament's most outstanding competitor.

The 1st KKF President's Cup marked a major turning point for Korean Kumdo in North America. As competitors crossed swords and bowed in mutual respect, the event reaffirmed a shared cultural tradition and established a solid foundation for the future of the sport across the country.

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