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Reflections on the 2nd Martial Arts World Cup
Written by Master Takamisu Hoshiko, Vice President, World Tong-il Moo-do Federation
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Buenos Aires, Argentina - The second Martial Arts World Cup was held at the Avellaneda Municipality in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from October 26 to November 1, 2009. After a five-day workshop, the preliminary tournament of form and weapons was held on October 31 and the free sparring competition on November 1.
This was different from the previous World Cup tournament, since it was organized under the sponsorship of karate instructor Master Machado, who has a strong foundation of various martial arts, and coordinated by Tong-Il Moo-Do international instructor and president of Tong-Il Moo-Do in South America, Master Gustavo Giuliano.
The participants were accompanied by Tong-Il Moo-Do instructors from Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil, Peru, Kenya, Japan, USA, and Philippines. They represented 11 different styles of martial arts, including Karate-Do, Judo, Kung-Fu, Siplaki-Do, Taekwon-Do, Tai Chi, Hapki-Do, Jiu Jitsu, Iai-Do and Tong-Il Moo-Do. There were 160 competitors about about 140 guests.
Workshop schedules were adjusted because of the delay of arrivals of some participants. While waiting for the arrival of more participants, Master Don Harbour, Master Gustavo Giuliano, and Master Takamitsu Hoshiko taught techniques, and morning educational sessions were conducted by Master Shota Iwasaki.
On October 31, the individual and team form competitions of various belts were held in three different courts. Competitors demonstrated their forms with and without weapons based on these 11 styles. The audience was interested in seeing such excellent different techniques in different motion. On November 1, the free-sparring competitions were held in various categories according to belt, weight, age, and gender according to two different rules: Karate and Tong-il Moo-Do. Some of competitors participated in both tournaments. The Tong-Il Moo-Do free sparring created great excitement among the competitors and audience and continued until about 9:00 pm.
After the free-sparring competition, a closing ceremony was conducted with music band marching into the venue. Everyone lined up behind the signs of their countries and styles. When the national anthem of Argentina was played and sung, one Taekwon-Do master from Paraguay was overwhelmed with tears. It was such a moving scene to witness, because historically Paraguay and Argentina have been enemies and have fought each other. This was followed by demonstrations of martial arts forms; breaking bricks, boards and cement blocks; and choreographed sparring with sticks.
Master Gustavo Giuliano assembled all the black belt instructors and distributed a text book about “The Philosophy of New Martial Arts.” He explained to them the value of the book and encouraged them to teach the essence of this to their students to help them develop their character, build ideal families, and promote world peace.
During the competition, the participants intermingled and had pictures taken together with their national flags, enjoying the opportunity to be together. The demonstrations were followed by the Declaration of Peace being signed by distinguished guests and black belts. The 30th anniversary of the founding of Tong-Il Moo-Do was celebrated with a big cake, with Rev. Dong Mo Shin and Master Takamitsu Hoshiko representing Dr. Joon Ho Seuk cutting the cake with big applause from the participants.
During the awards ceremony, people were recognized for exemplary form, fighting skills, and spirit. Many trophies were handed out, creating a warm, beautiful atmosphere.
During the two days of competition, the rain was so heavy that it sometimes drowned out people's voices, but all the participants stayed. To everyone's amazement, the days before and after the competition were clear. Perhaps the rain symbolized a spiritual cleansing in order to make a new beginning.
Although there was physical contact in the free sparring, there was no serious injury. Some competitors were national champions and showed a very high level of martial arts skills. After intense sparring, many fighters regardless of nationalities and martial arts styles embraced each other, demonstrating how martial arts transcend national boundaries, cultures, and traditions.
One participant from Brazil had lost his mother a few months earlier. Just before the tournament, he had a dream about his mother in which she encouraged him, saying, “Today is your day.” He won two rounds of sparring but was punched on his chin, against the rules, and became exhausted. However, he felt her presence within him and gained new energy to continue fighting. He won first place.
All seven delegates from Brazil had the cost of their flight tickets, room, and board paid by their state government, and the six Kenyans were supported by their government's Ministry of Youth and Sports. One martial arts master from Peru wanted to bring a delegate but did not have the money. Then a woman from the Family Federation in Peru unexpectedly said to him, “We prepared the tickets for you,”and he was able to bring one competitor. With such strong backing, all of them competed very well and attracted audience.
Special recognition is due to Mrs. Diosdada Ladica dos Santos, who has nine children and has dedicated much time and effort to develop Tong-Il Moo-Do in Brazil.
We are also grateful for the presence and support of the South America Continental Director, Rev. Don Mo Shin; Susan Bastarrica, from the UN Human Resources Department; Special Advisor of the World Tong-Il Moo-Do Federation, Mr. Ittetsu Aoki, and his assistant Mr. Harazaki; and Ambassador for Peace Luis D’Angelo. They were present throughout the competition and the closing ceremony. Furthermore, we want to extend our thanks to Master Gustavo Giuliano for his determination and investment to make this tournament possible in spite of limited finances and manpower.
Foremost, we extend our sincere appreciation and recognize the vision, encouragement, and supervision of Tong-Il Moo-Do founder, Dr. Joon Ho Seuk, behind this first tournament in South America.
For the text of the Declaration of Peace, click here.
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