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Kuk Sool Won Pacific Coast Tournament success for Dublin Martial Arts School

Master Seyd Saidi with Grand Champion Bu Sa Beom Nim William Hunt (3rd Dahn Black Belt) at the Kuk Sool Won Pacific Coast Tournament 2015

Master Seyd Saidi with Grand Champion Bu Sa Bum Nim William Hunt (3rd Dahn Black Belt) at the Kuk Sool Won Pacific Coast Tournament 2015

The Pacific Coast Kuk Sool Won tournament in Folsom, Sacramento brought together over a thousand martial artists in a competition aimed at challenging its practitioners and sharing in the global identity of this unique Korean system. It also provided an opportunity to display skills acquired over hours of dedicated practice and this year over a hundred students from the Kuk Sool Won of Dublin school, Martial Arts Academy of USA, participated in the event.

The tournament is held under the auspices of the World Kuk Sool Association (WKSA).

“I am proud of every student who participated in the competition” said Kuk Sool Won of Dublin school owner Master Seyd Saidi “they have challenged themselves to step outside of their comfort zones and that is an achievement in itself.”

The school had representatives of all ranks from white belts to black belts. They ranged in age from as young as 3 years old to the 40+ age group. The school successfully secured medals across the spectrum of categories and the students were visibly pleased with their outward symbols of accomplishment.

The Kuk Sool Won  of Dublin adult ladies team at their tournament debut (left to right) Ramya Magham, Vanessa Thomas and Vineela Kunshi

The Kuk Sool Won of Dublin adult ladies team at their tournament debut (left to right) Ramya Magham, Vanessa Thomas and Vineela Kunchey

A noteworthy achievement was that of Bu Sa Bum Nim (his Korean martial arts title) William Hunt who was awarded the prestigious title of third degree black belt Grand Champion.

William has demonstrated his drive through the successes he achieved at the tournament but also in his commitment to the Kuk Sool Won of Dublin martial arts school where he trains under the guidance of 6th Dahn Master Saidi.

“Whether you win medals or not” said Master Saidi “you are already a winner by doing your best”.

For some of the students this was their first appearance at a tournament and by participating they have the opportunity to engage with students from other schools and test their skills. The lessons learned including self-confidence and self-discipline have immeasurable value in a martial arts journey.

Two students from the school, who are siblings, Aysha Ibrahim and Imad Hadid, were also promoted to black belt by Master Saidi.

Black Belt Promotions

Black Belt Promotions

“The average student does not become a black belt” said Master Saidi “it takes years of focused discipline and training and only those who commit themselves wholeheartedly can achieve it. Mastery of self leads to mastery in martial arts.”

The successes of the students were also a reflection of the dedication of the instructors at Kuk Sool Won of Dublin who are motivated by seeing every student reach their full potential. “No matter what your age or level of experience, Kuk Sool Won will change your life” says Kyo Sa Nim Sahar Hamidi, a well respected and popular instructor at the school.

Happy to participate! Children from the Kuk Sool Won of Dublin School

Happy to participate! Children from the Kuk Sool Won of Dublin School

Demonstrations were performed at the conclusion of the tournament and included an energetic, acrobatic and dramatic display of the fan technique by Master Saidi and his two students Bu Sa Bum Nim William Hunt and Jo Kyo Nim Omar Hamidi that was thoroughly enjoyed by the crowd and the advanced fighting choreography looked like a scene from a martial arts movie.

“That was amazing Sir!” said 6 year old student Jessica Thomas to Master Saidi after the demonstration. She was also one of several students who earned medals at the event and who were inspired to keep practicing this traditional martial arts system to hone their skills and return to the tournament arena next year.

Dublin Martial Arts School to compete in Kuk Sool Won tournament in Sacramento

Master Saidi, Staff and Students after a training session at the Kuk Sool Won of Dublin school

Master Saidi, Staff and Students after a training session at the Kuk Sool Won of Dublin school

Dublin, California, March 26– The stage is set for a traditional Korean martial arts competition as scores of Kuk Sool WonTM students from the Pacific coast region gather in Folsom, Sacramento for the annual tournament. This year the Kuk Sool Won of Dublin School, Martial Arts Academy of USA will be represented with over a hundred students, under the leadership of Master Seyd Saidi.

In August this year the school will mark its 25th anniversary. Master Saidi is one of only sixteen 6th Dahn Kuk Sool Masters and has trained thousands of students over his 35 years of teaching.

He reminds his students as they prepare for tournament that “growth happens outside of your comfort zone”.

The Kuk Sool WonTM of Dublin team includes students ranging in age from under 5 years old to adults. The youngest representative from the Kuk Sool WonTM of Dublin school is Kashvi at 3 years old and along with her training partner who is 4, will be making their tournament debut.

A respected guest at the event will be the Founder and Grandmaster of Kuk Sool WonTM, In Hyuk Suh. Other senior Kuk Sool WonTM Masters will also be present in addition to a range of black belt practitioners who will serve as judges for the event.

All Kuk Sool WonTM schools in the Pacific coast area of California will be represented and close to a thousand participants are expected.

There has been a growth in popularity for this martial arts system due to its comprehensive nature and the range of styles, techniques and weapons it includes.

This tournament is governed by World Kuk Sool Association Tournament rules and guidelines, and the event is only open to current and active members of the World Kuk Sool Association, Inc.

The event allows students to meet and interact with practitioners of all ages and abilities, and from all walks of life, and to experience the shared identity of a global martial arts system.

Students will compete in various categories including open hand forms, techniques, sparring and weapons forms. There is an array of weapons in this martial art system including bo staffs, swords, knives, fans and spears which draws a crowd at the Masters and Instructors demonstrations held at the tournament.

Each participant is awarded points for their achievements and the schools compete to obtain the highest overall score.

About: Besides the fact that learning Kuk Sool has an impact on every student that enrolls at his school, Master Saidi strives to provide a nurturing, disciplined and goal-oriented environment for his students. The Kuk Sool WonTM of Dublin School is an established Martial Arts Academy located in Dublin in the Bay Area of California and is proud of its track record of excellence in the teaching of martial arts. For information about his school and the Kuk Sool WonTM martial arts system please see contact information below.

Contact Information:

Kuk Sool WonTM of Dublin, Martial Arts Academy of USA

4558 Dublin Boulevard CA 94568

Phone: (925) 551 – 8200

Website: http://www.kuksoolwonofdublin.com