2025 East Coast Regional Tournament

Yesterday, martial arts enthusiasts from across the region gathered for the highly anticipated East Coast Regional Haidong Gumdo Tournament. This year's event was filled with impressive skill, determination, and camaraderie, turning into a memorable day for everyone involved.

The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as participants and spectators eagerly awaited the incredible talent on display. Competitors traveled from various dojangs, showcasing their discipline and dedication to Haidong Gumdo. The air was charged with anticipation as the competitors prepared to demonstrate their skills in both forms and cutting competitions.

Black Belt Testing

A major highlight of the tournament was the black belt testing, conducted with exceptional standards. Practitioners aiming for their next rank displayed remarkable abilities, merging physical prowess with unparalleled mental focus. Among those tested, newly promoted 1st Dan Lan Mei and 3rd Dan Erik Jenks distinguished themselves with phenomenal performances.

Lan executed intricate forms with fluidity, leaving both judges and onlookers impressed. Erik’s dynamic cutting techniques showcased not only his strength but also his technical expertise. Their hard work and commitment to training were evident, earning them admiration and respect from their peers. This level of achievement inspires others in the community, motivating them to pursue their own goals.

Competition Winners

This year’s tournament celebrated outstanding competitors across various categories. Congratulations to Angela Gilmour, who excelled in the forms competition, earning the title of forms champion. Her precise movements and graceful execution captivated the audience, evidenced by her near-perfect score of 9.8 out of 10 from the judges.

Similarly, Mike Kreisher emerged as the cutting champion. His ability to slice through multiple targets with control and accuracy impressed everyone, securing him a top score as well. Both champions beautifully reflected the dedication and countless hours of practice that went into their preparation.

Best Dojang Award

In addition to individual performances, the tournament highlighted the importance of teamwork and community spirit. Blue Mountain Martial Arts was awarded the title of best dojang for their outstanding performance throughout the event. Their collective achievements included multiple top-three finishes, demonstrating the effectiveness of their training program.

The supportive environment fostered by Blue Mountain Martial Arts is critical for the growth of martial artists. It provides a space for skill development and community building, showing that a strong dojang can significantly impact individual progress. The success of this dojang serves as a testament to the power of collective dedication to training and improvement.

Acknowledgments

This tournament could not have been possible without the efforts of many individuals. Special thanks go to Master Bryan Ezawa and his student Alex Jaworski, whose contributions ensured the event ran smoothly. Their ability to coordinate logistics played a pivotal role in the overall success of the tournament.

Furthermore, sincere appreciation is extended to Master Russell Hess and Chief Master Eric Jenko. Their expert guidance helped create an environment where all practitioners could truly excel and showcase their skills.

Reflecting on the Experience

The 2025 East Coast Regional Haidong Gumdo Tournament was a celebration of martial arts spirit. From captivating black belt tests to thrilling competitions, it was a day filled with achievements and lasting memories for all.

As participants and spectators leave with heightened spirits, it’s important to recognize that dedication to martial arts goes beyond competition. It involves personal growth, discipline, and community support. The achievements of competitors like Lan Mei, Erik Jenks, Angela Gilmour, and Mike Kreisher remind us of the incredible heights that can be reached through hard work and perseverance.

We eagerly look forward to the next tournament, anticipating even greater achievements in the future. Until then, let’s continue to train diligently, support one another, and keep the spirit of Haidong Gumdo alive.