Black Belt Test 11-09-2008

On November 7Th and 8Th in the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Chief Master Peter Oien held the 19Th annual NAKF invitational tournament. This tournament has been held annually as a Tang Soo Do martial arts event that has divisions is sparring, breaking, weapon forms, and traditional forms. However for the past 4 years Haidong Gumdo has been held as a separate division. This year competitors traveled from 7 states ranging as far West as Alaska and Utah all the way to New York to compete in color belt, black belt and master forms. There were an estimated 50 students competing from more than 23 dojangs spread accross the United States of America. The tournament was a huge success with over 600 trophies awarded and filled the huge location with competitors and spectators. As well there were over 23 masters in attendance with Chief Masters Peter Oiens, Ralph Estrada, Marshall Parnell, and Laura Clements. It was the first time each of the Chief Masters were in one location in the USA.

The Following day, November 9Th, a Black belt test was held in great success and keeping with the highest traditions of the World Haidong Gumdo Federation.