United World Haedong Kumdo Federation

I sincerely welcome all the visitors and the Kumdo Family from both home and abroad to a beautiful summer city of Busan and felicitate on its dynamic launching of the first World HaedongKumdo Championship in 2009.

                      

HaedongKumdo has inherited some 5,000 years of Korean historical spirit that has been shared through a traditional martial art of Goryeo Dynasty, i.e. widely disseminated across the entire North-eastern area from Korean Peninsula to Manchuria, and this form of martial art is considered a venerable exercise with decorums

that helps people to train their body and soul.

I am much encouraged by the vigorous efforts of the United World HaedongKumdoFederation for the development of HaedongKumdo, one of the major Korean traditional martial arts and especially appreciate the Federation's endless endeavor to raise its profile throughout the world.

As many of you know, citizens in this era have the greatest concern over their physical well-being and leisure activities since their upgraded standard of living in recent years. Of all things, Kumdo the traditional and ethnic Korean martial art is regarded as the most suitable sport for a human to enhance both his/her physical and mental strengths; especially for his/her health and mental stability.

I strongly believe that the 2009 World HaedongKumdo Championship play an important role in expanding the infrastructure of Kumdo and its popularity among the citizens of Busan.

I wish all the participants of this Championship from Korea and overseas to do their best and bring out their excellent performances.

Last but not least, I would like to extend my gratitude to you all, the staff and President Jeongseong Kim of the United World HaedongKumdo Federation for their commitment on the preparation of this inaugural event.

I wish all the participants and their family great fortune and health.

Congratulations once again and thank you.