Dublin Martial Arts School is 2023 WKSA Tournament Champion

The Dublin Martial Arts School of Kuk Sool Won has emerged victorious at the WKSA Pacific Coast Tournament, held in Folsom, Sacramento under the auspices of the World Kuk Sool Association (WKSA). The school, led by Master Seyd Saidi, prevailed over several schools from across the Pacific Coast region. The WKSA Tournament returned about a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

The competition, which aims to challenge its participants while promoting good etiquette, cooperation, and respect, features categories such as open hand and weapons forms. Kuk Sool Won of Dublin, whose students ranged in age from 5 to over 40 and in rank from white to black belt, also presented a number of candidates for promotion to black belt and second-degree black belt.

“This success can be attributed to the persistent hard work and commitment from all of our students,” said Master Saidi, who holds the rare distinction of 7th Dan Kuk Sool Won Master and has been practicing martial arts for over 35 years. “I am very proud of each and every one of them.” He also acknowledged the contribution of the parents who support the martial arts journeys of their children.

The school had the unique honor of having four Grand Champions who are the overall high point scorers in their competitive categories: 1. First Dan 13-14 Male Seyd Hamza Saidi 2. First Dan 13-17 Female Hosna Wassie, 3. Third Dan Senior Rick Wolin and 4. Fourth Dan William Hunt.

The Championship flag, which the Dublin school will keep for another year, was presented to them by In Hyuk Suh, the Grandmaster, founder, and president of the WKSA, who was present at the event to personally oversee the proceedings. If Kuk Sool Won of Dublin wins the tournament for a third consecutive year, they will retain the flag permanently.