Cheer on Springfield Martial Artists in Cherry Hill

Looking to watch a real karate kid this summer? Don't go to the movies. Head to Cherry Hill to cheer on martial artists from Springfield.

The U.S. Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation holds its 32nd annual National Festival at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Cherry Hill, N.J. July 9 and 10.  One of the largest martial arts organizations in the world, Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan practices the official martial arts system created by legendary martial artist Grandmaster Hwang Kee.  Practitioners include Chuck Norris and, more importantly, Paul Del Sordo of Springfield's Hwang Karate. 

Del Sordo will be bringing his students, who will join over 700 tots, children, and adults in the national tournament. Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan master instructors from all over the world will be on hand to conduct seminars and other educational opportunities.

Del Sordo, whose work with special needs children was profiled by Patch earlier this year, said in that the value of the discipline is its emphasis on personal growth and values. Grandmaster Hwang Kee, Del Sordo said, not only wanted his students to be able to avoid outside physical conflict, but he wanted them to be able to avoid inner conflict as well.

The U.S. Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation consists of 130 certified studios and 5,000 current members. Over 200,000 students registered since the Federation's inception in 1976. The public is invited to view the festivities and discover more about Soo Bahk Do.

Additional information and spectator tickets are available at www.soobahkdo.com. Following the National Festival, U.S. Federation officials are presenting a series of localized regional events across the nation throughout 2010 and certified instructors nationwide are sponsoring free community service "Monster Proof" programs to equip children to stand up to bullies and to become aware of, and protect themselves from, other predator activities.