On March 20(Wednesday), a press conference was held at Chiang Mai Mall for the Inaugural Opening Ceremony of the International Martial Arts Academy (IMAA) and Opening of the 7 World Martial Arts Peace Cup 2014. The Director of Chiang Mai Tourism and Sport Depart- ment, Vice- President of the Chamber of Commerce of Chiang Mai, the President of MV Lao TV, Mrs. Adena Syrikoun Mahavong and other VIPs were invited. The reporters of News paper, radio station and TV studio were present, too. Master Takamitsu Hoshiko explained about the meaning and purpose of Tong-Il Moo-Do. On March 21(Thursday) the orientation for all the par- ticipants was held in the hotel with warm welcome.
The inauguration ceremony of IMAA was held on March 22(Friday) in Phrao, Chiang Mai. And th World Martial Arts Peace Cup2014 on March 22(Fri)and 23(Sat). Then 7 days Tong-Il Moo- Do workshop has been held in IMAA from March 25(Tue) to 31(Mon)with 50 participants.These 7 events are to commemorate Dr. Sun Myung Moon’s passing to the spiritual world, his spirit and life.
On March 22(Fri), 400 audience and 80 participants from Korea, Japan, USA, Nepal, the cham- pions of South America, the champions of Africa, Taiwan, Cambodia, Laos, Philippines and Thailand gathered together in a 13 acres of beautiful property in order to celebrate the historical inaugural opening ceremony of the IMAA. Prior to the Inauguration Ceremony, IMAA’s official name, “世道苑” was announced by Dr. Joon Ho Seuk. Before we started the Inauguration Cer- emony, the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was conducted by Dr. Joon Ho Seuk, the president of WTMF International, Dr.Chang Shik Yang, the president of UPF international , Dr. Chung Sik Yong, the president of UPF Asia and Chairman of WTMF Asia other VIPs from overseas.
The beautiful decorated newly constructed IMAA and the 7 held at 10am on March 22. The welcoming remarks were given by the Senior Assistant District Chief Officer of Phrao and Dr. Lek Thaweetermsaku, Vice-Chairman of UPF & WTMF Asia. World Martial Arts Peace Cup were
Then Mr. Kamol Thananopavarn, Deputy Secretary General of UPF Thailand, Chairman of WTMF Thailand, gave the report about the development of IMAA. Inaugural speech was given by Dr. Joon Ho Seuk, Founder of WTMF, Chairman of Mission Foundation and Chairman of Sun Moon Education Foundation. IMAA started from the vision which Dr. Seuk received from Heaven 8 years ago in Korea. Dr. Seuk emphasized the importance of educating youth through IMAA, and Dr. Sun Myung Moon’s motto of loving Heaven, Nation and Humanity, and gave us the vision of IMAA. The martial arts demonstrations was performed by selected group from Brazil, Thailand, Philippines and Nepal, and entertained the audience with their outstanding skill. The congratulatory remark was given by Dr. Chung Sik Yong, Regional President of UPF Asia and Chairman of WTMF Asia, and Dr. Chang Shik Yang, Chairman of UPF International. They expressed their hope for IMAA.
At the end of the event, a plaques of appreciation was presented by Dr. Seuk to all those who contributed to the construction and development of IMAA. Among them, Mr. Ittetsu Aoki and Dr. Chung Sik Yong received the special plaques for their outstanding contribution. After the Open- ing Ceremony was over, TIMD form competition began.
On March 23(Sunday), Peace Cup continued with sparring competition. Women’s sparring was included for the first time in Peace Cup tournament. Even though we had to stop sparring competition for a while because of heavy rain and strong wind, we still continued the event. During the competition, Grand Master of Tokkou Musul, Hyo Jin Jung and his assistant showed their techniques of self-defense taught the participants on practical techniques. The final of sparring in different weight categories were conducted, and each fighter demonstrated their fighting spirit by overcoming their weakness and limitation.
At the closing ceremony, Dr. Joon Ho Seuk gave the congratulatory message to all the partici- pants for demonstrating Dr. Moon’s fighting spirit, indomitable spirit, and perseverance, and encouraged us to live for the sake of others and build a peaceful ideal world through the promo- tion of martial arts universal principles and values. Mr. Pyung Rae Moon, the president of Martial Arts Federation for World Peace, introduced to us the exercise which Dr. Sun Myung Moon created when he was in the prison in order to survive and continue his mission to realize One Family under God. It was followed by award presentation to the winners of the tournament by VIPs. The Brazilian team was awarded as “Best Team” and “Best Coach” because of their unity, good fighting spirit and excellence of techniques. Heavy weight sparring 1st given to Rolando A. Castilotte from the Philippines. The winners received medals and trophies . All the participants and VIPs were glad that they were given the chance to witness this special history making events. Mr. Kamol Thananopavarn gave the cheers of Oegmansei and all of us made the new start with TIMD spirit which is the spirit of Dr. Moon.
After these events, a 7days TIMD workshop started at IMAA, “世道苑” with 50 participants from Kenya, Nepal, Brazil, Thailand, Philippines, and Japan. Surrounded by such a beautiful nature, all the participants have been feeling peace in their mind, and has been refreshed spiritually and physically by attending together twice a day TIMD philosophy lectures given by Master Venus Agustin on the first day, and other lecturers are Master Bernardio Villangante, Master Clarence Mwakio, Master Takamitsu Hoshiko, and Master Dipak Bastola practicing together TIMD techniques and living together in a beautiful environment. As time goes by, all the participants have been developing more and more unity among them as a family transcending culture, races, nationalities, and languages.
I would like to express truly our deep appreciation to Dr. Seuk who made it possible for us to gather together in IMAA, and Mr. Ittetsu Aoki, Dr. Chung Sik Yong, Mr. Kamol Thanano- pavarn, Mr. Raweetheewath Scristtisa-ard, Mr. Pittaya Srisuwan, Mr. Sutin Sribunplaeng for their great contribution to build IMAA. I also thank the VIPs and the participants and others who came to celebrate and support the opening of IMAA and 7th Peace Cup.
The following is the photos taken during this period:
