Hong Ik Martial Arts: 2025 HIMA SPARRING GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP

HIMA SPARRING GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP

DECEMBER 6, 2025

On Saturday December 6th, competitors from various HIMA locations gathered for the 1st annual Hong Ik Martial Arts Sparring Grand Championship. Sparring members as well as members of SUSA and MUSA programs were invited to compete at Hong Ik Martial Arts of Tarrytown Headquarters. In total, approximately 26 competitors took part, representing five of the seven HIMA locations.

The event started with a seminar led by various Masters, covering both offensive and defensive sparring techniques. Competitors were divided into two groups. Nine years and under gathered in one group and 10 years and up gathered in another group. The younger group reviewed offense techniques with Master Jisun (2 steps forward, switch feet with kihap followed roundhouse kick / skipping side kick followed by either roundhouse kick or skipping roundhouse kick) and defense techniques with Master Moon (slide back/step back as one motion, countering with round house kick / front cut kick in place, followed by back kick). The 10 years and up group reviewed offense techniques with Master Oh (roundhouse kick or skipping roundhouse kick against opponent who switches stance / “fake” (no impact) skipping roundhouse kick followed by actual roundhouse kick against opponent who moves back) and defense techniques with Master Shin Min (slide back roundhouse kick against opponent’s rear leg roundhouse kick from close cover / counter reverse punch with front hand lower block, clinch, roundhouse kick against opponent’s rear leg roundhouse kick from close cover).

After about 25 minutes Grandmaster Yoo led all groups in pre-sparring rotation matches, pairing up similar size opponents for light sparring practice. This concluded after 4 practice rounds and was followed by a 5 minute water break.

The sparring competition followed and took place in 2 separate rings, one match at a time. Competitors were grouped by gender, age, rank, and similar weight within these three divisions:

• MUSA (full body contact allowed including light kicking and punching to the head)
• Black Belts (full body contact allowed including light kicking to the head)
• Color Belts (full body contact allowed but prohibiting any head contact)

Each match featured two 1-minute rounds, with a 30-seconds break in between. An additional 30-second round was added for tied scores. Masters took turns both conducting and judging each match, with winners signaled by either a red or blue flag. In the event of a tie, the winner was determined by the ring conductor, also signaled by raising a red or blue flag. A maximum of two matches determined the winner of each sub-division, with 10 trophies in total being awarded to the respective winners. The event concluded with one exhibition match to accommodate competitors with uneven weight/rank.

The premier of the Sparring Grand Championship was a great success, with competitors displaying great skill, resilience, and camaraderie! We sense this motivated all, regardless of their win or loss, to challenge themselves to improve and compete again in next year’s Championship.

– written by: Chun Shim HyunSa (Master Carlos Stern)