Hong Ik Martial Arts: 2025 HISA HIMAC GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP
HISA / HIMAC Grand Championship
November 1st, 2025
The first Saturday in November started on a high note. Winners and some runner-ups of HISA HIMAC (November 2024 thru September 2025) were invited to Tarrytown HQ to compete in a Grand Championship to select the ultimate HISA HIMAC winner of the year. The event was held in recognition of their devotion and extra effort on top of their regular training, committing to 3 weeks of special training, detailed recording of their progress on assigned charts, and notable in class performance, consistency, and focus.
HISA (Hong Ik Spirit Award) themes of the past year included Sushik, Kaak Jeo Shik,and Haak Ik Shik. HIMAC (Hong Ik Martial Arts Champion) themes of the past year included Back bridge, Hand-Knee-Heel, and Kicking Challenge. A total of 19 competitors from various HIMA locations attended the event, representing Tarrytown, New Rochelle, Bronxville, Fair Lawn, Mahwah, and Brewster. Parents and friends were present to cheer them on.
After saluting the flag and greeting Grand Master Yoo, warmups were led by Susa twins Sophie and Peter Burns. This was followed by six special classes led by various HIMA Masters. These special classes lasted about 5 minutes each and featured:
- Qigong, taught by Master Myung Duk from HIMA Tarrytown
- Kicking Combination, taught by Master Jisun from HIMA Mahwah
- KwonBup (punches), taught by Master Shin Min from HIMA New Rochelle
- Sparring Techniques, taught by Master Moon from HIMA Fair Lawn
- Triple Front Snap Kick, taught by Master Oh from HIMA Bronxville
- HISA Routine Review, taught by Master Chun Shim from HIMA Tarrytown
Before formally starting the HISA HIMAC Grand Championship, Grand Master Yoo led a run-through of both the HIMAC and HISA portion for the competition. For the 1st (HIMAC) portion, finalists were divided into 4 groups, with scoring based on proper technique, execution, and speed. For the 2nd (HISA) part, finalists competed in two separate groups, with scoring based on proper posture, relaxation, and focus level. Scores for HIMAC and HISA were combined to determine the Grand Champion. The Grand Champion, announced within minutes, was AUDREY RUSSELL from Tarrytown. CONGRATULATIONS AUDREY! You can read a recent blog on Audrey at: Hong Ik Martial Arts: Journey to Black Belt: Audrey Russell – Hong Ik Martial Arts
The event concluded with a “Haab Shim” game, with two competing groups attempting to juggle a ball 21 times using focus targets With fun and teamwork, one group managed to reach the magic 21 number. The winning group then merged with the other to assist in almost reaching the same number. A Pizza party followed for all to enjoy. We congratulate all competitors and look forward to another challenging year of HISA and HIMAC training!
– written by: Chun Shim HyunSa (Master Carlos Stern)