Running an International Martial Arts World Championship…
Organising this 7th Worldwide Tang Soo Do Family World Championships has been a truly unforgettable experience!
Prestige and Honour:
• Global Recognition: Hosting this championship has placed us, Scotland Tang Soo Do on the map, it’s a great privilege to be bestowed on us.
• Cultural Exchange: Competitors gathering from so many countries bringing not just their skills, but their traditions, philosophies, and stories. Our event became a melting pot of martial heritage. I was fortunate to share time over this event’s preparation with KJN Ferraro – and believe me he has a wealth of martial arts knowledge, experiences and some page turning stories!
• Legacy Building: my feeling is that we were not just running a tournament—we were helping to write history. Champions crowned here will be remembered, and this 7th Worldwide Tang Soo Do World Championships becomes part of their legend.
The Emotional Weight
• Pride: Seeing flags raised, and watching competitors bow with respect—it’s been deeply moving. It’s amazing to have created a space where honour, respect and sportsmanship thrived.
• Responsibility: Every detail mattered…From the mats to the medals, from the judges to the refreshments—each element was key to reflecting the integrity of our art.
The Worries Beneath the Surface
• Will They Come?: We’ve sent invitations, promoted across federations, built up anticipation. But until the registrations started to roll in, there was quiet fear: will the world show up?
• Will It Run Smoothly?: Logistics are a labyrinth. Flights delayed, visas denied, equipment misplaced—any hiccup can ripple through the schedule. Contingency plans became our best friend.
• Will It Be Worth it?
In the end, when the final round ended, the competitors embraced and nations erupted in applause, we realise: it was definitely worth every long day, late night, and sleepless night. Because we didn’t just host a championship—we united the world through Tang Soo Do.
We were fortunate to have a great team of truly amazing people behind us, our STSD Masters and Instructors, our Production Team, our students, our families and our friends, and Master Michelle and I extend our deepest heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you!
We would also like to thank our Grandmasters and Masters for providing support and assistance throughout the weekend whenever and wherever it was needed. Another big thank you to all the Master and Dan grades who played a pivotal role in the success of the Championships by judging with integrity, working tirelessly ring after ring and category after category.
Now we pass the baton over to Malaysia, and look forward to bringing our team to them in 2027 🙂
Scotland Tang Soo Do 