U.S. Martial Arts meet at YSU

The 20th event is expected to attract 200 to 300 entries.

By JOHN BASSETTI

VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF

BOARDMAN — For a 20th time, the U.S. Martial Arts Championships will be held locally.

Organizer Moon S. Park of Master Park Martial Arts International expects between 200 to 300 competitors for the event on Saturday at Youngstown State University’s Stambaugh Stadium gymnasium.

The event will include a national and international field vying for first-place, runner-up and third-place trophies, as well as special medals and certificates.

Those trophies to be presented to the five grand champions stand five feet tall.

“We welcome all styles, ranks and new divisions,” said Park of events not limited to, but including: form, sparring (open style), sparring (Olympic style), kungfu, taichi, breaking, synchronized form, self-defense, weapons, grappling and team demo competition.

Other disciplines involved are taekwondo, karate, hapkiyudo, tangsoodo, wushu, judo, jujitsu, hapkido, aikido, tai chi, kickboxing and kumdo.

Form, sparring and demonstration grand champions will also be crowned. The events begin at 10 a.m. and will continue through the afternoon.

Park said Kelly Pavlik will be presented an honorary black belt during ceremonies and will sign autographs.

The U.S. Martial Arts Championships also have been at Beeghly Center. The tournament has helped his relationship with YSU over the years.

Park said he’s been working with the YSU football team for 18 years, in areas such as relaxation.

Park has improved players’ flexibility and he’s taught the benefits of hand technique, especially for defensive players.

“Almost all major NFL players have some martial arts instructors to help them,” Park said.

Park said that the U.S. Martial Arts Championships may draw individuals from three countries this year, but he’s attempting to expand the event.

“Next year, we can bring 500 to 1,000 competitors who stay for several days if they come from other countries.”

However, he said that transporting the contestants could be a problem, both from regional airports and around town.

“Next year, I’ll be working with the convention bureaus,” he said of lodging and logistics issues.

“Next year, we may have at least 20 countries represented,” said Park, who would have to recruit volunteers to facilitate the visitors.

“Anybody can volunteer for this event,” said Park.

The Master Park studio phone is (330) 965-9000. The e-mail address is masterpark@masterpark.com.

The U.S. Martial Arts Championships material can be viewed at uskick.com.

Park, a South Korean who has been in this country 23 years, has a mechanical engineering degree. He worked for Samsung as a manager on safety and fire-prevention projects.

Park incorporates martial arts philosophies in his total body training programs.

“My main purpose is to improve life through education and discipline.”

Park’s methods have helped students, both in grades and behavior.

“Discipline is very important,” he said, explaining that he has attained success with individuals who have problems with school.

In the end, however, Park’s training gets results — grade-wise.

“Focusing, relaxation, building confidence and improving flexibility and coordination are critical areas. It’s balance of the body.”

Moon, a member of the Boardman Rotary, said he feels a commitment to the community.

“My mission is doing something for the people.”

bassetti@vindy.com