2025 National Festival Reflections | Golden Jubilee Celebration
Dear Federation Members,
As we reflect on the incredible experience of our recent National Festival and Golden Jubilee Celebration, we are filled with immense gratitude and pride. This milestone event - celebrating five decades of Moo Duk Kwan in the United States - was not only a commemoration of our past but also a vibrant testament to our collective future. An event that was all the more special with our Kwan Jang Nim alongside us to lead us in to the next 50 years.
With 294 competitors and over 400 members in attendance, the energy, spirit, and Moo Do discipline on display were truly inspiring. Each moment reminded us of the strength of our community and the enduring values that continue to guide our path. We thank you all for your active participation.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to:
- Region 2 volunteers for delivering upon the significant preparations driven by Mary Kate Stinehour Sa Bom Nim with close support from Elaine Phillips Sa Bom Nim and Tony Le Sa Bom Nim; your behind-the-scenes dedication helped create a seamless and enriching experience for all.
- Our MC for the competition, Gary Brown Sa Bom Nim for navigating a very packed agenda with grace, enthusiasm and wit.
- Regional Examiners and Judges for your selfless support to drive a successful competition day.
- Seminar Instructors who connected to our history over the last 50 years delivering inspiring messages through their teaching.
- Our medical team, Roberto Olmedo Sa Bom Nim and Eric Helgesen Bu Sa Bom Nim for their tireless daily efforts supporting our participants throughout the entire weekend. Your care, and devotion were deeply felt and appreciated by all.
- Pacovision and Erik Orella Sa Bom Nim for taking the lead to capture video footage and photos throughout the event to be shared with the membership soon.
- Tony Le Sa Bom Nim for spearheading the first annual Cort Stinehour Sa Bom Nim Memorial Golf Outing, another opportunity to connect enjoying some time on the course while raising scholarship funds.
- Bill Nelson Sa Bom Nim for his brilliance navigating an extremely tight banquet schedule including awards, presentations and a live auction for a good cause.
- The US SBDMDK Foundation for running a very successful Silent Auction which raises funds for both the Federation and the Foundation allowing us to keep event costs as low as possible and supporting future scholarship offerings. Thank you also to those members who so generously donate items, experiences and memorabilia; this couldn’t happen without you.
New this year was an initiative to recognize and celebrate school owners on competition day and during the banquet. A new tradition that will continue each year with our sincere effort to thank those closest to sustaining the growth of the Moo Duk Kwan. As Kwan Jang Nim has mentioned, our School Owners are the magic makers and our foundation grows stronger with their drive for success.
This Golden Jubilee reminded us that while our legacy is strong, it is the unity, selfless service, and Moo Do spirit of our members that truly keep the Moo Duk Kwan flame burning bright.
Thank you all for being a part of this historic event. Let us carry forward this momentum and continue to build a future worthy of our Art’s rich heritage.
As we look forward, our goal is to schedule events as far in advance as possible to support member planning and participation. Be on the lookout for 2026 National Festival information coming soon. We hope to see you all again in Baltimore for the Moment with the Masters and Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa in November.
In Moo Duk Kwan,
Jen Rupert, Chair - Board of Directors
Josh Lockwood, Chair - Technical Advisory Committee
