The world of Taekwondo recently witnessed an extraordinary display of skill and determination as the King Tiger team brought home an astounding 40 Team Medals from the prestigious World Hanmadang in Anaheim, California. This remarkable achievement underscores the dedication and prowess of local athletes on an international stage.
Held from July 17-19, the World Hanmadang is renowned as one of the globe’s largest Martial Arts Competition events. Its 30-year history of traditionally taking place in Korea was notably broken this year, marking a significant milestone as the United States, specifically Anaheim Sports facilities, hosted the grand spectacle for the very first time.
Organized by Kukkiwon, the esteemed World Taekwondo Headquarters, the event’s name “Hanmadang” translates from Korean to “grand arena.” This perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the gathering: a vast platform for unity, the demonstration of elite skill, and profound cultural exchange among martial artists worldwide.
Over 2,000 participants representing more than 40 countries converged in Anaheim, showcasing their diverse talents across various Martial Arts Competition disciplines. Competitions ranged from traditional forms and dynamic breaking techniques to innovative creative demonstrations and intense team challenges, reflecting the comprehensive nature of the sport.
A pivotal figure in bringing this monumental event to the U.S. was local Grandmaster Byung Lee, who served as the secretary-general of the organizing committee. His globally respected leadership in the Taekwondo world was instrumental in orchestrating this major international assembly, securing honor not only for the sport itself but also for the local Greenville and North Carolina communities.
The King Tiger Taekwondo School dispatched a formidable contingent of 14 athletes to compete across various divisions. Their collective efforts culminated in phenomenal success, as the team distinguished itself among thousands of global participants, clinching eight gold, three silver, and seven bronze Team Medals.
Individual highlights from the King Tiger team’s performance were numerous. Athletes like Caroline Ortiz shone, earning gold in Creative Forms and bronze in Hop-Step Side Kick Power Break. Other notable medalists included Conrad Hartle with gold in Turning Side Kick Power Break, and Marcus Hendricks securing two gold Team Medals in power breaking events, further cementing the team’s dominant presence.
The team’s overall haul of 40 Team Medals at such a high-caliber International Competition truly highlights the rigorous training and exceptional talent cultivated within the local Taekwondo community. This accomplishment serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that focused dedication can lead to world-class Sports Achievements from local roots.
