The 7th Korea-Japan Traditional Martial Arts Exchange (2026)

The 7th Korea-Japan Traditional Martial Arts Exchange (2026)

October 1 (Thu) - October 5 (Mon), 2026

Schedule

• October 1 (Thu), 18:00 | Keio University

• October 3 (Sat), 13:00 | Traditional Taekwondo Hwarang Park Moo Kwan Omiya Dojang

• October 4 (Sun), 12:00 | Koma Shrine (Saitama Prefecture)

This year's exchange will bring together representatives of four Korean traditional martial arts organizations:

Seonmudo, Taekkyeon, Jeongdosul, and Pungryudo

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Introduction of Participating Organizations and Leaders

Seonmudo (禪武道) / Venerable Jeogun

Seonmudo is a traditional Korean Buddhist discipline that seeks harmony among body, mind, and breath. It encompasses Seon meditation, Seon Qigong, Seon Yoga, and Seon martial arts, ultimately aiming for enlightenment and self-realization. As a comprehensive system of cultivation, Seonmudo is recognized as one of Korea's representative traditional martial arts rooted in Buddhist practice.

Venerable Jeogun is the Abbot of Golgulsa Temple, the headquarters of Seonmudo, and the Chairman of the World Seonmudo Federation. He has devoted himself to the promotion and globalization of Seonmudo both in Korea and abroad. Through his leadership, he continues to share the values of Korea's traditional Buddhist practice culture with practitioners around the world and foster international exchange through Seonmudo.

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Pungryudo (風流道) / Venerable Taewon

Pungryudo is a path of traditional cultural cultivation rooted in the indigenous Korean spirit of Pungryu. It seeks harmony among humanity and nature, spiritual practice and the arts, martial arts and daily life. Beyond technical training, Pungryudo emphasizes the cultivation of moral character and a strong sense of community.

Venerable Taewon is a recognized restorer and successor of Pungryudo, dedicated to preserving and advancing Korea's traditional martial arts heritage. Through Seon practice and traditional cultural education, he actively communicates the spirit of Pungryu to contemporary society.

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Taekkyeon / Master Jeong Gyeong-hwa

Taekkyeon is Korea's representative traditional martial art, designated as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage of Korea and inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Characterized by graceful footwork and fluid movements, Taekkyeon embodies generosity of spirit, courtesy, and the unique physical culture and communal values of the Korean people.

To preserve and promote the original form of Taekkyeon, the Taekkyeon Training Center was established in Chungju, the historic center of Taekkyeon transmission, on May 31, 1997. Since then, it has served both as an educational institution for practitioners and as a center for the public transmission and promotion of Taekkyeon.

Master Jeong Gyeong-hwa, the second officially recognized Human Cultural Heritage holder of Taekkyeon, has made significant contributions to the preservation, development, education, and promotion of Taekkyeon through decades of dedicated research and instruction.

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Jeongdosul (正道術) / Chairman Ahn Do-gyu

Jeongdosul is a traditional Korean martial art founded on the spirit of the "Right Way" (Jeongdo), pursuing both practical martial effectiveness and holistic self-cultivation. It views martial arts not merely as the acquisition of techniques but as a means of character development and the practice of a righteous life.

It is an indigenous Korean traditional martial art that was passed down within the Ahn family from their ancestor, Elder Ahn Bok-yong. In 1957, Grand Master Ahn Il-ryeok established a systematic framework for its public dissemination and transmission, laying the foundation for its continued development and preservation.

Chairman Ahn Do-gyu, the eldest son of Grand Master Ahn Il-ryeok, is the third-generation successor and legitimate inheritor of Jeongdosul. As the head of the Jeongdosul Association, he has devoted himself to its systematic preservation and the training of future generations. Through traditional martial arts demonstrations and exchange programs, he has contributed to promoting the diversity and value of Korean martial culture.

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Greeting Message

"Since its beginning in Seoul in 2008, the Korea-Japan Traditional Martial Arts Exchange has been a meaningful gathering where friendships have transcended national borders and the values of peace have been realized through martial arts. As we celebrate the 7th Exchange, I am deeply honored to welcome distinguished Korean martial arts leaders representing Seonmudo, Pungryudo, Taekkyeon, and Jeongdosul, together with practitioners of Japan's traditional martial arts.

This gathering provides an opportunity for martial artists from different traditions and training systems to learn from one another while respecting each other's skills and philosophies. Martial arts are not merely techniques for demonstrating strength. They are cultural practices that cultivate the self, encourage respect for others, and seek harmony with the world.

As Secretary General, I sincerely hope that this exchange will become more than a simple event and serve as an opportunity to further strengthen friendship and mutual trust between Korean and Japanese martial artists. I also hope that the spirit and values of traditional martial arts inherited from our predecessors will continue to inspire future generations and become a beautiful seed contributing to peace and cultural exchange throughout East Asia."

Beopsa Borim Yang Du-seop (Seonmudo)

Secretary General

Korean Traditional Martial Arts Federation (Incorporated Association)

The 7th Korea-Japan Traditional Martial Arts Exchange 2026

Tradition • Friendship • Peace