By TIMD USA
The inaugural 1st Queen Peace Cup Tongilmoodo Open Tournament, held on December 8, 2024, at the Clifton Boys and Girls Club, was a remarkable event that brought together participants, supporters, and martial arts enthusiasts from across the region.
The tournament was a testament to the spirit of unity, discipline, and sportsmanship that Tongilmoodo embodies. The day began with an inspiring opening ceremony, where participants and spectators were greeted by an atmosphere of excitement and camaraderie. Although Mayor Raymond Grabowski could not attend due to prior commitments, his support was felt throughout the event. The presence of esteemed guests and community leaders added a sense of prestige and honor to the tournament.
North East Regional Director Naokimi Ushiroda of FFWPU USA gave an inspiring introduction for the “Peace Starts with Me” initiative and presented awards to all participants. Additionally, David Eaton of the International Association of Culture for Peace delivered an inspirational message about the importance of culture and arts, further enriching the event. The tournament was supported by the Universal Peace Federation (UPF USA), and as one of the sponsors, UPF USA honored two Masters of Shotokan, Shihan Nixon Feliz, and Albert Sander, with the Ambassador for Peace award presented by the UPF regional director, Barry Geller. This recognition highlighted their dedication to promoting peace and harmony through martial arts.
Eight schools participated in the event, demonstrating a strong sense of community and collaboration. The participating schools included:
- All Martial Arts for Christ
- Clifton Martial Arts Academy
- Clifton Unified Martial Arts
- Shotokan of Passaic
- San Francisco Tongil Moodo
- New York Tongil Moodo
- Elizabeth New Jersey Tongil Moodo
- America’s Finest World MMA
The participants, ranging from beginners to seasoned practitioners, showcased their skills in various categories, including forms and sparring. The level of competition was exceptional, and each competitor demonstrated not only technical proficiency but also the core values of respect and humility. The highlight of the day was the sparring competition, where first-time participants displayed remarkable courage and determination.
Parents, coaches, and supporters cheered enthusiastically, creating an uplifting and supportive environment for all the athletes. The tournament was not just about winning medals but about celebrating the journey, effort, and dedication of every participant.
As True Mother, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, emphasized, Tongilmoodo is a path to unity and peace, and this event truly reflected that vision. A heartfelt thank you was extended to all the volunteers, organizers, and supporters whose hard work and dedication made the tournament possible. Their efforts ensured that the event ran smoothly and was enjoyable for everyone involved. In conclusion, the 1st Queen Peace Cup Tongilmoodo Open Tournament was a resounding success, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended. It served as a reminder of the power of martial arts to bring people together and promote values of peace and harmony. We look forward to continuing this tradition and making future tournaments even more memorable.