Dominic’s Reflection as an Organizer of the 2026 Dutch HK Events

[HAEDONG]

Here is my reflections on this year's seminar. But from the view as the organiser.

After this seminar, I am reflecting from an organizational perspective rather than that of a practitioner.

This is the second seminar I have hosted as a Dutch representative.

Two years ago, the DHKA organized a seminar at Papendal in Arnhem, and I was largely responsible for its organization.

The idea was to have a hotel nearby and use a high-quality facility.

From a practical standpoint, this was ideal, but financially it was too expensive and, in the end, too difficult in terms of travel.

Looking back on that event, I realize that I was doing too much on my own. This year, I asked for help in advance and, fortunately, received it.

By moving the event from Amsterdam to Deventer, KumSarang took over the planning of the sports hall as well as the lunch and dinner arrangements.

This also made the venue more affordable, and GM Kim could stay with friends.

Looking back at this seminar, it was a huge success. The workshops were excellent, and the tournament was a great trial run for the European tournament. Meeting everyone and enjoying training with GM Kim is why we organize this event, and I think everyone learned, laughed, and had a great time.

What I would like to share from a personal perspective is the overall planning and the feeling of “being responsible.”

Making sure the schedules worked for both national and international participants. Making sure everyone had some personal time with the Grandmaster.

Making sure everyone knew the address and that all foreign visitors could find their hotel.

Making sure GM Kim was picked up from the airport and got the rest he needed. Making sure the tournament was professionally organized and enjoyable for everyone, even though it was the first tournament I had ever organized.

All of this placed a huge responsibility on my shoulders. On one hand, it was a burden, but on the other, it was a gift. Seeing everyone enjoy what they were doing and having a great time learning and meeting people from all over the world is a blessing to witness as a host.

I was extremely nervous about the tournament.

Would everything fit within the schedule?

Would we have a proper pool system? (Thank you, Kelly.)

Would the awards arrive on time? (Thank you, Kevin.)

Would we need first aid?

Would people be upset after an unfair match?

These nerves stayed with me until the sparring began.

Then I finally realized that even though “I organized this,” we were all doing it together.

During the meeting right before sparring, I finally felt in control.

Telling everyone to do their best and be kind to each other, and seeing everyone embrace that message, made this tournament truly amazing.

Beforehand, I said to Kelly, “Never again.” Afterwards, I found myself thinking, “Maybe a club tournament in November.”

Of course, not everything went smoothly, but most of it did.
We learn, we cry, we laugh, and we train. And we do this together.

It doesn't matter whether you're from Greece, Germany, the USA, the Netherlands, or Korea. We train together as a family, and we make it work.

As the organizer,
thank you for being part of this martial arts family.

I am growing as a person and as a martial artist at the same time, and that's something we all do together as well.

HAEDONG


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Growing Through Responsibility:

Thoughts on Dominic’s Reflection as an Organizer

Dominic’s reflection shows us something very important:

a successful seminar is not created only by good instruction, a good venue, or a well-organized tournament.

It is created by responsibility, cooperation, patience, and the willingness to carry many unseen burdens for the sake of others.

As the Dutch representative, Dominic had to think about every detail:
the schedule, transportation, accommodation, meals, the sports hall, the tournament system, the awards, the safety of participants, and even whether everyone would have enough personal time with me.

Most participants only see the final event, but an organizer must carry all of these concerns long before the seminar begins.

I especially appreciate his honesty in admitting that, during the previous event, he tried to do too much alone.

This time, he asked for help and trusted others to share the responsibility.

That is not a weakness. It is a sign of growth and leadership.

A true leader is not someone who does everything alone. A true leader creates a situation in which people can work together, support one another, and feel that the event belongs to everyone.

I was also touched by the moment when Dominic realized, during the tournament, that although he had organized it, everyone was making it successful together.

That realization reflects the spirit of JSKR very well.

We learn together.
We make mistakes together.
We solve problems together.
And finally, we grow together.

Dominic carried a great deal of pressure, especially because this was his first time organizing a tournament.

Yet he continued until the end, and the result was a warm, meaningful, and successful international event.

The fact that he said “Never again” before the tournament, but later began thinking about another club tournament, made me smile.

It shows that although responsibility can be heavy, the joy of bringing people together can be even greater.

Dominic, I sincerely thank you for your dedication, courage, and hard work.

You did not simply organize a seminar. You created a place where people from different countries could train, laugh, learn, and feel like one family.

I am proud to see you growing not only as a martial artist, but also as a leader and representative.

Please continue with confidence. You do not have to carry everything alone. You have a family beside you.

Well done, Dominic. This seminar was a great success, and your leadership was one of the main reasons why.

HAEDONG!

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JULY 11, 2026
JSKR HK
JS Kim
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P.S. 😂

One small correction to Dominic's story...
He was so eager to welcome me to the Netherlands that he drove to the airport one day before my flight!
Since my flight landed around 5:00 a.m., he had to wake up at about 4:00 a.m.... on two consecutive mornings!

Dominic, I think this officially counts as an extra training session in dedication!

Next time, let's make sure both the Grandmaster and the organizer arrive on the same day! ✈️😄

Thank you, my friend. Your dedication is one of the reasons our JSKR family continues to grow. 🙏

Ref)
https://m.cafe.daum.net/enlightenment-k/dcM5/657?svc=cafeapp

🇳🇱 A Journey Filled with People, Memories, and Warm Hearts