The 24th National College Kendo Championships and the 23rd National College OB Kendo Tournament brought a whirlwind of excitement to Cheonan City’s Namsu Seoul University Physical Education Center from August 22 to 24, 2025. With the nation’s top university kendo teams converging for a weekend of fierce competition, both Kyungbuk University and Yeongsan University delivered standout performances that have the kendo community buzzing.
Kyungbuk University’s kendo squad, representing the Department of Physical Education at the Sangju Campus, arrived with high hopes—and they didn’t disappoint. The men’s first-year individual competition saw Kim Chan-seo battle his way to a hard-fought third place. He started strong, defeating Yongin University’s Bae Joo-hyung in a tense overtime match with a decisive head strike. Kim then powered through the round of 16, besting Chodang University’s Kim Joo-oh 2:0, and continued his run by overcoming Chungbuk University’s Kang Ju-hyun in the quarterfinals with both head and torso points. His journey ended in the semifinals, where he narrowly lost 2:1 to Sungkyunkwan University’s Kim Sang-yoon. Nevertheless, his tenacity and skill made a mark.
On the women’s side, Kyungbuk University’s Park Jeong-min, a third-year standout, claimed the individual title and added another trophy to the school’s growing collection. Park’s path to glory was anything but easy. She swept past Uiwon University’s Lee Yebin 2:0 in the round of 16, then eked out a dramatic overtime win against Yongin University’s Kim Joo-yeon in the quarterfinals with a well-timed head strike. The semifinals pitted her against her own teammate, Nam Ji-yoon, where Park again prevailed in overtime. In the final, Park faced Yongin University’s Kwon Sun-woo and secured a convincing 2:0 victory, sealing her place atop the podium. According to the event records, "Park Jeong-min defeated Lee Yebin of Uiwon University 2:0 in the sixteenth round and Kim Joo-yeon in the eighth round by a narrow margin." Her triumph was a testament to both her technical mastery and her composure under pressure.
Nam Ji-yoon, a fourth-year veteran for Kyungbuk University, also made waves by finishing third in the women’s individual event. Her run included an overtime head strike victory against Yongin University’s Kim Hee-jin in the opening round, followed by back-to-back overtime wins against Uiwon University’s Kim Min-seong and Kim Soo-yeon. Her journey was halted by Park Jeong-min in the semifinals, but her resilience and consistency earned her a well-deserved spot on the podium.
Kyungbuk University’s women’s team continued their strong showing in the team event, capturing the runner-up position. The squad advanced to the semifinals with a dramatic victory over Yongin University’s A team, clinching the win in a representative match with a skillful torso strike. They swept Keungwoon University 3:0 in the semifinals, setting up a nail-biting final against Uiwon University’s A team. The championship came down to a representative match, where Kyungbuk fell just short, losing on a wrist point. Despite the heartbreak, the team’s spirited run demonstrated their depth and determination. The tournament summary noted, "The Kyungbuk University team also advanced in the women's doubles, winning the championship."
Meanwhile, Yeongsan University’s Department of Oriental Martial Arts proved its reputation as a kendo powerhouse is no fluke. Their men’s first division senior team—composed of Woo Sung-woo, Seo Je-seong, Bae Seo-jin, Yoo Geun-yi, and Choi Mi-reu—delivered a masterclass in teamwork and skill. According to Yeongsan University, the team stormed through the bracket, dispatching Keungwoon University in the opening round, then toppling Kyungbuk University and Daegu University in succession to secure a spot in the final.
The championship match saw Yeongsan University face off against the storied Yongin University, long considered a traditional kendo powerhouse. The final was a tense, back-and-forth affair, but Yeongsan University edged out their rivals to claim the title. Their victory underscored their dominance and tactical acumen throughout the tournament. As the event report confirmed, "In the final, the Yeongsan University men's singles player defeated Kang Ho-in from Yongin University without losing a single game and won the championship."
Behind the scenes, Head Coach Yeo Gwang-gi’s leadership played a pivotal role. He was honored with the Outstanding Coach Award (senior division) for his efforts. Dongyang Martial Arts Department Chair Park Gwi-soon praised the coach, stating, "Thanks to Coach Yeo Gwang-gi’s dedicated guidance, the students were able to achieve such great results. We will continue to do our best to support the improvement and development of our students’ skills." This recognition highlights the importance of mentorship and preparation in building a championship team.
Yeongsan University’s kendo program, part of a broader martial arts curriculum that includes wushu, judo, and hapkido, has a track record of producing elite competitors who excel at national tournaments. The school’s emphasis on comprehensive martial arts education has paid dividends, as evidenced by their latest triumph. The athletes themselves expressed gratitude for the support from their seniors and coaching staff. As one of the players noted, "We aimed to achieve the best results through the support of our seniors and coaches."
The 2025 Championships were also a showcase for emerging talent and the depth of university kendo in South Korea. With multiple schools fielding strong squads and several matches decided by razor-thin margins in overtime, the level of competition was as intense as ever. While Kyungbuk University celebrated multiple individual and team podium finishes, Yeongsan University’s team title and individual accolades further cemented their status among the elite.
Looking ahead, both programs have set their sights on future tournaments, eager to build on their recent successes. The camaraderie, grit, and sportsmanship on display throughout the event suggest that the next generation of kendo stars is already making its mark. For now, the kendo community can savor a tournament filled with memorable bouts, breakout performances, and the unmistakable energy that only college sports can deliver.
As the dust settles in Cheonan, the stories of perseverance and triumph from this year’s National College Kendo Championships are sure to inspire athletes and fans alike. Whether it’s the individual brilliance of Park Jeong-min or the collective might of Yeongsan University’s squad, the 2025 edition has set a high bar for years to come.
