Life Craft Asia Organizes Large-Scale International Seminar Featuring Leading Korean Masters
Life Craft Asia has announced a major international event, the “Authentic World Master Class Martial Arts Seminar,” scheduled to take place from April 10-15, 2026, in the capital of South Korea. The six-day seminar will bring together martial arts masters and instructors from around the world to study authentic Korean martial arts systems under the guidance of the country’s leading specialists.
Scale and Format of the Event
The event is positioned as a “World Master Class”—a format that implies a high level of instruction and is oriented toward experienced practitioners, instructors, and martial arts masters. The six-day duration of the seminar indicates a deep and intensive training program, which distinguishes it from standard one- or two-day seminars.
The host organization is MCEE (Martial Arts Cultural Exchange Education), which specializes in international cultural exchange in the field of martial arts. The choice of Seoul as the venue is no coincidence—the capital of South Korea is a recognized center for the development and preservation of traditional Korean martial arts.
Disciplines and Training Directions
The seminar program covers a wide spectrum of Korean martial arts, from traditional to modern applied systems:
Hapkido
One of the most widespread Korean martial arts abroad. Hapkido is a comprehensive self-defense system that includes striking techniques with legs and hands, throws, pain compliance techniques, joint locks, and the use of traditional weapons. The philosophy of Hapkido is based on the principles of circular motion, “water fluidity,” and controlling the opponent’s energy. The system was systematized in the mid-20th century and gained international recognition due to its practical effectiveness.
Hosinsul
The term “Hosinsul” in Korean means “the art of self-defense.” In the context of the seminar, this direction likely represents an applied self-protection system based on realistic confrontation scenarios. Hosinsul includes defense techniques against various types of attacks, including grabs, chokeholds, armed attacks, as well as defense methods in confined spaces and against numerically superior opponents.
Taekkyon Moosol / Tukgong Moosol (ROK SF CQC)
This direction is particularly interesting as it combines two aspects. Taekkyon is an ancient Korean martial art recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2011. It is characterized by fluid, dance-like movements, low stances, and emphasis on footwork.
The designation “ROK SF CQC” (Republic of Korea Special Forces Close Quarters Combat) indicates a connection to the close combat system of the Republic of Korea’s Special Forces. This suggests an adaptation of traditional techniques for modern tactical applications, which provides a unique opportunity to study the evolution of traditional art in the context of modern military requirements.
Gongkwon Yusul (ROK MMA)
A relatively young system developed by Korean master Kang Jun in 1996. Gongkwon Yusul represents the Korean version of mixed martial arts, combining striking techniques, standing and ground grappling, submission holds, and chokes. The designation “ROK MMA” emphasizes that this is a Korean interpretation of the mixed martial arts concept, based on traditional Korean principles and philosophy.
The system includes a specific training methodology, belt system, and competitive component. Gongkwon Yusul is actively developing in Korea and is gradually gaining international recognition.
Presidential Security Service Program
One of the most intriguing elements of the seminar program is the participation of representatives from the Presidential Security Service of the Republic of Korea (Presidential Secret Service). This is an elite unit responsible for protecting the country’s president and high-ranking officials.
The participation of specialists from this service in the seminar provides a unique opportunity to become acquainted with techniques and methods used by professionals at the highest level. Typically, such systems include VIP protection methods, countermeasures against various threats, teamwork, as well as special tactical and technical elements not available to the general public.
Institutional Support
The event has received official support and sanction from ten organizations representing various martial arts directions in Korea and other countries. The official promotional materials display logos of federations and associations, indicating a high level of recognition and legitimacy of the seminar in the professional community.
Such broad institutional support guarantees participants that they will receive certificates and qualifications recognized by the international martial arts community. This is especially important for instructors interested in official recognition of their training.
Significance for the International Community
Holding such an event in Seoul has several important aspects:
Authenticity of Training. Studying Korean martial arts directly in their country of origin, under the guidance of Korean masters, ensures maximum authenticity in knowledge transmission. Participants gain access not only to technical elements but also to cultural context, philosophy, and traditions that cannot be fully conveyed outside of Korea.
Cultural Exchange. The seminar provides an opportunity for international cultural exchange and establishment of professional connections between masters and schools from different countries. Such contacts often lead to long-term cooperation, student exchanges, and joint projects.
Preservation of Traditions. Events of this scale contribute to the preservation and popularization of traditional martial arts in the modern world, where many classical systems risk being forgotten or distorted.
Professional Development. For instructors and masters from other countries, this is an opportunity to improve their qualifications, acquire new knowledge and teaching methods that they can apply in their schools.
Practical Information
Participation in the seminar requires pre-registration through the organizer’s official website: lifecraftasia.com/seoul2026. The promotional material also includes a QR code for quick access to the registration form.
Given the “Master Class” format and six-day duration, potential participants are advised to plan their trip in advance, including visa processing (if necessary), hotel booking, and flight tickets. April in Seoul features comfortable spring weather, making this time of year attractive for visits.
Participation costs, detailed class schedules, participant preparation level requirements, accommodation information, and other practical details are available on the event’s official website. It is recommended to contact the organizers directly for current information and clarification of all details.
Prospects
Hosting such a large-scale international seminar in Seoul underscores the growing interest in traditional Korean martial arts worldwide. While Taekwondo has long been an Olympic sport with global reach, other Korean systems such as Hapkido, Taekkyon, and Gongkwon Yusul are only beginning to receive deserved international recognition.
For martial arts practitioners from Asia, Europe, America, and other regions, this is a rare opportunity to receive comprehensive training in several Korean martial arts directions from the country’s leading masters. The six-day format allows not just familiarization with basics, but deep immersion in studying each system.
The event is also of interest from a cultural tourism perspective—participants will be able not only to undergo training but also to experience Korea’s rich culture and visit historical sites in Seoul and other cities in the country.
Contact Information:
Official Website: lifecraftasia.com/seoul2026
Organizer: Life Craft Asia
Host: MCEE (Martial Arts Cultural Exchange Education)
For current information about the program, participation costs, participant requirements, and registration conditions, it is recommended to contact the organizers directly through the event’s official website.
