The U.S. Open Taekwondo Hanmadang, viewed as one of the largest and most prestigious Taekwondo events in the world, will take place at Ed Robson Arena on the campus of Colorado College on July 28-29, 2023.
 
The Korean word "Hanmadang" is translated to "Festival".  This tournament allows young children, adults, and families to compete on an international stage.  Athletes range in age from 4-90 with an anticipated range of 1,100-1,500 athletes from across the world.  There are typically between 30-35 states represented as well as athletes and referees from around the world.

Events will begin on Friday, July 28, with the Opening Ceremonies from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m., and a performance by the Shinhan University Korean Demonstration Team. Final competitions and events will wrap up on Saturday, July 29.
 
Grandmaster Sang Lee is the founder of U.S. Taekwondo Center, established in 1986 in Colorado Springs, Colo.  He was the first U.S. Olympic Head Coach for Taekwondo for Team USA at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games. In 1992, Grandmaster Lee created the U.S. Open Taekwondo Hanmadang held at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.  At the time, it was the first Open Taekwondo Championships in the world.
 
"We are honored to bring this tournament to the Colorado College campus in downtown Colorado Springs," said Master Jay Lee, President and CEO of the U.S. Taekwondo Center. "Colorado College has a world-class reputation for innovation and education and we are excited to use their state-of-the-art arena which will provide our athletes and families an incredible experience."
 
Ed Robson Arena, part of the City for Champions initiative with the City of Colorado Springs and the home of the Colorado College Tiger hockey team, is also preparing to host the 2023 USA Weightlifting National Championships and 2023 World Jump Rope Championships next summer.
 
"We are thrilled to host such a prestigious event in Robson Arena next summer," says Lesley Irvine, Vice President and Director of Athletics at Colorado College. "We know the venue will provide an incredible platform for the tournament and also provides significant exposure to the college and city. These types of partnerships point to the power and impact of the arena and it's wonderful to see that come to life."
 
Organizers for the U.S. Open Taekwondo Hanmadang intend on inviting several university teams from around the world to have an exchange cultural and Taekwondo training program the week of the competition.

 
About Taekwondo
Taekwondo is one of the only martial arts that is a full Olympic sport.  There will be a new concept of sparring using electronic safety gear at the U.S. Open Taekwondo Hanmadang.  Taekwondo practitioners participate to improve health, learn self-defense, and improve character aspects such as respect, self-discipline, and confidence.