Hundreds of martial artists from around the world are expected to gather in Canandaigua on Saturday for the 2026 Great Lakes Tournament at Finger Lakes Community College.
The biennial event, featuring Kuk Sool Won competitors from across the United States and Europe, is scheduled for Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Organizers say the tournament will showcase martial artists ranging from beginner-level children to experienced Korean masters competing and performing throughout the day across multiple competition rings.
The event will feature forms competitions, sparring matches, board breaking, self-defense demonstrations, and traditional martial arts weapons performances. The tournament will conclude with a demonstration by martial arts masters.
Kuk Sool Won forms combine dance-like movements, kicks, hand strikes, and athletic techniques rooted in traditional Korean martial arts.
Weapons demonstrations will include swords, staffs, spears, canes, rope weapons, and fans.
Participants are expected from schools in the Netherlands and multiple states, including Florida, Texas, South Carolina, Iowa, Missouri, Maryland, Michigan, and Ohio. Local host schools include Kuk Sool Won of Williamson, Kuk Sool Won of Ontario, and Kuk Sool Won of Wolcott.
The Williamson school was founded by ninth-degree black belt Gary Evarts. The Ontario school is owned by fifth-degree black belt Jason Lee, while the Wolcott school is owned by sixth-degree black belt Denise Neacosia.
Kuk Sool Won was founded in South Korea in 1958 by grandmaster In Hyuk Suh and incorporates a wide range of traditional Korean fighting arts, emphasizing joint locks, pressure points, and both hard and soft fighting techniques.
Admission to the tournament is $10 for adults and $5 for spectators. Children younger than 5 will be admitted free. Food vendors will also be on-site throughout the event.
