On November 19th and 20th, the Italian Branch of the WHRDA held the first Italian HRD Sulsa Championship in a forest area near Genoa (northern part of Italy).  It is very cold during this time of the year and the temperature can reach about 3º Celsius to minus 0º Celsius (freezing point).  The championship was a grueling 24 hours with no sleep.  The participants had to overcome a very physically demanding obstacle course with ropes, trees, river, rocks, mud, etc.  After that, they had to find food for the night, which was hidden throughout the woods and can only be found by solving certain clues and keen observational skills.  Then, they had to build camp, setup fire with wet wood, and endure the entire night without sleeping.  During the cold, wet night, they had to perform ambushes in the dark and fight for their freedom. 

When the sun came up in the icy cold morning, the group continued their competition in archery and weapon throwing (knife, axe, blowgun, and spear).  The event was officially sponsored by the "ASD Genovese Arcieri" (Bowman Association of Genoa).  There were a lot of positive and strong emotions shown by all the contestants, but there would be only one winner for the year.

The 2005 Sulsa Championships winner is FEDERICA VALENTI!  This year, a woman was able to win, because it is not a matter of physical strength, but the strength of ones determination and Hwarang Spirit.  Congratulations Federica!  You are a true Champion.

Who will be the champion of the 2006?

With the permission of Chief Master Taejoon Lee and Supreme Grand Master thisChampionship will be opened to every HRD/TSD students in the world: Come see what you’re made of!