mun Jun-seo Dominates National Judo tournament with All-Ippon Victories
Rising judo star Mun Jun-seo, guided by Coach Kim Ju-yu, achieves a resounding victory in the 90kg division at the 2025 chairman’s Cup National Judo Championships.
BOREONG, South Korea—Mun Jun-seo of Gwacheon Middle School showcased his dominance in the 90kg division at the 2025 Chairman’s Cup National Judo Championships, securing the gold medal with all his wins achieved by ippon. The tournament was held at the extensive sports complex in Boryeong, south Chungcheong Province.
unstoppable Performance Leads to Championship Title
The final match saw Mun executing a flawless thigh throw (harai goshi) to defeat Kim Jae-hoo from Boseong Middle School in Seoul. This victory marks Mun’s first title of the season and solidifies his reputation as a formidable force in his weight class, building on his six national titles won last year as a second-year student.
Dominating Path to the Finals
Mun’s path to the finals was marked by a series of decisive victories. He began his tournament run in the round of 32 with a shoulder throw (seoi nage) ippon against Lee Yu-jun from Wondang Middle School in Dangjin. He continued his winning streak in the round of 16 with a hold-down (osaekomi) ippon against park Jong-bin from Dogae Middle School. In the quarterfinals, Mun secured a win against Kim Seong-hyeon from Nonsan middle School in South Chungcheong province with a choke (shime-waza) ippon. Before the final,he defeated Lee Won-jun from Okcheon Middle School in North Chungcheong Province with a combination of a shoulder throw half-point (waza-ari) followed by a hold-down half-point,resulting in an ippon.
Other Notable Victories
In other matches, Park Hyun-woo from Gyeongmin Middle School in Uijeongbu clinched the gold in the 60kg division, overcoming yoo Ju-hyun (from shinhyun Middle School) in a close final after defeating Kim Min-joon (Shinhyun Middle School) in the semi-finals with a foot sweep (harai tsuri komi ashi) ippon.
In the 66kg division, Jung Ui-sung (Shinhyun middle School) defeated another Mun Jun-seo (Boseong Middle School) with a half-point from a heel hook (ashi guruma). Kim Ye-bin (Shinhyun Girls’ Middle School) won the gold in the 52kg division in the girls’ division, defeating Park Sun-jeong (Gwangju Sports Middle School) by penalty.
In the high school division,Hong Da-in and Lee Chae-min (both from Incheon Sports High School) won the gold medal in the women’s 63kg and 78kg divisions respectively.
**What specific Judo techniques did Mun Jun-seo use to achieve his ippon victories, and how do these techniques demonstrate his skill and mastery of the sport?** (This question encourages analysis of specific Judo techniques and their application)
mun Jun-seo Dominates National Judo tournament with All-Ippon Victories
Rising judo star Mun Jun-seo, guided by coach Kim Ju-yu, achieves a resounding victory in the 90kg division at the 2025 chairman’s Cup National Judo Championships.
BOREONG, South Korea—Mun Jun-seo of Gwacheon Middle School showcased his dominance in the 90kg division at the 2025 Chairman’s Cup National Judo Championships, securing the gold medal with all his wins achieved by ippon. The tournament was held at the extensive sports complex in Boryeong, south Chungcheong Province.
unstoppable Performance Leads to Championship Title
The final match saw Mun executing a flawless thigh throw (harai goshi) to defeat Kim Jae-hoo from Boseong Middle School in Seoul. This victory marks Mun’s first title of the season and solidifies his reputation as a formidable force in his weight class, building on his six national titles won last year as a second-year student.
Dominating Path to the Finals
Mun’s path to the finals was marked by a series of decisive victories. He began his tournament run in the round of 32 with a shoulder throw (seoi nage) ippon against Lee Yu-jun from Wondang Middle School in Dangjin. he continued his winning streak in the round of 16 with a hold-down (osaekomi) ippon against park Jong-bin from Dogae Middle School. In the quarterfinals, Mun secured a win against Kim Seong-hyeon from Nonsan middle School in South Chungcheong province with a choke (shime-waza) ippon. Before the final,he defeated Lee Won-jun from Okcheon Middle School in North Chungcheong Province with a combination of a shoulder throw half-point (waza-ari) followed by a hold-down half-point,resulting in an ippon.
Other Notable Victories
In other matches, park Hyun-woo from Gyeongmin Middle School in Uijeongbu clinched the gold in the 60kg division, overcoming yoo Ju-hyun (from shinhyun Middle School) in a close final after defeating Kim Min-joon (Shinhyun Middle School) in the semi-finals with a foot sweep (harai tsuri komi ashi) ippon.
In the 66kg division, Jung Ui-sung (Shinhyun middle School) defeated another Mun Jun-seo (Boseong Middle School) with a half-point from a heel hook (ashi guruma). Kim Ye-bin (Shinhyun Girls’ Middle School) won the gold in the 52kg division in the girls’ division, defeating Park Sun-jeong (Gwangju Sports Middle School) by penalty.
In the high school division,Hong Da-in and Lee Chae-min (both from Incheon Sports High School) won the gold medal in the women’s 63kg and 78kg divisions respectively.
Mun jun-seo’s Judo Triumph: Q&A
Q: what is an “ippon” in Judo?
A: An ippon is the ultimate Judo victory! It’s awarded when a competitor throws their opponent with considerable force, resulting in a direct fall onto their back, or when a pin is held for 20 seconds, or by submission. Mun Jun-seo achieved all his wins this way!
Q: What is harai Goshi?
A: Harai Goshi is a dynamic hip throw. The attacker sweeps their leg against the opponent’s leg, using their hip to lift and throw the opponent over and onto their back. It’s a powerful technique, as demonstrated by Mun in the final match.
Q: What does “waza-ari” mean and how does it lead to ippon?
A: Waza-ari is a half-point in Judo, awarded for a throw that’s not quite an ippon. Two waza-ari scores equal an ippon, securing an immediate victory. Mun Jun-seo utilized this strategy in the semi-final.
Q: Who is Coach Kim Ju-yu?
A: Coach Kim Ju-yu is Mun Jun-seo’s guiding mentor. The article highlights the importance of a coach’s role.
Q: Besides Mun Jun-seo, who else won gold at the tournament?
A: Park Hyun-woo (60kg), Jung Ui-sung (66kg), kim Ye-bin (52kg, girls’ division), Hong Da-in (women’s 63kg) and Lee Chae-min (women’s 78kg) each secured gold medals in their respective divisions.
Mun Jun-seo’s ippon victories showcase the power of skill and dedication.Consider exploring Judo for yourself — who knows, maybe you’ll be the next rising star!
