My name is Krissi and I'm a 4th degree Black Belt candidate in Tang Soo Do, a Koreal martial art which I practice and study under the World Tang Soo Do Association. This fundraiser is to sponsor my dream research project in my martial art.

Why a research project?

In a number of traditional martial arts, such as Tang Soo Do, it is common practice to require a written thesis as one of the criteria to obtain the next black belt grade. Part of the test is more than demonstrating your physical capabilities and that you hold good theoretical knowledge. It is to show that you are willing to go the extra mile to showcase a deeper understanding of a topic of your choice that is related to the martial art. As part of the grading towards a 4th Dan Black Belt in Tang Soo Do, the candidate must write a thesis of 20.000 words on a topic that is additionally reviewed and approved by the Grangmaster of the Association. It is a form of ensuring that the candidate is skilled and capable of becoming more than a practitioner... someone who can pass on knowledge... and discovering your personal potential and passion. Similar to when you would go to the university and you gradually start leaning towards the discipline which you will become the expert on in your professional career.

"Spirits of Motion"

Ever since I was introduced to the traditional weapons that are practiced in Tang Soo Do, I fell in love with the sword. And I patiently worked my way up to this moment, to be selected as a candidate to execute my dream project. I've never been more interested in history than now. Tang Soo Do simply sparked that interest in me and I am letting that inner flame turn into a big fire. The sword is a mesmerizing weapon of defence, although also known for how dangerous it can be. My dream has been to trace down its history and how such an elegant weapon is made.

The process

To write my thesis, I will be doing field research in S. Korea. In February 2026 I will be visiting Korea to collect more information especially by means of interviews. Two team members are joining this trip, who will support me as General Assistant and as Filmographer. As I will be visiting significant locations, and interviewing key stakeholders, my team will support me in professionally recording the material, for what is to become phase two of my project: a documentary. Ultimately, I dream to showcase this project within my Association and possibly beyond, in an attempt to preserve and spread knowledge of my martial art Tang Soo Do, the Korean Sword, and Korean History.

The funds / Your impact

I am sincerely looking for funds to help me achieve this dream, and be able to cover the costs for my team and the project execution. There will be complete transparency on the financial side, as I aim to honestly showcase why this is such an expensive trip, as well as to help other future martial arts prodigies with their fundraisers should they choose a similar passionate path as mine. I am specifically looking to cover the following costs:

Target due date: 10 February 2026

Any and all contribution will be deeply appreciated.

In case we don't reach the set target, all the donations to that point, will only go towards my team.

If we go above and beyond the goal, the remaining donations will go to a humanitarian cause.

Bismillah! God bless!