Big cast vies in national youth taekwondo

MANILA, Philippines - Around 1,500 taekwondo practitioners are expected to see action in the 2015 Meralco/MVP National Age Group (free sparring) and PLDT Home ULTERA (poomsae) championships on December 5-6 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

According to Organizing Committee Chairman Sung Chon Hong, the eveCLOSEnt highlights the progress of the sport here with entries coming from all over the country and also gives young campaigners, some only four years old, the chance to showcase their talents.

“The participation of youngsters has enabled our organization (PTA) to support the country’s grassroots program,” says Hong.

Entries in the free sparring competition will be categorized into novice and advance with three divisions under each category – juniors, cadet and gradeschool (male and female).

Poomsae is open only to blackbelt students in the following events – individual, pair and team.

In poomsae, also known as forms, a participant follows a systematic time of movement in consecutive sequence against an imaginary opponent or multiple opponents. The movements use hands and feet and interconnected techniques like blocking, punching, striking, thrusting and kicking. Constant training of poomsae will help improve flexibility and control in breathing, balance, power, eye focus and mental discipline.

Martial art and sports enthusiasts are invited to watch the tournament, especially children who are interested to learn the sport. Competition starts at 9 a.m. on both days.