Smart t'kwondo draws huge field

MANILA, Philippines -  Around 1,500 athletes from 500 schools nationwide are expected to vie for honors in the 2012 Smart National Inter-School (kyorugi and poomsae) taekwondo championships on Sept. 22-23 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

“This competition gives our young (novice and advance) jins the chance to demonstrate the techniques and styles they have learned so far in various categories,” said organizing committee chairman and Philippine Taekwondo Association vice president Sung Chon Hong.

The male and female participants in kyorugi (sparring) will see action in the senior, junior and grade school divisions.

In poomsae, which means forms, only blackbelt students are eligible to compete in the individual, mixed pair and team events.

Poomsae is performed by following a systematic time of movement in consecutive sequences against an imaginary opponent.  It consists of movements using the 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.

Among the participating schools are De La Salle University (Taft, Zobel, Lipa and Dasmarinas), College of St. Benilde, UP, UST, Ateneo de Manila University, FEU, UE, San Beda (Alabang, Mendiola and Taytay), Letran, Don Bosco (Makati and Mandaluyong), St. Theresa’s College, Lourdes School (Mandaluyong and Quezon City), OBMC, University of Batangas, Diliman Preparatory School, St. Anthony, St. Vincent, UPIS and Rizal High.

The tournament is sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission, Smart Communications, PLDT and Milo.

Martial arts enthusiasts and sports fans, especially children who are interested to learn the sport, are invited to watch the event starting at 9 a.m.