PLDT poomsae tourney draws big field

MANILA, Philippines - Around 1,500 athletes are expected to see action in the 2014 PLDT Home Bro National Taekwondo Poomsae Championships on July 19-20 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The entries will represent regions like ARMM, CAR, CARAGA and NCR as well as various teams including Powerflex, Ateneo, San Sebastian College, UP, San Beda College, De La Salle Zobel, DLSU, More Than Medals, Korean Taekwondo Committee (KTC) Team Baguio, Pangasinan, Cebu, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, UTA-Tigers, PNP and AFP.

Competition will be conducted in four events – individual colored belts and Blackbelts, free style and synchronized poomsae.

The age classifications are eight years to 11 for children, 12 to 14 for Cadet, 15 to 17 for Juniors and 18 years and above for Seniors.

Poomsae (forms) is a non-contact event which shows attack and defense techniques against imaginary opponents.  It is a way of understanding and practicing every aspect of martial art, basic technique, breathing control, balance, coordination and concentration.

The mind and body can work together in striving for perfection of technique.  Experts say taekwondo is meaningless without poomsae.

The Philippines has earned gold, silver and bronze in various poomsae international championships.

The two-day tournament is sponsored by SMART Communications Inc., MVP Sports Foundation, PLDT, TV5, Meralco, MILO and Philippine Sports Commission.