Smart, PLDT Home Bro t’kwondo tourneys slated

MANILA, Philippines - Local taekwondo enthusiasts will be treated to a couple of exciting events in the country’s most popular martial arts sport when the Smart national inter-school (free sparring) and PLDT Home Bro (poomsae) championships are held Sept. 20-21 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Around 2,000 novice and advance male and female athletes are expected to vie for honors in the senior, junior, Cadet and grade school divisions.

Organizing committee chairman Sung Chon Hong says the twin events will give seasoned and aspiring athletes the chance to show their respective abilities in the sport where Filipinos have always produced medals in prestigious international competitions.

Among the schools which will participate are De La Salle University (Taft, Zobel, Lipa and Dasmariñas), College of Saint Benilde, University of the Philippines, University of Santo Tomas, Ateneo de Manila University, Far Eastern University, University of the East, San Beda College (Alabang, Mendiola and Taytay), Letran College, Don Bosco School (Makati and Mandaluyong), St. Theresa’s College, Lourdes School (Mandaluyong and Quezon City), OBMC, University of Batangas, Diliman Preparatory School, School of St. Anthony, St. Vincent School, UPIS and Rizal High School.

Poomsae, which means “forms,” is open only to blackbelt students, who will compete in individual, pair and team events.

It is performed by following a systematic time of movements using the hands and feet and interconnected techniques like blocking, punching, striking and kicking. Constant poomsae training will help improve flexibility and control in breathing, balance, power, eye focus and mental discipline.

The two-day competition is sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission, Smart Communications, MVP Sports Foundation, PLDT, Meralco, TV5 and Milo.

Martial arts enthusiasts and sports buffs, particularly children who are interested in the sport, are invited to watch the championships starting at 9 a.m.