SMART, MVP Sports Foundation back inter-school taekwondo

MANILA, Philippines - Two vital national inter-school taekwondo championships – free sparring supported by the SMART/MVP Sports Foundation and poomsae (forms) backed by PLDT Home Ultera set Sept. 19-20 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Around 1,000 taekwondo practitioners are expected to compete for schools affiliated with the Philippine Taekwondo Association, according to Organizing Committee chairman Sung Chon Hong.

Among these schools are Dela Salle University-Taft, Zobel, Lipa and Dasmariñas, College of St. Benilde, University of the Philippines, San Beda College-Alabang, Mendiola and Taytay, Letran College, Don Bosco School of Makati and Mandaluyong, Diliman Preparatory School, University of Santo Tomas, University of the East, Arellano University, University of Baguio, University of Batangas and School of St. Anthony.

The competition will be categorized into Novice and Advance players with eight divisions under each category – senior, junior, cadet and gradeschool for male and female.

It includes poomsae (forms) which is open only to blackbelt students competing in the individual, pair and team events.

Poomsae is performed by following a systematic time of movement in a consecutive sequence against an imaginary opponent or multiple rivals.  It consists of movements using 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.

The two-day event, sponsored by PLDT, Meralco, Philippine Sports Commission and Milo, starts at 9 a.m.  Martial arts enthusiasts, especially children interested to learn the sport, are invited to watch.