IT’S the turn of the country’s young taekwondo campaigners to take centerstage on Nov. 4-5 with the staging of the 2017 Smart/MVP Sports Foundation national age group (free sparring) and PLDT Home Ultera (poomsae) championships at the Rizal Memorial coliseum.
Around 1,200 contestants, including male and female aspirants as young as four-years-old, are expected to show their wares in the two-day nationwide event organized by the Philippine Taekwondo Association and sponsored by Meralco, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee and MILO.
The competition also supports the country’s as well as the PTA’s grassroots sports development program. The free sparring event features Novice and Advance players in three divisions — Juniors, Cadets and Gradeschool.
Poomsae action is open only to blackbelt students for the following events — individual, pair and team.
Poomsae or forms is performed by following a systematic time of movements in consecutive sequences against an imaginary opponent or multiple opponents. The participants use hands and feet and interconnected techniques like blocking, punching, striking, thrusting and kicking. Constant poomsae training helps improve flexibility and control in breathing, balance, power, eye focus and mental discipline.
Competition on both days will start at 9 a.m. but the opening ceremony will be held at 1 p..m. on Nov. 5.
Martial arts enthusiasts, especially children who are interested to learn the sport, and sports fans are invited to watch the competition.