Inter-school taekwondo tourney lures 1,500 jins

AROUND 1,500 athletes will vie for honors in the 2017 SMART/MVP Sports Foundation National Inter-School Taekwondo Championships scheduled on Sept. 30-Oct. 1 at the Rizal Memorial coliseum.

Representing schools and universities affiliated with the Philippine Taekwondo Association, the male and female participants in kyorugi (sparring) will be categorized into novice and advance groups in seniors, juniors, cadet and grade school division.  Poomsae competition among colored and blackbelt students will also be conducted in individual, pair and team events.

Poomsae or forms is performed by following a systematic time of movement in consecutive sequences against an imaginary opponent or multiple rivals.  The movements use hands and feet and interconnected techniques like blocking, punching, thrusting and kicking.  Constant poomsae training helps improve flexibility and control in breathing, balance, power, eye focus and mental discipline.

Among the schools and universities that will vie in the two-day tournament are Ateneo de Manila, University of Santo Tomas, St. Paul (Pasig), Diliman Preparatory School, Mary Hill School, Emilio Aguinaldo College, Montessori Integrated School, De La Salle University, University of the East, National University, Philippine Science High School, School of Holy Spirit, University of the Philippines Diliman, De La Salle University Araneta, Pamantasang Lungsod ng Valenzuela and schools from the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

Competition in the event supported by Smart Communications Inc., Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, PLDT and Milo will start at 9 a.m. on both days.

Martial arts enthusiasts and sports aficionados, especially children who are interested to learn the sport, are invited to watch the tournament.