By Ogar Monday
The Nigeria International Kukkiwon Taekwondo Master Course and Hanmadang Referee course to train instructors in Taekwondo has been held in Calabar, the Cross River State Capital.
Speaking through an interpreter at the opening ceremony, President, World Taekwondo Academy Prof. Kim Hyung Sung said he was grateful and indeed elated that the Hanmadang Referee course was being held in Africa and Nigeria in particular.
He stated that among other things, the course will help broaden the knowledge of participants and upgrade their approach to the sport.
Speaking with CrossRiverWatch at the sideline of the ceremony, a Briton, Grandmaster Satwinder Vohra said that the course was important because “those who are successful would be able to teach Taekwondo in any part of the world.
He advised parents to allow their children to take part in the sport as it teaches among other things self restraint, endurance, patience and the love of peace.
Also speaking, a Barcelona ‘92 Taekwondo Olympic Silver Medallist, Emmanuel Oghenejobo said that he was elated that such an opportunity for training is now available in Africa and Nigeria in particular, saying that before now anyone who needed to go for the training had to travel to South-Korea.
On the benefits of doing the sport, he said” I would have been a street kid if not for Taekwondo. It strengthens not just the mind but also the body, as most persons who are into the sport look a lot younger than they actually are.”
Earlier speaking, the Chairman, Cross River State Taekwondo Association, Master Joseph Ekpeyong emphasized the need for Cross Riverians to explore the benefits inherent in the sport, as he sees it as one of the quickest means of ending violence anywhere.
“Taekwondo doesn’t teach violence, it in fact humbles you and make you have respect and regards for people. If you were a violent person and you come into the sport, you will be calm and with time shed away all those bad characters you had.”
The international master course standardizes Taekwondo training around the world and enables certificate holders to start a Taekwondo school anywhere in the world.
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