By Lorie A. Cascaro
The International Taekwon-do Federation (ITF) Taekwon-do Philippines will hold its 8th national championship for the first time in Davao City on May 20 at the NCCC Mall activity center, Matina.
Some 100 players are expected to join the competition with delegates from Metro Manila, the cities of Antipolo, Davao, Cebu and Tagum, and one from Vietnam.
Bu Sabum Nim Reynaldo “Ryan” Cordero Jr., head instructor of ITF Taekwon-do Davao, said the championships will have kids, teens, and adults divisions for colored and black belts.
Patterns competition will be held in the morning while sparring and championships will be in the afternoon.
Two teams will join from Davao City under instructors Cordero of the Bagani ITF and Bu Sabum Nim Roberto “Bobby” Sapar of the Kampilan ITF.
A first degree black belt, Cordero bagged the champion award during the 6th national championships in Manila.
Cordero said Davao teams are positive in winning the upcoming championships as they had prepared enough for the competition.
They trained for two and a half months, starting March until last week, including cardiovascular, conditioning, hardening, flexibility and mental conditioning, said Richard Paul Sapar, red belt of Bagani ITF.
Presence of mind is important to win and avoid injuries during the competition, said Cordero, adding that one also needs listen to the coach while playing.
All participants will attend a seminar on May 19 with ITF Asian consultant Mariusz Steckiewicz, a sixth degree black belt from Poland.
The ITF is founded by General Choi Hong Hi on March 22, 1966 in Korea.
Ten years ago, the ITF Philippines in Manila received its international certificate.
Sabum Nim Jose Antonio “Jun” Sta. Ana, president of the national governing body, established its Davao chapter on February 8, 2010.
Cordero said the martial arts community in Davao has gradually accepted ITF taekwon-do, as its membership expands and it produced three first degree black belts with Cordero (soon to be raised to second degree), Bobby Sapar and Alphard Salatandre of the Maniklad ITF from Tagum City.
The Bagani ITF has three branches with Davao Christian Learning Center, Royeca Studio and Dover Lanes.
Cordero acknowledged the significant contributions of fellow taekwon-do martial artists Lyra Cordero, Margyle Denis Leparto, Richard Paul Sapar and Junno Hiramis to the club’s impending success and expansion.
