BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – RAISING the profile of taekwondo and the many talented youths who participate in it is a top priority set out by the St. Christopher and Nevis Taekwondo Federation (SCNTF) for 2010.
“What we do is a form of taekwondo called the Kukkiwon style, that’s the Olympic-style taekwondo. This is something that’s not really new in St. Kitts. The World Taekwondo Federation has certified us since 1998.
“However, the sport is kind of new in the sense that we are now trying to market it more efficiently and aggressively,” SCNTF Public Relations Officer Gregg Herbert said in an interview with SKNVibes.
Strides made by the SCNTF in recent years include improving enrollment among the nation’s youths, hosting local competitions and sending young athletes overseas to places like Aruba.
Most recently, Raheem Berry, 15, Kachiana Robin, 14, and Kadisha Glasgow, 10, each earned two medals at a tournament in Puerto Rico against youths from Puerto Rico, the United States, Barbados, Columbia, Mexico, Martinique, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic and Aruba.
Herbert stated that the groundwork laid in Puerto Rico would be continued throughout 2010 and the public can expect an increase in both local and overseas competitions.
“We had board breaking last year. After that we had forms and at the end of the year we had sparring. That was the first ever of its kind in the Federation. This year we are going to double that and have at least six local competitions.
“This year we are also going to try to enter at least three or four regional competitions. Puerto Rico was just a start,” the PRO stated.
Plans of the association also include helping the public to better understand the sport and the many benefits enrollment can have for persons of any age.
“A lot of people in St. Kitts are struggling with being overweight. The fitness benefits of taekwondo are off the scale. You come to the class, and I’ll be honest, sometimes you have to warm-up just for the warm-up. It is really tough on you, but it is really rewarding,” Herbert said.
For young persons, the PRO noted that many parents have seen an increase in the level of discipline and focus in their children since enrolling. He attributed this to the unique skill sets that are available through taekwondo.
“Some kids just don’t function well in a team. Taekwondo is like a team setting with a solo atmosphere. You don’t have to depend on someone like you do in football or other sports. In taekwondo, a kid learns to deal with a situation himself. When you go to a competition and you get on the mat, it’s just you.
“Your brain functions also become quicker. I experienced this in my own work. Because of the footwork involved and all of the things you have to process at one time, you learn to become quicker on the job. If you’re in school, it helps with that.”
Though some may perceive taekwondo as a violent sport, Herbert said that the Olympic-style practiced in St. Kitts is very safe and uses protective padding for sparring. Additionally, he said that athletes are trained in conflict management and how to avoid fighting first and foremost.
Ultimately, Herbert said that he hopes the SCNTF can lay the foundation this year so the nation’s athletes can be prepared for top regional and international championships such as the Central American and Caribbean Games, the Youth Olympic Games and the Pan-American Taekwondo Championships.
