1,500 jins clash in Smart inter-school

MANILA, Philippines - Around 1,500 athletes from 500 institutions nationwide slug it out in the Smart National Inter-School (kyorugi and poomsae) taekwondo championships this weekend at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

According to Organizing Committee chairman Sung Chon Hong, individual competition will be conducted separately among novice and advance players in six divisions, namely, seniors, juniors and grade school.

“This event gives upcoming and veteran jins the chance to test their skills and confidence,” said Hong.

Only blackbelt students will be allowed to join the individual, mixed pair and team events in poomsae.

Poomsae or forms is performed by following a systematic time of movement in a consecutive sequence against an imaginary opponent or multiple opponents. It consists of movements using the hands and feet and interconnected techniques like blocking, punching, striking, thrusting and kicking.

Constant training of poomsae helps improve flexibility and control in breathing, balance, power, eye focus and mental discipline.

Schools and universities affiliated with the Philippine Taekwondo Association like De La Salle University (Taft, Zobel, Lipa and Dasmarinas), College of Saint Benilde, UST, UP, Ateneo de Manila, FEU, UE, San Beda College (Alabang, Mendiola and Taytay), Letran, Don Bosco (Makati and Mandaluyong), St. Theresa’s College, Lourdes School of Mandaluyong and QC, OBMC, University of Batangas, Diliman Preparatory School, School of St. Anthony, St. Vincent School, UPIS and Rizal High have confirmed their participation.          

The two-day meet is sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission, Smart Communications, PLDT and Milo.

Martial arts enthusiasts, especially children interested in taekwondo, and sports fans are invited to watch the tourney starting at 9 a.m.