Taekwondo jins from Mark V. Pinggol (MVP) Iloilo Taekwondo Gym and Zarraga Taekwondo Dojang are gearing up for the 2020 Smart/MVP Online National Taekwondo Speed Kicking Championships, July 11-12.
Trained by coach Denmark Pinggol, MVP Iloilo is fielding 17 jins in the first ever national online tournament. The competition is organized and headed by Grand Master Hong and the Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA).
“The purpose why whe joined in this tournament is of course we wanted to support PTA activities that has been helping us also since the lockdown was implemented. For me whatever results we have in this event, it really doesn’t matter. We coaches and together with the MVP jins just wanted to be active and productive in this time of crisis. During our preparation it’s quite easy at this time compared to our previous event since we already adapt PTA Online system and integrate it with our Taekwondo Training Programs. In fact, we have a 13 total number of new students as of June,” explained Pinggol.
The tournament features Novice 1 wherein competing jins will have a time limit of 30 seconds while Novice 2 jins can last up to 1 minute before advancing to the next round. Both Novice 1 and 2 will have the freedom to choose their category, namely: free kicking and kick pad kicking.
Bannering the Iloilo City-based team are Julianna Martha Uy, Cyd Edryc Esmaña, Andria Margaret Palabrica, Adrian Joseph Gajasan III, Eujean Ivanka Castete, Sirch Einreb Damaolao, Eduardo Adenic III, Akimeh Demavivas, Niña Pearl Acosta, Chrystelle Eine Siangco, Charee Marie Florence Genecela, Cecil Angeli Rentoy, Phil Caleb Regalado, Sophia Grace Go, Samantha Grace Go, Maria Beatriz Santos, and Quinn Jimenez.
For Jimenez, weeks before the competition, he conditions his body by performing more work outs, doubling his training, eating healthy foods, and sleeping early.
“Basically taking extra care of my body. I’m mostly excited to be competing again in the national level and playing against other taekwondo players. Hours before the competition, I usually review my strategies and condition my body. I really want to perform well and do my best. Taekwondo is my passion,” he shared.
Meanwhile, the Zarraga Taekwondo Dojang based at Sacred Heart Academy Inc. Zarraga town will be represented by four powerhouse jins – Mary Noelle Alim, Keira Christine Pradas, January Grizzel Alim, and Prinz Khyzyl Eufan.
According to coach Angelo Osayda, the training is hard since they have limited resources and most of the clubs are training online.
“Nag try man kmi online pero hindi kami masyado compatible sa online training bangud sa pigado ang internet connection sa province. Because of the passion sa sports, muna nag decide ako nga mag in-house 1on1 training sa balay sang students ko nag start ako sang nag MGCQ na kita. Nag stop ang amun training last March pa. In fact, one of my players is preparing for WVRAA Meet 2020, pero na cancel. Makapoy ang system sang gin pili ko ang 1on1. Gin sunod gid namun ang health protocol. I bring alcohol, I wear face mask and face shield during training and observed social distancing. Gin pili ko lang ang students ko ang lapit lang sa akon kay ga motor lng ko. Regarding sa pag prepare sang mga videos nga inug submit, wala man ko nabudlayan. May mga gamit man ko kag anad naman ko nga ako tanan ga ubra sang need sang team,” he added. IMT
