Taekwondo Champion Impresses on Debut Appearance
Michezo Afrika - October 27 2013
Kerio Valley based Champion Taekwondo team made a maiden appearance at this year’s Chairman’s national Taekwondo tournament held at the Moi Sports Center Kasarani last weekend, shocking the experienced players with their skills and determination.
The senior men’s annual tournament was won by Nyanza based Taekwondo club who defeated the experienced Kenya Olympics team in the finals. Valentine Taekwondo club came in third.
In the women category, Kenya Olympic team scooped gold while KEMU A and KEMU B took the remaining two medals; Silver and Bronze respectively.
Under the training of black belt instructor from Korea, Master Euh, The Champion Taekwondo team reached the quarter finals of the tournament and though they did not win any medals, they left a powerful message as one of the emerging Kenyan Taekwondo teams for the future. This was the first time for the players to take part in any major tournament since starting their Taekwondo classes one year ago.
Champion Taekwondo center is located deep in the Kerio valley where a stateofart Taekwondo gymnasium, known as ‘the dojo’ has been set up with the support of Fluorspar mining company and Champion Taekwondo Toronto led by chief Master Instructor Victor Luke 7th degree Black Belt.
Speaking in Nairobi during the championships at Kasarani, Master Euh says they purpose to become the leading Taekwondo hub in the region as well as developing top quality athletes who will represent Kenya at the world events including Olympics. He said he was impressed with the attitude of his players terming their debut outing as a good learning experience.
“These players are very young to the sport and I must say I was encouraged by their fighting spirit. They remained disciplined, played to the rules and more importantly they have learned a lot from their first experience. We hope that they will continue getting more exposure from such tournaments.” He said.
In their three matches played, Champion Taekwondo defeated Nairobi 2050 in their first match before losing 4546 to the eventual winners from Nyanza.
“Before the fight, we were very nervous and not sure of what to expect but then we realized we are on the right track after winning our first match against some of the finest players in the sport. With most of us having converted from football just a few months ago, I can confidently say it is just a matter of time and we will soon take over.” Said Dan Oranga, a member of the Champion Taekwondo team.
The Kerio Valley Taekwondo School is the best equipped Taekwondo center in the region with modern equipment and a gymnasium that accommodates hundreds of students at once. It is built on strong traditional values with a modern way of teaching and creating a happy, healthy and respectful confident children.