Start Strong. Stay Strong. Finish Strong.
LIFE IS filled with challenges. Irrespective of age, gender or any other personal attributes, people will always encounter them in one form or another. Most challenges are characterized by stress, and uncertainty with some being harder to cope with than others. If properly managed, they can actually yield positive outcomes.
However, there are several instances when persons miss out on golden opportunities because they couldn’t persevere beyond the initial phase of a challenge which was shrouded in difficulties.
Clearly, in order to prevail in times of adversity, people need to have the mental fortitude to stay on target, focus on solutions and execute them. They need to be in control of their thoughts, actions, emotions and even their environment. The latter is best managed by maintaining a level of preparedness for any eventuality. That being said, the right skills to navigate through life’s challenges can be acquired through martial arts training.
HONES PHYSICAL & SOCIAL SKILLS
Taekwondo is one of the most popular forms of martial arts worldwide and uses several codified systems and traditions of combat. In sports, it is just another combat sport, however, a functional knowledge of taekwondo has several benefits. It cultivates patience and resilience. It enhances the development of physical and mental stamina which are valuable assets when applying for jobs in the military and law enforcement. It promotes self-awareness and most importantly, is a practical form of self-defense.
Many people question the usefulness of taekwondo in situations of real danger. But they need to realize that a training activity is different from executing the skills in real life. During training various patterns which are actually sequences of movements against an imaginary opponent are practised. Initially, the process appears slow, methodical and even harmless. However, over time the frequency and rhythm are accelerated. The patterns are strengthened and perfected. Finally, each fully-mastered pattern becomes a more natural and instinctive action. Therefore, in a real fight, the movements flow speedily from one form to the next; or as double-gold medalist, Dr. Janelle Smith posits, “in a moment of threat, the movement becomes a reflex action so you act without even thinking about it.” Smith represented Jamaica in the International Martial Arts Festival Championship in Florida in October. She started taekwondo two years ago and continues to make time in her hectic schedule to balance training with her medical career.
PROMOTES SELF-REGULATION
Master Trevor Webb (7th Dan), founder and president of the Jamaica Taekwondo Academy/ Federation (JTAF), expressed concern for the growing level of violence and indiscipline in secondary schools. To curtail it, he indicated that the federation is seeking the ministry’s approval to embark on an island-wide campaign to enlist schools for taekwondo as a part of their physical education curriculum or an extra-curricular activity.
He insisted that it would play an integral role in instilling a greater level of self-discipline among students, adding that “taekwondo is not just about kicking and punching. It enhances motor and coordination skills; physical fitness as a whole. It promotes self-control and has been proven to improve attention span.” He said some administrators have already introduced taekwondo in their schools with a few principals commending the positive impact it has had on students’ behaviour. Taekwondo at this level includes training in combat sport and self-defense.
BUILDS GRIT & DETERMINATION
Annual tournaments provide opportunities for competitors to assess their taekwondo skills in an unfamiliar environment and broaden their comfort zones. As such, the main focus is not about winning or losing but pushing one’s limits, confronting fears, building confidence and learning from failure.
Earlier this year, the JTAF hosted its 11th annual Open Martial Arts Championship at the Calabar High School Auditorium. Over 200 competitors tested their skillset in patterns, sparring, high school team sparring and power-breaking. Among the contenders were: 14-year-old Martina ‘Angel’ James of Donald Quarrie High School, who won gold and silver for patterns and sparring, respectively; increasing her overall medal tally to 12 (four gold and eight silver). She has been training since 2015 and holds an advance belt. When asked why she started taekwondo at such an early age, she said she used to be bullied at school every single day.
Ascot High won the title for high school team sparring after withstanding a valiant challenge from opponents, Calabar. The winners had to be decided in a golden point round. Both team captains, Jordon Scott (Ascot) and Tavere Webb took on the final challenge of trying to clinch victory for their school. The extra round provided valuable insight into the indomitable spirit of the two black belt holders and by extension, into the attitudes people should adopt when maneuvering life’s challenges. Ascot prevailed.
In October, Scott won the title for individual sparring in the Florida tournament. His team is coached by Sensei Raymond Clarke. In February, Webb won the Under-15 title for the Jamaica Combined Martial Arts Team fight off. Ahead of the championship, his sibling spurred him on in confidence saying, “Push it like a soldier.” Calabar is coached by Master Webb.
Jhevar Johnson of the First Jamaica Zen-do Karate Organisation outmatched his rivals in the power-breaking event. In a calm display of true grit and determination, he forcefully thrust his fists through the thickest stack of boards to send them clattering to the floor.
Male and female grand champions for the 2023 Open Martial Arts Championship were Akino Lindsay and Sharissa Sterling respectively. Lindsay holds a black belt in taekwondo and trains at the JTAF, while Sterling of the Rising Sun Karate Academy has a black belt in karate.
STIMULATES REFLECTIVE PRACTICE
Despite his optimism that more administrators will buy into the benefits of taekwondo in schools, Master Webb expressed disappointment at the lack of recognition meted out to taekwondo competitors who travel abroad to represent Jamaica; even when they win. Contrasting it to the recognition given to track athletes and footballers, the pioneer instructor said he hoped the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport would put measures in place to ensure that all athletes who represent the nation are made to feel an equal sense of national pride and patriotism upon their return.
Webb’s opinions were endorsed by martial arts trainer Sensei Clarke, who added that every year since 2018, barring the COVID-19 era, his team travelled to Florida to represent Jamaica but had to use their own funds to purchase the Jamaican jackets as there was no support from the government. Clearly, this concern needs to be addressed.
No-one can deny the myriad of benefits that can be derived from training in martial arts. A quick glance at the recent championship underscores that taekwondo not only prepares individuals to be competitive in the field of sports but also prepares them to be resolute in the challenging field of life.
When asked how he motivated his students whenever they entered a championship, Master Webb said “Start strong. Stay strong. Finish strong!”