The people’s CHAMP
The mere mention of the word: “Taekwondo” here in our country already automatically brings to the fore images of Korean swashbuckling martial artists knocking each other out tooth and nail. It also brings memories of legendary onscreen jins, such as: Monsour del Rosario and Vincent Soberano. And for the “now” generation, the name “Japoy Lizardo” most often than not rings a bell.
I want a ride that’s reliable and has the heft to tackle the floods in the metro
John Paul Lizardo or “Japoy” as most of us know him has had an incredible journey in the world of martial arts —I should know since I was with him as part of the junior team representing the country in Korean and US Opens back in the day.
As young as 12-years -old, he was already demolishing his opponents right and left — even hauling gold medals from various competitions in the world stage. Right there then, we knew he was going to be special.
True enough, other than being the face of a known energy drink, he eventually became the poster boy for Philippine Taekwondo, hailing him the “Flying Prince of Kicks” and inspiring many of the youth of this generation to take up the martial art sport.
As a friend up to this day, Japoy and I would regularly greet each other on Facebook and other social media platforms. And since the current virus crisis wreaked havoc to our normal way of living and took a toll on mostly everyone’s mental condition, I thought it would be best to hear from someone who has been idolized by many and could somehow serve as a voice of reason and hope during these trying times.
From our conversation, I was able to delve deeper into the ruminations a champion athlete, his goals and aspirations, of being a strong provider and protector of his family, of being a source of inspiration, not just to his students but to everyone whom he can influence. Not to mention inheriting a love for cars from his father—other than just his apparent passion for sports.
Now at 34 years old, this De LaSalle University (DLSU) graduate has been in taekwondo more than half of his life and probably sees himself spending the rest of it doing this thing dear to him. And through the years that I have known him, I would say that he’s not only a fighter on the mat — but also in life.
Q: “You were a former national team player and coach. Now, you have your own school. Why do Taekwondo for the rest of your life?”
J: “Since I had lots successes in it and I guess I was just lucky. Also, my family was always there. Before I can recall them bringing me to Central Gym (in Manila) all the way from our place in Fairview, back-andforth, every day.
Also, it’s great seeing my students looking up to you. It somehow fuels you to do your best every single day. It pushes you to be better. It’s probably my calling.”
Q: “What is your dream in taekwondo?”
J: “Before, I had a dream of making it to the Olympics. But I failed to qualify. I guess that’s how life is. Now, I’m focusing myself into developing future champions. It’s my job now to make someone make it to the Olympics.”
Q: “Okay. Since this is a motoring feature, let’s go into cars. What’s your daily drive?”
J: “It’s a 2012 Mitsubishi Montero Sport.”
Q: “Why that car?”
J: “It’s big and spacious. Before the pandemic, I usually go to DLSU for my classes all the way from here in Quezon City. I want a ride that’s reliable and has the heft to tackle the floods in the metro.”
Q: “How do you take care of your car during this pandemic?”
J: “Since there are no available car wash around, we’re the ones who do the washing now. Also, since we don’t get to go out that much, we usually turn on the engine of the car while parked every three days.”
Q: “Since we’re celebrating Father’s Day this month, what is your fondest car-related memory with tito (your father)?”
J: “Since my father is a car guy and was a former racer himself before, together with my kuya, we would go to car shows when I was young. We would see all the setup cars, the sounds and lights, the beautiful cars everywhere that we love seeing. These were our bonding moments before. Aside from sports, he was able to pass this down to us now that we’re older.”
Q: “Since you have your own family now, what are the most memorable experiences with your family?
J: “Before, I would have them ride with me and take them to malls or anywhere within Metro Manila. I guess when they’re older we can do long drives already.”
Q: “Talking about your family, tell us about them.”
J: “As you know, I met my
Since my father is a car guy and was a former racer himself before, together with my kuya, we would go to car shows when I was young
wife Janice in Taekwondo long before. I was into sparring while she was into poomse. We were already friends since high school and just got hooked only in the latter parts of our playing careers. She’s just one year younger than me and we have two kids, Jace and Jevy. We both plan to spend the rest of our lives in Taekwondo.”
Q: Any lessons you learned from your experiences during this ongoing pandemic? J: “I’ve always been busy with my taekwondo classes ever since. My days back then were full from Monday to Friday, the whole day. Now, because people are required to stay at home, I have more time with my family, more time for my kids — like I’ve come to bond more with my son, Jace. I’ve been learning so much these past few months on how to become a better dad, a better husband. For Jace, we have been bonding more and I can proudly say that I have gained his trust even more. I’ve also learned that he’s interested in sports so I support him in that.”
Q: “As head of the family, how do you take care of your family, especially during these challenging times?”
J: “As head of the family, I really have to think of ways on how to provide for my family, like online classes, social media and many others. These days, we really have to learn how to adapt to the new normal.”
Q: “Do you have any words of inspiration that you can share to others?”
J: “The situation these days is very scary. But you should take it as a challenge. It should not discourage you. You have to remain positive and you should push even more. Always find time to talk to successful people on how to adapt in this kind of situation. And finally, most importantly, pray and always trust on the Lord. Believe that He will not forsake you. This too shall pass.”
The situation these days are very scary. But you should take it as a challenge