BY LIM TEIK HUAT
KUALA LUMPUR: Youngster Noornadia Norrizan looks set to earn a place in the national squad for the Manila SEA Games next year after bagging a gold in the South-East Asia Taekwondo Union (Seatu) championships in Indonesia last weekend.
The 18-year-old won the women's senior bantamweight competition in her debut in the championships and turned out to be the only Malaysian gold medallist.
Malaysia also bagged three silvers and two bronzes in the senior competitions.
The silver medallists were Noornadia's twin sister Noordiana (light-heavy), Che Chew Chan (women's heavyweight) and Rusfredy Tokan (men's flyweight).
Athens Olympics exponent Elaine Teo failed to bag the flyweight gold medal and had to settle for the bronze. The other bronze medallist was men's featherweight exponent Syed Taufiq.
In the junior (14-17 age-group) competitions, Malaysia won four silvers and six bronzes.
The silver medallists were Koh Jen Li, Nurul Afiqah Harun, Syahiran Ahman and Nurul Ashfalina. The bronze medallists were Nik Izzat Hanafi, Hue Siow Ching, Adriana Syamin, Noviq Sondig and Logaraj Arumugam.
National coach K.M. Rajendran said that Noornadia's victory came as a pleasant surprise because she was on the comeback trail after undergoing a knee surgery.
“She did win a gold in her first competition in the Malaysian Open in July. But the Seatu championships were of much higher standards and she certainly performed very well for a debutant. She should be good for the national team for the Manila SEA Games.”
Rajendran also felt that the juniors were on the right track.
Noornadia and company will be looking to impress the selectors further in the National Inter-Club Championships, which will be held at the Uniten Hall (Universiti Tenaga National) in Bangi from Dec 20-21.
The gold medallists in the 16 categories of competition will be included in the national training squad for the SEA Games.
Source from http://www.thestar.com.my
Monday, December 20, 2004
MALAYSIA: Head of Malaysia Taekwondo Association Visits WTF
Ho Kam Phaw, newly elected President of the Malaysia Taekwondo Association (MTA), paid a courtesy call on WTF Secretary-General Dong-Hoo Moon at his office in the WTF headquarters Wednesday (Dec. 15) and exchanged views on wide range of affairs related to Taekwondo.
Chin Mee Keong, chairman of MTA, Rajendran Mariappen, secretary-general, Dhanaraj Rasiah, national team coach, accompanied MTA president in his meeting with the WTF Secretary-General.
Source from: http://www.wtf.org
Chin Mee Keong, chairman of MTA, Rajendran Mariappen, secretary-general, Dhanaraj Rasiah, national team coach, accompanied MTA president in his meeting with the WTF Secretary-General.
Source from: http://www.wtf.org
MALAYSIA: Ho Kam Phaw Elected President of the Malaysia Taekwondo Association
Mr. Ho Kam Phaw was unanimously elected President of the Malaysia Taekwondo Association in the Extraordinary General Conference on Dec. 7, 2004, held to fill the position vacated by retired Gen. Tan Sri Mohd Ghazali Seth.
The lineup of other major position holders is as follow: Deputy President Datuk Mohd Nazim Tun Abdul Razak; Vice President Tuan Haji Long Bin Abdul Rahman; Vice President Henry Toh Yew King; Vice President Rosli Bin Ismail; Chairman Chin Mee Keong; Vice Chairman Peter Kang Teong Kheng; Vice Chairman Wong Koon Hoong; Vice Chairman Lim Chong Tiam; Secretary-General Rajendran Mariappen; Assistant Secretary-General Yeap Swee Bee; Treasurer Wajdi Bin Mohamad.
Source from : http://www.wtf.org
The lineup of other major position holders is as follow: Deputy President Datuk Mohd Nazim Tun Abdul Razak; Vice President Tuan Haji Long Bin Abdul Rahman; Vice President Henry Toh Yew King; Vice President Rosli Bin Ismail; Chairman Chin Mee Keong; Vice Chairman Peter Kang Teong Kheng; Vice Chairman Wong Koon Hoong; Vice Chairman Lim Chong Tiam; Secretary-General Rajendran Mariappen; Assistant Secretary-General Yeap Swee Bee; Treasurer Wajdi Bin Mohamad.
Source from : http://www.wtf.org
Monday, December 13, 2004
MALAYSIA: National Taekwondo Body Shut Affiliation to Clubs
SPORTS Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said may be a strong advocate of developing an active club structure but the Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA), based on advice from the Sports Commissioner’s office, shut affiliation to clubs at their extraordinary general meeting (EGM) in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
The decision to rescind the clubs' associate membership with MTA, however, could sound the death knell to one of the most thriving and productive club structures in the country.
But as far as MTA chairman Chin Mee Keong is concerned, the association was merely following advice from the Sports Commissioner's office in amending their constitution.
"The clubs were described as associate members by MTA, but the Sports Commissioner's office advised against doing this," said Mee Keong after the EGM and flag handing ceremony to the national team for the Asean Taekwondo Championships in Jogjakarta.
The two-day championships begin on Saturday.
"In adhering to the advise, all clubs will now be affiliated to the respective State associations.
"We have amended our constitution to reflect this and will be asking our State affiliates to do the same to accommodate the clubs." Azalina is a keen supporter of the club structure to enhance grassroots development, and even assured active clubs of direct funding as long as they are able to meet certain requirements.
In fact, even the Sports Advisory Panel, headed by FA of Malaysia (FAM) vice president Datuk Seri Dr Ibrahim Saad, recommended that active clubs be given voting rights and a say in determining the leadership of the association.
Timesport have also led the call for active clubs to be granted voting rights while State associations should no longer view voting rights as their divine right.
MTA have some 40 clubs affiliated to them and an inter-club competition that is almost on par, in terms of quality, with the national championships and have been a constant supplier of talent to the various national squads.
For the Asean championships, MTA will be sending two squads (seniors and juniors), comprising 21 exponents. From the total, 14 exponents are products of clubs.
MTA's youth championships have also been dominated by clubs with Bangsar Taekwondo and Fitness Centre (BTFA) winning the overall title for the third consecutive time last year.
Mee Keong, however, refused to blame the State associations for the lack of quality exponents coming through their system.
"All these clubs were under States last time but decided to operate independently. This is why most of the national exponents are from clubs. "The Sports Development Act also states that associate members can only be from individual members, and they cannot be accepted as full members.
"As such, we have to re-term the clubs, and one way is for them to be affiliated to the States." And deny the clubs a say in determining the leadership of the national association.
The squads: Senior: Men: Rusferdy Tokan, R. Surendran, Syed Taufiq, Wong Kai Meng, Mohamed Fazmi Nuazmi; Women: Elaine Teo, Noornadia Norrizan, Noordiana Norrizan, Chee Chew Chan.
Junior: Boys: Syahiran Ahman, Ahmad Syubli Mohamed, A. Logaraj, K. Hemaraj, Nik Izzat Hanafi Nik Zainal, Jeffrey Kiang; Girls: Adriana Noryasmin Arshad, Nurul Asfahlina Johari, Koh Jen Li, Nurul Afiqah Harun, Hue Seow Ching, Novie Sondiq.
Source from: http://www.nst.com.my
The decision to rescind the clubs' associate membership with MTA, however, could sound the death knell to one of the most thriving and productive club structures in the country.
But as far as MTA chairman Chin Mee Keong is concerned, the association was merely following advice from the Sports Commissioner's office in amending their constitution.
"The clubs were described as associate members by MTA, but the Sports Commissioner's office advised against doing this," said Mee Keong after the EGM and flag handing ceremony to the national team for the Asean Taekwondo Championships in Jogjakarta.
The two-day championships begin on Saturday.
"In adhering to the advise, all clubs will now be affiliated to the respective State associations.
"We have amended our constitution to reflect this and will be asking our State affiliates to do the same to accommodate the clubs." Azalina is a keen supporter of the club structure to enhance grassroots development, and even assured active clubs of direct funding as long as they are able to meet certain requirements.
In fact, even the Sports Advisory Panel, headed by FA of Malaysia (FAM) vice president Datuk Seri Dr Ibrahim Saad, recommended that active clubs be given voting rights and a say in determining the leadership of the association.
Timesport have also led the call for active clubs to be granted voting rights while State associations should no longer view voting rights as their divine right.
MTA have some 40 clubs affiliated to them and an inter-club competition that is almost on par, in terms of quality, with the national championships and have been a constant supplier of talent to the various national squads.
For the Asean championships, MTA will be sending two squads (seniors and juniors), comprising 21 exponents. From the total, 14 exponents are products of clubs.
MTA's youth championships have also been dominated by clubs with Bangsar Taekwondo and Fitness Centre (BTFA) winning the overall title for the third consecutive time last year.
Mee Keong, however, refused to blame the State associations for the lack of quality exponents coming through their system.
"All these clubs were under States last time but decided to operate independently. This is why most of the national exponents are from clubs. "The Sports Development Act also states that associate members can only be from individual members, and they cannot be accepted as full members.
"As such, we have to re-term the clubs, and one way is for them to be affiliated to the States." And deny the clubs a say in determining the leadership of the national association.
The squads: Senior: Men: Rusferdy Tokan, R. Surendran, Syed Taufiq, Wong Kai Meng, Mohamed Fazmi Nuazmi; Women: Elaine Teo, Noornadia Norrizan, Noordiana Norrizan, Chee Chew Chan.
Junior: Boys: Syahiran Ahman, Ahmad Syubli Mohamed, A. Logaraj, K. Hemaraj, Nik Izzat Hanafi Nik Zainal, Jeffrey Kiang; Girls: Adriana Noryasmin Arshad, Nurul Asfahlina Johari, Koh Jen Li, Nurul Afiqah Harun, Hue Seow Ching, Novie Sondiq.
Source from: http://www.nst.com.my
Friday, December 03, 2004
WTF Embarks on Bold Reform Mission
WTF Embarks on Bold Reform Mission
2004-12-01
WTF Embarks on Bold Reform Mission
Reform Committee to Draw Up Recommendationsfor Future of Taekwondo and WTF
The World Taekwondo Federation today launched a Reform Committee that is charged with thoroughly reviewing Taekwondo and its world governing body, and proposing recommendations to make Taekwondo more action-packed and transform the WTF into a more global and professional organization.
The 11-member WTF Reform Committee, led by Dr. Nat Indrapana of Thailand, a WTF vice president and International Olympic Committee member, will draw up recommendations, after brainstorming sessions with Taekwondo experts and officials, to help raise the interest level of Taekwondo competition and ensure that it continues to be an official Olympic sport. The Reform Committee will meet from Dec. 7 to 11 in Seoul for its first gathering.
“Reform has been a catchword in almost every sector of society in Korea, and Taekwondo is no exception,” said WTF President Chungwon Choue, Ph.D.
“Taekwondo is in a transitional period following a change in the WTF leadership,” Choue said. “Under my direction, the WTF is pushing for reform to transform itself into a more global, professional and efficient international federation, in line with the IOC’s ongoing reform efforts.”
Members of the Reform Committee make up a diverse and respected group, with seven Taekwondo leaders hailing from Asian, African, European and Pan-American regions, and four renowned and experienced leaders from outside the Taekwondo community.
Among the Taekwondo leaders on the Reform Committee are Mr. Manuel Colmenero Firvida of Spain, president of the Spanish Taekwondo Federation and member of the WTF Executive Council; Mr. Sung Chon Hong of the Philippines, a member of the WTF Executive Council; Mr. Jizhong Wei of China, a member of the WTF Executive Council; Mr. Dai Soon Lee of Korea, a member of the WTF Executive Council and president of the Asian Taekwondo Union; Mr. Ahmed Fouly of Egypt, a vice president of the WTF and president of the African Taekwondo Union; and Mr. Dai Won Moon of Mexico, a member of the WTF Executive Council.
The outside professionals are Dr. Giovanni Di Cola, a program director with the International Labor Organization in Switzerland; Mr. Andre Gorgemans, secretary general of the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry; Mr. Pierre Ferrari, founding partner of Tula Communications in Atlanta, Georgia; and Dr. Emanuel Bayle, a professor in management science at the University of Lyon in France.
To achieve the goal of reforming Taekwondo across a wide spectrum of areas, ranging from competition format to refereeing, WTF Headquarters administration, financing, and marketing, Reform Committee members will be assisted by a team of about 30 Taekwondo experts.
Each of the experts will deliver a formal presentation to the Reform Committee over two days of brainstorming sessions to be held on Dec. 9 and 10. The group is made up of WTF Committee members, WTF Headquarters staff, outside Taekwondo professionals, and other specialists. The Taekwondo experts group includes Mr. Luc Sougne of Belgium, chairman of the WTF’s Public Relations Committee, and Mr. Young Tae Kim of Korea, chairman of the WTF’s Technical Committee and member of the WTF’s Executive Council.
To gather additional opinions and recommendations for the future of Taekwondo, the WTF Reform Committee sent a questionnaire to the WTF’s 177 member National Associations in early November. Those answers, along with responses to a shorter questionnaire posted on the WTF’s Web site for other interested parties around the world, including Taekwondo professors, coaches, and practitioners, will serve as an additional tool in developing reform policies.
The Reform Committee is scheduled to present its final report with a series of recommendations to the WTF in January. Their report is viewed as playing a critical role in the future of Taekwondo, both as an Olympic sport and as a vibrant and well-respected sport federation.
Members of WTF Reform Committee
ChairmanDr. Nat Indrapana (Thai)
Vice President of the WTF
Member of the International Olympic Committee
Members (10)
1. Mr. Ahmed Fouly (Egyptian)
Vice President of the WTF
President of the African Taekwondo Union
2. Mr. Dai Soon Lee (Korean)
Member of the WTF Executive Council
President of the Asian Taekwondo Union
3. Mr. Manuel Colmenero Firvida (Spanish)
Member of the WTF Executive Council
President of the Spanish Taekwondo Federation,
4. Mr. Jizhong Wei (Chinese)
Member of the WTF Executive Council
5. Mr. Dai Won Moon (Mexican)
Member of the WTF Executive Council
6. Mr. Sung Chon Hong (Filipino)
Member of the WTF Executive Council
7. Dr. Giovanni Di Cola (Italian)
Focal Person on Sport and Development at the International Labor Organization (ILO)
Universitas Program Coordinator in the International
Labor Office of the International Labor Organization
8. Mr. Andre Gorgemans (Swiss and Belgian)
Secretary General of the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) in Switzerland
9. Mr. Pierre Ferrari (British)
Founding Partner of Tula Communications, Atlanta, Georgia
President of the Hot Fudge Social Venture Capital Fund
10. Dr. Emmauel Bayle (French)
Professor in Management Science at the University of Lyon, France
2004-12-01
WTF Embarks on Bold Reform Mission
Reform Committee to Draw Up Recommendationsfor Future of Taekwondo and WTF
The World Taekwondo Federation today launched a Reform Committee that is charged with thoroughly reviewing Taekwondo and its world governing body, and proposing recommendations to make Taekwondo more action-packed and transform the WTF into a more global and professional organization.
The 11-member WTF Reform Committee, led by Dr. Nat Indrapana of Thailand, a WTF vice president and International Olympic Committee member, will draw up recommendations, after brainstorming sessions with Taekwondo experts and officials, to help raise the interest level of Taekwondo competition and ensure that it continues to be an official Olympic sport. The Reform Committee will meet from Dec. 7 to 11 in Seoul for its first gathering.
“Reform has been a catchword in almost every sector of society in Korea, and Taekwondo is no exception,” said WTF President Chungwon Choue, Ph.D.
“Taekwondo is in a transitional period following a change in the WTF leadership,” Choue said. “Under my direction, the WTF is pushing for reform to transform itself into a more global, professional and efficient international federation, in line with the IOC’s ongoing reform efforts.”
Members of the Reform Committee make up a diverse and respected group, with seven Taekwondo leaders hailing from Asian, African, European and Pan-American regions, and four renowned and experienced leaders from outside the Taekwondo community.
Among the Taekwondo leaders on the Reform Committee are Mr. Manuel Colmenero Firvida of Spain, president of the Spanish Taekwondo Federation and member of the WTF Executive Council; Mr. Sung Chon Hong of the Philippines, a member of the WTF Executive Council; Mr. Jizhong Wei of China, a member of the WTF Executive Council; Mr. Dai Soon Lee of Korea, a member of the WTF Executive Council and president of the Asian Taekwondo Union; Mr. Ahmed Fouly of Egypt, a vice president of the WTF and president of the African Taekwondo Union; and Mr. Dai Won Moon of Mexico, a member of the WTF Executive Council.
The outside professionals are Dr. Giovanni Di Cola, a program director with the International Labor Organization in Switzerland; Mr. Andre Gorgemans, secretary general of the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry; Mr. Pierre Ferrari, founding partner of Tula Communications in Atlanta, Georgia; and Dr. Emanuel Bayle, a professor in management science at the University of Lyon in France.
To achieve the goal of reforming Taekwondo across a wide spectrum of areas, ranging from competition format to refereeing, WTF Headquarters administration, financing, and marketing, Reform Committee members will be assisted by a team of about 30 Taekwondo experts.
Each of the experts will deliver a formal presentation to the Reform Committee over two days of brainstorming sessions to be held on Dec. 9 and 10. The group is made up of WTF Committee members, WTF Headquarters staff, outside Taekwondo professionals, and other specialists. The Taekwondo experts group includes Mr. Luc Sougne of Belgium, chairman of the WTF’s Public Relations Committee, and Mr. Young Tae Kim of Korea, chairman of the WTF’s Technical Committee and member of the WTF’s Executive Council.
To gather additional opinions and recommendations for the future of Taekwondo, the WTF Reform Committee sent a questionnaire to the WTF’s 177 member National Associations in early November. Those answers, along with responses to a shorter questionnaire posted on the WTF’s Web site for other interested parties around the world, including Taekwondo professors, coaches, and practitioners, will serve as an additional tool in developing reform policies.
The Reform Committee is scheduled to present its final report with a series of recommendations to the WTF in January. Their report is viewed as playing a critical role in the future of Taekwondo, both as an Olympic sport and as a vibrant and well-respected sport federation.
Members of WTF Reform Committee
ChairmanDr. Nat Indrapana (Thai)
Vice President of the WTF
Member of the International Olympic Committee
Members (10)
1. Mr. Ahmed Fouly (Egyptian)
Vice President of the WTF
President of the African Taekwondo Union
2. Mr. Dai Soon Lee (Korean)
Member of the WTF Executive Council
President of the Asian Taekwondo Union
3. Mr. Manuel Colmenero Firvida (Spanish)
Member of the WTF Executive Council
President of the Spanish Taekwondo Federation,
4. Mr. Jizhong Wei (Chinese)
Member of the WTF Executive Council
5. Mr. Dai Won Moon (Mexican)
Member of the WTF Executive Council
6. Mr. Sung Chon Hong (Filipino)
Member of the WTF Executive Council
7. Dr. Giovanni Di Cola (Italian)
Focal Person on Sport and Development at the International Labor Organization (ILO)
Universitas Program Coordinator in the International
Labor Office of the International Labor Organization
8. Mr. Andre Gorgemans (Swiss and Belgian)
Secretary General of the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) in Switzerland
9. Mr. Pierre Ferrari (British)
Founding Partner of Tula Communications, Atlanta, Georgia
President of the Hot Fudge Social Venture Capital Fund
10. Dr. Emmauel Bayle (French)
Professor in Management Science at the University of Lyon, France
Sunday, November 28, 2004
What it took to make a taekwondo champion
* What it took to make a taekwondo champion (from The Taipei Times) _ Nov 06, 2004
Chen Shih-hsin won the country's first gold medal in taekwondo, but owes much of her success to her father and his gym
By Yu Sen-lun
STAFF REPORTER
Saturday, Nov 06, 2004,Page 16
Students at the The Lin-sen Taekwondo Gym go through their paces.
PHOTO: CHANG YING-YING, TAIPEI TIMES
Ever since Taiwan's athletes won two gold medals and one silver medal at the Athens Olympics, taekwondo has become the highest profile sport in Taiwan, almost more popular than baseball.
For the Oct. 10 National Day events, taekwondo athletes were exhausted by a punishing schedule of performances. In the morning Chen Shih-hsin (陳詩欣) -- the nation's first gold medalist -- sang the national anthem. Then, groups of high school students performed, breaking boards and practising combat sequences on the square in front of the Presidential Office. In the evening, they were invited to attend the National Day reception party, performing taekwondo for guests and dignitaries.
In the past month Chen has appeared in at least four advertisements, as well as endorsing products such as Olympics memorial stamps, moon cakes and stumping for anti-piracy. She has been dressed up in a gaudy-looking kimono to promote the massage chair brand Osim. She wore a policewoman's uniform to encourage registration for volunteer firefighters.
According to local media, for each appearance as a public speaker, Chen is paid NT$100,000. For a TV ad, she charges NT$1 million.
The Lin-sen Taekwondo Gym (林森跆拳道館), or dojang (道場), which she trained in as a kid, has become a hot spot for young taekwondo learners. It's a 30 year-old gym opened and run by Chen's father, taekwondo coach Chen Wei-hsiung (陳偉雄). It's a rooftop house in a four-story apartment in Shihpai, on the outskirts of Taipei.
It's not a spacious gym and the decor is not fancy. On the wall of the apartment is a giant signboard saying "First Olympic Champion!" (奧運第一金). The sign is so big it can be spotted from the nearby MRT station.
"I learned taekwondo here since the age of five," Chen said, while having her make-up done, before rushing to another promotional event.
Inside the gym, dozens of young children are going through their weekly lessons. Most of them are elementary school students and just a few are in junior high school.
"It's true that in the last two months we have seen more parents sending their kids here to learn taekwondo. We have had an increase of students of at least 10 percent," Chen Wei-hsiung said.
One of the students is Lee Shin-hang (李欣航), a six year-old girl who started at the dojang two months ago. She just upgraded from white belt to yellow belt. "My mom drives me here, twice a week," she said. She said she likes taekwondo because it's fun.
Ten-year-old Lee Mu-fan (李慕藩) has been studying for a year now and is a red-black belt. "I like to spin and kick because it's easy," he said. "Also, learning taekwondo helps me with my computer game techniques.
"Chen Wei-hsiung is a strict coach. A 1m-long wooden rod symbolizes his severe training style. "Anyone misbehaving will be punished by this rod. Shih-hsin has suffered from it a lot, she was beaten on the hands," he said.
Obviously his strict methods work. In the past 30 years his dojang has played a crucial part in developing young taekwondo talents. "I teach students as they grow up. And when they are married and have kids, they send their kids to learn from me as well," Chen said.
Taekwondo originated in Korea and was introduced to Taiwan in 1966, as a combat skill for the military. Chiang Ching-kuo (蔣經國), Chiang Kai-shek's son (蔣介石) was the minister of national defense at the time and chose taekwondo because he thought boxing lacked the traditional Chinese spirit. He did not choose karate because he was said to be anti-Japanese.
Taekwondo was first introduced to the marines, then the army and navy. Chen Wei-hsiung retired from the army in the 1970s and opened free classes for local communities. Soon, Chen gathered a group of friends and began to lobby elementary schools to start taekwondo classes.
In the 1980s, taekwondo as a sport began to take off. The Chinese Taipei Taekwondo Association was established in 1974 and in 10 years established taekwondo clubs in elementary schools throughout the country. Besides the schools, more than 600 private taekwondo gyms were set up and registered by the association.
"A lot of the top taekwondo athletes you see now on TV were trained during the 1980s," Chen said.
At that time, when most elementary students had to wear uniforms to school, those who did taekwondo did not have to. "Every day, around three in the afternoon, after they had finished their taekwondo classes, students would show off their tunics, running around the campus, enjoying envious looks from the other kids," Chen said.
According to Chen, taekwondo has taken off in Taiwan for two main reasons. Firstly, because it is the foundation of military training. Secondly, due to the Chinese Taipei Taekwondo Association's hard work promoting the sports. "We are lucky that it is a large yet very united family. From the very beginning we knew that we had only one goal, which was to win gold medals in international games," he said. "And now we have made it.
"So who will be the country's next gold-medal winner? Chen pointed to a skinny little 10-year-old boy with a black belt, named Pan Yi-wei (潘逸瑋), who started learning the martial art at the age of three. "I like taekwondo because it's fun and looks cool." he said. "My idols are Jet Li, Bruce Lee and Chen Shih-hsin. I hope to be like them in the future.
"For your information :
Learning Taekwondo
Average charge: NT$4,000 for eight weeks, once a week, each time two hours
Taekwondo clubs: visit Chinese Taipei Taekwondo Association Web site for recommended clubs. www.taekwondo.com.tw.
Chen Shih-hsin won the country's first gold medal in taekwondo, but owes much of her success to her father and his gym
By Yu Sen-lun
STAFF REPORTER
Saturday, Nov 06, 2004,Page 16
Students at the The Lin-sen Taekwondo Gym go through their paces.
PHOTO: CHANG YING-YING, TAIPEI TIMES
Ever since Taiwan's athletes won two gold medals and one silver medal at the Athens Olympics, taekwondo has become the highest profile sport in Taiwan, almost more popular than baseball.
For the Oct. 10 National Day events, taekwondo athletes were exhausted by a punishing schedule of performances. In the morning Chen Shih-hsin (陳詩欣) -- the nation's first gold medalist -- sang the national anthem. Then, groups of high school students performed, breaking boards and practising combat sequences on the square in front of the Presidential Office. In the evening, they were invited to attend the National Day reception party, performing taekwondo for guests and dignitaries.
In the past month Chen has appeared in at least four advertisements, as well as endorsing products such as Olympics memorial stamps, moon cakes and stumping for anti-piracy. She has been dressed up in a gaudy-looking kimono to promote the massage chair brand Osim. She wore a policewoman's uniform to encourage registration for volunteer firefighters.
According to local media, for each appearance as a public speaker, Chen is paid NT$100,000. For a TV ad, she charges NT$1 million.
The Lin-sen Taekwondo Gym (林森跆拳道館), or dojang (道場), which she trained in as a kid, has become a hot spot for young taekwondo learners. It's a 30 year-old gym opened and run by Chen's father, taekwondo coach Chen Wei-hsiung (陳偉雄). It's a rooftop house in a four-story apartment in Shihpai, on the outskirts of Taipei.
It's not a spacious gym and the decor is not fancy. On the wall of the apartment is a giant signboard saying "First Olympic Champion!" (奧運第一金). The sign is so big it can be spotted from the nearby MRT station.
"I learned taekwondo here since the age of five," Chen said, while having her make-up done, before rushing to another promotional event.
Inside the gym, dozens of young children are going through their weekly lessons. Most of them are elementary school students and just a few are in junior high school.
"It's true that in the last two months we have seen more parents sending their kids here to learn taekwondo. We have had an increase of students of at least 10 percent," Chen Wei-hsiung said.
One of the students is Lee Shin-hang (李欣航), a six year-old girl who started at the dojang two months ago. She just upgraded from white belt to yellow belt. "My mom drives me here, twice a week," she said. She said she likes taekwondo because it's fun.
Ten-year-old Lee Mu-fan (李慕藩) has been studying for a year now and is a red-black belt. "I like to spin and kick because it's easy," he said. "Also, learning taekwondo helps me with my computer game techniques.
"Chen Wei-hsiung is a strict coach. A 1m-long wooden rod symbolizes his severe training style. "Anyone misbehaving will be punished by this rod. Shih-hsin has suffered from it a lot, she was beaten on the hands," he said.
Obviously his strict methods work. In the past 30 years his dojang has played a crucial part in developing young taekwondo talents. "I teach students as they grow up. And when they are married and have kids, they send their kids to learn from me as well," Chen said.
Taekwondo originated in Korea and was introduced to Taiwan in 1966, as a combat skill for the military. Chiang Ching-kuo (蔣經國), Chiang Kai-shek's son (蔣介石) was the minister of national defense at the time and chose taekwondo because he thought boxing lacked the traditional Chinese spirit. He did not choose karate because he was said to be anti-Japanese.
Taekwondo was first introduced to the marines, then the army and navy. Chen Wei-hsiung retired from the army in the 1970s and opened free classes for local communities. Soon, Chen gathered a group of friends and began to lobby elementary schools to start taekwondo classes.
In the 1980s, taekwondo as a sport began to take off. The Chinese Taipei Taekwondo Association was established in 1974 and in 10 years established taekwondo clubs in elementary schools throughout the country. Besides the schools, more than 600 private taekwondo gyms were set up and registered by the association.
"A lot of the top taekwondo athletes you see now on TV were trained during the 1980s," Chen said.
At that time, when most elementary students had to wear uniforms to school, those who did taekwondo did not have to. "Every day, around three in the afternoon, after they had finished their taekwondo classes, students would show off their tunics, running around the campus, enjoying envious looks from the other kids," Chen said.
According to Chen, taekwondo has taken off in Taiwan for two main reasons. Firstly, because it is the foundation of military training. Secondly, due to the Chinese Taipei Taekwondo Association's hard work promoting the sports. "We are lucky that it is a large yet very united family. From the very beginning we knew that we had only one goal, which was to win gold medals in international games," he said. "And now we have made it.
"So who will be the country's next gold-medal winner? Chen pointed to a skinny little 10-year-old boy with a black belt, named Pan Yi-wei (潘逸瑋), who started learning the martial art at the age of three. "I like taekwondo because it's fun and looks cool." he said. "My idols are Jet Li, Bruce Lee and Chen Shih-hsin. I hope to be like them in the future.
"For your information :
Learning Taekwondo
Average charge: NT$4,000 for eight weeks, once a week, each time two hours
Taekwondo clubs: visit Chinese Taipei Taekwondo Association Web site for recommended clubs. www.taekwondo.com.tw.
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
Choue Appoints DH Moon as New WTF Secretary-General
Chungwon Choue, WTF President, appointed Dong-Hoo Moon, 55, as WTF acting secretary general Tuesday (Oct. 5). Moon served as the secretary-general of the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korean Organizing Committee from Nov. 2000 to June 2003.
Moon, born in 1949, graduated from the prestigious law college of the Seoul National University and started his career as civil servant in the Ministry of Government Administration in 1972.
An elite bureaucrat, Moon was able to accumulate experience as sports administrator while he was assigned to the Organizing Committees for the 1986 Seoul Asian Games and 1988 Seoul Olympic Games. He served as the Sports Coordinator from 1983 through 1989.
He acquired M.A. degree on public policy and administration at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the United States and completed Ph.D. course work in public administration at the SungKyunKwan University in Seoul.
Other major positions he served during his long public career include Protocol Secretary to the President at Chong Wa Dae, the Presidential Office; Public Service Inspector General of the Ministry of Government Administration; Director-General of the Organization Bureau, MGA; Secretary to the President for administrative affairs at Chong Wa Dae; Chairman of the Appeals Commission, Ministry of Government Administration and Home Affairs.
Moon was awarded a number of government decorations in recognition of his meritorious service in diverse areas of public administration. Among them are the National Service Merit Medal awarded in 1979; the Order of Sport Merit ‘Gue-sang(grade 3)’ in 1989; the Order of Service Merit ‘Hong-jo (grade 3)’ in 1992 and the Order of Sport Merit ‘Chung-ryong (grade 1)’ in 2002.
Kum Hong Lee who served as WTF secretary-general in the last 13 years resigned Monday (Oct. 4) and was appointed as senior advisor to the WTF President.
Moon, born in 1949, graduated from the prestigious law college of the Seoul National University and started his career as civil servant in the Ministry of Government Administration in 1972.
An elite bureaucrat, Moon was able to accumulate experience as sports administrator while he was assigned to the Organizing Committees for the 1986 Seoul Asian Games and 1988 Seoul Olympic Games. He served as the Sports Coordinator from 1983 through 1989.
He acquired M.A. degree on public policy and administration at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the United States and completed Ph.D. course work in public administration at the SungKyunKwan University in Seoul.
Other major positions he served during his long public career include Protocol Secretary to the President at Chong Wa Dae, the Presidential Office; Public Service Inspector General of the Ministry of Government Administration; Director-General of the Organization Bureau, MGA; Secretary to the President for administrative affairs at Chong Wa Dae; Chairman of the Appeals Commission, Ministry of Government Administration and Home Affairs.
Moon was awarded a number of government decorations in recognition of his meritorious service in diverse areas of public administration. Among them are the National Service Merit Medal awarded in 1979; the Order of Sport Merit ‘Gue-sang(grade 3)’ in 1989; the Order of Service Merit ‘Hong-jo (grade 3)’ in 1992 and the Order of Sport Merit ‘Chung-ryong (grade 1)’ in 2002.
Kum Hong Lee who served as WTF secretary-general in the last 13 years resigned Monday (Oct. 4) and was appointed as senior advisor to the WTF President.
Thursday, August 19, 2004
President Choue Left for Athens
Chungwon Choue, President of the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF), left for Athens on Aug. 8 (Sun.) to attend the General Assembly of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), held on Aug. 10-12, as a special guest.
Choue, elected to the WTF Presidency in the WTF Extraordinary General Assembly on June 11 in Seoul, was invited by IOC President Jacque Rogge to attend the IOC meeting. He was also scheduled to have an exclusive meeting with Rogge on Aug 14.
Staying in Athens throughout the Olympic period, Choue is expected to meet with as many IOC members and other leading figures of international sports community as possible either through private meetings or receptions. He is also scheduled to watch major Olympic competitions including Taekwondo games on Aug. 26-29.
The Athens Olympic will serve as a good occasion for Choue, a new face in international sports community, to make acquaintances with many leading international sports administrators.
Choue will host a dinner at the Hotel Divani Caravel on the heel of the first day competitions of the Olympic Taekwondo games on Aug. 26 in honor of the IOC members, heads of the National Olympic Committees and other dignitaries.
Choue, elected to the WTF Presidency in the WTF Extraordinary General Assembly on June 11 in Seoul, was invited by IOC President Jacque Rogge to attend the IOC meeting. He was also scheduled to have an exclusive meeting with Rogge on Aug 14.
Staying in Athens throughout the Olympic period, Choue is expected to meet with as many IOC members and other leading figures of international sports community as possible either through private meetings or receptions. He is also scheduled to watch major Olympic competitions including Taekwondo games on Aug. 26-29.
The Athens Olympic will serve as a good occasion for Choue, a new face in international sports community, to make acquaintances with many leading international sports administrators.
Choue will host a dinner at the Hotel Divani Caravel on the heel of the first day competitions of the Olympic Taekwondo games on Aug. 26 in honor of the IOC members, heads of the National Olympic Committees and other dignitaries.
USA: No reinstatement for coach LEE 15 Aug. 2004
ATHENS, 15, August - A federal judge has refused to reinstate Dae Sung LEE, the dismissed coach of the USA Olympic Taekwondo team.
The Korean coach was dismissed on the first day of April and filed a lawsuit two weeks ago claiming he was removed because of his Korean heritage. He was asking one 1 million dollars and his reinstatement.
The US district judge Susan Oki MOLLWAY, ruled that LEE failed to show the US Taekwondo Union and the US Olympic Committee discriminated against him.
Dae Sung LEE was hired as head coach in March 2003.
After his dismissal and based on new criteria, Jean LOPEZ (USA), the older brother of reigning gold medalist Steven LOPEZ (USA), took over as the Taekwodo coach on 19 July.
The Taekwondo Olympic tournament begins on the 26th of August at Faliro Sports Pavillion.
The Korean coach was dismissed on the first day of April and filed a lawsuit two weeks ago claiming he was removed because of his Korean heritage. He was asking one 1 million dollars and his reinstatement.
The US district judge Susan Oki MOLLWAY, ruled that LEE failed to show the US Taekwondo Union and the US Olympic Committee discriminated against him.
Dae Sung LEE was hired as head coach in March 2003.
After his dismissal and based on new criteria, Jean LOPEZ (USA), the older brother of reigning gold medalist Steven LOPEZ (USA), took over as the Taekwodo coach on 19 July.
The Taekwondo Olympic tournament begins on the 26th of August at Faliro Sports Pavillion.
Thursday, June 17, 2004
Dr. Chung Won CHOUE Elected New WTF President
Dr. Chung Won Choue, former president of the Kyunghee University, was elected new President of the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF), in a vote session at the Extraordinary General Assembly held on June 11 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Incheon Airport, west of Seoul.
Noteworthy thing is that Choue, 57, was elected through a direct vote by head of the member national associations, conducted first ever in the 30 years of WTF history.
In a vote session, Choue won 106 votes while another candidate Cha Sok Park, WTF Vice President, garnered 41. SunJae Park who also ran for the presidential election, withdrew from the candidacy shortly before the election, saying that he would drop out of the race for the unity of the organization. Choue will serve Dr. Un Yong Kim’s remaining term of office which ends next year.
Noteworthy thing is that Choue, 57, was elected through a direct vote by head of the member national associations, conducted first ever in the 30 years of WTF history.
In a vote session, Choue won 106 votes while another candidate Cha Sok Park, WTF Vice President, garnered 41. SunJae Park who also ran for the presidential election, withdrew from the candidacy shortly before the election, saying that he would drop out of the race for the unity of the organization. Choue will serve Dr. Un Yong Kim’s remaining term of office which ends next year.
Thursday, February 26, 2004
SunJae Park Elected Unanimously as WTF Acting President
SunJae Park, president of the Italian Taekwondo Federation, was unanimously elected Acting President of the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) in a meeting of the WTF Executive Council held at the conference room of the Radisson Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand, on Feb. 15, 2004. Out of 31, 28 members attended the meeting.
He is succeeding Dr. Un Yong Kim who founded the WTF in 1973 and had been in its leadership in the last 30 years. Park will be in the acting presidency pending the election of a new President in the extraordinary General Assembly.
The meeting, convened to deal with the WTF leadership crisis caused by the announcement of Dr. Un Yong Kim to resign on Jan. 9, 2004, also decided to convene the extraordinary General Assembly on the occasion of the 5th World Junior Championships to be held in Sunchon, Korea, on June 12-18, 2004, to elect a new WTF President. However, the exact date of holding the special Assembly has yet to be decided.
Before electing Park as the Acting President, the attendants made a decision through a vote on whether Dr. Kim’s resignation announced earlier through press conference should be accepted or not. In the vote, 18 supported to accept his resignation while four opposed to it, three abstained and three others remained non-committal.
The election in the Executive Council, the highest decision-making body of the WTF, stood for the first-ever change of command in the leadership of the organization since its establishment in 1973. Park will play a role of WTF Acting President until the convocation of the extraordinary General Assembly in June in which a new leader, to complete Dr. Kim’s remaining term of office, will be elected.
Before concluding the meeting, the attendants unanimously designated Dr. Kim as WTF Honorary President in recognition of his contribution to the development of the sport.
Out of six Vice Presidents, five attended the meeting. They are Park who was elected Acting President; William Hybl, former president of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC); Nat Indrapana, Thai IOC member; Sang Lee, former president of the United States Taekwondo Union and Cha Sok Park, President of Pan-Am Taekwondo Union.
He is succeeding Dr. Un Yong Kim who founded the WTF in 1973 and had been in its leadership in the last 30 years. Park will be in the acting presidency pending the election of a new President in the extraordinary General Assembly.
The meeting, convened to deal with the WTF leadership crisis caused by the announcement of Dr. Un Yong Kim to resign on Jan. 9, 2004, also decided to convene the extraordinary General Assembly on the occasion of the 5th World Junior Championships to be held in Sunchon, Korea, on June 12-18, 2004, to elect a new WTF President. However, the exact date of holding the special Assembly has yet to be decided.
Before electing Park as the Acting President, the attendants made a decision through a vote on whether Dr. Kim’s resignation announced earlier through press conference should be accepted or not. In the vote, 18 supported to accept his resignation while four opposed to it, three abstained and three others remained non-committal.
The election in the Executive Council, the highest decision-making body of the WTF, stood for the first-ever change of command in the leadership of the organization since its establishment in 1973. Park will play a role of WTF Acting President until the convocation of the extraordinary General Assembly in June in which a new leader, to complete Dr. Kim’s remaining term of office, will be elected.
Before concluding the meeting, the attendants unanimously designated Dr. Kim as WTF Honorary President in recognition of his contribution to the development of the sport.
Out of six Vice Presidents, five attended the meeting. They are Park who was elected Acting President; William Hybl, former president of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC); Nat Indrapana, Thai IOC member; Sang Lee, former president of the United States Taekwondo Union and Cha Sok Park, President of Pan-Am Taekwondo Union.
Monday, January 19, 2004
Letter from WTF Secretary General
Ref. No. 2004/024
January 13, 2004
To: Presidents
Member National Associations
Dear Sir/Madam,
As you may already know, Dr. Un Yong Kim expressed his intention to
resign from the presidency of the WTF Friday (Jan. 9) in connection
with prosecution investigation into his alleged corruption charges.
In connection with the regrettable situation, I would like to inform
you of the fact that the WTF secretariat is being operated normally
and there is no problem in dealing with day-to-day affairs. The
preparations for the Athens Olympic Taekwondo games are also well on
the way.
On the heel of the successful conclusion of the World Qualification
Tournament in Paris last month, the preparation for the regional
qualification tournaments are being made smoothly and they will take
place as scheduled.
All member nations are hoped to firmly unite to support the WTF to
help it overcome any difficulties that may lie ahead in the days to
come.
Sincerely,
Kum Hong Lee
Secretary General
WTF
January 13, 2004
To: Presidents
Member National Associations
Dear Sir/Madam,
As you may already know, Dr. Un Yong Kim expressed his intention to
resign from the presidency of the WTF Friday (Jan. 9) in connection
with prosecution investigation into his alleged corruption charges.
In connection with the regrettable situation, I would like to inform
you of the fact that the WTF secretariat is being operated normally
and there is no problem in dealing with day-to-day affairs. The
preparations for the Athens Olympic Taekwondo games are also well on
the way.
On the heel of the successful conclusion of the World Qualification
Tournament in Paris last month, the preparation for the regional
qualification tournaments are being made smoothly and they will take
place as scheduled.
All member nations are hoped to firmly unite to support the WTF to
help it overcome any difficulties that may lie ahead in the days to
come.
Sincerely,
Kum Hong Lee
Secretary General
WTF
Friday, January 09, 2004
Kim Un-Yong Resigned.
IOC vice president Kim Un-yong resigned Friday as President of World
Taekwondo Federation and national lawmaker.
Kim has been questioned by South Korean prosecutors about allegations
he collected illicit money from former South Korean Olympic officials
and embezzled funds from taekwondo organizations.
On Friday, Kim said he was quitting as head of the World Taekwondo
Federation, which he has headed for three decades, his aides said.
"I made this decision while feeling a heavy sense of responsibility
for causing controversy in connection with my sports diplomacy," he
said, reading a prepared statement.
Kim also have up two posts he held in South Korea: national lawmaker
affiliated with the opposition Democratic Millennium Party, and head
of the World Taekwondo Headquarters, a Seoul-based institute that
issues taekwondo credentials.
"While doing this, I sometimes got careless, and I admit that I did
things wrong," he said. "I bow my head and offer my deep apologies."
He wiped tears from his eyes, and stepped aside from the podium and
bowed deeply.
Last month, South Korean prosecutors raided Kim's house and offices,
seizing a private safe and documents. Prosecutors suspect Kim of
embezzling funds from the World Taekwondo Federation and the World
Taekwondo Headquarters. He also faces allegations that he received
money in return for helping two men become members of the Korean
Olympic Committee.
Taekwondo Federation and national lawmaker.
Kim has been questioned by South Korean prosecutors about allegations
he collected illicit money from former South Korean Olympic officials
and embezzled funds from taekwondo organizations.
On Friday, Kim said he was quitting as head of the World Taekwondo
Federation, which he has headed for three decades, his aides said.
"I made this decision while feeling a heavy sense of responsibility
for causing controversy in connection with my sports diplomacy," he
said, reading a prepared statement.
Kim also have up two posts he held in South Korea: national lawmaker
affiliated with the opposition Democratic Millennium Party, and head
of the World Taekwondo Headquarters, a Seoul-based institute that
issues taekwondo credentials.
"While doing this, I sometimes got careless, and I admit that I did
things wrong," he said. "I bow my head and offer my deep apologies."
He wiped tears from his eyes, and stepped aside from the podium and
bowed deeply.
Last month, South Korean prosecutors raided Kim's house and offices,
seizing a private safe and documents. Prosecutors suspect Kim of
embezzling funds from the World Taekwondo Federation and the World
Taekwondo Headquarters. He also faces allegations that he received
money in return for helping two men become members of the Korean
Olympic Committee.
Tuesday, January 06, 2004
MTA TO BANK ON LOCAL COACHES
From TheStar.com.my
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA) have decided not to renew the contract of their foreign coach, Yu Myung-wan.
The South Korean, a former champion in the World University Games, was roped in early this year to help prepare the exponents for the recent Vietnam SEA Games and also qualification to next year’s Athens Olympics.
But the national exponents did not fare well in the world qualifiers for the Olympics, which was held in Paris just before the SEA Games.
At the Games in Ho Chi Minh City, Malaysian taekwondo suffered a big blow to their pride. The saving grace was provided by Lim Yit Ming, who unexpectedly won the men’s flyweight gold medal on the final day of competition.
The MTA’s coaching chairman, Ben Wong, said that Myung-wan would leave for home soon.
“We did not do well with the input of foreign expertise. We have decided to give the local coaches full control from next year,” he said.
He added that R. Dhanaraj would remain as the chief coach and the MTA would hold a discussion with the National Sports Council (NSC) next month on plans to rope in more assistant coaches for the national team.
“We have yet to discuss with the NSC on the programmes and budget for next year. We intend to have a bigger squad and we will need more coaches,” said Ben.
The MTA coaching board also decided to drop men’s featherweight exponent Syed Taufiq from the Asian qualifiers for the Olympics, which will be held in Bangkok from Feb 15-17.
“We are not happy with his performance in the SEA Games. He was supposed to deliver a medal but lost in the early rounds,” said Ben.
Those who will shoulder the Malaysian challenge for the Asian Zone qualifiers are Yit Ming and women exponents Lee Wan Yuen (heavyweight) and Elaine Teo (bantamweight). The Asian qualifiers will be the last chance for them to win places in the Olympics. Only the top two in the respective categories will get to go to Athens.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA) have decided not to renew the contract of their foreign coach, Yu Myung-wan.
The South Korean, a former champion in the World University Games, was roped in early this year to help prepare the exponents for the recent Vietnam SEA Games and also qualification to next year’s Athens Olympics.
But the national exponents did not fare well in the world qualifiers for the Olympics, which was held in Paris just before the SEA Games.
At the Games in Ho Chi Minh City, Malaysian taekwondo suffered a big blow to their pride. The saving grace was provided by Lim Yit Ming, who unexpectedly won the men’s flyweight gold medal on the final day of competition.
The MTA’s coaching chairman, Ben Wong, said that Myung-wan would leave for home soon.
“We did not do well with the input of foreign expertise. We have decided to give the local coaches full control from next year,” he said.
He added that R. Dhanaraj would remain as the chief coach and the MTA would hold a discussion with the National Sports Council (NSC) next month on plans to rope in more assistant coaches for the national team.
“We have yet to discuss with the NSC on the programmes and budget for next year. We intend to have a bigger squad and we will need more coaches,” said Ben.
The MTA coaching board also decided to drop men’s featherweight exponent Syed Taufiq from the Asian qualifiers for the Olympics, which will be held in Bangkok from Feb 15-17.
“We are not happy with his performance in the SEA Games. He was supposed to deliver a medal but lost in the early rounds,” said Ben.
Those who will shoulder the Malaysian challenge for the Asian Zone qualifiers are Yit Ming and women exponents Lee Wan Yuen (heavyweight) and Elaine Teo (bantamweight). The Asian qualifiers will be the last chance for them to win places in the Olympics. Only the top two in the respective categories will get to go to Athens.
Monday, January 05, 2004
Happy New Year 2004
Happy New Year to all visitors. This is another year that all Taekwondo fans around the world should pay special attention to their art. Yes..this year is another Olympic year and the venue will be where it all began:Athens, Greece... So, if you want to watch the events, make sure that you book your ticket early because the population of Taekwondo in Europe is growing very fast, therefore you might lost your chance to watch the world greatest events if you're late. I'll post the update about the game, so check it out regularly.. thanks..
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