By Honorary Reporter Kiara Claire Arellano from Philippines
Photos = Ernesto Guzman Jr.

This year's World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships in Goyang, Gyeonggi-do Province, ran from April 21-24. This poomsae (forms) tournament remains fresh in the mind of one Philippine taekwondo champion who earned a gold medal in the competition.

Ernesto Guzman Jr. has practiced the Korean martial art for 26 years. The following are excerpts from an Aug. 1 video interview on his journey, experience in Korea and plans.

Ernesto Guzman Jr. performs his form at the World Taekwondo Poomsae Championship in Goyang, Gyeonggi-do Province.

What has taekwondo done for you personally? 

Taekwondo has greatly helped me because of its discipline. I never thought of competing in taekwondo when I was a trainee, but as I developed my skills, I competed in small and later big competitions.

How was competing in this year's World Taekwondo Poomsae Championship?

Though I am a veteran practitioner, I still felt nervous at the world championship in Korea, where taekwondo originated. For someone who isn't Korean to compete and win this championship are a big thing and honor for my country. That's why I prepared and trained double to be in my best condition and compete with the best in the world. 

The Pinoy bagged gold in the men's under-50 kg class in the World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships.

While in Korea, did you get a chance to go on a short tour?
I've visited Korea 15 times for taekwondo training, so I've known for a long time how beautiful and clean the country is. Koreans are very polite and their traditions are beautiful. What I like the most about Korea is the beautiful parks, which are nice places to train.

The Philippine taekwondo champion has visited 15 times to train in the Korean martial art.

What are the benefits of learning taekwondo?
Trainees can gain a lot of benefits from it. First, taekwondo discipline is applicable to everyday life. Second, trainees can use their skills to protect themselves. And finally, they can strengthen their body and get physically fit. And if trainees make the national team, they can compete around the world and represent their countries.

What are your goals for your career?
My main goal is passing on my skills to the younger generation. I will continue competing for as long as my body can take it. The good thing about poomsae is the age brackets, so we face opponents around the same age. While awaiting the next world championship, I will keep mentoring my students and go back to training when I represent my country again.

enny0611@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.