TAEK-WONDER

The two combinations-An ancient form of Korean martial arts which originated years ago; a country where martial arts is in a nascent phase. The two combinations do not go well together but this martial art form more popularly known as taekwondo is slowly but steadily making its mark in our country. Taekwondo is the Korean national sport rivaling karate, judo and is becoming increasingly popular among the masses. Many don’t know but at the Busan games in Korea, Surendra Bhandari won a bronze medal for taekwondo, at a time where it was an unknown entity. As it’s a form of martial art it inculcates self-discipline and also builds your self defense and concentration. But what’s the connection between taekwondo and the Mumbai suburbs? Head down to andheri (w) near 7 bungalows-The Renaissance club. One of the few places where there is quality taekwondo training under the guidance of Mr.Laxman Singh Hada.”It’s been 16 years since I am training in martial arts and its just an honour teaching the young kids form whatever ive learnt during this time”chirps a confident Mr.Laxman. Mr.Laxman is a national gold medalist in taekwondo and has represented India in the SAFF games.Hes earned a black belt from Korea and has coached at NIS-Sports Authority Of India.So what has happened to the sport of taekwondo is the last decade or so?He aptly replies”The times have changed considerably.There is a lot more happening in the area of taekwondo and karate today and its just great to see a sport which was so nascent now becoming something big.And taekwondo is just going to become increasingly popular with time”. Armed with an impressive CV,he is the founder of Champion Fighting Arts Academy at the Renaissance Club and gives professional training in martial arts. Taekwondo being his passion, he aims at spreading the game of taekwondo in the city and also at the national level.A buoyant Mr.Laxman says”People are not aware of taekwondo, but the situation has improved since the past 5 years or so.Slowly but surely more people are taking martial arts seriously and its quite amazing to see the response Ive got.Im sure that the club is accessible to the residents of versova,7 & 4 bungalows and even lokhandwala.I hope to scout and nurture as much as talent I can from this belt of the suburbs as there are quite a few number of people enrolling.The age group Ive got now varies from 8 -9 yrs to almost 35 yrs age.Im very optimistic about the future” A qualified referee also, he participated in the 2005 Taekwondo World Open in Vancouver, Canada. But after 16 years of kicking and punching he’s now mainly focused on grooming the talent at his academy. He’s also in talks with several schools about including taekwondo in the extra curricular activity section for the children.”Yes,I do hope this happens.Like other popular sports in school like football,cricket and basketball I hope to see taekwondo too,but it’s a dream nestled in the future and me and my team of trainers are taking small steps to achieve it”says Mr.Laxman whilst signing off .How popular taekwondo becomes is a question which can only be answered as time goes on, but with such zealots like Mr.Laxman around promoting the sport, we can surely expect our kids to become ninjas in the near future!