Fifty years after Taekwondo was introduced in Nigeria, the Korea Cultural Centre Nigeria (KCCN) has rolled out drums to celebrate.
To this end, the centre between April 18 and 19, 2024 organised a two-day coaches clinic and distributed Taekwondo equipment.
Speaking on the essence of the coaches’ seminar which held inside the KCCN in Abuja, the centre’s Taekwondo head coach, Ogunmuyiwa Gbolahan said it was aimed at refreshing the technical abilities of the coaches as well as teaching newly introduced techniques in the sport.
He said, “Apart from the technical training sessions, the essence of the coaches’ training is to also bring about unity among coaches across Nigeria. Taekwondo as a dynamic sport has new inventions, almost on yearly basis. So, there’s always need to update coaches about these new things regarding the use of equipment and techniques.
“So, the seminar helps Nigerian coaches to get first hand information about Taekwondo just it’s globally. It also sharpens the participants’ skills, athletes, club, event management and competition success. It’s a full package.
“”Part of the seminar is a training on Artificial Intelligence in Taekwondo athletes training and competition. Taekwondo is very much technology based. Through the seminar, we have introduced the coaches to latest equipment from Gen one, Gen two and now Gen three which has just been introduced. Through this seminar, we are giving equipment to partipating coaches.”
Talking about the 50th anniversary of Taekwondo’s introduction in Nigeria, coach Gbolahan said, “Another area of importance is that this year’s edition is a special edition being used to flag-off the 50th year existence of Taekwondo in Nigeria. Taekwondo came to Nigeria in March, 1974. It’s a one year celebration. There will be other forms of celebration with other organs of Taekwondo in Nigeria.
“In the course of the celebration, we will organise special awards for people who have contributed to Taekwondo development in Nigeria, luncheon, Korea Ambassador Cup, the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation.
Also speaking, Grand Master Dominic Bassey who was part of the seminar said, “The coaches need to be constantly thought on how to transfer marshal art knowledge to the athletes with incurring injuries or defaulting in ways that are not in accordance to acceptable norms both now and in the future.”
On why Nigeria Taekwondo hasn’t enjoyed improved performance at the biggest stage like the Olympics, the GM said, “You know like every other aspect of the country, Taekwondo had suffered funding and so on, but it has made gains amidst the challenges. We have had Nigerians win Silver and Bronze at different Olympics.
He then thanked KCCN for organising regular training programmes for coaches annually and enjoined the centre not to relent.
Sharing their experiences, some of the participants spoke glowing of the impact the seminar made in their career as coaches
Responding, Nigeria Air Force Coach Warrant Officer Peter Ohahere from Kaduna described the seminar as an opener, adding, “This kind of training is required at intervals to keep us up to date”
Also, Coach Abdul Qudus from Kogi state said, “Honestly, I didn’t expect the much we were thought. The training was thorough, beyond our expectations.”
For Inspector Garba Danjuma Muazu of the Nigeria Police from the Force headquarters in Abuja, “Being a security personnel, I acquired the level of self defence knowledge I didn’t know of before.”
He then advocated for such training for more police personnel in the country.
