ROKAF, 8 FW hosts Taekwondo tournament

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Giang Nguyen
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Airmen from the 8th Fighter Wing and the Republic of Korea Air Force's 38th Fighter Group participated in a Taekwondo tournament here recently.

This was an opportunity for Airmen from the 8th Fighter Wing and 38th Fighter Group to strengthen their relationship and learn more about each others culture. This is the fifth time the Republic of Korea has hosted a Taekwondo event since 2004.

Captain Sungwook Lee, 38th FG chief of manpower department said the 8th FW and ROKAF joined forces to set up the event in order to share culture and experiences.

"I also think this will create a better relationship between the two allies' nations," said Captain Sungwook Lee, members of the 38th Fighter Group, chief of manpower department. "Learning Korean culture brings stronger friendship."

Taekwondo, Korean martial arts are composed of Poomsae, sparring and breaking boards. The art is 2,000 years old and under went many changes before being officially known as Taekwondo. It is well known for its kicking techniques since leg is the longest and strongest body parts. Physically, it can help a person to develop speed, strength, flexibility and stamina through forms and techniques.

"Taekwondo is a good way to stay in shape by performing various kicking and punching techniques," said Senior Airman Walter Buckner, from the 8th Maintenance Squadron "It is a good event to build relationships with the Republic of Korea Air Force and understand more about Korean culture and tradition."

All participants who planned to emulate must be a black belt or higher. This was to prevent accidents and promote sportsmanship among competitors. Members competed within their own weight class for the duration of three rounds and each round lasted one minute and 30 seconds. The event had two categories for participants to compete, emulation and Poomsae. Four judges from different parts of the Republic of Korea came to evaluate the performance of participants. The tournament consisted of three rounds; a preliminary, semi-finals and finals with a Taekwondo demonstration as a last event.

Master Min Son Yun, Taekwondo Federation Department chairman, said that Taekwondo helps martial artists gain control over their emotions and themselves through respect, sparring and Poomsae. As members learn higher techniques, they will have better concentration, strength and flexibility to defense them when necessary.

The winners will advance to a Republic of Korea Air Force tournament in Suwon in April 24 and 25.