Maryland Community Newspapers Online
|
|
|
Maryland Community Newspapers Online
|
|
Locals among national taekwondo qualifiersWhen Master Ramy Latchinian, head coach of the World Taekwondo Masters in Rockville, moved to the United States from Egypt in 1987 at age 18, he thought he’d have all the tools he needed to teach and practice his beloved martial arts at a high level. But the three-time Egyptian National Kung Fu champion (1985-1987) was quite surprised at the lack of martial arts expertise in this country. So, in 1989, while still a student at American University, he opened World Taekwondo Masters. And while it still remains one of the smaller schools in the area — only about 100 athletes — it’s solidified itself through results at elite competitions, as one of the premier schools in the country. WTM athletes continued their dominance April 21-22, picking up 22 medals (17 gold, 9 silver, 6 bronze) at the U.S. Taekwondo National Qualifier in Rhode Island. Latchinian, a five-time U.S. National Team coach, took 19 athletes to Rhode Island. The competition was one of six qualifiers, with the top four in each weight class advancing to the U.S. National Championships (for adults) and Junior Olympics (18-under) July 11-18 in San Jose, Calif. ‘‘Anyone who comes to this country from another country thinks the United States is the greatest place ever,” Latchinian said. ‘‘When I came here, I figured I’d come and join a martial arts school and now I’d get the real training and have the tools I needed — in Egypt we trained by kicking trees. But I realized that a lot of people open martial arts schools here for business and don’t know anything about the sport. So I opened a school with the objective of teaching the highest level of martial arts. ‘‘Most schools have 400-500 athletes and we have only 80-100. But the biggest reason for that is I don’t want to mass produce. I want to be able pay attention to detail.” Montgomery County residents Thomas Ly (Magruder, senior), Emilia Morrow (Wootton, freshman), Molly Jacobs (Churchill, sophomore), T.J. Thornton (Travilah Elementary), Raymond Trang (Parkland Middle), Max Park (Hoover Middle), William Morrison (Kennedy, junior) and Benjamin Hwang (Seven Locks Elementary), all qualified for Junior Olympics with their performances. Morrow, the youngest member of the junior national team last year at 13, and Ly, will compete at both Senior Nationals and Junior Olympics. The Junior Olympics is the first step athletes take on the path to the Olympics. The top four finishers in each weight class at Junior Olympics are sent to the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs for national team selections. The athletes compete in a round robin, with the winner of each weight class earning a spot on the team. WTM has had at least one member on the national team since 1997. Taekwondo, which primarily focuses on kicking, on using certain techniques and agility to overcome opponents, requires a strict training regimen. WTM athletes spend at least 20 hours honing their skills each week, training in Taekwondo and building stamina, strength and coordination through a variety of cross-training activities, such as running and swimming. They’ve made sacrifices to get to the elite level. And Latchinian respects them even more for that devotion. ‘‘If you’re doing something, you might as well work hard and do it right,” Latchinian said. ‘‘Taekwondo helps you understand the importance of finishing what you’ve started.” County medal winners Benjamin Hwang (Red belt, Seven Locks Elementary) Molly Jacobs (Black belt, Churchill High) Thomas Ly (Black belt, Magruder High) Ellen Morrison (Red belt, Kennedy High) William Morrison (Black belt, Kennedy High) Emilia Morrow (Black belt, Wootton High) Max Park (Red belt, Hoover Middle) Jazel Salvador (Red belt, Strathmore Elementary) Michelle Su (Blue belt, Stone Mill Elementary) Yasmin Teymourian (Red belt, Churchill High) T.J. Thornton (Red belt, Travilah Elementary) Raymond Trang (Black Belt, Parkland Middle)
|
 |
Top Jobs
Loading...
Classifieds |