Trigger warning: blood, injury of a minor
A 17-year-old Pinay Taekwondo yellow belter recently sustained injuries and had to be hospitalized after sparring with a black belter.
In a report by Oscar Oida for 24 Oras, it was shown that the victim sustained undereye bruises, a broken nose, and a swollen face after her coach made her spar with her black belter male teammate.
Pinay Taekwondo Newbie Gets Hospitalized After Sparring With A Black Belter Teammate
"Grabe po yung epekto ng ginawa nila sa akin. Halos minsan po 'di na ako makabangon, makapasok sa paaralan kasi po grabe po yung pagbugbog sa akin," the victim stated in the report.
The Pinay jin, who is currently a varsity athlete at Jesus Is Lord Colleges Foundation Inc. in Bocaue, Bulacan, revealed that she had only recently started training in Taekwondo. She said that she was unable to properly defend herself during their sparring session due to the severe mismatch in belt levels and weight categories.
In the video of the sparring session, the victim can be seen getting kicked around by her male teammate, with her even falling to the ground multiple times from the impact of the kicks.
"Muntikan na po ako mamatay dahil sa bugbog. Binugbog ako na wala akong laban. 'Di ko kaya lumaban wala ako magawa sa sarili ko kasi pinartner ako sa lalaki na mas mabigat sa akin. 70 kilos, black belter pa. Kakasimula ko lang po."
According to the victim's mom, the coach allegedly set up the unfair sparring match due to jealousy. "Sinadya po dahil may gusto siya sa anak ko. Meron daw pong biglang inaakap siya, inaakbayan, tapos inaaya siya kumain sa labas, mag-kape nang sila lang dalawa. Sabi ko, 'di na normal 'yun," she noted.
For now, the victim is currently recovering from her severe injuries in a hospital.
"Mentally, physically damaged po [siya]. May gising pa po na minsan bumabagsak po siya. Pinapa-MRI po siya," the victim's mom further revealed.
According to the victim's family, the Bocaue police have already filed charges against the coach for violating Republic Act No. 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.
The school, on the other hand, said that they are currently investigating the incident. They have also suspended the team's Taekwondo training sessions alongside the coaches.
Watch the news report here:
Philippine Taekwondo Association Releases Statement Involving Sparring Incident
On March 27, 2024, the Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA), the local governing body of the sport, released a statement regarding an incident involving a Taekwondo practitioner during a training regimen.
While the PTA did not specify which incident it was pertaining to, it is believed to be a direct response to what happened to the 17-year-old Pinay jin. The sports association said that it places a high priority on the safety and well-being of its students and coaches and that they have begun its investigation into what happened.
"The PTA has been notified about this incident and we have initiated our primary investigation, working closely with our PTA Officers and PTA Regional Directors," they said in the statement.
"We are working within our jurisdiction in determining the facts of the events to ensure accountability within our community."
What is Taekwondo?
Taekwondo is a martial art that originated in Korea. It is known for its kicking and punching techniques and also incorporates hand blocks and strikes. It's characterized by its dynamic and powerful movements, as well as its emphasis on its tenets: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit.
Taekwondo training typically involves sparring (kyorugi), forms (poomsae), and breaking and self-defense techniques.
In the Philippines, Taekwondo has six main belt levels: white, yellow (8th and 7th grade yellow), blue (6th and 5th grade blue), red (4th and 3rd grade red), brown (2nd and 1st grade brown), and black (1st to 9th dan).
White and yellow are usually considered beginner belt levels, while those holding blue, red, and brown belts are considered intermediate. Black belts, on the other hand, represent a significant mastery of the martial art.
