Martial arts groups condemn taekwondo bully as ‘challenger’ emerges
Credit to Author: ARIC JOHN SY CUA| Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2018 08:47:31 +0000
MARTIAL arts groups condemned a viral video and a new viral Facebook post, concerning an Ateneo de Manila Junior High School student who beat up a fellow student.
The Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA) said that the actions of one of its practitioners, who won a gold medal at a tournament in 2016, did not stand on the values of the sport.
“We, the Philippine Taekwondo Association, condemns any form of misbehavior which includes harassment, bullying, and acts of violence,” PTA vice president Danilo Mojica said in a statement. “Modesty is one of the five tenets of taekwondo that is being taught to all taekwondo practitioners from the first day of training. Our association reiterates its objective to all taekwondo practitioners self-respect and respect for others.”
The PTA later said that it would respect the disciplinary action taken by the Ateneo de Manila Junior High School and would hold its own investigation on the matter.
‘Challenger’ emerges
A new post circulating online showed that the taekwondo practitioner and a 14-year-old Muaythai fighter should face off against each other. The post has since been deleted.
The Sprawl MMA Philippines gym, where the 14-year-old Muaythai fighter trains, said that the fighter did not want to have his moments of fame. The gym also said that the post had garnered 111,000 shares.
“Hindi naman daw niya talagang gustong gumatong at magpasikat sa isyu, at kantyawang bata lang naman daw talaga na di rin niya inasahang sumabog sa social media,” (He did not want to have this kind of fame and he did not expect this impact on social media.) the gym said in a Facebook statement on Friday. “Ngunit totoong naantig ang kanyang damdamin dahil talagang naawa siya sa mga biktima ng bullying, at hindi niya matanggap na mapanood ang isang martial artist na ginagamit ang fighting skills para manakit ng kapwa – lalo na silang hindi naman nagsanay sa larangang ito.” (It is true, however, that he was moved because he sympathized with the bullying victim and he does not accept that a martial artist is using his skills to hurt others. They are used to situations like this.)
“Sabi pa nga niya, dapat nga daw ay ginagamit pa ang mga natutunang ito para ipagtanggol ang mga nadedehado – sa panahon na talagang kinakailangan,” (He even said that this should be a lesson to defend the defenseless, in times of need.) the gym added. “At, pag-iisipan niya na rin daw ng mabuti bago magpost muli ng kahit ano sa social media.” (He even thinks before he posts on social media.)
The Muaythai Association of the Philippines (MAP) said in a statement on Friday that the viral posts were shared by some of its members.
“It has come to our attention that some Muaythai athletes, coaches, officials, and gyms affiliated with the Muaythai Association of the Philippines have used the bullying incident in a school in Quezon City to promote the sport in a negative light by challenging the student to a match,” they wrote. “The post itself has gone viral and shared by those who are supposed to uphold the tenets and values of Muaythai – respect, tradition, excellence, fair play, and honor. We, at MAP, do not condone any form of violence and bullying, be it verbal, physical, mental, or emotional.”
The MAP was “saddened” that its members have forgotten the true meaning of martial arts, as they want to use their skills to their advantage. The association will be taking appropriate actions against those who have shared the post.
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