Members of the SMART national taekwondo team led by veteran internationalist John Paul Lizardo flew to Korea recently to compete in the 7th Korea Open international championships both for kyorugi (sparring) and poomsae (forms) and undergo exclusive training in preparation for the upcoming world tournament and other prestigious events next year.
“This special undertaking by our athletes will improve their fighting spirit and further sharpen their skills,” said Philippine Taekwondo Association vice president Sung Chun Hong shortly before the Smart squad left a few days ago.
All the top sparring and poomsae athletes make up the squad which will train against varsity and professional performers in the best Korean schools and gymnasiums which have produced world champions. The team’s participation in the Korea Open and its training are supported by Smart Communications Inc./MVP Sports Foundation, Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) and Philippine Sports Commission.