Sunday, July 27, 2008

10 students heading to the tae kwon do World Cup

By Amanda A. Stevens
Journal Staff Writer
          It's about self-discipline, respect, agility, strength, and most of all, hard work.
        Ten students of International Tae Kwon-Do in Rio Rancho will put all those attributes and more to the test in October when they travel to Italy for the World Cup.
        "I'm really nervous because the competition will be way more intense, but I'm excited because I've never been to other places, I mean, all around the world," black belt Caitlin Jarmack, 18, said as she nervously wrung her hands. "I'm not afraid of getting hurt, just nervous to be in front of tons of people and represent the U.S."
        Each athlete will compete in sparring as well as "patterns," a series of pre-arranged movements such as punches, kicks, and stances.
        "(Tae kwon do) teaches a lot about family, dedication and their bodies, meaning their physical attributes and how to overcome barriers," said Tamara Legendre coach and co-owner of International Tae Kwon-Do.
        But not everyone is as nervous to compete in Italy as Jarmack.
        "I'm excited and I'm prepared to win. I'm tired of getting third and fourth, I'm ready to win," third Dan black belt Michael Tolzmann, 16, said. "I've gotten bigger, quicker and I've been training hard."
        Tolzmann placed third in the 2006 World Cup held in Spain.
        "I've never been to Italy, but I've been to the World Cup before and I expect some tough competition, big guys. There's always a possibility of getting hurt, but I'm not afraid."
        Aside from pummeling the competition, Tolzmann said he also enjoys the sport because it forces him to exercise self-discipline.
        "You have to work hard, have speed, technique and a good kick," he said. "You have to learn how to be in control of yourself. When you get hit, you can't get all crazy. Instead of getting mad, you have to take a step back and do what you were taught. Once you get mad, you lose the fight."
        Not only is practicing tae kwon do a good way to learn self-control, it also keeps you in great shape, and makes you feel better about yourself, third Dan black belt Grace Windler, 17, said.
        "If I wasn't in tae kwon do, I would probably be eating a lot and getting fat and probably I wouldn't be traveling as much as I have," she said. "I wouldn't have the support network that I have with everybody there; we're like a big family."
        The other students who will compete in the World Cup are second Dan black belt Ashley Berry, blue belt Melissa Casey, brothers and red belts Jerry and Ryan Feltman, red belt Peaches Medina, red belt Lenora Salas, and red belt Amaris Sena.
        For more information about International Tae Kwon Do in Rio Rancho, call 715-8035.