Taekwondo Disgrace

I know the 2008 Summer Olympics have come and gone but there’s an issue that has been bothering me. When that Cuban Taekwondo competitor kicked the referee in the face after losing his chance for a bronze metal, I felt more than disgust. I really don’t want to waste time explaining the details of why he lost. You can look that up on the net later. What is at issue here is the lack of control, respect, and discipline this so called martial artist demonstrated.

I have the honor of being a black belt in Kempo Karate. During my training I participated in several point sparring tournaments. There is one match in particular that I’ve never forgotten. My opponent and I were evenly matched up both in body structure and skill level, though she was a good four or five inches taller than me. The rules I was bound by stated that a point would be awarded only when both referees called a clear point. This means both saw a solid, yet controlled, strike to the head or torso. Several times I felt one of my round-house kicks or punches hit it’s mark but both referees never called it together. Soon my frustration got the best of me resulting in the lose of concentration and eventually the match. I was awarded second place. But despite my disapproval of the referees performance I did not take any action against them. I accepted my trophy and learned from the experience. In other words, as a martial artist, I used the moral attributes learned from my training: Self Control, Self Respect, and Discipline. It is a shame and a dishonor toward all martial arts practitioners that the Cuban Taekwondo competitor failed to do the same.

Though I am happy with his punishment (he is no longer able to participate in any competition), this whole story has left an awful taste in my mouth. I hope some day this competitor will apologize to his teacher.