ST. PETERS--The King Yen Taekwondo School reopens at Hillside Christian School this afternoon. Young students will train with Grandmaster Theo Liu from 5:00 to 6:00pm. The older children will train from 6:00 to 7:00pm and the adults will have practice from 7:00 to 8:00pm.
Classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
“We are not sure what the future of the virus holds, but we want to get ready to resume our international travel and competitions,” said the Grandmaster. “At all times – we follow the government and Covid team advice,” said Liu.
Following government and sports department guidelines, young athletes should arrive on time and leave immediately after training. Also they should wear a mask and training uniform. Athletes should bring their own water.
The King Yen School had already started small non contact outdoor training sessions with the national Taekwondo team at the Emilio Wilson Park.
The following week more training time was made available for other students and now full classses are to resume.
“People are looking for ways to become active again,” said the Grandmaster. “They want to get physically fit and mentally strong.” Taekwondo will help athletes get rid of depression and loneliness caused by the lockdown. According to Liu training also offers many health benefits, as well as confidence building and life skills.
The King Yen School travels as the St. Maarten National Taekwondo Team. Prior to the lockdown the team represented St. Maarten at the Puerto Rico International Taekwondo Open Championships in March. The team won 11 gold medals, three silver and was named second best International Team.
There were also plans for the team to compete both in the Caribbean and in the United States as well a a trip to the far east planned for this fall.
The Grandmaster has reassured his athletes and their families, “Everyone’s situation and risk levels are obviously different, and people will do what they feel is reasonable for them and their families.”
He continued, “Our St. Maarten Taekwondo team and family will get through this – together and stronger.”
