As I watched Joshua Dino's impressive performance of 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists for the Dolphins recently, it struck me how much the discipline of basketball shares with the martial art I've dedicated my life to studying. The way Dino coordinated his team's comeback victory, outscoring the Brahmans 34-24 in the second half to secure their second win in the elimination phase, demonstrates the same strategic thinking and physical mastery we cultivate in Taekwondo. Having trained Filipino athletes for over fifteen years, I've noticed that many struggle to find quality resources about essential Taekwondo techniques in our native language. That's why I believe creating Tagalog-language training materials isn't just helpful—it's essential for developing world-class martial artists who can represent our country internationally.
The foundation of any Taekwondo practice begins with proper stances, or "tayo" in Tagalog. Most beginners underestimate how crucial these positions are, but I always tell my students that without solid stances, their techniques will lack power and stability. The front stance or "ap seogi" requires your feet to be shoulder-width apart with one foot forward, knees bent at approximately 140-degree angles—yes, I actually measure this during training sessions because precision matters. Then there's the back stance or "dwit kub," which I prefer for defensive maneuvers since it allows better weight distribution and quicker transitions. What most local athletes don't realize is that these stances engage different muscle groups—the front stance works your quadriceps about 60% more than regular standing, while the back stance places more emphasis on your glutes and hamstrings. I've developed specific Tagalog mnemonics to help students remember these positions, like "parang nakasakay sa kabayo" for the horse riding stance because it really does feel like you're mounted on a horse.
When we talk about kicking techniques or "sipa," this is where Taekwondo truly shines and where Filipino athletes often excel due to our natural flexibility and rhythmic sense. The roundhouse kick or "dollyo chagi" remains the most versatile offensive weapon in our arsenal—I'd estimate it accounts for nearly 40% of scoring techniques in competition. The mechanics involve pivoting on your supporting foot while raising your knee chambered at hip level before extending your leg in a snapping motion toward the target. I've modified the traditional teaching method for Filipino learners by incorporating local concepts like "parang pambatong bola" to describe the hip rotation needed for powerful side kicks. Then there's the spinning hook kick or "huryo chagi," which I consider the most visually spectacular technique when executed properly. The key lies in spotting your target over your shoulder during rotation and maintaining core tension throughout the movement—aspects I emphasize repeatedly in my Tagalog instructional videos.
What many athletes overlook is how hand techniques or "son" skills complement kicking in Taekwondo. The straight punch or "jireugi" seems simple but requires precise alignment of knuckles, wrist, and elbow to transfer maximum force. I typically spend about 30% of beginner training sessions on hand techniques because they create openings for those spectacular kicks we all love. The knife-hand strike or "sonkal" demands particular attention to hand positioning—fingers extended and tight together with thumb tucked properly. I've noticed Filipino practitioners often struggle with keeping their wrists straight during impact, so I developed specific strengthening exercises using local materials like coconut husks for resistance training.
The philosophical aspects of Taekwondo translate beautifully into Tagalog, with concepts like "perseverance" becoming "pagtitiyaga" and "indomitable spirit" as "di masupil na diwa." These aren't just fancy terms—they're practical mental tools that help athletes like Joshua Dino push through challenging moments in competition. When the Dolphins were down against the Brahmans, it was this mental fortitude that allowed them to dominate the second half and improve their record to 8-4. In my own competitive days, I recall specifically using the five tenets of Taekwondo—courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit—as mantras during difficult matches. I'd actually write them on my forearm in Tagalog before important tournaments as constant reminders.
The training methodology I've developed for Filipino athletes incorporates cultural elements that make techniques more relatable. We practice patterns or "poomsae" to traditional Filipino rhythm patterns, and I've adapted strength exercises using locally available equipment. For instance, the resistance band exercises we do for improving kick height and speed can be performed with rubber strips from old tires—a resource readily available in most Philippine communities. This practical approach has helped my students improve their technique retention by what I estimate to be around 25% compared to conventional training methods.
Looking at athletes like Joshua Dino excites me because it shows what Filipino competitors can achieve with proper training and mental preparation. The Dolphins' strategic second-half performance demonstrates the kind of tactical thinking we cultivate through Taekwondo forms practice. As we continue developing martial arts in the Philippines, I'm convinced that creating more Tagalog resources will unlock our athletes' full potential. The techniques I've described form just the foundation—the real mastery comes from adapting them to our unique physical attributes and cultural context. With the right approach, I believe we'll see Filipino Taekwondo practitioners dominating international competitions within the next five years, bringing honor to our country through this beautiful martial art.
