Four Kenyan Taekwondo players attain historic 'master' titles

Since1975 when Taekwondo was introduced in Kenya by Master Lee Ki Jin, it's the first time in Sub-Saharan Africa that Kenya scooped four 4th Degree Kukkiwon Certified Black Belts at a go.

The four -who were previously holders of Kukkiwon 3rd Class International Master Instructors- thus officially attained the title of 'Master' much to their credit.

The four are Master Kennedy Kimemia Founder of Tae Tigers Kenya Master Moses Mairanga Founder of  Morans Taekwondo Academy, Master Paul Muthokia Founder of FarmZone Network Taekwondo Hun and Master Cosmas Kimathi of the Morans Taekwondo Academy.

Recommendations to Kukkiwon (World Taekwondo Headquarters in Seoul, South Korea) were made by the Kenya based Grandmaster Kim Jong Kyu.

Master Patrick Thimangu who's a Kenyan American Taekwondo exponent and 2nd Class Kukkiwon Certified International Master Instructor was praised for his support and indeed his initiative embrace Kukki Taekwondo skills and knowledge.

Milka Akinyi, an Olympian and a trainer at Paradisso Club also attained her 4th Degree.

Senior Coach Hastings Ngala of the Kenya Defense Forces  also racked up his 4th Degree in absentia.

During the grading occassion, Taekwondo players were urged to exercise high standards of discipline and also familiarize themselves with the state-of-the art technology.

Mombasa based Grandmaster Kim further urged players to upgrade their Kukkiwon Dan Certification accordingly ostensibly to gauge their standards in the sport.

Flanked by the Chairman of the Nairobi County Taekwondo Association, Master Voiya Lumwachi, the Grandmaster called on the players to accord the game the seriousness it deserved in order to earn respect and also advance their careers.

 GM Kim, who is one of the highly ranked Korean Taekwondo personalities and a Kenyan citizen, disclosed that the next grading of Taekwondo exponents is slated for April.

 He made the remarks earlier this week at Heroez Taekwondo, at Premier Fitness Center  in Nairobi CBD after officiating a colorful graduation ceremony for athletes who earned promotions to their respective Dan.

Lumwachi who doubles up as the Nairobi regions Taekwondo club congratulated the participants adding that there is need to have more girls and juniors in the game. He pleaded with coaches to work on licenses for their players so that  it  can act as part of their medical covers incase of any calamity or injuries.

Lumwachi who is credited for using his own resources in steering the game  to desirable level  urged the entire Taekwondo fraternity not to transact their money to individuals but use official Bank Account for transparency and accountability purposes.

Milka Akinyi who's among the Taekwondoin who received their 4th Dan (degree) lauded Taekwondo National office led by Master Kim and Lumwach for organizing the Award ceremony.

"This is a great milestone in our careers; life will never be the same again. This degree will inspire us to work harder to achieve higher grades," she noted.

Similar sentiments were expressed by James Ngatia, Kennedy Kimemia and Paul Gaturu who said Taekwondo sport in Kenya has a bright future given the right support from people who love the sport and its development in Kenya.

Three other players who graduated to 3rd Degree Kukkiwon Certified Black Belt Holders were Christopher Mutua Mbaati, founder of Heroez Taekwondo, Mickey Maingi and The Late Victor Odhiambo Nyakinda while eight players including four each were honoured to the 1st and 2nd Dan degrees respectively.