5:40 AM - Classmate Japoy is setting sights on a bigger fight
"Japoy" Lizardo, representing the Philippines, is now a gold medalist in the fin weight category at the 23rd Southeast Asian Games 2005. Just 19 years of age, the third-year student at De la Salle University in Manila has garnered more medals since graduating from high school, and is currently our country's brightest prospect in the sport of taekwondo. The World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) speaks exclusively to this rising star.
"Always give your best and fight as if it's your last."
"Let's practice the good things that we have learned in this martial art and sport of taekwondo and let us share it with the rest of the world."
Why did you learn taekwondo?
When I was 11 years old, I watched martial arts on TV and I was inspired by Bruce Lee, Jacky Chan and our local artist Monsour del Rosario; they enlightened me with their fancy moves and death defying stunts. From then on, I wanted to have martial arts as a self-defense.
Is there anybody else among your family or friends who practices taekwondo?
We are a family of five, but nobody in my family knows that I'm into taekwondo by the time I started. I have an elder brother and younger sister; both have 2nd Dan black belt. I'm the second sibling. But my parents have supported me in fulfilling my dreams and guiding me by their example.
How significant is taekwondo to your career?
Taekwondo is not just my hobby, but a career in the first place. It is through this sport and martial art that I get to serve my countrymen. I would be happy to coach the future players of our country; this is my way of sharing what I love to do.
What is your own taekwondo philosophy?
First of all, true self-confidence. Also knowing what we are capable of and applying what we know. Furthermore, as a born again Christian knowing that God has given us our talents and that we should use it for the good.
How does taekwondo benefit your mental and physical states?
It helps me increase my mental power in so many ways before, during, and after training. My mental training doesn't start and end during practice sessions. I do my best to follow my scheduled training. I also maintain the attitude of giving my best each time I train. I treat difficulties as training obstacles that I have to get through.Defeats also play an important part in my training I treat each loss as another chance to stand up. Each task I accomplish takes me closer to victory.My training will definitely contribute to my positive outlook in life. "As an Olympic sport, show them that taekwondo is a sport for all, and taekwondo continues to improve in different ways.This matters a lot."
How do you evaluate the Southeast Asian Games 2005?
It was not my first international competition. But it was a new experience for me since it was held in our country. Overall, the Games were difficult because you knew you were fighting the best athletes in Southeast Asia. Also, there was added pressure because I was fighting in my own country.
What could be done to increase its popularity?
In my opinion, media and advertising would help a lot. They could feature some athletes with good character and good credentials to serve as role models in local advertisements. After that, we could feature all of them in an international advertisement and promote them worldwide. We should also follow other sports that use great athletes, such as Pele for soccer, Michael Jordan for basketball, and Andre Agassi for tennis.
What might be the obstacles to taekwondo development?
The major obstacles are taekwondo athletes who give taekwondo a bad name by not behaving like sportsmen inside or outside the court. Taekwondo players who don't follow the rules of taekwondo competition will destroy the image of taekwondo. I think that kind of athlete has no place in this disciplined sport. Taekwondo is known for its discipline that's why parent's enrolled their children. Taekwondo teaches you to be a disciplined citizen.
Nowadays peace and humanity are important issues for the sports federations. How could these be realized through taekwondo?
I think by uniting the people and practicing the sport. There are so many opportunities, especially through competitions and development projects, which enable us to know each other, our culture, our differences, and our needs. Classmate John Paul Lizardo competed for the Qatar Asiad this year but did not bring home any medal. He rubs off the dismay and sets his eyes on a bigger stint and that is winning our country's first gold medal at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 .
"Japoy" Lizardo, representing the Philippines, is now a gold medalist in the fin weight category at the 23rd Southeast Asian Games 2005. Just 19 years of age, the third-year student at De la Salle University in Manila has garnered more medals since graduating from high school, and is currently our country's brightest prospect in the sport of taekwondo. The World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) speaks exclusively to this rising star.