TAE KWON DO is not only for men but also for women. Women are born weaker in physical strength compared to men. The need of women to learn Tae Kwon Do is increasing nowadays in Honiara because of high issues of rape and harassment.
Women need to protect themselves from any of these situations that can put their lives in danger. If you want to successfully learn Tae Kwon Do and the proper techniques of self-defence, you have to give time and dedication for it.
Here is 22-year-old Crystal Hagie, who once had a big dream to play Martial Arts since childhood. She described Taekwondo as a martial art to improve one’s physical and mental health. She says martial arts can make a female feel stronger mentally and it will also give women the sense of security that will enable them to manage any dangerous situations that might occur.
Now that Crystal has engaged in this martial arts sport, she hopes to build up her self-confidence – to handle any physical threatening circumstances. She believes that throughout her training she has learned a lot of movements and impacts on her body as well as the opponent or attacker. Now she knows when to strike or hit and how to do it properly in order to give her the strength with the full body potential of defending herself.
- Brief background of yourself?
My name is Crystal Hagie. Am from the Malaita province. In 2014, I was unable to continue my high school education. I dropped out from form five and ever since then haven’t been engaged in further studies.
- What motivated you to join Muscle art?
I have admired this particular sport since I was in primary school and always dreamt of playing with the white uniform on. It attracted me so much seeing women and girls who can play this sport with men.
- Who is your greatest influence?
My greatest influences were my friends and schoolmates, who were martial artists. They influenced me a lot by taking me to their training sessions.
- Why are you as a young female interested in playing Martial Arts?
Well, I have seen today that there are many violent activities happening in and around our country. I believe that through the practise of martial arts I could defend myself. This was one of the main reasons why I am interested in this sport.
- How long have you been playing Muscle art?
I have practised taekwondo since September 2017.
- What are the challenges of this sports that you have come across?
One of the challenges I faced during my first month training was I received a lot of negative comments from members of my family. They told me that it is a waste of time to play taekwondo and I should do something else. I almost gave up, seeing my family not very supportive with my decision.
- What encouraged you to continue playing?
I always dreamt to become a female sports star in the country – like Jenly Winne Tegu and Sharon Firisua. So having such dream, it motivated me to continue. I never gave up but I learned to never give and must be committed to my trainings and follow the strict rules Taekwondo in order to achieve this goal.
- What is one of your achievements so far in this sport?
One of my major achievements was being able to obtain my ‘Yellow Belt’.
- Any advice you have in regards to sports encouragements to other girls?
Sports engagement for women and girls is a great opportunity. This can help us in many ways such to give good health, improves fitness level and also level of discipline and also can prevent girls to engage in illicit and anti-social activities.
