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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider SMART/MVPSF National CPJ Taekwondo Championships set this weekend

SMART/MVPSF National CPJ Taekwondo Championships set this weekend

Published Mar 17, 2026 12:23 pm

At A Glance

  • Expect fierce action and a star-studded field as the Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA) stages the SMART/MVPSF National Carlos Palanca, Jr. Taekwondo Championships to kick off another busy season this weekend, March 21 to 22, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
A young female taekwondo jin in red armor executes a powerful 3-point head kick during a sparring match. (PTA photo)
A young female taekwondo jin in red armor executes a powerful 3-point head kick during a sparring match. (PTA photo)
Expect fierce action and a star-studded field as the Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA) stages the SMART/MVPSF National Carlos Palanca, Jr. Taekwondo Championships to kick off another busy season this weekend, March 21 to 22, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Long regarded as the breeding ground for future champions, the PTA – under the able stewardship of Grandmaster Hong Sung-Chon – announced that around 3,000 taekwondo jins will be competing in the two-day event, underscoring the sustained popularity of the Korean martial arts in the country.
After months of intensive training, the veterans and rising stars of the UAAP, NCAA and other major clubs all over the country are looking to pull off surprises in the tournament that has the full backing of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and MILO.
Competitions will be divided into two events – Kyorugi (Free Sparring) and Poomsae (Forms) where precision, speed and flexibility are needed each match to emerge victorious.
In Kyorugi, there will be competitions for seniors, juniors, cadets and grade schoolers –male and female. Poomsae, on the other hand, will be divided into Recognized Poomsae (individual, team and mixed pair events) and Freestyle (for individual only).
The competition will serve as a tune-up for PH team members preparing for upcoming 2026 International events such as the World Junior Taekwondo Championships, Asian Taekwondo Championships, Chuncheon Korea Open Taekwondo Championships, World Poomsae Taekwondo Championships, Youth Olympic Games and the much- awaited Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Parents interested in enrolling their children and sports enthusiasts are enjoined to witness this exciting event. Competition starts at 9 a.m.
While competitions start on March 21, the opening ceremony will be held the following day starting at 1 p.m. and will be highlighted by a performance from the PH Demonstration Team.
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