LAUSD partners with KCCLA to offer 1,200 students free taekwondo classes

Around 1,200 students within the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) are set to embark on a 10-week journey into the world of taekwondo. The Korea Taekwondo Promotion Foundation is generously providing support to these learners, including uniforms.

The Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles (KCCLA) recently announced a compelling opportunity for 1,200 students from 14 different schools within the LAUSD. Starting from August 28 and continuing until November 3, these students will be participating in the “Beyond the Bell” taekwondo education program, which serves as an engaging after-school course.

With the valuable backing of the Korea Taekwondo Promotion Foundation, the Korean Cultural Center will ensure that each of the 14 participating schools receives dedicated taekwondo instructors, proper uniforms, and belts.

This LAUSD Taekwondo education program has been in operation since 2010, largely supported by the Korean Cultural Center. The program’s goals encompass not only the promotion of Korean culture but also the enhancement of students’ physical strength and mental acuity.

Spanning a period of 10 weeks, enrolled students will delve into fundamental taekwondo forms, essential disciplines, and proper etiquette. The culmination of this program will be a series of graduation ceremonies scheduled from October 30 to November 3. During these ceremonies, students will proudly demonstrate their accomplishments in front of their families and peers.

Sangwon Jung, director of the Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles, shared his perspective: “Our aspiration is for the youth of the United States to engage in a meaningful and enriching exploration of the spirit of Taekwondo. This national martial art of Korea not only enhances physical fitness but also imparts valuable lessons in courtesy, dramatic expression, and magnanimity.”

Meanwhile, recognizing the profound spirit of taekwondo, the city of Irvine has designated September 4 as the official Taekwondo Day. A spirited inauguration event for Taekwondo Day was hosted at a baseball field within the Great Park, featuring the theme “Irvine Taekwondo Celebration Day.”

The event included captivating Taekwondo demonstrations and performances, allowing team members to proudly showcase the power and elegance of Taekwondo. This event not only celebrated Taekwondo within the city of Irvine but also underscored its impact on a broader scale within the U.S.

BY HYOUNGJAE KIM  [kim.ian@koreadaily.com]