Philippine Taekwondo Association to investigate incident of newbie injured from sparring with black belter
The Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA) has begun its primary investigation of an incident involving a 17-year-old yellow belter who was allegedly made to spar with a black belter by her coach.
According to a 24 Oras report, the newbie was confined in a hospital due to her injuries, which included bruises under her eyes and swelling on her face.
The victim is a new varsity student at the Jesus Is Lord Colleges Foundation in Bocaue, Bulacan.
"Muntikan na po ako mamatay dahil sa bugbog. Binugbog ako na wala akong laban. 'Di ko kaya lumaban, wala ako magawa sa sarili ko kasi pinartner ako sa lalaki na mas mabigat sa akin 70 kilos, black belter pa. Kakasimula ko lang po," she told 24 Oras.
The yellow belter's mother said that the 17-year-old became "mentally, physically damaged" after the fight and had to go through an MRI.
Her mother also claimed that the novice was put in the disadvantaged matchup due to jealousy as the coach allegedly had feelings for her.
According to the World Taekwondo Belts system, a yellow belt is the second-lowest rank, next to white, attained by newbies within two to three months into the martial art. Meanwhile, the black belt, the highest rank, is 10 steps above the yellow and is attained in around four years.
Ongoing investigation
On March 27, the PTA released a statement on the issue saying that they have initiated a primary investigation.
"In our Philippine Taekwondo community, the safety and well-being of our students and coaches are always our highest priorities. The PTA has been notified about this incident and we have initiated our primary investigation, working closely with our PTA officers and regional directors," it said.
"Rest assured that we are taking matters seriously. We are working within our jurisdiction in determining the facts of the events to ensure accountability within our community."
The PTA also urged the public to be prudent with comments on the incident as minors are involved.
A case has also already been filed against the coach by the police for violating Republic Act No. 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.
The victim's school, JILCF, has also begun an investigation and has suspended taekwondo training sessions and the coaches.