There were seven beaming faces on the edge of a pool at a makeshift outdoor venue in Arabian Ranches last week as, with the dreaded board-breaking successfully behind them, a collection of Taekwondo students were handed their prized yellow belts.
This progression from white to yellow not only marked the successful completion of a series of basic movements, forms and breaking tests, but also the first graduation of students in Dubai for Dr. Grace Chami-Sather and her sons Mark and Eric, who have been training the group since February.
Physical benefits
Chami-Sather, who has a doctorate in education and a masters in educational psychology, came across the sport when she went to sign up her sons for classes in the US and was then roped in to participating herself.
Four years on, it has become a lifestyle, and the subject of extensive research into the connection between Taekwondo and education.
"The way we were brought to practice it was a certain lifestyle that the boys and I have led for four years. It wasn't only about self-defence or the art of hand-eye coordination, it was more like a lifestyle and the tenets of Taekwondo - perseverance, self-control, indomitable spirit, sound mind and a sound body; it's all about consistency, loyalty and honesty," said Chami-Sather.
Apart from the physical benefits of this ancient Korean martial art, which include better coordination, building strength and flexibility and improving cardiovascular conditioning, Chami-Sather believes that Taekwondo is important in developing and improving a child's self-confidence, focus, self awareness and memory and it should be utilised in schools.
"There are some clubs in Dubai, but we don't see too much of it in the open here in the UAE yet. I am trying to bring it into the open and into the schools because it's very important so that they can see that kids really learn by doing. All the things that they know, they have never seen written. They trust their ears and they do them," said Chami-Sather.
"I am hoping that it is promoted not only as a martial art but as a lifestyle. It hasn't fully come alive here yet, but it is getting bigger because Shaikha Maitha Bint Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum is involved in it."
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai's daughter is better known for her karate prowess, having claimed a silver medal in last year's Asian Games, but she has also competed in Taekwondo, most recently in the World Taekwondo Championships in Beijing.
Black belt
As for the bunch of kids in Arabian Ranches, they will now be working hard towards attaining their green belts. Achieving the ultimate could be a matter of years away.
"To the next belt, if they are regular and practice three times a week, it should take about a month and a half to two months. Practically if you carried straight on through for two years you could become a black belt, but you have to work extremely hard and really be consistent throughout the year," said Chami-Sather.
Anyone interested in trying it out can call Grace Chami-Sather on 050-5436713.
