Taekwondo: Six feted after completing Kukkiwon Dan promotion test

A total of six Taekwondo participants from Tae Tigers Taekwondo Yonson Club in Nairobi were feted on Tuesday after qualifying for the Kukkiwon Dan Promotion Test of December 14, 2024.

On December 14, 2024, the club conducted a Dan Promotion Test as a formality and a testament to the belief that every practitioner deserves a fair, transparent, and internationally recognized certification process.

Among those who were issued with certificates in the event held at Kimbo Ruiru area and presided over by the founder, Master Kimemia Junior, and his assistant, Senior Coach Chris of Heros Taekwondo Academy, are Arthur Muthama, Erick Odote, John Otieno, Michael Onomo, John Waithera, and Anthony Muchangi.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Kimemia congratulated the players and echoed the new digital examination system, which has curbed cheating.

“First of all, I want to congratulate all qualified people. Their hard work and determination are what made them prosper.

“We have been having issues with people stealing exam money due to the unavailability of a digital system, but now we are happy that due to the introduction of the system, we can account for each coin for every player.

“If I issue you with exams, I normally send the player a screenshot from my account, depending on the course he/she is undertaking.

“The exams are done in Korea, so if someone attains a fourth black belt, the account is automatically activated, whereby one can upload his/her resume. If the certificates are validated, they will be returned to me.

“Today, I stand before you with immense pride to announce that in a record-breaking 13 days, by December 27, 2024, the successful candidates’ new ranks were already reflected in their TCON accounts.

Kimemia, a fourth-degree Kukkiwon-Certified Black Belt Holder and a 3rd Class Kukkiwon Certified International Master with a Kukkiwon Recommenders Status, however, urged youths to join the sport.

“Participating in Taekwondo has a huge advantage. First, it instills discipline in someone and ensures you keep fit health-wise.

“In training, we teach them more about safety so they won’t get health complications later.

“Anyone interested in taking part in Taekwondo can just look for a nearby training facility and enroll themselves.

Kimemia's sentiments were echoed by his assistant senior coach, Chris, who owns Heroz Taekwondo Academy.

“I have been in taekwondo for 18 years and even as a coach. It’s a sport I love most, as well as my family, including my daughter and son.

“Like other sports like basketball, Taekwondo doesn’t involve physical appearance or height; anyone can play it at any age.

“There are different types of Taekwondo, including traditional ones, which we mostly do; one should identify which one he wants. 

“We also scrutinize those who enroll to ensure they are training genuinely for participation and to be fit.

“Some people enroll just to gain skills for committing crimes. There is no room here at Tae Tigers Taekwondo Yonsuwon Club.”

James Ngatia is one of those who benefited from the sport.

“This is my favorite sport, and to me, it has assisted me in maintaining my good health. I always burn 430 calories within 30 minutes to advocate for others to join the sport.”

Since 1975, it has been a rough ride, back and forth play for our Taekwondo Native Kenyan masters to test or recommend Taekwondo in Kenya for any international Dan (Black Belt) certification successfully or apply with such transparency and efficiency until September 2024, when master Moses Mungai tested, used, and recommended firstly. Master Kimemia Jr. became the second to do so, thus changing the narrative. 

They have demonstrated to our nation and the world that Kukki Taekwondo in Kenya has taken a bold new step into the future.