UPDF team acquires Taekwondo black belts after one year of training
Jeongsu noted that Taekwondo has grown into a truly global sport since it became an official Olympic discipline in 2000.
The UPDF Black Belts pose with their trainer Master Kwangjoo Kim from Kukkiwon after they were crowned. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
Korean Taekwondo trainer Kim Kwang Joo has advised the 18 UPDF soldiers who earned black belts after a one-year training program not to misuse their expertise and knowledge but to understand that their achievement signifies taking on responsibility and living out the true spirit of Taekwondo, including sincerity, discipline, and a strong sense of responsibility.
Joo had just crowned them with the belts during a ceremony attended by the UPDF Joint Staff Training and Doctrine Command (JS TRADOC) head, Brigadier General Wycliffe Keita; the Korean Embassy defence attaché, Col. Seha Kim; and other UPDF officers at Onomo Hotel on Wednesday.
“Go and fulfill your duties in the army with sincerity, discipline, and a strong sense of responsibility. This is the real meaning of Taekwondo spirit,” Joo advised.
Godfrey Kutosi (centre) one of the trainees receives his certificate from head Brigadier General Wycliffe Keita (right) and trainer Kim Kwangjoo. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
“Over the past year, you learned more than physical skills; you learned patience, self-defense, self-control, responsibility, and respect. Now it is time to show the values in your military service and in the life you will continue to live. Wherever you stand, hold the pride of being a Taekwondo Black Belt and keep growing as strong soldiers and better human beings,” he stated.
Seha noted that Taekwondo has grown into a truly global sport since it became an official Olympic discipline in 2000 and is now practiced by approximately 80 million people worldwide. He said Uganda is a proud part of this worldwide community, with around 400 practitioners actively training.
“Within the UPDF, the program has successfully produced 13 graduates in the first intake and 18 graduates in this second intake, and preparations for the third intake are already underway,” he noted.
“The continued progress of this program demonstrates the professionalism and dedication of the UPDF. It also serves as a meaningful example of practical cooperation between the Republic of Korea and Uganda.
“Defence cooperation is strengthened not only through strategic dialogue but also through initiatives such as this training, which help cultivate discipline, readiness, and mutual understanding among our forces,” he stated.
The UPDF Black Belts pose with UPDF Joint Staff Training and Doctrine Command (JS TRADOC) head Brigadier General Wycliffe Keita (seated-center) the Korea Embassy defense attaché the Col. Lee Jeongsu (seated 3rd left) and other UPDF officers. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
He appreciated the UPDF leadership for their enduring partnership and Master Kwangjoo Kim from Kukkiwon for his exceptional commitment to leading this program, noting that their combined efforts have elevated the UPDF Taekwondo training into an important pillar of our defense cooperation.
Keita congratulated the graduands for completing the one-year training with dedication and discipline. He noted that being a Black Belt does not simply mean they have learned techniques, but that it is a milestone marking a significant achievement not only for themselves but also for the Uganda People's Defense Forces as a whole.
“The partnership between our two countries is a shining example of cooperation and mutual respect. The Republic of Korea has generously shared its expertise and resources to enhance the capacity of our forces, and we are so proud to say that this training has been and is going to be a game changer for the Uganda People's Defense Forces,” Keita remarked.
“The Taekwondo course has not only equipped you, but it is also going to equip our soldiers with world-class skills in martial arts and instill in them the values of discipline, respect, and perseverance. These are the core values of the Uganda People's Defense Forces. To the class of you, very young patriotic soldiers, I want to tell you that you are a vital part of the Uganda People's Forces' continued pursuit of excellence.
“As graduates of this esteemed course, you will join a growing cadre of skilled Taekwondo practitioners who will drive change and inspire others to strive for greatness. You will be instrumental in cascading your skills to other soldiers, further enhancing the UPDF's capabilities and contributing to our mission to defend our nation and promote regional and global peace and security,” Keita stated.
He thanked the ambassador and the Defense Attaché of the Republic of Korea in Uganda, and through them to the people and the government of the Republic of Korea for their generosity and passion in supporting the Uganda People's Defense Forces, noting that their efforts had strengthened the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two nations.