Liberia: Ganta Taekwondo School Resumes Activities

Ganta Taekwondo School has resumed its activities under the leadership of Master Sheriff Dragon Lee - 2 in Ganta City. The school recently held a graduation ceremony, where six individuals completed basic Taekwondo training.

Master Oscar Sheriff, the head trainer, mentioned that the school is also providing long-term training for approximately 180 Liberians, as well as short-term self-defense training. He highlighted that Taekwondo is a unique sport that offers opportunities for participants to compete internationally, including in the Olympics.

Sheriff emphasized that it typically takes around four years of training before someone is ready for international competitions. Additionally, the school offers short-term self-defense programs, lasting three to four months, specifically designed for individuals in the security sector and other interested citizens.

“This is a unique sport, full of discipline, and enables people to compete at the Olympics,” he said. “It takes about four years of training before anyone can be fit for international competition.”

During the graduation ceremony, participants advanced to higher belt levels, with some moving from red belt to black belt and others progressing from super yellow belt to green belt. Master Sheriff explained that it takes approximately four years of training to achieve the coveted black belt.

Participants who obtained their black belts showcased their skills through practical fights, which were evaluated before they received their certification. Meanwhile, those in the basic self-defense training will receive their certificates upon completing the three or four-month program.

“Every graduation exercise goes with promotion from one level to another, where some trainees were moving from red belt to black, while others were leaving super yellow belt to green belt and so on,” Sheriff said. “But, before reaching black belt, you need to spend a maximum of four years in training.”

Sheriff expressed concern about the financial challenges faced by the school, which has hindered its smooth operation and timely graduation of students. He noted that Taekwondo is gradually losing popularity in Liberia due to limited support.

“This unique sport is dying in Liberia gradually because there is little or no support,” he said. “Our children are not participating in the Olympics these days, especially in Taekwondo.”

Consequently, Liberian children are not actively participating in Olympic Taekwondo events. Prince Dahn, one trainee who earned a red belt, commended the trainer for the level of training and discipline he acquired.

Dahn expressed a desire to represent Liberia in the Olympics someday.

“I used to be very rude, but this training disciplined me a lot. People in my community are surprised how I have changed,” he said. “I wish to represent Liberia one day in the Olympics.”

Meanwhile, the reopening of the Ganta Taekwondo School and the successful graduation of participants demonstrate their commitment to the sport and their aspirations for international competition.