GWANGJU – A performance which was a part of the Opening Ceremony of the 2015 FISU Summer Universiade Conference, combined the main aspects of the 28th Summer Universiade held in Gwangju. Participants witnessed Korean culture shows, performed by students, tomorrow’s leaders studying at the Honam University, host of the three-day conference.
Taekwondo is a Korean martial arts discipline with a heavy emphasis on kicks. It was developed during the 1940s and 1950s, as a blend of the indigenous Korean fighting styles, with influence from foreign martial arts, such as Karate and Chinese martial arts.
Students of the Taekwondo Security department demonstrated their strength and precision of movement. Their synchronisation and coordination was shown during their dance with colourful flags and fans.
But their almost supernatural powers defying gravity could be seen during the breaking of wooden plates. Breaking technique is used in competition, demonstration and testing. Martial artists are using their skills honed in their art form – in this case, most of the plates were broken during various flips and somersaults.
Through a systematic study, which includes mastering the martial art of Taekwondo with a professional secret training, the Honam University educates guard, security or police forces.
The performance was ended with a dance with the flags of countries that are participating in this Summer Universiade. That represented the strength, freedom and cooperation that comes from unity.
Lucie Hrdličková (CZE), FISU Young Reporter
