Tae Kwon Do belts 'an indomitable spirit'

Photo/MARNI WALSH RED BELT WINNER: Shelburne Tae Kwon Do students received their belts Tuesday night at the Centre Dufferin Recreation Complex in Shelburne. Here, Black Belt instructor Andrew Mannetje of Millennium Tae Kwon Do (left) presents a red belt to Kyle Morrell. Shelburne Taekwon Do students received their Belts Tuesday night at the Centre Dufferin Recreation Complex where they trained weekly with dedication for a five month term.

Each student was tested on a series of moves, kicks and routines according to their belt level. The students were also required to understand oaths and philosophies that are intrinsic to the sport.

Sergio Plaja, owner, head instructor and VI Dan Black Belt, brought Millennium Taekwon Do to Shelburne and Grand Valley six years ago after finding great success with his club in Orangeville, which he opened in the late 1990's.

Sergio was born in Nicaragua, Central America, but at the age of six, his family left the country in anticipation of the civil war which erupted in 1978. His father began new businesses in Guatemala and the family lived comfortably on an estate outside of the city.

Still, Central America remained a dangerous area to reside in, and many young men sought physical training as a means of self protection. Sergio began his training in Karate, but when the school closed he turned to Taekwon Do. At the age of fifteen, he received his I Dan Black Belt and at 17 became a member of the Guatemala National Taekwon Do Team. Soon an accomplished competitor and Central American champion, he went on to win the bronze medal at the 1989 Pan American Championship.

It was after the 1990 world Taekwon Do Championship in Montreal, that Sergio's life took a determined turn. His brother, already residing in Canada, suggested Sergio take a break from his university studies and spend some time in Canada. Eighteen years, a wife, two children (all Black Belts) and a thriving business later, Sergio calls a country house in Amaranth his home.

Millennium Taekwon Do now has over 20 black belt instructors. The teachers work to help the students improve not only their flexibility and self defense strategies but to enhance self-esteem, build confidence, and develop discipline. Children learn respect for themselves and others as well as increased self-discipline and concentration. A self awareness develops as students improve their athletic abilities and gain confidence in their self defense capabilities.

The practice of Taekwon Do began in Korea and dates back to 50 B.C. Broken down into parts, roughly, the word Tae means jumping or flying feet; Kwon to destroy with the hand; and Do means art or way. Today's Taekwon Do has evolved as a combination of many different styles of martial arts that have existed in Korea and surrounding countries for centuries. Taekwon Do assimilates the abrupt movements of Karate, the flowing patterns of Kung-fu and native Korean kicking skills.

The students of Millennium Taekwon Do must learn five tenets or codes of belief that exemplify the philosophy of the sport in balance with the physical disciplines. The tenets include courtesy, integrity, perseverance, selfcontrol and indomitable spirit. The student oath states that they will: observe the tenets; respect the instructor and seniors; never misuse Taekwon Do; be a champion of freedom and justice; and build a more peaceful world. Sergio's dream for the school is that it "continue to grow, but never at the cost of the purity of the art."

Sergio's success appears to lie in the life philosophies of his art, as well as in his driving determination and desire to challenge himself. When he first came to Toronto, he settled in a large Spanish community. He soon realized that he would not learn English quickly in that protected environment and so he quickly moved to Brampton where he would be forced to learn. Saturday drives into the country with his soon to be wife brought them to the thriving town of Orangeville and they found, not only the country life they desired, but an excellent opportunity to fulfill Sergio's dream for a school.

This year, Sergio hopes to return to another dream; he left Guatemala University in the final years of his Veterinarian training and hopes to complete his qualifications in Canada. There can be little doubt that his "perseverance and indomitable spirit" will see that dream fulfilled.

Millennium Taekwon Do offers a variety of classes starting at age five and up in Orangeville, Shelburne, Grand Valley and Erin. To find out more call 940-8483.