Master David Kok – changing lives through his ‘Art’

AFTER two of his students represented South Africa in Malawi last year and received their green and gold Protea blazers, the DFA had a brief conversation with David Kok, the president of the South African Taekwondo Federation and the owner of Shidokwon Academy in Roodepan.

Kok explained that he began his taekwondo training at the age of nine and has been actively involved with it for the past 23 years. This extends beyond his involvement as an athlete to his current role as the national organisation’s current president.

When asked how the journey all began for him, Kok said that he was highly engaged in sports from a young age. "Boxing was my first love, but I soon realised that I couldn't box since I didn't have long enough arms to reach my opponents. As you can see,” he added, “I am a short man.”

He then got involved in kickboxing, where he could use both his arms and legs, negating the reach-disadvantage, but says that he wasn't fully committed to it.

“I then started with taekwondo, which is a fullcontact sport, nothing holds you back there. I then realised that taekwondo is 90 percent using your legs, and 10 percent your arms for defence and blocking, and I was very strong in my legs,” said Kok.

And for Kok, the rest, as they say, is history.

Kok then spoke about two of his students, Donica Tafel and Jaydean Kaars who recently received Proteas colours in the sport. “If I look at the two students from Immanuel Secondary

School who recently obtained their Proteas colours, they will be qualified and have a bright future in taekwondo by the time they enter university,” he said.

Kok mentioned that there are so many programs on offer out there, but not enough that look directly at the person first.

“I’ve discovered from experience over the years that the person should always come first, followed by the sport,” Kok told the DFA. “After getting to know someone, you examine their weaknesses and strengths, and after you do that, you begin to introduce the context of the sport.

“Taekwondo is for everyone, but it is especially beneficial for individuals who struggle with anger management or lack selfconfidence because it helps people understand why they feel the way they do and how to deal with those emotions. Taekwondo also has a curriculum that teaches you how to transform negative energy into good energy and how to expel any bad energy you may be experiencing,” Kok added.

Kok emphasised that taekwondo is more than just another sport. “Taekwondo is a way of life, and it may help you in the long run if you live it wisely.

You have the ability to start your own business and employ others.

“All children, and even their parents, who feel like they need something new in their lives – something to improve their spirits or get physically stronger – are welcome to join us at Shidokwon Academy,” Kok said.

“Come take a look, sign up for a lesson or two, and perhaps taekwondo will transform your life for the better,” he added, emphasising that the art of taekwondo is not just a part-time activity.

“Shidokwon Academy in Kimberley will be significantly expanded,” Kok explained, “so that students can continue their studies when they graduate.

"We have begun talking with Sol Plaatje University about providing a platform there for students who continue their education. When basic education and higher education are on the same footing, as we would like them to be, we will realise that our students have a void to fill. With that said, if they stick to taekwondo, then they can continue with it all the way through college.

“We then have benefits and opportunities at the higher education level, especially for taekwondo practitioners in that the Taekwondo Federation of South Africa now collaborates with both the South Korean Embassy and the sport's main office in Seoul, South Korea.

“All of our athletes who excel in taekwondo while in college will get a fully-funded two-year study scholarship and have the option to pursue their studies in South Korea.

“As a taekwondo practitioner, you will then have access to a variety of job prospects, but those won't be open to you until you meet some prerequisites. Some of those requirements include having a black belt and being certified to a specific degree.

Taekwondo enthusiasts or those who are interested or curious about the Martial Art can get in touch with David Kok at the Shidokwon Academy in Roodepan by calling him on 081 582 3297.