In this exclusive interview with IbadanCity ANNOUNCER Jeiddah OGIDI, at the venue of the just concluded, Naija Taekwondo International Open, held inside the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamsingba, Ibadan, the founder of Kenny Taekwondo Academy, a Taekwondo Academy, Lagos, Nigeria, Mr. Kehinde Salawu shares insights into the vision behind the academy, its achievements, challenges, and the impact it has on the taekwondo community. This interview offers a deep dive into the world of Kenny Taekwondo Academy.
What inspired you to start a taekwondo academy?
I’ve always had a passion for taekwondo and wanted to share that passion with others. I saw an opportunity to not only teach the skills and discipline of the sport but also to create a community where young people could learn important life values like respect, perseverance, and teamwork.
When you founded Kenny Taekwondo Academy, what was your vision for it?
My vision was to build and raise champions who could compete at both national and international levels. I’m proud to say that my team is currently ranked a significant number in Nigeria, and my son is one of the national players.
Can you tell us about the early days of the academy?
We started with young kids who grew up with the academy and have now become skilled adult competitors. We focused on recruiting talent at a young age to nurture and develop them into top athletes.
Where is Kenny Taekwondo Academy located?
The academy is located in Lagos, Nigeria.
Does your team consist of only male athletes, or do you have both male and female athletes?
We have both male and female athletes on our team. We believe in providing equal opportunities for everyone to train and compete at the highest levels.
How do you train your athletes to compete at such a high level?
Our training regimen is very rigorous. We focus on both physical conditioning and mental toughness. We have multiple training sessions each week that include strength training, agility drills, and sparring. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of mental preparation, such as strategy planning and visualization techniques to prepare for competitions.
How do you ensure a positive and inclusive environment for all your athletes?
We prioritize creating a supportive and respectful environment where all athletes feel valued, regardless of their skill level. We have a strong mentorship culture where older athletes guide and support the younger ones. We also promote gender equality by giving equal training opportunities and encouragement to both male and female athletes.
What are some of the key milestones or achievements of your team?
Kenny Taekwondo Academy is recognized as one of the top teams in Nigeria. We’ve won numerous medals across various competitions, which is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our athletes and coaches.
What are the major challenges you face in running the academy?
The primary challenge is financial support. Sponsoring athletes and managing the academy’s expenses is a constant struggle. We need more resources to continue developing our athletes and preparing them for competitions most especially to the international levels.
What are your long-term goals for Kenny Taekwondo Academy?
Our long-term goal is to become a leading force in taekwondo not just in Nigeria, but globally. We want to develop a pipeline of talent that consistently competes on the international stage. Additionally, we aim to expand our programs and facilities to provide more opportunities for young athletes to train and excel in taekwondo.
How do you measure success for your academy and athletes?
Success isn’t just about winning medals. While competitive success is important, we also measure success by the personal growth of our athletes. We look at their improvement in discipline, confidence, and leadership skills. We also value the impact we have on our community and the role we play in promoting a healthy, active lifestyle among young people.
Are there any upcoming competitions you are excited about for your team?
Yes, we have several competitions abroad coming up that we are excited about. However, the main challenge remains securing the finances needed to participate.
What advice would you give to someone planning to start their own taekwondo team?
My advice would be to stay committed and focused on your goals. Don’t be discouraged by financial constraints. It’s important to keep pushing forward and believe in the potential of your athletes.
How do you want your team to be remembered in the taekwondo community?
I want my team to be remembered as one that was always present and competitive in every taekwondo competition in Nigeria and even beyond Nigeria. Right now, we are well-known in the Nigerian taekwondo community, and I hope to maintain that reputation and also be well-known at the international levels.
Report by JEDIDAH OGIDI for IbadanCity ANNOUNCER.
