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FEARLESS Faris Al Khalo was spellbound by the high-kicking antics of Power Rangers as a toddler and was determined to follow in the footsteps of his martial arts TV heroes.
Four years ago his parents signed him up for lessons at the Bin Jamal Taekwondo Centre and now the 10-year-old has worked his way up to black belt.
“I’m very proud that I have achieved my black belt because I worked very hard for it and waited a long time. I practised at home and even at school – my teacher would often tell me to stop and sit down in class!” said the former Nadeen School high-flyer who will be starting at St Christopher’s School in September.
Taekwondo is a martial art originating in Korea. It combines combat and self-defence techniques with sport and exercise. In 1989, taekwondo was the world’s most popular martial art. Gyeorugi, a type of sparring, has been an Olympic event since 2000.
Faris’ parents Hussain, the Bahraini owner of Harmony and Watch by Harmony and Gold Art, and Michaela, a British-born airline base administrator, are delighted with their son’s achievements. Their daughter Maya, eight, has also taken up the sport and has reached green belt level.
Michaela said: “He loved to watch Power Rangers when he was younger and would often mimic their movements, especially when his friends were over.
“We’re proud of Faris, not only of his achievements but also his commitment as there have been times when he wanted to give up Taekwondo to concentrate on his other passion – football. However, through gentle persuasion he has managed to concentrate on both sports giving them his full commitment and effort and we are all thrilled with the results.”
Faris plays in midfield for the Arsenal Soccer School Bahrain’s Under-10s squad and was voted ‘player of the tournament’ by his teammates after the team came home with a trophy after competing in a tournament in Dubai earlier this year.
His parents believe martial arts have added a new dimension to his sporting prowess, teaching him ‘respect and discipline’.
“My initial reason for enrolling both my children was to give them the self-confidence to deal with any tricky situations they may find themselves in – whether at school, in the street, or shopping mall,” explained Michaela. “Taekwondo and other martial arts can give them self-belief.”
Faris added: “My mum and dad gave me a lot of encouragement by believing in me and my sister Maya helped too by watching me practice.
“I love the fighting in Taekwondo although it’s really important to have the correct safety equipment on. Now, I’m looking forward to working my way through the Dans and become an accomplished athlete and, who knows, maybe one day, I could represent Bahrain.”
Faris trains regularly at the Bin Jamal Taekwondo Centre, based at the World Beat Fitness Centre, in Janabiya, and trains with Master Sabim-neim Mohamed bin Jamal, a former member of the national team and an acclaimed international referee.
He said: “Faris puts in an extraordinary effort during training. He is very good in discipline, sharp in accuracy and stays focused – always applying the exact instructions. In addition, Faris is a team player and provides good support to his colleagues. He is someone we can count on and recently he proved himself by achieving Black Belt-1st Poom.”
The Bin Jamal Taekwondo Centre has been established since October, 2009 and attracts members at all belt levels.
The white belt symbolises innocence. It’s the first and most important step on the Taekwondo journey and is part of the first uniform, or dobok.
To get to a yellow belt students are graded twice, the first for a yellow stripe and the next for the belt itself which represents the earth, in which the roots of the Taekwondo form ready for a beautiful plant to grow.
To acquire the next belt is also a two-stage journey. Green represents the plant (Taekwondo) starting to grow from the earth.
To attain a blue belt, again there are two grading parts. The blue belt represents the sky or heaven revealing that the Taekwondo skills are growing strong – like a tall plant growing up towards the blue sky.
There are two steps again to red. At this stage the student is becoming skilled in Taekwondo but may have more to learn about self-control.
A two-stage black belt represents maturity, a good level of skill in Taekwondo and a rejection of darkness and fear.
Five other pupils are also celebrating black belt success, namely Mohammad Asad Iqbal, nine, Mansoor Kamal Al Shakar, nine, Julia Canseco, 10, Daniel Yaser Al Zeera, nine, and Dapo Arowojola, also nine.
For some it will be the start of an even greater journey. There are 10 grades of black belts (Dan) based on requirements set by the Kukkiwon (World Taewondo Headquarters).
