Taekwondo, a Korean martial art known for its fast, high kicks and dynamic movements, has grown into a globally practiced sport and a powerful form of self-defense. Beyond physical strength, it emphasizes discipline, respect, and continuous self-improvement. In Manipur, Taekwondo player Jimson Konjengbam has been playing a significant role in spreading these values, a fourth-dan black belt and dedicated coach.
At 33 years old, Jimson Konjengbam has already made a remarkable mark in the world of Taekwondo. A gold medalist at international, national, and state-level championships, he has been honoured for his achievements with a position in the Manipur Police Service. Jimson draws inspiration from the renowned South Korean athlete Lee Dae-hoon, known for his calm, disciplined, and precise technique in his fights.
Taekwondo is not just about competition; it is a lifelong journey of learning and self-improvement, says Jimson. He emphasizes that preparing for a tournament requires months of dedication, focus, and guidance. According to him, one cannot easily identify one’s own mistakes, making the role of a teacher essential. This strong teacher-student relationship lies at the heart of Taekwondo training.
Driven by his passion, Jimson became a Coach in Charge at an after-school Taekwondo institute in his locality in 2013. Lairikyenbam Meghaverna, a sixth Dan Black Belt, is the technical advisor for the Taekwondo Institute. The Taekwondo institute at their locality now trains children between the ages of 5 and 15. A parent who was waiting for her 9-year-old blue belt taekwondo player daughter at the Taekwondo Institute has to inform that he sends his daughter to learn life skills and to be able to face challenges in life. When his daughter clinched a medal in a tournament, he felt as if he had won the title. Physical fitness and mental resilience, besides discipline and essential personalities, are some of the main takeaways for the school-going children in the institute. Some of the students are in the graduation.
Together, they have trained nearly 1000 students over a decade. And around 200 Taekwondo students have won gold, silver, and bronze medals at various National and State championships. Among them, 120 students have won gold medals at national championships. Besides, their local Taekwondo institute has also secured the overall first runner-up position four times in the state-level Taekwondo championships.
Recently, one of their best students, Khwairakpam Linthoi, has been selected to represent at the prestigious Asian Taekwondo Poomsae Championships, scheduled to be held in Mongolia. This milestone highlights the quality of coaching and dedication present in the institute.
The Taekwondo institute operates at a humble local multipurpose community hall. Currently, about 60 to 70 students attend classes on a daily basis for six days a week. Training sessions are held in the afternoon, after children are back from their schools. Currently, the institute charges a modest fee of ₹500 per month. The money is further invested in buying essential taekwondo equipment and gear for the institute.
Taekwondo training at the institute goes beyond physical exercise. Leadership skills are also nurtured—students with higher belt ranks are given the responsibility to lead classes, regardless of age. This system promotes teamwork, confidence, and mutual respect. The competitive structure in Manipur further motivates students, with two state-level tournaments and selection trials held annually. Students typically participate in three events each year. Fighting is introduced once a student reaches the green belt level, with a strong emphasis on control and counter-attacking rather than aggression.
Just like the Taekwondo Institute Jimson and Meghaverna runs at their locality with the support of the locals, there are around 50 to 60 similar Taekwondo institutes spread across the State of Manipur. The Korean martial art is gaining popularity in Manipur. Besides, Taekwondo is a well-practiced sport in India. The competition among the States in growing and sports is building a healthy and disciplined community across the nation.
