Six Taekwondo participants from Tae Tigers Taekwondo Yonson Club in Nairobi were honoured on Tuesday after successfully qualifying for the Kukkiwon Dan Promotion Test held on December 14, 2024.   

The club conducted the test as part of its commitment to ensuring a fair, transparent and internationally recognised certification process for all practitioners.   

Among those awarded certificates in the event held in Kimbo, Ruiru, were Arthur Muthama, Erick Odote, John Otieno, Michael Onomo, John Waithera and Anthony Muchangi.  

Digital exams 

The ceremony was presided over by the club’s founder, Master Kimemia Junior, alongside senior coach Chris of Heroz Taekwondo Academy.   

Speaking to People Sport, Kimemia congratulated the athletes and lauded the introduction of a new digital examination system, which has eliminated fraud in the certification process.   

“First of all, I want to congratulate all the qualified candidates. Their hard work and determination have led them to this achievement,” he said.   

“We previously faced challenges with exam fees being misappropriated due to the lack of a digital system. Now, with the new system in place, we can account for every coin paid by each participant. Whenever I register a candidate for an exam, I send them a screenshot of the transaction from my account, depending on the course they are undertaking.   

“The exams are conducted in Korea. When a candidate attains a fourth-degree black belt, their account is automatically activated, allowing them to upload their resume. Once the certificates are validated, they are sent back to me.”   

Kimemia, a fourth-degree Kukkiwon-Certified Black Belt holder and a 3rd Class Kukkiwon Certified International Master with Kukkiwon Recommender Status, was pleased with the efficiency of the system.   

“In a record-breaking 13 days, by December 27, 2024, the successful candidates’ new ranks were already reflected in their TCON accounts,” he added.   

Call to join sport 

Kimemia also encouraged young people to take up Taekwondo, highlighting its numerous benefits.   

“Taekwondo instils discipline, promotes fitness, and enhances overall well-being. We also prioritise safety during training to prevent health complications later in life,” he said.   

Senior coach Chris, who owns Heroz Taekwondo Academy, echoed Kimemia’s sentiments.   

“I have been involved in Taekwondo for 18 years, both as a practitioner and a coach. It is a sport I am passionate about, and it has also become a family tradition—both my son and daughter are part of it,” he said.   

“Unlike sports like basketball, Taekwondo does not rely on physical attributes such as height. Anyone can participate at any age. There are different styles, including traditional forms, which we primarily focus on.  

“However, we carefully screen those who enrol to ensure they are training for the right reasons. Some individuals seek to learn Taekwondo for the wrong purposes, such as criminal activities. At Tae Tigers Taekwondo Yonson Club, there is no room for such behaviour.”   

One of the beneficiaries, James Ngatia, shared his experience with the sport.   

“Taekwondo is my favourite sport. It has helped me maintain good health, and I burn up to 430 calories in just 30 minutes. I encourage others to join and experience its benefits,” he said.   

Since 1975, Taekwondo practitioners in Kenya have faced numerous challenges in obtaining internationally recognised Dan (Black Belt) certifications.  

However, this changed in September 2024 when Master Moses Mungai became the first Kenyan to successfully test, use, and recommend candidates for Kukkiwon certification. Master Kimemia Junior followed suit, marking a significant milestone for the sport in the country.   

Their efforts have demonstrated to both the nation and the world that Kukki Taekwondo in Kenya has taken a bold step into the future.