Sharjah24: The head coach of Taekwondo at Al Sharjah Club, Captain Abdullah Hatem Al Mazmi, has recently earned the prestigious 7th DAN black belt certification in the sport from the International Taekwondo Federation. This achievement follows his successful completion of all required technical and academic assessments.

Abdullah Hatem stands out as the first Emirati to attain the "7 DAN" rank in Taekwondo, receiving the certificate from the World Taekwondo Headquarters (Kukkiwon) in South Korea. This rank is among the highest in Taekwondo, granting the recipient eligibility to participate in globally recognised Taekwondo events, including championships, forums, and conferences.

Attaining the 7th DAN in Taekwondo involves meeting stringent technical and academic criteria. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in foot and hand techniques, as well as excel in Poomsae (patterns), a pivotal component of the examination. Additionally, candidates are required to partake in a one-minute combat match, showcasing skills and techniques relevant to this advanced level.

Captain Abdullah Hatem not only successfully passed all technical tests but also submitted a comprehensive research paper titled "Global Taekwondo" to fulfill the academic requirements for the 7th DAN. The research component necessitates candidates to present a paper of no less than 10 pages summarising their understanding of the art or emphasising the significance of Taekwondo and the reasons behind its practice.

The certificate was presented to the Taekwondo coach by Idris Al-Hilali, the president of the Arab and African Taekwondo Federations. The ceremony was attended by Issa Hilal Al Hazami, Chairman of the Sharjah Sports Council, and Engineer Suleiman Abdul Rahman Al-Hajri, a board member and head of individual sports.

The Taekwondo coach expressed gratitude, acknowledging the Sharjah Sports Council for its consistent support, which has played a pivotal role in elevating Taekwondo to one of the most prominent individual sports. The success is a testament to the effective management of Sharjah Club and the individual sports department, channeling all resources towards Taekwondo, resulting in notable achievements on both local and international fronts.

Captain Abdullah Hatem views the certificate as a motivating factor to strive for more, providing a significant incentive to achieve further milestones. He aims to propel players to the highest levels, contributing to their participation in major tournaments and positioning them for Olympic contention.