Learn how to defend yourself, Rivonia!
Sumamnin Ognjen has brought his style of Taekwondo mastery to Rivonia.
Readiness to defend oneself has always been a pillar of human society, and learning how to do so without inflicting self-injury is just as important as knowing how to perform taekwondo.
Taekwondo master Ognjen Bozic is a 5th Dan black belt, and hosts classes at the Rivonia Recreational Club tailored to his learners’ schedules.
“Rivonia Taekwondo was opened in February 2023,” said Bozic, who is referred to as ‘Sumamnim’ (the Korean title for a taekwondo master) by his class attendants. “We have 10 students at the moment.”
He explained that taekwondo instils values like respect, perseverance, and integrity.
“Taekwondo also promotes cardiovascular health, flexibility and overall physical well-being. Through taekwondo, students learn focus, concentration and self-control.”
Bozic, who relocated to South Africa in his youth, has been practising taekwondo for over 35 years and has 30 years of teaching experience.
People take on taekwondo for a variety of reasons. Michaela Wilson (17) is a 1st Dan blackbelt taekwondo student who practises to feel empowered in public. “It helps me gain self-confidence when I go out and see people.”
She has been training in taekwondo since 2004.
Dylan Wilson (23) had different reasons for training in taekwondo. “I would say it’s the style of martial arts and the responsibility and control that it takes to perform the style. I’ve been practising for about 10 years now.”
Sandton Chronicle journalist Lebogang Tlou discovered that learning taekwondo under Bozic’s tutelage is life-enhancing. Beyond a few days of stiff limbs, and a sore body, lessons are inclusive, fun, and guaranteed to get participants in touch with parts of their bodies they may not be too familiar with feeling. Bozic is patient and encouraging to all his students.
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