Taekwondo Teen Headed To South Korea For Friendship Games
Look out Chuck Norris and move over Jackie Chan.
An East Texas teen is packing a one-two punch in martial arts. So much so, he’s one of only 26 teens in the state that will represent the United States in the Friendship Games in South Korea this summer.
They say when you’ve got it, you’ve got it. Corey Puckett has it, and he’s making him one of the best in the nation.
“I can’t explain it really. It was just something I wanted to do,” Corey said.
In two years of studying Taekwondo, Corey earned his black belt and has taken home top honors at competitions.
“It’s a lot easier to learn because it’s like boxing,” he explained. “I’ve been flexible in the legs forever.
I finally started taking Taekwando and I love kicking. If you ever see me playing around in class, I’m just constantly kicking. Kick kick kick,” he laughed.
Corey took home the bronze in form at the Junior Olympics in Atlanta. That’s pretty good for a guy who had never wanted to do Taekwando.
“It was the least favorite of martial arts that I actually wanted to do,” he explained. “I wanted to do Kung Fu because it’s like the movies. When I actually started taking Taekwando, I said hey, I really like this.”
He likes it so much he practices 4 to 5 hours a day, helping him place at state and getting the invite to the Friendship Games in South Korea.
“It’s just one of the best opportunities I’ve ever had in my life,” he said.
His instructor at Kim’s Martial Arts in Tyler couldn’t be happier with his student.
“I’m very proud of him,” said David Jones. "He’s just like one of my own kids. I’ve never had a student with a drive like Corey.
Corey said he won’t stop until his dream of representing his country in the Olympics comes true.
“I just go. Because I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me. I believe that. So, my family keeps pushing me and I just keep going.”
Maya Golden reporting, mgolden@kltv.com
http://www.kltv.com/global/story.asp?s=3413347
Clearly Tae Kwon Do is like boxing.
Someone invite him for a Throwdown