How did you create the taekwondo gym and school?
In 1983 I came from A Coruña to Vilalba and, with the help of my parents, I set up a taekwondo school called Moo Duk Kwan, and a gym, the Sport Center, taking advantage of the facilities for both activities.
Was it difficult to start?
It was intense work and a lot of stress, since there was no help. I arrived and the first thing was to make taekwondo known in Vilalba, since then, as far as I remember, there were only judo classes. We had to promote it and little by little it was reaching more people.
What changes occurred in these 40 years?
Many, but the biggest ones were on the premises and on offer. We had squash, but we ended up removing it, we offered various sports disciplines and activities, and in the end we opted for a weights room, which we kept improving and renovating.
An enormous satisfaction and pride for all the growth, work and experiences
What comes to mind when you think of this 40th anniversary?
An enormous satisfaction and pride for all the growth, work and experiences that have touched both me and all those who trusted in the gym and were or are part of it.
What analysis do you make of the trajectory of the taekwondo school?
We came to have multiple medalists at all levels, including international, in a context devoid of aid that there is today. We reached a level that would currently be very difficult to reach. We also brought together more than 600 athletes, in addition to their companions and the public, in the Vilalba municipal pavilion. But now we can no longer hold events like these due to a lack of institutional help. Today, we offer our services to those who trust us, training athletes, referees and coaches.
How would you currently define the Sport Center?
The Sport Center is a family gym run by my wife, Amparo, and me, where we offer taekwondo, a weights room and a cardiovascular room, and various classes such as pilates or combat fitness, among others.
I asked my parents to go to karate, but I ended up finding everything I was looking for in taekwondo
How did you start in the world of taekwondo?
When I was little I watched Bruce Lee and kung fu movies, and I liked oriental culture and martial arts. I asked my parents to go to karate, but I ended up finding everything I was looking for in taekwondo.
And how did you see its evolution?
Taekwondo is a discipline that forms us in values and lifestyle. In the beginning my classes were not smooth, and it was very gratifying because people came to what I gave them. Today the levels of demand have changed and are lower than before, as well as the wishes.
What other sports or hobbies do you do in your free time?
The gym absorbs a lot of time, and I do part of my training there. Then I do a lot of swimming, I like to read, and I participated in marathons and bicycle routes, but I had to stop. I also like to enjoy friends and share a wine or a meal.
