Discover the perspectives and legacy of Grand Master Alejandro Yapuncic in Taekwon-Do, from Mar del Plata towards the future of the Partido de la Costa.
Could you please introduce yourself briefly and share with our readers your personal trajectory and development in the city of Mar del Plata, as well as your role as a sports leader beyond Taekwon-do?
I am Alejandro Yapuncic, IX Dan, Diplomate in Sports Leadership. I am the owner of the largest Martial Arts practice and study centre in the city of Mar del Plata, a centre where the main discipline is Taekwon-do, but also other Martial Arts classes are taught. This study and practice centre is recognized by the city government and has been open to the entire community for 30 years. Since 2010, I have been the president of Club Atlético River Plate in Mar del Plata, a sports institution with 98 years of history. I also preside over the Healthy Activities Association of the City since 2018.
How would you describe the current state of Taekwon-do in Mar del Plata and the Partido de la Costa?
Taekwon-do in the city of Mar del Plata is in a moment of excellence. Recognized by the city government, with around 80 teaching centres located in the main clubs. And in the Partido de la Costa, it reflects the growth in the area, as neighboring cities to Mar del Plata such as Pinamar, Villa Gesell, Miramar, Necochea, Loberia, Balcarce, Otamendi, Mechongue, San Manuel, Quequen, Batan, Maipú, Mar de Cobo, and Madariaga, among others, are consolidated with a large student body and in permanent growth.
What do you consider to be the main drivers of this growth?
Looking back, the visit to Mar del Plata by General Choi Hong Hi in 1998 was a great boost, as was the visit in 2008 by Grand Master Choi Jung Hwa. Mar del Plata was fortunate to have these Honorable visits. The organization of major championships such as the sub-venue of the 1999 World Championships up to the recent hosting of the 2023 South American Championships undoubtedly generated great momentum for the notable growth in this area of the Atlantic coast, where I lead.
What specific challenges has the Taekwon-do community in Mar del Plata and the Partido de la Costa faced during this development process?
I love challenges, we have faced all kinds of challenges, the personal ones were and are the most motivating, the permanent investment in training in sports leadership to be at the level of sports and cultural structures, which allows us to put Taekwon-do on a level of professionalism and insert it among the most recognized activities by society and governments, and we have achieved it.
What measures are being taken to address these challenges and continue advancing in the development of Taekwon-do in the region?
There are several measures, first graphing the desired growth curve to develop. Then, the permanent investment in structure to open new teaching centers and carry out policies to spread our art and make it increasingly visible.
What are your expectations for the future of Taekwon-do in Mar del Plata and the Partido de la Costa?
My expectations are high, that takes a lot of work and investment that I am willing to do, in fact, these things are already in progress. I have just signed an agreement with the National University of Mar del Plata so that its students can practice Taekwon-do. In addition, this year we have started in several renowned educational establishments with the practice of Taekwon-do, this work is being replicated throughout the Atlantic Coast.
With over 40 years dedicated to Taekwon-Do and a prominent role as a sports leader, Grand Master Yapuncic has been a key driver of growth and excellence in Taekwon-Do in Mar del Plata and its surroundings. His commitment to the holistic training of his students and his vision for the future promise a path of success and continuous growth for this discipline in the region.