Down but not out. A 5th place finish has the team in rebuilding mode. Photo by Ryan Y. Racca

They say that the truest test of power is one’s ability to withhold rage. In the realm of martial arts, landing the most devastating blow may get you the win, but controlled aggression will always be the rule of thumb.

Such a balance of serenity and hostility is exactly what the Blue and Lady Jins have acquired in preparation for this year’s UAAP Taekwondo Championships. Hungry for a top three finish, Coach Jobet Morales’ wards will do all in their power to avoid another lackluster season.

Spearheading the hunt for glory in Season 74 are Gyle Geñoso and Ivana Mabunay, captains of the men’s and women’s teams respectively. The two skippers will be relying on a very young supporting cast to fill in the holes left by the loss of several key players.

Forever young

The Blue Jins are hoping that new recruits Joel Alejandro, Kurt Bonifacio, Radley Dizon, Marc Frigillana, Juancho Mendoza and Paolo Santiago will have an immediate impact to offset the loss of last year’s captain, Mark Dizon. Along with the departure of Joaqui Mendoza and Kavin Antonio, this year’s campaign has an aura of rebuilding written all over it.

Returning this year are veteran jins Raymund Bermejo and Renz Unson, both of whom will be counted upon to provide the much needed experience their team lacks.

On the distaff side, things are shaping up in a similar manner. The absence of Frances Mendoza, last season’s most promising rookie who left the team due to an injury, will definitely be a setback, especially since less than half of last year’s squad will be making a comeback.

The bulk of the women’s roster will be comprised of rookies. Team Ateneo will feature first-time jins in Patricia Arcega, Milena Gamboa, Adee Javier, Kyla Relucio and Patricia Schroth.

On the other hand, Ella Trias and Crystal Jalijali will provide the expert boost that the Lady Jins so desperately yearn for.

Double-edged sword

Despite the growing pains that usually accompany a very young roster, the team captains believe that the new breed of talent is one of their teams’ major strengths coming into competition.

Among other things, rookies have more room for improvement and are more coachable because of their willingness to learn, as opposed to older players who think they are already good enough.

The roster’s youth however, is like a double-edged sword. Mabunay pointed out that their supposed strength could also be their most glaring weakness. “Although the new recruits are of UAAP quality, it is still unknown whether they’ll cope with the pressure that the UAAP will oblige them to deal with,” she said, reaffirming that success in the junior ranks does not automatically translate to success in college.

Regardless, the individual and collective potential of this year’s stable of fighters is unquestionable. The strong performances of some jins in international and local competitions, like the University of Malaysia Sabah Taekwondo Fiesta and the Mall of Asia Adidas Cup, have proven that Team Ateneo is not to be taken lightly.

Intangibles

In addition to some off-season tournaments, the Blue and Lady Jins are relying on their rigorous training regimen to prepare for battle. Coupled with the addition of two new assistant coaches, Ateneo Taekwondo is at the brink of a competitive renaissance.

Head Coach Morales will again be directing the show, as his teams aim to challenge traditional UAAP Taekwondo powers UST, FEU and LA SALLE. With a mentor who integrates a training philosophy centered on going beyond expectations, these jins are looking to be this year’s tournament dark horse.

Notable as well is the fact that this season, they’ve given more importance to team unity and camaraderie, having team building activities for the first time.

They might be young and inexperienced, but Morales’ troops have nothing to lose and everything to gain in Season 74. Their UAAP campaign will launch on September 13 at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan and will culminate on September 17.

Keep your eyes open, lest they pull a fast one and surprise everyone but themselves.

Win or lose. The Lady Jins finished Season 74 at 6th place. Photo by Ryan Y. Racca