There is no doubt that South Charlotte has it’s share of inspiring athletes. From the high school level on up, the area has a lot to be proud of athletically. Gymnasts, Julianna Cannamela, represents the area on the national stage on the gymnastics circuit and recently Major League Baseball pitcher, Alex Wood has been leading the Dodgers towards a place in Baseball history in the World Series, and Weddington High School claimed more than a handful of state championships last year.
Previously, the Tri-W did a story on Avery Parude, a local middle-schooler making big waves in the martial arts world. Pardue trains at Waxhaw’s WAY OF THE WARRIOR, (W.O.W) Taekwondo, and W.O.W is about to add another big-name to the local athletic scene.
W.O.W owners Marelet and Master Jonathan Fleming have invited World Champion and Olympian Issoufou Alfga to Waxhaw to share his skills.
Alfga, a citizen of Niger, and is currently No. 1 Heavy Weight Taekwondo Fighter in the world. He earned this title at the 2017 World Taekwondo Championships, which were held in South Korea last summer.
Alfga also won a silver medal in Taekwondo at the 2016 Olympics, during which he was honored as the flagbearer for his Nation. He earned his way to the 2016 Olympics after claiming gold in Taekwondo at the 2015 African Games.
WOW will be hosting Alfga November 4 and he will teach a Sparring Seminar at the dojang (training hall). The event is open to participants ages seven and up. However, it is noted that experience is much more important than age when deciding what placement is the correct one for each participant.
The sessions will range from beginner to advanced levels, starting with classes geared towards those with basic martial arts experience and limited sparring knowledge. The advanced level is intended for those who have tournament sparring experience, team sparring experience or coaching experience.
The beginner class is scheduled to run from 9 a.m. until noon followed by the advanced session from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m..
Packages to attend a session range from $45 to $215, depending on which options you are interested in and some include a t-shirt and photo opportunities. Those interested in learning more can visit WOW’s website at www.wowtaekwondo.com, or call them at 704-843-2220.
If you have no martial arts training but are still interested in taking advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet a world champion, you are welcome to come a observe for only $10 per person.
Waxhaw Mayor Stephen Maher is scheduled to attend a meet and greet for Waxhaw’s honored guests around 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 4 and students will be given the opportunity to break boards to raise funds for Lillypad Haven; a charity that works to fight human trafficking.
