Constantinah Nguyen: Taekwondo Competitor

Eleven-year-old Constantinah “Tina” Nguyen attends Union Schools. Tina says she started taekwondo in 2021 when her dad was looking for a summer camp for her to try. Before the summer was out, Tina said she happily enrolled in taekwondo lessons at Grandmaster Kang’s. What began as a fun activity turned into a competitive sport for Tina. Much like other individual sports such as tennis or swimming, taekwondo has United States and international team trials as well as world championships. Tina qualified for the U.S. Team Trials for Taekwondo Poomsae at the finals held in Tulsa and will compete this month.

TulsaKids: Why do you like taekwondo?

Tina: It truly is a great sport. It’s fun and pushes you to go further. It is a great way to make friends and stay fit.

TulsaKids: Tell us about competitions.

Tina: My very first competition was a small competition in Oklahoma City. Then, I started to get involved in more competitions. The major competitions I have done are East Regionals, where I placed third; Nationals, where I got second; and U.S. Finals. Each one was harder than the other, but I was getting better, and I eventually got first place at the U.S. Finals competition. I am nervous and excited for the U.S. Team Trials (this month). It will be the hardest competition yet, but I will work hard and do my best.

TulsaKids: How do you handle competing? Do you get nervous?

Tina: I have done very well in my opinion because it is only my first year. It is really fun to compete.  After the first form I calm down, and I seem to get more confident. I don’t necessarily do anything to prepare mentally, but I do assure myself it will be fine.

TulsaKids: What is your favorite thing about taekwondo?

Tina: My favorite thing about taekwondo is the process for getting better. First you have to work really hard, which isn’t my favorite part, but when you do well in a competition or your moves are better and coaches see, that feels so good. Succeeding after working hard feels great.

TulsaKids: What is the hardest part about taekwondo?

Tina: It’s hard on the body. Sometimes I really don’t want to work out. Also, when I get hurt or I am super sore. I have hurt my knees a couple of times, and it can be frustrating and scary.

TulsaKids: Do you have any mentors or people you look up to?

Tina: My mentor Mr. William helped me the most. He was my first coach, and that’s where my love of poomse (a series of movements done a specific way) started. I also look up to a person called Ryan Real. He is the best person at poomse in the U.S., I think.

TulsaKids: Do you have any advice for other kids who might want to try taekwondo?

Tina: I would say always try your best. It might be hard, and you might want to quit, but keep going and you will be stronger for it.

TulsaKids: Has taekwondo helped you in other parts of your life?

Tina: It has obviously helped me stay fit, and I feel a little safer knowing I can defend myself. I think my parents feel the same way. I have also made a lot of friends and have been more comfortable interacting with other people.

TulsaKids: What else do you enjoy besides taekwondo?

Tina: I play violin in school, which is really fun, and I absolutely love to read. I also go rock climbing with my parents, and it is very fun.

TulsaKids: What do you like to do in Tulsa?

Tina: One of my personal favorite places to go is the Gathering Place and Climb Tulsa gym. I also like Utica Square. I like to eat at Cava.  I also like to eat at Bird and Bottle for fancier or special events.

TulsaKids: Tell us a fun fact about you.

Tina: I am very flexible. I also do tumbling and can do a back tuck.