Don’t Rest On Your Oars, Ogunmelen Charges Bodyweapon Taekwondo Graduates

IKPO IGBINOBA

The rains poured in torrents, and for a moment it seemed the well publicised grading of Bodyweapon Taekwondo Academy was destined for a postponement. 

But trust the single-minded determination of visiting examiners, instructors, students and parents who vowed to make the day, Saturday, May 22, 2021, a memorable occasion.

And true to their vow, they surmounted the inclement weather and the grading took place.

At the end of the five-hour event, it was evident that the grading was the best in the history of the academy.

With Master Lucky Ogunmelen in the driver’s seat, there was no dull moment during the occasion which took place at the Agbado Frontliners Primary School, Alagbado, Lagos.

All the students presented for the grading passed the final test. 

They had served an inkling of what to expect two weeks ago when they scaled the pre-grading hurdle.

Speaking to the successful students, Master Ogunmelen admonished them not to rest on their oars.

He said “I congratulate you for achieving your new grade. However, you are not to relax now, because you made it to a higher grade. What is expected of you is to work harder and aim higher. 

“From now on, you have to take your training more seriously so that you can achieve greater heights in taekwondo”

In his remarks, the chief instructor of Bodyweapon Academy, Emmanuel Banjo was full of praise for Ogunmelen who he described as his teacher and mentor.

According to him “Master Ogunmelen made me a taekwondoist, from the cradle till today. As a taekwondo student, he was my big motivator. If not for him, I would have dropped out even before getting my black belt.

“Up until now, he remains my inspiration and without mincing after God, he’s the next person in my life”, Banjo said.

 The successful students were later decorated with their new belts and given certificate.