Universal Taekwondo Federation

Interview with Elena Benitez by Kamalpreet Kaur Badasha

In every arena of life, there are many who take part but only a chosen few who win. In a world where overnight success is coveted, Elena Benitez sets herself apart from those who merely participate. This is exemplified in her answer to the question of what is her greatest achievement in Tae Kwon Do:

“The World Championships in Canada, because I had won European championships but lost the World title four times and finally won on my fifth attempt. 1989 was bronze, 1991, 1993 and 1995 nothing and finally in 1999 I won gold. For that reason the competition was special, as I waited ten years to win.”

The Tae Kwon Do tenet of Inn Nae (Perseverance) may be defined as extolling the virtue of patience in the achievement of a goal. Elena’s quest to win the World Championship was not deterred by her initial defeat or by time.

The beginning

Elena began her training in Tae Kwon Do when she was 14 years old in 1984. Prior to this she had played Basketball, but was considered to be too short to continue in a competitive capacity. She played many athletic games, “but only really enjoyed Tae Kwon Do”. Elena’s first coach was Ana Millan, with whom she trained for three years, after which she trained with Ireno Fargos for twelve years.

There was a Tae Kwon Do club near where she lived, where she would go to watch the “spectacular techniques”. The teacher asked Elena to try and “Obviously for me, then it was impossible to stop”. Once she started she was hooked, with her favourite technique being “mom dollyo chagi, (reverse hook kick)”.

Inspirations

Elena Benitez Her early inspiration in her Martial Arts career was Bruce Lee. The Martial Arts movies of the past and their present day equivalents such as “Kill Bill” continue to motivate her.

Elena’s role model is Muhammad Ali, she cites as quote from him, when he said: “It’s not how many times that you fail or the number of times you make a mistake, but the number of times you stand after falling, even if you are physically hurt.”

It is about being focused in the present. For example she maintains her flexibility through a daily “30 minutes. Trying hard every day to be a bit more flexible.” She continually wishes to excel and go beyond her parameters.

The attainment of success is further elaborated on as: “The motivation to win counts, there should be no arrogance. For there will be one time when you win and one time when you will lose. You must focus on continuing. Whether you have fallen down or are on the up.”

Tae Kwon Do is an exhilarating rush for Elena, who says, “Tae Kwon Do is a feeling, especially when I win points. The hitting sensation provides a real buzz.” The people whom she has met through Tae Kwon Do are just as important, “Relationships in clubs are important. My best friends are from my competing category.”

When asked about her preference for kyorugi (sparring) or poomsae (patterns). Her apt reply is, “It is evident”. Although she states, “I like poomsae. The pure art is elegant, as is shown when I see Kytu Dang demonstrate patterns.”

Elite

The Tae Kwon Do players Elena most admires from the past are Hadi Saei from Iran, Juan A Ramons and Brigitte Yague from Spain.

Elena’s advice to those who wish to become a champion, first of all is simply to “train”. Then attention should be paid to the “technical aspects” of movement, whilst incorporating regular “speed work”. To allow improvement your “lifestyle” needs to accommodate training and above all, “Tae Kwon Do should become your work”.

To improve performance, sparring sessions should be videotaped. A close analysis of the performance will lead to a greater understanding. Watching the film and “making notes will allow the viewer to compare performances and be able to pay special attention to details, which could be missed”.

Another suggestion is observing your self using, “A mirror, this is also effective in improving training”. Elena goes on to state that, “At the more advanced levels of the sport, it is important to find a rhythm then you can speed up. There are many ways in which your skills can be enhanced.”

The future

Elena Benitez Elena’s view for the future of Tae Kwon Do is that. “Since Tae Kwon Do has been in the Olympics games there have been rule changes. The jump back kick scoring 3 points, if there is a standing count, and head shots scoring 2 points. This is making it more spectacular and entertaining, so greater crowds wish to watch.”

The changes in Tae Kwon Do are viewed as, “Evolution. Tae Kwon Do was ancient and it needed to evolve”.

Her opinion of Poomsae becoming part of the Olympics is that: “It is difficult for any sport to be part of the Olympics. Nothing is impossible. The Olympics do not want to expand to include too many sports. They want only a few people for each sport. Poomsae has a similar rhythmical system to synchronised swimming in the way points are scored.”

Elena said: “I think there are people for all aspects whether poomsae or kyorugi. Self defence is important in a club. It is important to be an all rounder. The work for the teacher is to provide a variety of all aspects.”

And finally

The only regret was her performance in Sydney, “I felt tired, as there was a personal situation. It was the final scene in my life’s work.”

The things she likes, “Is to be happy, felicity for me and the people around me. Being able to work in Tae Kwon Do.” Living a full life and thus “To die an old woman in Malaga, relaxing.” Her dislikes are “Envy, jealously, hypocrisy and being disrespectful.” It is important, “To be friends with all people and to smile.”

Her favourites films include such classics as “Casablanca”. New films like “Kill Bill”. While in between it would have to be “Dangerous Liaisons” with John Malkovich. She relaxes, “by sleeping and watching TV”.

View more pictures of Elena coaching UTF members and other attendees at 12th Annual Training Camp in Attendorn, Germany.
Thank you to Elena for kindly providing the pictures used above for this article.

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