Join Port Elizabeth and MyPE in congratulating Mover and Shaker, Matthew Ingram from Umzi Wethu:
Umzi Wethu hospitality student, Matthew Ingram has two passions in his life; cooking and taekwon-do. The young 21 year old from the underprivileged West End community in Port Elizabeth was raised by a single mother, and didn’t have the funds to study at university after he finished matric.
Exploring options for a future career, Matthew applied for the Umzi Wethu Hospitality academy in 2011. He also joined the Dower Dynasty taekwon-do dojang in his neighbourhood, and one year later he placed fourth in the country at his first national competition. He maintains that taekwon-do and Umzi Wethu have been two of the most influential things in his life to date.
“Taekwon-do has taught me respect, self-discipline, perseverance and how to overcome obstacles in life. It has helped me improve my lifestyle, and build into the lives of my friends, family and colleagues. I also present self-defence classes for women in the neighbourhood so that they can protect themselves if they are ever attacked,” says Matthew.
In early 2012 Matthew earned his EP colours, and in September he and six other members of the Dower Dynasty dojang travelled to Johannesburg to represent the province in the South African National ITF Taekwon-do Championships. The dojang is run as a non-profit dojang, and was initiated by instructor, Rezaan Baartzes.
“The students did very well for their first national competition,” says Rezaan. “They received a number of gold and silver medals for team events, and Matthew placed fourth in a very competitive division of ten fighters. I am extremely proud of their achievements considering all the obstacles that needed to be overcome for us to get there.”
Based in an underprivileged neighbourhood, the members of the dojang have to secure their own funds for training gear and tournament fees. The team conducted self-defence classes and other fundraising events in the lead up to the national tournament.
“It was so great to see how the community stood behind us,” says Matthew. “They have realised the benefit that the sport has on the kids here. Our team also came home with the spirit award for our motivational attitude and perseverance throughout the competition. We have literally put our blood, sweat and tears into getting to where we are. The contenders out there are serious, but we have proven that we can take them on.”
Not only does Matthew excel at the sport of taekwan-do, but he has also established a reputation as an achiever at the Umzi Wethu Hospitality Academy. Customers at the Conynghams Coffee Shop often ask for him by name and request him as their waitron. “I think this is because Umzi Wethu has taught me how to handle people as individuals – that everyone is the way they are because of their circumstances. I don’t judge people on their outward looks and behaviour because I know that there is always a deeper reason behind it,” says Matthew.
Rezaan, Matthew’s taekwon-do coach has noticed a big difference in Matthew since he joined Umzi Wethu. “Ever since he started there, a goal was put in front of him. He applies the same principles of hard work and dedication that he shows at Dower Dynasty to his studies.”
Matthew’s dream is to one day be the world champion at taekwon-do as well as a top saucier in the hospitality industry. “When I graduate from Umzi Wethu, I still want to climb the ladder, achieve more and reach the highest level possible.”
Submitted by: Claire Warneke on behalf of Umzi Wethu.
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Alan Straton
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