Six young athletes from Prachuap Khiri Khan, trained by Thailand’s 2004 Olympic Taekwondo medalist, ‘View’ Yaowapha Buraphonchai, clinched top honors at the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Siam Cup held in Bangkok on November 26, 2023.
The competition, which took place at the Bravo Bkk Shopping Center, witnessed a remarkable showcase of grappling prowess by these budding sports stars.
Under the expert guidance of Coach View Yaowapha, who has transitioned from her Olympic Taekwondo background to focus on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the athletes from The Legend Arena club achieved significant success.
Among them, Boy Wata Permtawe, under 11, secured a gold medal, while Raiwin Bernice, under 13, earned a silver. Their teammates, Angsumalin Charoenying, under 11, Pongsathisa Kemanantakosal, under 10, and Piyapat Kerthong, under 8, each won bronze medals. Vari Permtawe, the youngest competitor from the team, under 6, also made a valiant effort but was eliminated in the first round.
Speaking after the competition, Coach View Yaowapha emphasized the values of resilience and sportsmanship, encouraging all participants to maintain their dedication, regardless of the outcome. She highlighted the importance of consistent training and discipline, not just for sports excellence but also for personal development and health. She underlined the role of sports in steering youth away from negative influences and reducing screen time, suggesting that sports participation can be a vital component of a healthy lifestyle.
Presently, View Yaowapha Buraphonchai is not only a coach but also an executive at The Legend Arena, situated in Bluport Hua Hin Shopping Mall. The arena, in collaboration with Bluport Hua Hin, actively engages in fostering a sport and creative community in Prachuap Khiri Khan province.
Their efforts, aimed at both the local youth and tourists, encompass a wide range of activities including arts, music, and sports, contributing to the region’s vibrant community fabric.
