Expect fierce action and a star-studded field as the Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA) stages the SMART/MVPSF National Carlos Palanca Jr. (CPJ) Taekwondo Championships to kick off another busy season this weekend at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Long regarded as the breeding ground for future champions, the PTA — under the able stewardship of Grandmaster Hong Sung-Chon — announced that around 3,000 taekwondo jins will be competing in the two-day event, underscoring the sustained popularity of the Korean martial arts in the country.

After months of intensive training, the veterans and rising stars of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, National Collegiate Athletic Association and other major clubs all over the country are looking to pull off surprises in the tournament that has the full backing of the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee and MILO.

Competitions will be divided into two events — kyorugi (free sparring) and (forms) where precision, speed and flexibility are needed each match to emerge victorious.

In kyorugi, there will be competitions for seniors, juniors, cadets and grade schoolers — male and female. Poomsae, on the other hand, will be divided into recognized poomsae (individual, team and mixed pair events) and freestyle (for individual only).