SANDPOINT — BOB has been taking quite a beating lately, absorbing fierce punches and roundhouse kicks from two Sandpoint boys making a name for themselves in taekwondo.

Thankfully, BOB is short for Body Opponent Bag, a human replica punching bag that stands tall in the center of the Black Bear Taekwondo dojo, where Dakota Kivett, 13, and Tyler Hammack, 11, are currently training for the AAU Taekwondo Championships, which will be held later this month in Florida.

Kivett, a 2nd degree Red Belt, and Hammack, an Orange Belt, each had to qualify for the AAU tournament, and each have designs on competing in the Junior Olympics at some point. Charles Brown, who runs Black Bear and trains the kids, marvels at their maturity and dedication to the sport.

“The commitment level has to be through the roof for these kids,” he said, noting each has won regional competitions. “They’ve worked like dogs to get where they’re at.”

Kivett has been competing for two years, and will be fighting against some Black Belts in Florida. He’s drawn to the physical nature of the sport, which is virtually full contact, and hopes to maybe someday compete in the Olympics.

“I like the fighting of it,” he explained, cutting straight to the chase. “I like the thrill of the fight.”

Hammack has been competing for nine months now, and runs two miles a day to help stay in shape for the rigorous demands of fighting three, 90 second rounds against each opponent.

“I like the fitness,” said Hammack of what he loves most about taekwondo. “I used to not be as healthy as I am now.”

Brown says at their age level nobody is looking for knockouts, or to hurt anybody, but rather good control and a quality skill set. Nonetheless, the sport features punches and kicks to the head and body, with head shots counting for two points and body shots one.

Kivett is used to the contact, having cut his teeth in practice by sparring with adults, some of whom are more than 200 pounds. He also spars on occasion with Hammack.

“He’s sincerely used to fighting adult men, and that gives him an edge,” said Brown of Kivett. “His goal is the Olympics; that’s his whole point.”