07/05/2026
Home from the 2026 USA Taekwondo National Championships! 🇺🇸🥋
Thomas and I have officially returned home from an unforgettable trip to Charlotte, North Carolina, where Thomas represented Pacific Northwest Martial Arts Academy at the 2026 USA Taekwondo National Championships.
While Thomas didn’t bring home a medal this year, he walked onto that competition floor and gave everything he had. He had an outstanding match against a very talented opponent, and we could not be more proud of the heart, determination, and sportsmanship he displayed.
Sometimes success isn’t measured by the medal around your neck—it’s measured by the journey that got you there.
Over the past four and a half years, I have had the privilege of watching Thomas grow into an incredible young man. Just recently, he celebrated two major milestones on the very same day: graduating from high school and earning his Black Belt. His transformation has been remarkable. Through hard work, perseverance, and dedication, he has become one of the most improved students we’ve had the honor of teaching—not only in Taekwondo, but academically as well. He committed himself to improving his grades, developing leadership skills, and never giving up, even when things became difficult. He absolutely earned the opportunity to stand among the nation’s best competitors.
This trip was about so much more than competing.
Thomas experienced his first airplane flight since he was five years old, traveled across the country without his parents, explored a new state, and experienced everything Charlotte had to offer. We spent time watching some incredible athletes compete, learned from the very best in the country, and had the opportunity to reconnect with an amazing family from another local Taekwondo school. We enjoyed lunch together, shared stories, cheered on one of their competitors, and were reminded how special the Taekwondo community truly is.
After his competition, Thomas was able to visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame, where he enjoyed the interactive exhibits and racing simulators—an experience he wouldn’t have had back home in Oregon. Later that evening, we rented scooters, explored the beautiful streets of Charlotte, found a great place for dinner, and topped it all off with milkshakes while reflecting on everything we had experienced together.
One part of this journey that deserves special recognition was Thomas’s commitment before he ever stepped onto the mat.
To compete in the -74 kg division, Thomas had to lose nearly 12 pounds. That required Days of discipline, healthy eating, hydration, carefully planned workouts, and an incredible amount of self-control. When it came time for the official weigh-in, he didn’t just make weight—he weighed in at 72.7 kg. That level of commitment speaks volumes about the young man he has become. Success like that doesn’t happen by accident; it comes from discipline, determination, and an unwavering desire to become the very best version of yourself.
Although the tournament didn’t end with a medal, it ended with something even more valuable—growth, experience, memories that will last a lifetime, and another step forward in Thomas’s martial arts journey.
Thomas, thank you for representing our school with integrity, humility, and courage. Your Pacific Northwest Martial Arts Academy family is incredibly proud of you. This is only the beginning, and we can’t wait to see where your journey takes you next.
Congratulations on an outstanding performance, Thomas. Keep chasing your dreams—we’ll be cheering you on every step of the way.
We are incredibly proud of you! ❤️🥋🇺🇸
