American Martial Arts Academy - Simi Valley

Congratulations to AMAA student athlete, Nathan Lui for making the 2026 AAU Cadet National Team!

This past weekend, on August 1, Nathan was invited to compete at the AAU National Team Trials in Des Moines, Iowa. Nathan fought through five grueling matches to capture the Cadet Division title (ages 12–14). With this victory, he earned a spot on the 2026 AAU National Team, and AAU Taekwondo will sponsor him to compete in an international Taekwondo championship.

Congratulations once again, Nathan! We are incredibly proud of your hard work, determination, and outstanding achievement.

IIt’s nationals time, and here is our team this year. In the span of just a few days, we will travel to Florida and North Carolina to compete in AAU and USAT nationals. The days ahead will be unforgettable because they are demanding and challenging.
Stepping onto the mat, managing injuries and recovery, navigating airports, making weight repeatedly, and recovering from fatigue with this rigorous schedule.
For some of the high school seniors, who have been with me since they were five years old, this may be their last competition season. My hope is that years from now, they will look back on this time and remember it as one of the best experiences of their lives.
For now, our focus is simple: give everything we have, compete with heart, do our very best, and appreciate the privilege of participating in the sport and art that we love. Passion, Pursuit and Perseverance!