19/07/2026
One of my favorite moments from the World Championships happened before anyone even stepped onto the floor to compete.
Standing in this ring were martial artists from different corners of the United States and from countries including Argentina, Denmark, Mexico, Great Britain, and South Africa. Despite our different backgrounds, languages, and life experiences, we all stepped into the same ring because of our shared passion for Tang Soo Do.
This year has been especially meaningful for me. It’s my first World Championships competing as a Sam Dan, my first in the Senior division, and my first time returning to Worlds since all of my knee surgeries. Stepping back onto the floor at this level is something I don’t take for granted.
As we waited to compete, everyone was understandably a little nervous. I suggested we take a group photo before we began. It was a simple idea, but it broke the ice. Once the competition started, we were no longer just standing beside strangers—we were cheering each other on, congratulating one another after each event, and sharing an experience that none of us will forget.
Moments like this remind me that the World Championships are about much more than competition. They’re about learning, friendship, and being part of a worldwide Tang Soo Do family.
As an instructor, that’s what excites me the most.
Every seminar I attend, every conversation I have, and every experience I gain becomes something I can bring back to my students at Martial Arts Revelation. My hope is that, years from now, many of them will have the opportunity to stand in a ring just like this—meeting lifelong friends from around the world, representing their school with pride, and creating memories they’ll carry with them for the rest of their lives.
That’s one of the greatest privileges of being an instructor. The experiences we have don’t end with us—they become part of the journey for the next generation.
Tang Soo! 🥋