(Austin, TX) – Our sponsored team and various athletes from the different KAT programs descended on Austin, TX for the 2015 USA Taekwondo National Championships. Besides the sponsored team, it was the first national competition for many of the competitors.
Grace Kosloski (12-14 Black Belt) has an amazing performance. She was called to the holding area in the morning but didn’t spar her first match until 10 pm. At that time she faced a tough opponent from Olympic Gold Medalist Master Jimmy Kim’s school. The girl threw a ton of fast spin hook kicks to Grace’s head, but she avoided them all the pull out a 5-1 victory. Next she faced the current US Open Champion and #1 seed in her division at midnight, who came at her with everything she had, but Grace picked up that victory. Next she had to spar 4 matches between 1 and 3 am! She was ultimately unable to defeat Faith Dillon, the same girl who had defeated her in AAU nationals the week before where Grace picked up a Bronze medal. She earned a well deserved Silver Medal, which also leaves her as the alternate for the 2nd World Cadet Championships in Korea.
Josh Kosloski (15-17 Flyweight) won his first match and then fell in the quarterfinals. It was his first loss in 18 months. The division was packed with 5 national champions and 5 US Open champions. It certainly seems to be a great division with many epic battles in years to come. Much thanks to Master Henry Cruz from Manila Taekwondo for once again coaching Josh and Grace at an away tournament.
Sir Salonis (Sr. Sparring) had a tough draw, facing the eventual silver medalist in the first match. He was still recovering from an injury he suffered the previous week in the AAU nationals and had multiple uncounted head shots.
Master Laron Younger (Ultra Sparring) had his first opponent forfeit, sending him straight to the finals. He lost a very close match to end up with a Silver Medal.
From Master Kamil’s CVA program Adam Mohmand (15-17 Red Belts) has been showing tremendous improvement lately. He won his first two matches each by one point, sending him to the finals where he barely lost, earning him a Silver medal. Jibreal Jones (10-11 Black Belt) and Reda Essebar (6-7 Yellow Belt) both had huge divisions, and were unable to medal.
From Sir’s Storm TKD and William Smith High School, Salma Fakri won Silver, Cip Loya won Bronze and Axel Contreras won Gold, all in the 15-17 color belt sparring divisions. These were the first medals of what is sure to be many nationals for WSHS Taekwondo. Sir said “If you believe, All things are possible to those who believe.” (Mark 9:23.)
From LaKai TKD in Littleton Master Laron Younger did a back flip and 10 spin hook kicks in breaking, but it somehow wasn’t enough for him to defend his board breaking medals. Jared Younger followed in his father’s footsteps in sparring, also earning a Silver medal in the green belt heavyweight division. Isaac Smith made it to the finals in forms, but was unable
to medal. In sparring, he fought hard and came home with a Bronze.
Master Yoo with Xavier Nail
From Master Kenny Yoo’s students at Yoo Taekwondo, Melody Goldanloo won her first match and then lost in the finals, earning Silver. Kia Goldanloo similarly won Bronze. Ali Tahmourasi lost a heartbreaker 9-10 to miss out on the medal rounds. Zeke Nail won his first two matches but lost the third, and was unable to medal. Xav Nail had a huge division and won his first three matches, even while injured. He lost the semifinals in overtime and had to settle for a well-deserved Bronze.
Master Yoo’s students who competed early in the week.
Gold Sparring (1)
Axl Contreras
Silver Sparring (6)
Master Laron Younger
Grace Kosloski
Adam Mohmand
Salma Fakri
Melody Goldanloo
Jared Younger
Bronze Sparring (4)
Xav Nall
Cip Loya
Isaac Smith
Kia Goldanloo