TMSA Taekwondo Team Clinches 14 Medals at National Capitol Open
Apex, North Carolina — The TMSA Taekwondo Club delivered an impressive medal haul at the 2026 National Capitol Open Taekwondo Championship, bringing home a total of 14 medals in a commanding display of skill and discipline. The two-day event, held on April 24–25 in Virginia, saw 14 student-athletes from TMSA competing across elementary, middle, and high school divisions, each earning a spot on the podium with six gold, five silver, and three bronze medals.
This achievement underscores the club’s structured youth development program, which emphasizes long-term skill building and consistent technical training. Many of the younger competitors notably had about three years of foundational experience, leading to standout performances across age groups.
A Breakthrough for School-Based Taekwondo Programs
For the first time at this prestigious event, TMSA fielded a high school team, earning special recognition from tournament organizer Grand Master Hyo Joo Lee. He presented the club with a large trophy and an award highlighting this milestone — a clear signal that school-based martial arts programs are carving a path to compete effectively against independent clubs traditionally dominating the scene.
Coach Bastug praised the athletes beyond medal counts, stating,
“We are incredibly proud of our students—not only for their medals but for their discipline, perseverance, and sportsmanship.”
The team’s success reflects more than just individual victories: it signals a balanced talent pipeline spanning elementary through high school. Gold medals were won by young athletes including A. Marikanti (1st Grade), Y. Senthilkumar (6th Grade), and Z. Keskin (5th Grade), while silver and bronze placements came from older students, demonstrating depth in the program.
Community and Institutional Support Drive Success
Beyond athletic achievement, the event highlighted the crucial role of family and school support. Ten of the fourteen competitors were accompanied by family members, creating a vibrant and uplifting atmosphere throughout the championship.
The club also acknowledged key institutional backing from school leaders and staff, including TMSA Triangle High School Principal Alden, Apex Principal Yuksekkaya, and staff members Mr. Pamuk, Mr. Yildirim, Ms. Sharma, Ms. Ensi, Mr. Philip, Mr. Iyigun, and Mr. Dogru. Their contributions reinforce the integration of academic and extracurricular excellence fostering leadership and discipline.
What’s Next for TMSA Taekwondo?
Building on this success, the TMSA Taekwondo Club is poised to strengthen its presence within both regional and national competitive circuits. The proven training model and committed community support position the program for sustained growth and future victories.
With a 100% medal conversion rate from participants to podium finishers, this performance commands attention and signals a new era for high school martial arts teams competing at elite levels.
