James Foust, age 8, ompeted in sparring, weapons, and kata (a set of pre-arranged fighting techniques). He was the overall state champion in sparring and took second place in weapons and kata. Terra Billups, age 9, competed in sparring, where she was the state champion. Trenton Ragin, age 8, competed in sparring and kata. He took second place in the state in sparring to his teammate James Foust. Isaiah Pace competed in men’s Black Belt sparring, earning the state championship. Master Jack Dark competed in senior Black Belt sparring, where he was the state champion for the third year in a row.

James Foust, was originally put “in TKD to help him with coordination, get him active in a sport, and reinforce discipline,” said his mother, Juanita Foust, USN Chief Petty Officer. But the benefits have exceeded initial expectations. “Tae Kwon Do has given him confidence, sense of team work, and friends.”

“Tae Kwon Do has strengthened our family through the experience of training together. The students and staff have become our extended family, sharing both triumphs and sorrows. Tae Kwon Do Champions is family-oriented. It supports the basic family structure, provides positive reinforcement and a place for kids to learn about community,” continued Foust.

The young Foust enjoyed competing on the Virginia Karate Alliance tournament circuit this year. “I like the friends I made from other schools at my first tournament and enjoyed competing with them,” he said. “I enjoy competing. I feel energized and like to see how I stack up against students from other schools.”

In getting ready for the tournaments, James learned a very valuable lesson. “I learned not to underestimate the girls. I also learned that it is important to take your time, be precise, and to hit my stances.”

These lessons far exceeded those pertaining to Martial Arts. “It’s really fun to be successful but you have to work hard. Martial Arts teach you important lessons that will help you be successful in life. Lessons that are seldom taught any place else,” said the child.

Trenton Ragin is the second young man, who did very well in tournament sparring in 2008, taking second place. Sparring is his favorite part of the Martial Arts training he has wanted to be a part of since age three. This desire was the number the one reason his mother, April Sanders, enrolled him at Tae Kwon Do Champions. “It’s given him an extra outlet. It’s given him something else to challenge himself mentally and physically,” said the elementary school teacher.

But the value has gone beyond Trenton merely having an outlet. “The one-on-one connection and the support given by the instructors and the other students is amazing. The instruction given isn’t just for the next belt, but for the understanding and commitment to a very unique form of art and the betterment of life,” said Sanders. “My husband, myself, son and soon...daughter are TKD Champions. It has given my family another activity that we can share, learn and grow with. We learn from each other, teach each other and share new experiences.”

This was the first full year that Trenton competed on the circuit. He did it “to challenge himself and to see how he would rank among other children his age, outside of his school. Competing against others gives you a more realistic gauge of how you stack up. He built confidence in himself and what he can accomplish,” said Sanders.

Although Trenton wasn’t first place, he knows he has “something to work at next year...to be #1. In order to be successful in life and in Martial Arts, this young man, advises others “to work hard, keep practicing, and have fun with what you do.”