TMSA Taekwondo Club Dominates National Capitol Open with 14 Medals
The TMSA Taekwondo Club delivered a breakthrough performance at the 2026 National Capitol Open Taekwondo Championship, securing an impressive haul of 14 medals over the two-day event held in Virginia on April 24 and 25. With 14 student-athletes competing across elementary, middle, and high school divisions, the team achieved a perfect one-to-one podium finish, signaling the strength of their structured youth development program.
The team returned with a total of 6 gold, 5 silver, and 3 bronze medals, underscoring the sustained commitment to disciplined training and skill progression among young participants. This milestone marks the first time a high school team has participated in the tournament, a fact recognized by event organizer Grand Master Hyo Joo Lee, who presented TMSA with a special award and a large trophy in honor of this achievement.
Youth Talent Shines with Medal Winners Spanning All Divisions
The gold medalists reflected the program’s developmental depth, including standout performances from younger competitors such as A. Marikanti (1st Grade), Y. Senthilkumar (6th Grade), and S. Aramadaka (3rd Grade). Meanwhile, silver and bronze medals were secured by athletes extending into middle and high school ages, showcasing competitive consistency across all levels.
Coach Bastug highlighted the broader significance of the results beyond podium finishes.
“We are incredibly proud of our students—not only for their medals but for their discipline, perseverance, and sportsmanship,”
Bastug said.
“This accomplishment marks an important milestone for our program and sets a strong foundation for future success.”
Program Success Built on Long-Term Training and Community Support
Many of the athletes, particularly at elementary and middle school levels, have undergone approximately three years of foundational training, which greatly contributed to their consistent performance and maturity in competition. Observers at the event noted the athletes’ remarkable composure and discipline, attributes credited to a strong coaching framework.
The event also emphasized the critical role of family engagement in youth sports, with 10 out of 14 athletes accompanied by relatives, creating a supportive and celebratory atmosphere throughout the championship.
TMSA formally acknowledged the vital backing from school leadership and staff, including TMSA Triangle High School Principal Mr. Alden and TMSA Apex Principal Mr. Yuksekkaya, along with key staff members. This partnership between academic institutions and extracurricular programs demonstrates how athletics can foster leadership, discipline, and student engagement.
Looking Forward: TMSA Poised for Continued Success
The club’s exceptional showing at the National Capitol Open is poised to increase its profile on both regional and national Taekwondo circuits. With a proven training model and a balanced pipeline of young athletes moving through structured development stages, TMSA is well-positioned to build momentum for upcoming competitions.
The team’s success at this high-profile event not only highlights the power of consistent training but also the impact of community and institutional support in creating high-performing youth athletes. For readers across the United States, this is an inspiring example of how school-led sports programs can compete and excel on a national stage.
Expect to see the TMSA Taekwondo Club pushing harder in future tournaments as they expand their legacy and continue to shape the next generation of martial arts champions.
