TMSA Taekwondo Team Secures 14 Medals at 2026 National Capitol Open
Apex, North Carolina – The TMSA Taekwondo Club clinched an impressive 14 medals at the 2026 National Capitol Open Taekwondo Championship, held April 24–25 in Virginia, confirming the strength of its rigorous youth training program.
Competing across elementary, middle, and high school divisions, all 14 student-athletes from TMSA returned home with medals—a breakthrough one-to-one conversion rate that underlines the program’s disciplined coaching and effective athlete development strategy.
The medal haul featured 6 gold, 5 silver, and 3 bronze awards, a testament to sustained investment in martial arts training among younger competitors with about three years of foundational skill-building.
Superior Discipline and Skill Highlight Youth Development
Observers at the two-day event praised the TMSA athletes for their poise and maturity beyond their years, demonstrating advanced technical skills and composure under pressure. This level of performance reflects a structured, long-term athlete progression model uncommon in school-based martial arts programs.
“We are incredibly proud of our students—not only for their medals but for their discipline, perseverance, and sportsmanship,” said Coach Bastug. “This accomplishment marks an important milestone for our program and sets a strong foundation for future success.”
The team’s success also highlights the vital role of family support, with 10 of 14 athletes accompanied by relatives who contributed to an energetic and supportive atmosphere throughout the championship.
Historic Recognition and Growing National Presence
The club sustained a historic first by being the inaugural high school team to compete in this traditionally independent-club dominated event. Tournament organizer Grand Master Hyo Joo Lee presented TMSA with a special award and a large trophy recognizing this major milestone.
This award signals expanding competitive opportunities for scholastic teams nationwide, potentially reshaping the landscape of youth martial arts circuits. TMSA’s integrated training – combining academic and athletic programs – also gained praise from school leaders at TMSA Triangle High School and TMSA Apex, highlighting the wider value of sports in fostering leadership and student engagement.
Medal Breakdown Demonstrates Depth Across Ages
The gold medalists included standout younger athletes like A. Marikanti (1st grade) and Y. Senthilkumar (6th grade), underpinning the program’s strong foundation. Silver medals featured both middle school and high school competitors, including high school team members A. Sarka and Arov, confirming the program’s competitive range.
Bronze winners such as M. Keskin and H. Thati rounded out the team’s all-encompassing medal success, demonstrating a robust pipeline of talent set for continued growth. This balance of skill levels reveals a sustained competitive culture crucial for long-term success nationally.
Institutional Support Fuels Success
The club openly credited school leadership and staff contributors, including Principal Mr. Alden (Triangle), Principal Mr. Yuksekkaya (Apex), and key teachers, for backing the program’s journey — illustrating the importance of strong academic-athletic collaboration.
Looking forward, the TMSA Taekwondo Club is poised to leverage this momentum to deepen engagement regionally and nationally, positioning its youth athletes for higher-level competitions in 2026 and beyond.
As school-based martial arts programs gain traction across the U.S., TMSA’s accomplishment serves as a compelling example of how disciplined training, family involvement, and institutional support can elevate young athletes to podium finishes and inspire wider participation in competitive sports.
