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With a swing of his bo staff, Luke Trax brought home two first place titles at the ATA Northeast District Championships. 

Luke Trax (age 8) pictured in front with his parents Joan and Charles Trax.

Luke Trax, age 8, of Finleyville, took first place in both Creative Weapons and Extreme Martial Arts at the invitational, which was held at the Lancaster Mariott at Penn Square in June. He is the son of Charles E. Trax, Jr. and Joanie Trax. 

“Luke puts in hours upon hours in lessons and practicing advanced tricks, competition rules, and form,” mom Joanie Trax said. “He is passionate about what he does, and he lets his dedication and determination shine through.” 

Luke attends ATA McMurray Martial Arts Academy. He scored in the top 10 in the state to qualify for the district championship, which brings martial arts athletes from thirteen states to compete. Luke competes with a Jang bong bo staff.   Joanie Trax said the staff at ATA McMurray has made all the difference in Luke’s training.  “Luke has only been competing for a year,” she said. “Master Cameron Stadfeld and program director Julia Becker gave him the skills he needs to compete at a high level at a young age. They cheered him on when he succeeded and helped pick him up when things didn’t quite go his way.” 

Luke said he has made friends from across the country as he worked his way through his first competitive year. “They cheer me on, and I cheer them on, too,” he said. 

Luke’s dad, Charles Trax said he is amazed at the confidence Luke has gained through martial arts. 

“We are so proud of Luke’s accomplishments, but we are also proud of his sportsmanship and the friendships he has made. ATA McMurray has brought Luke out of his shell in the last two and a half years. He used to be shy and quiet, and now he is confident on the mat and pretty much everywhere else now, too.” 

Luke has big goals for the future, including earning his black belt in Taekwondo. He’ll take that test in October. “I also want to qualify for the World Championships in 2024, but you can only become a world champion after you get your black belt,” he said. “So the black belt is the first goal.” 

ATA McMurray Martial Arts Academy is located at 2510 Washington Road, Canonsburg. For more information on classes and programs, call 724-942-9522 or visit atamcmurray.com.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Since the district competition Luke has travel to Phoenix Arizona to compete in the ATA World Competition in which he placed 4th in Traditional Weapons, 4th in Creative Weapons and 1st in Extreme Weapons.)

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