- Last Updated on Friday, 10 September 2021 19:05
Very few can say they have been ranked world-wide in any sport. But right here in McMurray, PA there are three individuals that competed and won at this year’s ATA Martial Arts World Championships held in Phoenix, Arizona.
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| Gianna Combs (at left) won the bronze medal for Combat Weapons. She is ranked third in the world. Gabriel Yost (at right) won World Champion in the Traditional Weapons category. |
Ten-year-old Gianna Combs won the bronze medal for Combat Weapons. She is ranked third in the world. Gabriel Yost, age 15, won World Champion in the Traditional Weapons category, and Cameron Stadtfeld, age 31, won World Champion in XMA Forms. These 3 champions competed against competitors locally, regionally, district-wide, nationally, and from around the globe.
Each of these individuals has their own amazing journey to where they are now. Gianna Combs started at 5 years old and immediately realized that she loved Taekwondo. Even at such a young age, she works out and trains multiple times a day on her own, travels the globe for competitions and family vacations, and still manages to make time for friends and fun. Fun fact – her weapon of choice is the Korean Gum Do sword.
Gabriel Yost is not your average teenager. From being born in a foreign country and being adopted at a young age, to being a 2nd Degree Black Belt Instructor and World Champion. He exemplifies that you can do anything regardless of how old you are.
Cameron Stadtfeld started martial arts as a 6 year old dreaming of becoming the blue Power Ranger. Fast forward to today, he is now a 6th Degree Black Belt, Master Instructor, School Owner, and World Champion. I think it is safe to say that his aspirations have grown over the years and that he has surpassed his original dream.
Each of these individuals embody the fact that if you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything – like becoming a World Champion!
ATA McMurray Martial Arts Academy is located at 1007 Waterdam Plaza, McMurray, PA 15317. Academy. To learn more please call 724-942-9522. You may also visit their website at www.ATAMcMurray.com
