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ELKHART — Elkhart’s AAU taekwondo team at Steve’s Gym is home after sending eight athletes to the Buckeye state for the Ohio state district qualifier.
As a team, they brought home 34 medals, including 17 Ohio state championships. This brings the season total to 84 medals with over half of them (46) being gold medal state championships.
“It gives us a lot to be thankful for,” said gym owner and 9th degree black belt Steve Travis. “Thankful to all of our athletes that represent the community and the studio. Thankful to all the coaches for their efforts to instruct and believe in our mission and our students. Plus a big thanks to all the parents who give their children an opportunity to shine and represent us all.”
Senior ranked team member Delilah Wright successfully defended her Ohio state title in Olympic sparring. Her bracket included two 4th degree black belts and a 3rd degree black belt. Delilah is looking to earn her black belt this summer. She is now a perfect 2-2 in this event at Ohio.
Amelia Wright, who is also looking to earn her black belt this summer, won the gold medal for continuous sparring and a Tang Soo Do form competition.
Seven-year-old Walker Brigham earned a first place finish in continuous sparring and point sparring. Walker’s gold medal completed the trifecta for Elkhart Martial Arts as the team won at least one gold medal in every sparring category at the tournament.
Lilly Kinzel competed in seven events, earning two gold medals, four silver medals and a bronze. The rookie competitor this season has six state championships, five second place finishes and a third place.
Eleven-year-old Molly Herban avenged her second place finish last year by winning gold in the traditional weapon competition with her staff.
Zachary Herban continues to dominate in the traditional weapon category. Using his sais, he successfully defended his 2024 Ohio state championship. This was after winning gold in the same category in the 2025 Michigan tournament. Zachary Herban will look to complete the season sweep next month at the Indiana state tournament.
After setting records at Michigan last month, Jessica Brigham and Elizabeth Herban brought home more gold in Ohio in board-breaking categories.
Elizabeth Herban is undefeated this season in speed breaking, winning gold in every tournament she’s competed in this year. Jessica Brigham defended her Ohio championship in speed breaking, setting a personal best time of breaking 10 boards in 1.86 seconds. She added her second state championship this season in power ax kicking, by breaking nine boards with a single kick.
Steve’s Gym in Elkhart is inviting the public to come meet the team and enjoy some free classes all summer long at their Sponsorship Saturdays. Find them on Facebook for the schedule and to see videos of all the competitors at the Ohio tournament.
Continue reading...
As a team, they brought home 34 medals, including 17 Ohio state championships. This brings the season total to 84 medals with over half of them (46) being gold medal state championships.
“It gives us a lot to be thankful for,” said gym owner and 9th degree black belt Steve Travis. “Thankful to all of our athletes that represent the community and the studio. Thankful to all the coaches for their efforts to instruct and believe in our mission and our students. Plus a big thanks to all the parents who give their children an opportunity to shine and represent us all.”
Senior ranked team member Delilah Wright successfully defended her Ohio state title in Olympic sparring. Her bracket included two 4th degree black belts and a 3rd degree black belt. Delilah is looking to earn her black belt this summer. She is now a perfect 2-2 in this event at Ohio.
Amelia Wright, who is also looking to earn her black belt this summer, won the gold medal for continuous sparring and a Tang Soo Do form competition.
Seven-year-old Walker Brigham earned a first place finish in continuous sparring and point sparring. Walker’s gold medal completed the trifecta for Elkhart Martial Arts as the team won at least one gold medal in every sparring category at the tournament.
Lilly Kinzel competed in seven events, earning two gold medals, four silver medals and a bronze. The rookie competitor this season has six state championships, five second place finishes and a third place.
Eleven-year-old Molly Herban avenged her second place finish last year by winning gold in the traditional weapon competition with her staff.
Zachary Herban continues to dominate in the traditional weapon category. Using his sais, he successfully defended his 2024 Ohio state championship. This was after winning gold in the same category in the 2025 Michigan tournament. Zachary Herban will look to complete the season sweep next month at the Indiana state tournament.
After setting records at Michigan last month, Jessica Brigham and Elizabeth Herban brought home more gold in Ohio in board-breaking categories.
Elizabeth Herban is undefeated this season in speed breaking, winning gold in every tournament she’s competed in this year. Jessica Brigham defended her Ohio championship in speed breaking, setting a personal best time of breaking 10 boards in 1.86 seconds. She added her second state championship this season in power ax kicking, by breaking nine boards with a single kick.
Steve’s Gym in Elkhart is inviting the public to come meet the team and enjoy some free classes all summer long at their Sponsorship Saturdays. Find them on Facebook for the schedule and to see videos of all the competitors at the Ohio tournament.
Continue reading...
