GALT, CA (MPG) - Another success story has emerged from Galt’s Robinson’s Taekwondo as 8-year-old Tristan Toledo captured the USA Taekwondo National Championship in Ontario, California, two weeks ago. Toledo dominated the sparring competition in the Red Belt age 6-7 middle weight division (23-27 kg), adding a national title to his impressive resume after winning his division at the State Championship last spring.

Toledo, currently a second-grader at Oak View School, has been training in taekwondo for three years and is approaching his black belt goal. His journey represents both personal determination and the quality instruction provided at Robinson’s Taekwondo in Galt.

“I felt so good about the fight; I felt like I challenged myself,” Toledo said about his championship performance. “I had butterflies in my stomach, but as soon as I got to the mat they went away. I listened to my dad. He told me to never stop attacking until each round was over.”

The young champion expressed disbelief at his accomplishment: “I just couldn’t believe that me, a boy from Galt, just won first place. I was so happy.”

Toledo’s passion for the martial art extends beyond competition.

 

Tristan Toledo stands at the mat in Ontario ready to compete.

“I love taekwondo because it’s so much fun. I like learning the new forms and going to each belt ceremony to find out if I passed and achieved the next belt,” he explained.

While mastering the technical aspects of taekwondo, Toledo particularly enjoys the social elements of competition.

“Sparring is my favorite part. I love competing in tournaments because I get to meet new friends like my new taekwondo friends who came all the way from Hawaii and Pennsylvania for the national championship.”

Connie Hilaman, chief instructor at Robinson’s Taekwondo, praised Toledo’s dedication: “Tristan has been training with Robinson’s Taekwondo for two years. He has worked hard to improve his knowledge of taekwondo, learning poomsae and sparring drills,” Hilaman said. “Tristan has attended local UWTA tournaments and the USA Taekwondo championships in Ontario, California. In sparring, Tristan took first place. We are proud of him and his accomplishments.”

Toledo already has his sights set on the future, sharing his ambition: “My teachers make practice fun, like Mr. Xavi, when he teaches me new kick combinations. I want to open my own school one day and teach other kids.”

The national championship represents not only Toledo’s individual achievement but also highlights the growing success of Galt’s Robinson’s Taekwondo program in developing young martial artists who excel at the highest levels of competition.