RENO, NV (MPG) - Robinson’s Taekwondo-Galt posted a strong showing at the United World Taekwondo Association National Championship and Black Belt Testing on Sept. 26-27, returning with multiple trophies and top honors, including a milestone 10th Dan promotion within the organization.

Galt’s black belt cohort opened the weekend with a standout Friday session, earning a championship trophy during Black Belt Testing. Students prepared for months leading up to nationals, training four to five days per week, according to Master Connie Hilaman.

 

Emely Arellano took first place in Sparring Nationals.

Competition continued Saturday, when Robinson’s Galt athletes added more hardware. Among the individual results, Alexis Ortega placed second in forms.

The Black Belt Dinner Awards highlighted a series of organizational recognitions. Master Connie Hilaman was named vice president of Tournament, honored as Volunteer of the Year and formally promoted to Master. Competitor of the Year awards went to Ortega and Jocelyn Arellano.

Student advancement was also on display: Phoebe Ladrido successfully tested for her 1st-degree black belt.

Capping the weekend, Great Grandmaster Clinton Robinson – mentor and instructor to many in the program – received his 10th Dan black belt during the Tea Ceremony on Sept. 27.

“I also want to share that our Great Grandmaster Robinson, my mentor and instructor, was awarded his 10th Dan Black Belt during the Tea Ceremony on September 27, 2025. It is a privilege to be part of the Robinson Taekwondo,” said Master Connie Hilaman.

Building on the Reno results, Robinson’s Taekwondo-Galt plans to intensify training in 2026 with the aim of bringing home even more success.