Phoenix AZ – Two members of Sulphur Springs ATA Martial Arts brought home gold medals at the ATA World Tournament of Champions held July 12-14 in Phoenix, Arizona. This invitation-only tournament culminated the 2022-2023 competition season and featured the top martial artists from over 30 countries.
Ms. Harleigh Stegient won the gold medal as a member of Team USA is the H.U. Lee Memorial Songahm World Cup Combat competition July 14. This event featured teams of five athletes competing to score the most points to declare an overall winner. Ms. Stegient featured prominently in the rounds of competition as a starting member of Team USA. After defeating Team Uruguay in the Quarterfinals, Team USA scored a victory over Team Chile to advance to the final round. In the finals, Team USA earned a hard-fought victory over Team Paraguay to earn the championship. As an individual competitor, Ms. Stegient also won the World Bronze Medal in Combat Sparring and Extreme Weapons.
Co-owner and instructor Daron Bilyeu won his first World Championship on July 12. Mr. Bilyeu took home the gold medal in Creative Weapons as well as World Silver Medals in Creative Forms, Extreme Forms, and Extreme Weapons. He also qualified for and competed in the weapons and combat competitions of the World Tournament of Champions.
Alyssa Boulger earned a place in the World Tournament of Champions for the first time this season. She had a great showing by winning matches before being eliminated outside of the medals.
The 2023-2024 season kicks off August 5 in Allen with the Texas Twister Tournament. Those interested in martial arts competition may reach Sulphur Springs ATA Martial Arts at www.sulphurspringsata.com
Attached photo left to right – Daron Bilyeu and Harleigh Stegient celebrate their gold medals. Alyssa Boulger (left) scores with a round kick to the head.
