Naperville taekwondo athletes earn 47 medals in state championship

The bright lights of McCormick Place's Grand Ballroom could be seen all the way in Naperville with the reflective gleam of success. Students of the American Martial Arts Academy (AMAA) of Naperville earned an unprecedented 47 medals at the 2014 Illinois Taekwondo State Championship bring home 18 gold, 13 silver, and 16 bronzes.

"I'm very proud of all my students," commented AMAA Director, Master Jae Hyeon Jeon. "As a martial arts instructor, it is extremely gratifying to see my students recognized for their amazing achievements."

Each of the students that medaled in the state championship, which was hosted by the Illinois Taekwondo State Association, now qualify to compete in the USA Taekwondo National Championships being held in San Jose, CA this July. With a particular sense of satisfaction in his voice Hyeon Jeon continued, "These young athletes work so hard and seeing them demonstrate such devotion to themselves and their training is what brings me the greatest amount of pride. They truly are my motivation," Hyeon Jeon concluded.

This team has a lot to be proud of since the United States Olympic Committee recognizes USA Taekwondo (USAT) and the Illinois Taekwondo State Association as the governing bodies for the sport of Tae Kwon Do in the United States and Illinois (respectively). Medaling in a state championship is the fist step to what could eventually lead a local athlete to the Olympic games.

AMAA opened its doors only four years ago and has quickly grown to one of the most successful martial arts schools in the area. With such an impressive medal count, proof is in the results.