Yoo's Martial Arts Continues Legacy With 4 More Athletes On Taekwondo National Team

HYBLA VALLEY, VA — Four athletes trained at the acclaimed Yoo's Martial Arts in Hybla Valley will compete internationally as they made the AAU Taekwondo National Team.

Robert Banks, Alfred Dixon, Layla Flores, and Sophy Cutter made the team after competing and winning gold medals in the AAU Taekwondo Team Trials in Des Moines, Iowa. All four also won gold at the 2023 AAU National Championships over the summer.

"We couldn't be prouder of Robert, Alfred, Layla, and Sophy," said Jonathan Yoo, the headmaster at Yoo's Martial Arts. "Their unwavering dedication, countless hours of training, and relentless commitment have rightfully earned them these coveted spots on the 2023 AAU national team."

The four athletes were among seven from Yoo's Martial Arts that made the National Team this year, which represents the most from a martial arts school in the country.

The 18-year-old Banks "demonstrated great skill and composure" in the Senior Male Fin 54kg division, according to the martial arts school. Dixon, 19, had a first match defeat but recovered by winning five consecutive matches to win the Senior Male Bantam 63kg division.

"I am incredibly honored to be a part of the 2023 AAU Taekwondo National Team. The journey to this achievement has been filled with hard work, sacrifices, and unwavering support from my coaches, teammates, and family," said Banks. "Being selected for the team is a testament to the dedication that Yoo's Martial Arts instills in us. I look forward to representing my community and giving my all on the international stage."

In the women's competition, 16-year-old Flores was undefeated in seven matches, including a last-second win in the finals. That earned her the Junior Female Feather 49kg title. In addition, the 14-year-old Cutter completed an undefeated season by winning the Cadet Female Middleweight 55kg division.

The four athletes will seek to continue their dominance during international competitions. The athletes will be on the AAU Taekwondo National Team when competing in Romania and Mexico this upcoming season.

Yoo's Martial Arts has a history of training national and international martial arts competitors since 1976. The martial arts school was founded by Master Jonathan Yoo's parents, who immigrated to the U.S. from South Korea, Today, he continues their legacy by running the school.

According to Yoo, the martial arts school not only seeks to train athletes to be future champions but also role models in the community.

"Our philosophy here is to not only train champions in martial arts but also to foster discipline, respect, and leadership in our students," said Yoo.