Taekwondo Athletes From Yoo's Martial Arts Strike Gold In International Competition

HYBLA VALLEY, VA — Two taekwondo athletes attending a Hybla Valley-based martial arts school made moves on the international stage to win gold.

Sreeja Sengupta of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology and Sophy Cutter of Carl Sandburg Middle School won gold medals in their divisions at the 2023 Pan-American Taekwondo Championships held in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The two athletes represented Yoo's Martial Arts.

"We are incredibly proud of Sreeja and Sophy's outstanding achievement at the Pan-American Championships," said Master Jonathan Yoo, the head master at Yoo's Martial Arts. "Their dedication, discipline, and passion for taekwondo have been unwavering, and they have truly represented our country and studio with pride."

Cutter, the United States Cadet National Team Captain, finished in the top of her division after winning matches against Canada, USA and Dominican Republic She was undefeated this season in competition, securing wins at the 2022 USA Taekwondo Grand Prix Final, 2023 USA Taekwondo Team Trials and 2023 US Open Championships.

"Winning the Pan-American Championships is an incredible honor," said Cutter. "It is a testament to the hard work and sacrifices we have made over the years. We hope to inspire other aspiring athletes in Alexandria to pursue their dreams with passion and perseverance."

Sengupta, a 2023 AAU and USA Taekwondo National Team Member, won matches against Ecuador, Costa Rica and Mexico, culminating with a last-second win in the championship round to secure gold.

"The journey in becoming Pan American Champion has not been easy," said Sengupta. "But with the guidance and mentorship we received at Yoo's Martial Arts, along with the support of our family and teammates, we were able to overcome challenges and achieve our dream."

Both have trained for over eight years under Yoo.

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.

The family's impact was clear as the school's two gold medalists stood at the top of the podium, holding the American flag on their backs.