Eight years ago, the thought of being a state champion didn’t even cross BHS freshman Anna Duvall’s mind.  That was when she was first introduced to Taekwandoo, at the age of eight,  while still living in Destin, Fla.  When her family relocated to Bridgeport in 2014, they were thrilled to find Bridgeport ATA Martial Arts, a top-notch studio dedicated to the martial arts and to improving the skills of local youth.

 

Fast forward four years and Duvall recently won not one, but three state titles.  In order to earn such an honor, she has spent countless hours practicing and competing in Taekwondo and is so advanced, she even teaches the younger students the art. 

 

Not only can Taekwondo get students into peak physical condition, it can also enhance self-esteem, develop discipline and teach life skills.  Taught by instructors who are members of the American Taekwondo Association, Duvall endured challenging training sessions over the past few years in order to continually improve her skills. She is currently a third-degree Black Belt who inspires her students and demonstrates how beneficial the martial arts are to girls in particular.

 

Her first-place state awards include Traditional Forms, Traditional Sparring and Combat Sparring.  Her championship titles stay with her until the end of the tournament season in July 2018 and were determined by a point system based on the size and difficulty of the tournament.

 

“The tournaments allow me to meet people from all over the region and to apply the skills I have learned,” said Duvall.  “I have seen first-hand how Taekwondo can help both physically and mentally and I am excited to continue training in it.”

 

Duvall is currently working on her fourth-degree Black Belt, but she will have to wait until she is 18 to obtain it.  She works with students aged three years and up and is a Legacy Leadership student who is an instructor trainee.  She assists with student forms, sparring, weapons and leadership skills.

 

“I am truly blessed God has put me on this path to empower students to be their best selves and it is always amazing to see them become more than they ever thought possible,” said instructor Ian Thokar.