The Annual All Tang Soo Do Friendship Tournament brought together martial artists from across the globe, creating a vibrant showcase of skill, discipline, and camaraderie. Held in the Netherlands, the prestigious tournament featured approximately 370 competitors from 10 countries, including England, Finland, Greece,Norway, Russia, Sweden, The Netherlands, and The United States.
Representing the United States, six coaches from the North American Martial Arts Federation Association (NAMFA) were selected to lead teams composed of top-performing athletes from the NAMFA circuit. Among them was Grandmaster and Renaissance Academy staff member Joseph Comito, head of Pinnacle Martial Arts. Seventeen athletes from Pinnacle, many of whom are current students or alumni of Renaissance Academy, proudly competed as part of Team USA.
The Pinnacle Martial Arts team is uniquely tied to Renaissance Academy, with most instructors and athletes being current students, alumni, or staff. This close-knit “karate family” creates a supportive and inspiring environment that fuels their success.
The road to the international stage was paved with two years of rigorous training. Pinnacle athletes dedicated over 10 hours per week, spread across four days, refining their skills in traditional forms, weapons, sparring, and synchronized team forms. Many of the competitors had climbed the ranks from local tournaments to national circuits, preparing them for their international debut.
Competing at the international level came with its own set of challenges. The athletes had just two days to adjust to a six-hour time difference after an overnight flight. Additionally, the tournament’s format—often featuring two athletes competing simultaneously in a single ring—was a departure from the individual format familiar to Team USA members. Through keen observation, adaptive coaching, and peer support, the team successfully navigated these obstacles.
Pinnacle Martial Arts made a remarkable impact at their first international competition, earning 17 medals across their 17-member team. The tally included six gold, five silver, and six bronze medals, with one standout athlete taking home two gold medals. For 14 athletes, medaling was a personal milestone, showcasing their dedication and resilience.
Medalists from RA:
- Padraic Carr,Bronze Medal, Renaissance Academy Alumni
- Mary Grace Cruz, Gold Medal
- Keely Dougherty, Bronze Medal, Renaissance Academy Alumni
- Ella Kanyugi, Silver Medal
- Halle Kanyugi, Silver Medal
- Hazel Kanyugi, Bronze Medal
- Sage O'Brien, Gold Medal and Bronze Medalist
- Grace Supplee, Bronze Medal
- Samira Tlili, Silver Medal
- Laila Tlili, 2 Silver Medals, Renaissance Academy Alumni
Coach Joseph Comito, a veteran with 42 years of karate experience and a decorated international competitor, has guided his teams to over 1,000 victories. His leadership and emphasis on growth mindsets—encapsulated by the team’s motto, “You can be happy with your performance but never satisfied”—have been instrumental in building a legacy of excellence.
With their first international tournament behind them, the Pinnacle Martial Arts team is already looking toward future competitions in England or Denmark. or Spain The athletes remain proud of their accomplishments, ready to embrace the challenges ahead, and eager to continue making their mark on the world stage.
The Pinnacle Martial Arts Team:
- Padraic Carr, Renaissance Academy Alumni
- Gianna Comito, Renaissance Academy Alumni
- Mary Grace Cruz, current Renaissance Academy student
- Keely Dougherty,Renaissance Academy Alumni
- Yiliana Francois
- Ysabel Francois
- Yasmine Francois
- Ella Kanyugi, current Renaissance Academy student
- Halle Kanyugi, current Renaissance Academy student
- Hazel Kanyugi, current Renaissance Academy student
- Joy Lyle, Renaissance Academy Alumni
- Sage O'Brien, current Renaissance Academy student
- Nivritti Pakala,current Renaissance Academy student
- Lucas Sullivan
- Grace Supplee,current Renaissance Academy student
- Laila Tlili,Renaissance Academy Alumni
- Samira Tlili, current Renaissance Academy student
- Caelynn Queen, current Renaissance Academy student