This past October, 25 local residents out of 80 overall winners earned national championship titles at the United World Taekwondo Association (UWTA) Grand National Championships. Remarkably, all of the 25 winners train at Pourarian's Taekwondo at THE STUDIO Martial Arts & Fitness, located in Roseville. Master Amitis Pourarian, a former U.S. team member herself, is incredibly proud of her students and says it takes "years of training under a certified instructor" to earn a black belt. "A good taekwondo student is one who wants to continuously improve as a person and a martial artist," she continues. The UWTA Grand National Championships is for black belts only, and competitors compete within their age range and skill levels. The local winners range in age from 8-60, proving taekwondo is an activity for all. "[Taekwondo is] for anyone seeking personal growth and mental and physical development. Kids and adults of any age can benefit from this self-improvement program," says Pourarian, who got involved in taekwondo after a friend invited her to a class. In addition to taekwondo, THE STUDIO offers fitness, dance, and self-defense classes, ninja obstacle courses, kids’ camps, and classes for families and seniors.

By Emily Peter

For more information, visit trainatthestudio.com.