Oh Do Kwan Martial Arts in Fayetteville sent 11 students to the AAU National Tae Kwon Do Championships in Knoxville, Tenn. earlier this month, and eight of the 11 students medaled.

One group of students that brought home medals were three friends: Elijah Holyfield, Brandon Bonilla and Noah Smith, who placed first, second and third respectively in the 8/9 year old green-blue belt division. The three boys have been friends since they were four or five years old, which is when they all began their martial arts careers. Though they have sparred at the dojo in the past, the boys have not ever had to compete against one another in a competition.

That changed in Knoxville.

“It was a little uncomfortable,” said Holyfield, who admitted that while they were trying to treat their matches like any other match, it was tough.

“I was worried that we wouldn’t be friends anymore,” said Smith, who added that he was angry afterwards because he doesn’t like to lose. It was the first time in his life that Smith had a finish lower than second place.
The boys know that they may have to face each other again at some point, but they now know that their friendship can withstand the pressure.

The question is, can the coaches?

“It was tough for us to see them fight,” said Master Joaquim Bonilla, who has known and coached the boys since they started practicing Tae Kwon Do. Master Greg Lloyd added that the boys showed outstanding sportsmanship at the tournament, which was very competitive.
“All of the matches were very close and every fighter there was very good,” said Lloyd. “We were just better that day. Our kids trained hard because we felt it was better to over-prepare for the tournament.”

Rashard Brown, Asia Smith and Roland Thomas all won gold medals, while Jasmine Leavell won silver and Makesha Yarbrough won bronze.
Smith, a red belt, stated that she was nervous competing in the nationals for the first time.
“I always seem to do better when I’m nervous, though,” said Smith. “I think it helps me focus.”

The students at Oh Do Kwan are currently enjoying a bit of a break but soon the schedule to qualify for the state, regional and national tournaments will begin again and all of the students hope to return and show their mettle.

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