7-Year Old TaeKwonDo Student Becomes First In New Jersey to Win National Grand Champion Award

OAKHURST, N.J. - April 5, 2013 - PRLog -- WANAMASSA, NJ –April 4, 2013 – Full Circle Dojang Martial Arts School is proud to announce that student,  Anna Lappas, 7, of Ocean Township, has won the National Grand Champion Award for Advanced Forms at this year’s TaeKwonDo United National Tournament.  The event took place March 22 and 23 in Saddle Brook, New Jersey and brought adults and children from martial arts schools all over the United States together to display their skills in a competitive setting.

Anna Lappas competed in the 7-9 year old Junior Brown & Red Belt Division. She won a 1st Place Gold Medal in Forms before claiming the National Grand Champion Award bestowed on only the best of the Gold Medal winners. Anna’s victory was the only one ever achieved by a competitor from NJ.

“We are so proud of Anna,” said Charles Jackson, Owner and Head Instructor at Full Circle Dojang where Anna trains. “She has such confidence and is a true example of what our school strives to teach. Big or small—everyone has the potential to succeed.”

Anna Lappas began training at Full Circle Dojang when she was 3 years old. She competed at this year’s tournament as a Senior Brown Belt.  Since becoming the Grand Champion, she tested and advanced to Red Belt status. She hopes to be ready to test for her 1st Degree Black belt next year.  And, she has begun training to become an instructor.

Anna Lappas said, “I like going to class with my sister.  The training makes us healthy.  It’s hard work but we have lots of fun in class.”

Full Circle Dojang encourages families to train together.  Anna’s older sister, Evangeline Lappas, 11, is a 1st Degree Black Belt and an Assistant Instructor at the school.  She’s been training at the school for 4 ½ years. The girls’ father, George Lappas also practices TaeKwonDo. He is a 2nd Degree Black Belt who has been training at Full Circle Dojang for 3 ½ years and serves as an Assistant Instructor there.

“TaeKwonDo teaches us a lot more than self-defense,” said Evangeline Lappas. “It teaches us to live by the tenants of Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control and Indomitable Spirit.  Each class is really a lesson in life.  My family training together keeps us really close to each other.”

About Full Circle Dojang
Full Circle Dojang Martial Arts School was founded in 2006 by Mr. Charles Jackson, a 4th Degree Senior Black Belt. Mr. Jackson has more than 15 years of experience instructing both adults and children in Martial Arts. The school's philosophy is built on the concept that every student has the ability to achieve greatness. Classes are available for adults and children (ages 3 1/2 and up). Along with helping students to reach their goals through Martial Arts, Full Circle Dojang strongly advocates social responsibility and good citizenship as a means for students to become their "best selves."  For more information, call 732.361.3626 or visit Full Circle Dojang on the web at www.fullcircledojang.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FullCircleDojang.