Congratulations to 11-year old, 2nd degree Black Belt Riley Pederson. Riley is a student at Action Family ATA's Martial Arts Studio in Golden. He has earned the title of Colorado State Champ for the second year in a row in all five categories of competition- Forms, Sparring, Weapons, ATA Xtreme Forms and ATA Xtreme Weapons.

Riley has been a consistent competitor at regional and national tournaments sponsored by the American Taekwondo Association since he began his martial arts career at the age of 6. He earned his 1st Degree Black Belt at the age of 8. As a member of the ATA's Leadership Club, he became eligible to compete for the title of State Champ in Forms, Sparring and Weapons.

At about this time, Xtreme Martial Arts was introduced into the ATA.

ATA Xtreme takes traditional taekwondo to an extreme level. As described on the ATA's Web site, "It is an elite level of training that blends martial arts with high-flying acrobatics and performance style presentation!" Mike Chat, creator of ATA Xtreme, also known as XMA (Xtreme Martial Arts), describes the program as- "The ability to perform highly skilled moves and also the ability to perform basic moves and make them look spectacular!"

Riley took on this new challenge with a vengeance. He competed in Xtreme Forms and Xtreme Weapons the first time regionally and won first place in both categories. He's been going strong ever since. As a 1st Degree Black Belt in 2006, he walked away with the title of State Champ in all five categories and has now done it again as a 2nd Degree Black Belt in 2007.

As a parent, I wasn't sure how I felt about Riley or any of my children getting involved in martial arts. I didn't think any child needed an excuse to kick and punch. I now know that it is about so much more than that.

Besides being a "non-aggressive and ethical system of self-defense", ATA's Songahm Taekwondo focuses a student's training not only on physical strength and growth, but also on skills that lead to successes in all areas of life. They're called life skills and include such things as confidence, esteem, focus, goals, courtesy, loyalty, respect and honor, among many, many others.

Riley proves to be a strong leader, not only in the competition ring, but also at home, at school, in the community and at his taekwondo school. As a home schooler, he is able to spend countless hours doing what he loves- training, training others and being involved in the community events planned by the school.

He is the younger brother to Action Family ATA's owners and instructors- 2nd Degree Black Belt Jeff Pederson, 2nd Degree Black Belt Katie Pederson and 2nd Degree Black Belt Lindsy Pederson. It's quite a family affair considering his father and I and a younger sister are also 1st Degree Black Belts. Our motto is, "The family that kicks together, sticks together."

ATA Taekwondo has changed our lives. Most importantly, it has put Riley on an extremely positive path in his life. Way to go Riley! We are so proud of you. Riley's next goals are World Champ and 3rd Degree Black Belt.