Once again, congratulations go to 2nd degree Black Belt Riley Pederson. One year ago we were congratulating him for his second year in a row title of ATA Colorado State Champ in all five categories of competition. This martial arts student at Action Family ATA's studio in Golden has done it again!

Turning 12 in May, Riley moved into a new age division of competition this year. In 2006-2007, he competed in the 8-10 year old division and he worked really hard to make it to the top. In the 2007-2008 competition year, he competed with boys 11 to 13. He was looking at it as a "learning year". Many of the boys in this new division were a lot taller and had been in the same ring for two years. They had been doing the 2nd degree form for a long time. It only took one tournament for Riley to "scope" out the competition. By the second tournament, he was placing in all categories of competition. His last regional tournament of the year, he walked away with five "first places" and he is once again Colorado State Champ in all five categories- Forms, Sparring, Weapons, ATA Xtreme Forms and ATA Xtreme Weapons.

In June of this year, Riley competed in the American Taekwondo Association's World Tournament in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has travelled many times with his family and Instructors (who just happen to be his siblings) to National Tournaments in Las Vegas and Orlando, but this was his first experience at World's. Competition is tough away from home. Many competitors are World Champs. Riley came home with First Place in Forms, Second Place in Sparring, Third Place in Weapons and Third Place in ATA Xtreme Forms. These wins set him up for another great year in the competition ring.

Congratulations, Riley Pederson 2008 Colorado State Champ. We're so proud of you!