Paragon Today

From www.HyperMartialArts.com
Monday, June 27, 2011

Tyler Weaver and Riley Pederson on the stand at ATA World Championships in Little Rock, AR. June 25, 2011.

Over the past year Hyper Pro Tyler Weaver tested for his second degree black belt in Taekwondo under Master Jody Horn and Paragon Martial Arts in Colorado and has since balanced his time between competing on the Naska Circuit and his new goal of becoming a World Champion on the American Taekwondo Association (ATA) circuit. We sat down with Tyler after his big win this weekend at ATA World Championships where he took the gold medal World Title in the Xtreme Forms Division.

What has it been like competing on a new circuit?

Competing the new circuit has been challenging. The biggest obstacles include adjusting to different rules, and learning the new styles. I’ve been working really hard and it’s something I am really proud to be part of.

What do you enjoy about the ATA circuit?

The best part is being openly adopted into the ATA after testing for my new black belt rank and seeing the respect that everyone has for each other. The competitors are great and It has been really cool making new friends across the country.

The ATA World Championships is one of the largest events in the Martial Arts world. What was the tournament like?

I had great support from my competitors, family, and friends.  The rules for ATA worlds is something different for what I’m used to. I had to collect points throughout the year  by winning at National and Regional events. Then at Worlds those of us with the most (cumulative) points in the division get an invitation to compete for the World Title. In the end it didn’t matter how many I had, as long as it was top ten in points.

What kicks, or combos did you add to your routine this year? It was beastly! I was up against some SICK talent and great competitors and trickers! I’ve been working hard this year on my Xtreme Form and have added 900′s, sideswipes, B-twists, swing through corks, and double leg fulls.

What are you looking forward to in the upcoming year?

I’ve been teaching Xtreme and Creative classes at Paragon in Colorado as well as seminars at other Martial Arts schools so I look forward to helping make new talent and turning more students into champions!  Teaching is amazing!

Tyler left Little Rock Arkansas and ATA Worlds and is heading to Orlando Florida to train with one of his coaches Marcel Jones to prepare for the US Open. Catch the competition live on ESPN3.com throughout the weekend.