Local kids competing for Taekwondo District Championships in Salem

EUGENE, Ore. — A group of local kids from Duer's ATA Martial Arts are competing for titles this weekend.

But for the students, the sport of taekwondo means a lot more than medals.

As a little kid, Alberto Lopez couldn’t seem to break out of his shell.

“I was a really shy kid. My parents didn’t like that I would stick with them a lot,” said 3rd Degree Black Belt Alberto Lopez. “They would just want to walk around without me being stuck onto my dad’s arm.”

Close to five years ago, Ambrose Demers had family issues at home and struggled to contain a hot temper.

“I was just going through a really tough time in my life,” said 4-time state champion Ambrose Demers. “My mom and respect and all of that, and my dad. I just needed to learn and discipline.”

And then you’ve got middle schooler Nielen Zimmerman, who couldn’t quite find a sport that fit her.

All three discovered Duers ATA Martial Arts in Eugene and found a sense of belonging as a result.

"It's helped me a lot in my mental and emotional state,” says Demers. “So, it just keeps me level."

But they’re not just here for the community and life lessons.

All three have the chance to win district titles in Salem this weekend. Win and you can punch your ticket to the ATA Martial Arts Championship in Phoenix this July.

"Yeah, that would be super fun,” said Nielen Zimmerman, who won a district title back in 2022. “And I'd be like, 'hey guys, i won districts! Like, yeah! That'd be so cool."

Senior Master, Russ Duer said, "We have Oregon, Idaho, Washington and all of Canada in our district. So, it's going to be tough. It's a tough competition up here."

Alberto made it all the way to the second round of worlds last year. The once-shy kid who couldn’t be away from his parents now relishes performing in front of large crowds of people.

"We go to tournaments and people hover around our ring and you know, we have these big crowds. So, it's definitely amazing. It's an amazing feeling."

And the 17-year-old who once struggled with discipline has found a lifetime devotion.

"The ultimate goal- never stop, get to the highest belt i can," said Demers.

A sport, a community and a purpose for kids here in Eugene.