Gilroy resident Matthew Owen, 11, completed a grueling three-day test to earn his black belt in Taekwondo on June 14.
Owen’s Taekwondo journey began in the spring of 2021, attending classes up to four times per week at Full Circle Martial Arts in Gilroy. In the last year, Owen has competed in two regional competitions, where he earned silver and bronze medals, according to his mother, Esmerelda Owen.
“Matthew started training with me at age 6; for five years, he has trained hard not only at the studio, but at home and while on vacations—always finding time to practice and sharpen his skills,” said Kwan Jang Nim Brianna Trumpp, owner and master instructor at Full Circle Martial Arts. “Even at his young age of 11.5, Matthew has shown the dedication and perseverance it takes to achieve your black belt.”
Academics are just important to Owen as sports. His favorite subject is history, and he wants to be a history professor when he grows up.
“We are so proud of Matthew,” said his dad, William Owen. “From an early age, he took to reading, especially non-fiction and anything to do with the Titanic, World War II, historical figures and so much more; we are learning from him!”
In addition to Taekwondo, Owen enjoys baseball, basketball and video games. He does not own a cell phone, nor does he have social media accounts.
“You only live once and have a short period of time to hang out with your buddies at my age,” Owen said.
Owen said his dedication to Taekwondo has not always been easy.
“There were a lot of times that I just wanted to stop,” he said. “But it was the support and extra push I received from my parents that made me come back to my goal of achieving a black belt.”
Owen will start seventh grade this fall at Monte Vista Christian School. He will continue to train in Taekwondo, looking to advance to a second degree black belt. Part of his ongoing training includes supporting Full Circle Martial Arts as a floor assistant in lower-level belts and being a judge during belt testing.
