Augusta Prep students finding success in martial arts

In June, Wilson spent 12 hours of testing over two days to earn his first degree black belt. Shortly after, he won four first-place trophies at the Battle of Atlanta World Karate Championship. He took first in these divisions: Creative Forms, Extreme Forms, Musical Forms and Traditional Weapons. Wilson then won the grand championship after competing against winners of all divisions in his age group.

"I was surprised by my performance," Wilson said. "I got into grands twice and the first one I had lost." 

Wilson's sister, Elsa, a rising second-grade student at Augusta Prep and level two brown belt, also competed at the Battle of Atlanta. Elsa won first place in the Traditional Weapons division and added a second-place finish and three thirds.

At age 5, Wilson began training at Premier Martial Arts in North Augusta. Elsa began training at age 3. Wilson and Elsa balance their school work with their martial arts work, training for three hours at Premier Martial Arts almost every day. Wilson also plans to run cross country this fall for the Middle School. He said he also plans to play basketball, tennis and track and field during the school year.

Wilson and Elsa also are involved Krav Maga, a self defense style of martial arts. As for the future, the two Augusta Prep students plan to continue their martial arts training in the coming years. Wilson said he enjoys certain aspects of his training as he plans to continue adding to his degrees in the black belt system. 

"I like the (traditional) weapons and the point sparring," Wilson said about his martial arts training, adding he enjoys point sparring which gives points to competitors who contact the other one first.