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August 02.2025
3 Minutes Read

Odessa's Karate and Kickboxing Team Heads to England for Global Tournament

Karate and kickboxing team in action at competition training

The Road to International Success: Odessa's Karate and Kickboxing Team

In a display of dedication and athleticism, a talented karate and kickboxing team from Odessa, Texas, is poised to represent the United States at the World Kickboxing Organization's 2025 Open World Championships in England. As the team gets ready to compete against international contenders, their hard work, passion, and sense of community shine through in their preparations.

Preparing for Competition: The Spirit of Teamwork

This year, 13 fighters from Matthews Martial Arts are gearing up for a grueling three-day tournament filled with karate and kickboxing bouts. From age six to 42, the team's diversity reflects a shared passion for martial arts. Meranda Matthews, the team's instructor, emphasizes the importance of technique, stating that while light kickboxing focuses on scoring points, the team will also tackle full-contact events with knockout rules. “All of my kids are doing every karate division we can get our hands on because we’re really good at it,” she remarked.

The Expectations: A Championship Legacy

The team has built a legacy after bringing home the Best Team award from the previous year's championships. Their success is not just measured by trophies, but by the camaraderie and determination displayed by each athlete. “Yes! I’m so excited! That was my dream the year before. I want to go next year,” expressed Isabel Coudding, a 24-year-old fighter. Meanwhile, Derek Matthews, age six, shows the hopeful spirit of youth, saying, “I just think about one of those belts I’m going to get.”

Commitment to Excellence: A True Testament

The rigorous training regime of at least two hours daily reflects the fighters' commitment to excellence. Many have sacrificed significantly, with some cutting 20 to 30 pounds to fit into their weight divisions. Coudding underscores the pride of representing Texas and the U.S. on an international stage. “Being able to rep my red, white, and blue, and my big white star for Texas… it’s empowering,” she stated. This sense of pride encourages not just personal growth but also a deeper appreciation for their martial arts journey.

The Upcoming Challenge: Stakes of Battle

As the countdown to the championships approaches, excitement buzzes among team members as they share videos to motivate each other and train such as “We know that we’ve gotten a lot of Facebook stuff from some of the other teams around the world that they’re really excited to take us on. They’re training really hard,” Matthews noted. Preparing for three consecutive days of competition requires endurance—both physical and mental. As Leah Matthews, a ten-year-old fighter, encourages her teammates, it is this spirit that encapsulates the essence of martial arts.

Join the Movement: Family-Friendly Martial Arts Training in Gurnee

Looking for a family-friendly martial arts school? Gruber's Karate in Gurnee offers classes for all ages—be it kids, teens, or adults—fostering a community of learners from the ground up. Whether you're interested in karate, kickboxing, or self-defense classes, there’s a spot waiting for you. Reaching out could be your first step into an engaging world of martial arts.

Competitive Karate & Belt Advancement

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