BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. — The Oak Creek Charter School Taekwondo National Team delivered an outstanding performance at the 2026 AAU Taekwondo National Championships in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, returning home with an impressive 29 national medals while proudly representing both Oak Creek Charter School and the City of Bonita Springs.
The AAU Taekwondo National Championships is one of the nation’s premier martial arts competitions, bringing together thousands of the country’s top athletes to compete at the highest level of AAU competition.
Oak Creek Charter School’s Taekwondo competition team consists of 16 dedicated student-athletes. Eight athletes earned the opportunity to represent the school at the 2026 AAU Taekwondo National Championships through their exceptional performance, dedication, and sportsmanship. The National Team included Zelda (8), Jayden (9), Annilynn (9), Ezra (10), Hazel (10), Daniel (11), Gatlan (11), and Alessandra (12),
Competing in Sparring, Board Breaking, Traditional Forms, and WT Forms, Team Oak Creek achieved remarkable success, finishing the tournament with 13 Gold Medals, 8 Silver Medals, and 8 Bronze Medals
In an extraordinary accomplishment, every Oak Creek athlete earned the title of AAU National Champion in Board Breaking. Additionally, Ezra captured his second AAU National Championship by winning Forms.
Each member of the Oak Creek team was also honored with the prestigious AAU Indomitable Spirit Award, presented to athletes who compete in four or more events while demonstrating exceptional dedication, perseverance, and commitment to the martial arts.
“While we’re incredibly proud of the medals our athletes earned, we’re even more proud of the character they displayed throughout the competition,” said Master Martin, Oak Creek Charter School’s Taekwondo teacher and the team’s coach. “They represented Oak Creek Charter School and the City of Bonita Springs with integrity, sportsmanship, resilience, and teamwork. Their success is the result of countless hours of hard work, unwavering determination, and tremendous support from their families and our community.”
Prior to traveling to Nationals, the team was recognized by the City of Bonita Springs with Certificates of Recognition and official city pins in honor of their achievements and for representing the community on the national stage.
Oak Creek Charter School is proud to offer one of the few in-school Taekwondo programs in the State of Florida. The program emphasizes confidence, discipline, leadership, perseverance, respect, and sportsmanship while providing students with opportunities to compete at the local, state, and national levels.
This year’s journey to the national championships was made possible through the commitment of the athletes, the support of their families, coaches, and school community, and the generosity of local sponsors, including FORZA Education Management, S Moreno Photography, Beth Moné Children’s Shoppe, and Northwestern Mutual.
The team’s accomplishments extend far beyond medals. Their success reflects the core values of perseverance, teamwork, leadership, and character that define the Oak Creek Charter School Taekwondo program and continue to inspire students both inside and outside the dojang.
Oak Creek Charter School is now enrolling students in kindergarten through 8th grade. Interested families can visit OCCSedu.org or call the school directly at (239) 498-6864 to learn more.
About Oak Creek Charter School
Oak Creek Charter School, located in the heart of Bonita Springs, is a public charter school serving students in grades K–8. With a strong focus on a fitness-based education model, academic excellence, character development, and community engagement, Oak Creek is committed to providing a well-rounded, innovative learning experience for every student.
Beth Staros
bstaros@forzaedu.com
Date Posted: July 7, 2026
