Diego Polanco Brings Home Gold

Arman Diego Polanco won the gold medal in the Free Style Poomsae Competition at the 2015 USAT National Tournament in Austin, Texas this past Friday, July 10th. Polanco, fourteen years old and soon to be freshman at Reagan High School this fall, stunned the crowd with impeccable style and technique during his performance earning him a score of 6.43. Polanco stepped onto the mats Friday morning as the first performer, setting a high standard for the six other participants in his group.

Polanco portrayed determination, discipline and investment in Tae Kwon Do as his parents, family, friends and Master Raymond Hsu were present to cheer him on along with hundreds of onlookers. His commitment and respect for the sport are evident and reflective in his day to day attitude with his family and peers.

Polanco recently received his second degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do from Elite Karate under the guidance and training of Master Raymond Hsu, his mentor of six years. In preparation for the USAT Tournament and long term Tae Kwon Do skills, Master Hsu referred Polanco to his colleagues in Taipei, Taiwan where Polanco spent four weeks training abroad this past June. Throughout the six years as a student of Elite Karate, Arman Diego Polanco spends summers at the Elite Camp as a student and volunteer.

Master Hsu, himself a seventh degree black belt and International Tae Kwon Do Referee, first began his training in Taiwan in 1980. Master Hsu is the leading Poomsae authority for the US & Pan American region. He has refereed the past seven World Championships. After competing in numerous tournaments, Master Hsu settled in San Antonio and opened Elite Karate in 2001. Master Hsu and the Elite Karate family congratulate Arman Diego on his accomplishments and Gold Medal win. Arman Diego plans on spending the remainder of his summer with family and training for upcoming tournaments.