Stafford's martial arts community is celebrating a historic achievement as four local students have successfully made the US Martial Arts national team. Daniel Alaniz, Anthony Haas, Andrew Avalos, and Keith Valdez will represent the United States at this year's World Games in Oslo, Norway, a prestigious event held every two years where competitors from around the globe vie for the world title.

In addition to this national recognition, Stafford's martial arts program recently excelled at the Kickstart Kids State Championships. The competition pathway began with fall and spring qualifiers, leading to regional championships, and ultimately culminating in the state championships. This year, Stafford's demo team not only qualified but also triumphed, securing the state title for the first time in the program's history. Previously, the team had achieved second and third place, making this victory particularly significant.

The Kickstart Kids program, which emphasizes character development through karate, continues to attract interest from families in the community. It offers an engaging alternative to traditional physical education, teaching valuable life skills such as discipline, respect, and accountability alongside martial arts techniques.

As Stafford celebrates these accomplishments, the community is encouraged to consider the benefits of martial arts training for their children, fostering both physical fitness and personal growth.