COTTAGE GROVE – Creswell resident William Silva, an 11-year-old 1st-degree Black Belt with Rogers Family Martial Arts in Cottage Grove, was named the American Taekwondo Association’s (ATA) Athlete of the Week earlier in May.
The ATA is the nation’s largest martial arts organization with over 130,000 members worldwide; featured Silva on its podcast, “ATA Nation.”
His achievements qualify him for the District Championships on June 7 in Salem, with a chance to advance to the Tournament of Champions in Phoenix from July 23-25.
Silva
Dedicated to his training, William practices at the Rogers Martial Arts dojang at least three times a week, in addition to training at home and during private lessons.
He is also known for his willingness to assist fellow students, having served as an assistant in the ATA Tiger (4-7 year old) ring at tournaments and as an honorary guest judge at Rogers ATA’s most recent testing.
