Dreams Do Come True

L/R: Randall Batts, Trinity Tacket, Sam Estepp, Frankie Estepp, Noah Strange
Staff Photo by Jeff Depew

They say Walt Disney World is the place where dreams come true. That is especially true if you were to ask five young and extremely talented martial artists from Fusion Martial Arts in Dandridge Tennessee

This past October Trinity Tackett, Frankie Estepp, Noah Strange, Randall Batts, and Sam Estepp traveled to Orlando Florida to follow their dreams of becoming the next World Champions. To do this they would compete in the Elite World Championships hosted by ESPN’s Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World as a part of the International Martial Arts Festival.

“They all have that goal, that passion, that dream of being the best”, Coach Charles Ruth said. “They push each other and bring out the best in each other. They spend so much time together training that it is like watching siblings. They may drive each other crazy from time to time but they are tighter than any team you will ever find.”

To get the opportunity to compete at the World Championships,  they first had to qualify and be invited. They did that just a few months earlier when all five won the title of Kentucky State Champion as well as winning the Kentucky State Championship Team Division title and overall tournament champion title by winning the most first place trophies of any school there.

When asked what to took to get ready to compete in the world championships, Trinity Tackett quickly responded with, “Dedication, lots of dedication”. Frankie Estepp followed up with, “Heart! You have to love what you do, and we all love this.” Noah Strange finished with, “You have to have fun.”

“It wasn’t easy”, Mr. Ruth said. “Most of them participated in our Summer Camp Program and practiced every day. Once school started back they would stay after class to practice. It’s dedication like I’ve never seen before.”

That practice paid off and the dream of World Champion gold was realized. After twelve hours of competition, Fusion Martial Arts left ESPN’S Wide World of Sports Complex with 3 World Titles, 2 top 2 placements and 5 top 3 placements as well as ranking 3rd in team competition in the KICK National Event. This is the third year in a row that Fusion has brought home a World title.

For the small team out of Fusion Martial Arts in Dandridge Tennessee, Walt Disney World is the place “Where Dreams do come true!”

Complete Team Results:

Trinity Tackett

World Champion – Traditional Forms

World Champion – Sparring

2nd Place – Traditional  Weapons  (Sword)

Frankie Estepp

World Champion – Sparring

3rd – Traditional Forms

3rd – Traditional Weapons ( Sword )

Noah Strange

2nd – Sparring

3rd – Traditional Weapons ( Sword )

Sam Estepp

3rd – Traditional Weapons ( Sword )

Randall Batts

3rd – Traditional Weapons ( Sword )

Charles Ruth’s Fusion Martial Arts is located in Dandridge Tennessee. For more information about them you can contact them at 865-253-3675 or find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamfusionma