Kickstart Kids Students Shine at the World Martial Arts Games Representing Team USA
Houston, TX – 11/20/2025 – “Success is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.” – Chuck Norris
That spirit of perseverance was on full display as Kickstart Kids students from three different program schools traveled to Oslo, Norway to compete in the 2025 World Martial Arts Games, proudly representing both Team USA and Kickstart Kids.
This year’s delegation featured talented students from Navasota ISD (Navasota Junior High), Fort Bend ISD (Dulles Middle School), and Stafford MSD (Stafford Middle School)—each school showcasing remarkable skill, training, and character on the world stage.
Central Texas – Navasota Junior High
Led by instructor Mr. Ben Mendez, two outstanding athletes represented their school with honor: Grace Mendez and Isabella Price.
- Grace Mendez: 1 Gold, 1 Silver, 2 Bronze
- Isabella Price: 3 Silver, 2 Bronze
Total medals for Navasota: 1 Gold, 4 Silver, 4 Bronze
Their achievements reflect not only their personal dedication but also the powerful culture of excellence within their Kickstart Kids program.
Southeast Texas – Dulles Middle School (Fort Bend ISD)
Instructor Mr. Tracy Armstead traveled with an exceptional group of competitors: Alainah Nabi, Hyatt Nellippallil, Teagan Nellippallil, Lily McConnell, and Johanna Reyes. Together, they delivered outstanding performances in every division.
- Tracy Armstead: 2 Gold, 2 Silver
- Christina Subonj: 2 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze
- Teagan Nellippallil: 2 Gold, 1 Silver
- Alainah Nabi: 2 Gold, 2 Silver
- Lily McConnell: 4 Gold, 1 Silver
- Johanna Reyes: 1 Gold, 3 Silver
Total medals for Dulles: 13 Gold, 10 Silver, 1 Bronze
Their collective strength, discipline, and focus made Dulles Middle School one of the standout teams of the entire event.
Southeast Texas – Stafford Middle School (Stafford MSD)
Guided by Instructor Mr. Rommel Gargoles, the Stafford team — including Keith Valdez, Anthony Haas, Anthony Avalos, Daniel Alanis, Miguel Avellaneda, and Mr. Gargoles himself — delivered a dominant performance, bringing home an outstanding medal count.
- Keith Valdez: 7 Gold
- Anthony Haas: 5 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze + Junior Black Belt Overall Weapons Grand Champion
- Anthony Avalos: 5 Gold, 1 Silver
- Daniel Alanis: 4 Gold, 1 Silver
- Miguel Avellaneda: 2 Gold, 1 Silver
- Rommel Gargoles: 6 Gold, 1 Silver
Total medals for Stafford: 29 Gold, 5 Silver, 1 Bronze + 1 Grand Champion title
This team’s phenomenal results highlight the strength of their training, teamwork, and unwavering spirit.
The success of our students is the result of countless hours of training, discipline, and the powerful mentorship of dedicated Kickstart Kids instructors. These young martial artists represented their schools and Team USA with integrity, humility, and honor.
These achievements are a testament to what happens when preparation meets opportunity. These students embody the Kickstart Kids mission of building character through karate, and their victories shine a light on the transformative impact of our program.
To our students and instructors: we are deeply proud of you! Thank you for representing the Kickstart Kids values on a global stage and showing the world what heart, grit, and leadership looks like.
