Houston Taekwondo Students Head to Nationals in Fort Worth

JERSEY VILLAGE, Texas — When you step on the mat, you’re in a position of power and precision. At Jersey Village, No Limits Martial Arts, strength and athleticism are the order of the day.

“It’s just about believing in yourself,” said trainer and owner Dara Gilliland, who herself has decades of martial arts experience.

Gilliland is preparing to send five of his taekwondo students, ages 8 to 38, to the U.S. national championships in Fort Worth.

“I imagine thousands of people all around me screaming my name,” said Dani Saldivar, 9.

Saldivar, like his fellow Houston-area residents, practices his art for hours nearly every day.

“It’s just about being able to see students reach their highest potential,” Gilliland said.

The competition will take place from July 4 to 7. Lathan Holub, 15, is heading to his first national championships.

“I’m excited. I’m confident. I’m ready,” Holub said.

Haiden Serrano, 16, knows what it’s like to compete, but he said the lights definitely get brighter on such a big stage.

“In the ring, everything goes black. I only focus on my coaches, myself and my opponent.”

Technique is crucial. Ryan Hart, 8, is the youngest of the qualifying group. He talked about some of the moves he learned.

“When I practice my kicks, I get stronger and stronger,” he said.

The students said they took up the sport for a number of different reasons, but the oldest of the qualified competitors, Eva Gouel, 38, was perhaps the best.

“I discovered Taekwondo when my own children started doing it,” she said.

Her 6-year-old daughter, in particular, said Gouel loved that Eva had taken up sports and looked up to her mother.

“It’s never too late to start something. I think it gives her the feeling that she can do whatever she wants,” Gouel said.

As her group makes final preparations for the Olympics, Saldivar looks ahead to her own future and dreams big about where the sport she loves might one day take her.

“I believe I can compete in the Olympics and I believe I can win gold,” Saldivar said.

Zack Tawatari on social media: Facebook | X | Instagram