Encinitas Martial Arts Instructor to Represent U.S. in Russian Tournament

instructor Cory King has been selected to represent the U.S. at the first Russia International Open Tournament in Chelyabinsk, Russia, Sept. 5-8.

King, a featherweight senior black belt, placed fifth at the U.S. National Team Trials earlier this year and was the gold medalist in his weight class at both the National and California Qualifiers in 2010. The nationally ranked athlete hopes to earn a spot on the U.S. National Olympic Team in 2016.

“Iʼm very honored and proud to be representing the U.S.  This is a great opportunity—a true test of skill,” King said.

The California Unified Taekwondo Association (CUTA) is sponsoring the participation of five senior athletes, including King. It is Kingʼs debut on the European circuit and his third international tournament. Competing in the Russian Open gives King a chance to gain international ranking in the World Taekwondo Federation.

King is the assistant instructor at Encinitas Taekwondo under his first martial arts instructor, Matt Smith, who also assisted Smith in teaching Encinitas Country Day's Taekwondo program.