Shaquan Fuller Brings Gold Home to Long Beach

Shaquan Lamar Fuller of Long Beach brought home gold from the Nationals Junior Olympics in California.

Shaquan, 10, was among a select few to compete on the national level in Junior Poomsae and Sparring in his division as a blue belt middleweight class for 10- and 11-year-olds, from June 28 to July 3 in San Jose.

Shaquan won his first sparring bout and was cleared for the next level of competition. But before the match could even begin, he was injured in a move that disqualified his opponent, and Shaquan was removed from the ring for further examination.

Though he had the option to withdraw from the competition, with the encouragement of his family and his teacher, Grand Master R.K. Gould of Long Beach, he persevered. In a “Karate Kid”-style comeback, Shaquan continued to compete despite his injury, defeated his next opponents and secured an unquestioned triumph by winning first place in his division.

On his path to Junior Olympic gold, Shaquan competed at the New York State Qualifiers held in Buffalo in May. He qualified for the national level by winning first place as a green belt middleweight class for 10- and 11-year-olds in both Junior Poomsae and Junior Sparring. 

Shaquan trains locally at the Grand Master R.K. Gould Taekwondo Institute, at 160 W. Park Ave. in Long Beach. He is the son of Robert Fuller and grandson of local pastors William and Rebecca Fuller.