Local Martial Arts Students Are World Champs

When the thrill of victory goes global, it’s huge – especially for those with physical and neurological differences.

Several local athletes who have disabilities and special needs were recently crowned as world champions after participating virtually in the ITF Taekwon-Do World Championships in Jesolo, Italy.

All study with Michelle Golino-Crisco (known in the martial arts community as Master G). She is the founder of ACETSS (A Charity Empowered to Save Souls), a nonprofit, inclusive program to empower individuals of all ages and abilities through martial arts and self defense.

Michelle’s students won two gold, six silver, and 11 bronze medals for her program’s Inclusive Taekwon-Do Team. The local participants were treated to a medal ceremony and competition watch party in Altamonte Springs. Accolades and well wishes came in from as far away as Australia, China, and other countries that competed. For Michelle’s competitors, the cheers, applause, and camaraderie transcended all borders.

A 54-year-old Longwood resident, Michelle is a seventh degree black belt. She sees her students’ world championship wins as the epitome of empowerment.

“Parents are shocked, medalists are shocked,” says Michelle. “We love seeing those who are nonverbal, for example, with their hands in the air, victorious.”