A Maple Ridge martial arts school is celebrating impressive team results in international competition.
ATA Maple Ridge had three athletes win a combined five World Championship titles at the 2026 American Taekwondo Association World Championships, held in Phoenix, Arizona from July 13–19. The ATA World Championships is the premier annual event for the associaton, bringing together thousands of competitors from around the world. This year’s event featured athletes representing Canada, the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Portugal, India, and South Africa.
ATA Maple Ridge sent 17 competitors – the largest team the school has ever taken to worlds, said owner and chief instructor Nick White.
“Their dedication, perseverance, and countless hours of training resulted in an incredible performance on the international stage,” he said.
The school’s 2026 world champions are:
• Silvia Hernandez – Creative Weapons
• Madé Munro – Creative Forms, Extreme Forms, and Extreme Weapons
• Michael Johnston – Extreme Weapons
Together, the three athletes earned five world championship titles.
“Each champion represents a different stage of life, demonstrating that martial arts provides opportunities for excellence at any age,” said their trainer.
Teen Madé Munro delivered one of the event’s most impressive performances, earning three world championship titles while competing at one of the highest and most competitive levels in the sport.
Hernandez, who also trains alongside her son at ATA Maple Ridge, exemplifies how martial arts can bring families together while pursuing shared goals, he said.
At just 11 years old, Michael Johnston claimed a world title in Extreme Weapons, reflecting the determination, work ethic, and commitment he brings to every practice, added White.
“This is one of the proudest moments in our school’s history” he said. “To take our largest team ever to the world championships and return home with five world titles is an incredible accomplishment. What makes this achievement even more special is that our champions represent different ages and different walks of life.”
The success at the 2026 ATA World Championships continues an impressive tradition for ATA Maple Ridge. Since White took ownership of the school in 2022, its students have earned at least one championship title every year, making 2026 the fourth consecutive year the club has produced world champions.