Summit Martial Arts athlete getting ready to compete for world titles | Sports [Video]

MASON CITY, Iowa – Summit Martial Arts athletes have qualified to compete for a world title next week. 

Zain Sokol, Emerson Bechtel, Connor Bublitz, and Sebastian Luttrell are putting in the work to take home a trophy, competing in seven different events total. 

Some of these events are combat team sparring, XMA weapons, and traditional forms. 

The athletes can qualify for worlds either by scoring in the top ten in points in the world or by winning districts. 

Agility, speed, balance, and focus are important heading into a competition, along with mental toughness. 

“Perseverance,” says Sebastian. 

“Just the ability to overcome challenges.  You are going to lose.  It’s an individual sport.  All of these guys here have lost matches.  They’ve lost in forms.  They’ve dropped their weapon throughout the season.  And the perseverance to keep going,” says Faith Clevenger. 

The 2024 Worlds Competition starts on Wednesday, July 24, in Phoenix, AZ.