With his recent victory shining a spotlight on the unique and fast-growing sport of taekwondo, Lucas Pacson represents a new wave of disciplined young athletes. Pacson won the championship at the West American Open Taekwondo tournament May 8-10 in Salt Lake, City. Courtesy photo

Touching down in Salt Lake City, Utah, 11-year-old Lucas Pacson of Maui’s Kiffmann Taekwondo, rose to the occasion May 8-10 and earned the title of West American Open Champion.

Taekwondo, formally established as a martial art in 1955, stands out for its explosive kicks, strategic footwork and deep-rooted philosophy centered on respect, discipline and perseverance.

While the sport may not always dominate the mainstream spotlight, it holds deep personal meaning for athletes like Pacson. As he continues to train and compete at higher levels, taekwondo remains a defining force in his athletic development and personal journey.

For Pacson and his coaches, the emphasis has always been on enjoying the process — a mindset that has helped propel him to the top. Now returning to Maui as a West American Open Champion, Lucas reflects on his journey with pride and gratitude.

Approaching his fifth year of competition, he looks back on four previous championship titles earned as a dedicated member of Kiffmann Taekwondo. With each tournament on the mainland, he continues to give everything he has — not only for himself, but for his coaches, teammates, and the supporters who have followed his journey every step of the way.

“Winning the 2024 Lions Cup last year was a big moment for me and was the start of my current winning streak, but winning the 2025 US Open was my favorite accomplishment so far,” Pacson said. “I have won tournaments within the state and medaled nationally in the past as well.”

Taekwondo helps prepare athletes not just for the competition itself, but for the journey leading up to it. The sport teaches athletes to trust their training, stay present in the moment and perform with precision.

After winning the West American Open title, Pacson said he was not only proud of his performance and grateful for the opportunity, but also motivated and focused on what comes next. With another competition on the horizon, he sees it as a chance to continue improving, push himself further in the sport and honor the support system that has helped him along the way.

“It felt great at that moment to win. However, now I have to stay focused on the next tournament which is nationals, as there’s always another tournament and goal to work towards and I enjoy the process,” he said. “I have a lot of positive encouragement from my family, coaches and peers. We’re a competitive team and we push each other every practice.”

Taekwondo builds strength, confidence, and discipline in ways that are distinct from other sports. This the martial art also helps individuals face their fears by developing the skills to persevere and defend themselves.

“Taekwondo is also great at exposing bad habits. Most people don’t pay attention to the small details when it comes to technique, but a true martial artist will see the importance in the small details,” coach Miles Kiffman. “They will see where they need improvement and correct themselves accordingly.”

Kiffman said taekwondo instills lasting values that shape both physical ability and personal growth — qualities that Pacson embodied on his path to becoming the 2025 West American Open Champion.