July 27, 2025 – Local Martial Artists Shine on the Global Stage in Phoenix, Arizona
PHOENIX, AZ — Karisma Stegient of Sulphur Springs has earned the prestigious title of World Champion in Combat Sparring at the 2025 ATA World Tournament of Champions, held in Phoenix, Arizona. Karisma triumphed over a fiercely competitive bracket of 19 other top female athletes from around the world in her age and rank division to claim the gold.
Karisma’s victory was not the only highlight for the Stegient family or Sulphur Springs ATA Martial Arts. Her older sister, Harleigh Stegient, secured a World Bronze Medal in Creative Weapons, an event that combines high-difficulty weapons techniques with creativity and artistry.
Also representing Sulphur Springs with distinction was Daron Bilyeu, co-owner of Sulphur Springs ATA Martial Arts, Bilyeu earned a Bronze Medal in Extreme Weapons. Bilyeu competed with men from all over the U.S., as well as Chile and Argentina.
The ATA World Tournament of Champions is the most elite martial arts competition hosted annually by the American Taekwondo Association (ATA). Held in conjunction with ATA’s World Expo, the Tournament of Champions brings together the top-ranked martial artists from across the globe. Only competitors who place in the Top Ten in their division during the competition season — which spans regional and national events — are eligible to compete. International competitors qualify through tournaments in their home countries to create a truly global competition.
“We’ve been able to celebrate eight martial artists from our community that have won World Championship titles in the last eight years,” says Mr. Bilyeu, “This is an incredible feat for our small community. We’re a small-town school, but we’re big on excellence.”
Sulphur Springs ATA Martial Arts continues to build a strong reputation for developing top-tier athletes who not only perform at the highest level but also exemplify the core values of discipline, respect, and perseverance.
