Battle for the Troops

I have completed my design for the 2026 Battle for the Troops medals. Sent to the manufacturer and received the proofs. This will be the 10th Annual for the event. Excited and nervous all at once.

Only a little over a week left… 👀

The Naperville Challenge is coming in HOT 🔥

🥋 High-level competition
💰 Cash prizes up for grabs
🎟️ Win a private session with a Team AKA Captain
🏅 Clean medals
😎 Great vibes

🌎 2026 WKC Regional Qualifier

Don’t miss it.
👉 Register NOW: www.mataction.com/naperville-challenge

🔥 Naperville Challenge Tournament 🔥
April 16, 2026
TOCA Naperville
1740 Quincy Ave. | Naperville, IL 60540

Get ready for one of the most exciting regional martial arts tournaments of the year! The Naperville Challenge brings together talented competitors from across the region for a day of high-level competition, energy, and unforgettable moments on the mats.

Step onto the competition floor, test your skills, and see how you stack up against some of the best.

🥋 Don’t miss your chance to compete!
Register today:
www.mataction.com/naperville-challenge

Naperville Challenge
April 19, 2026
TOCA-Naperville, Naperville Illinois

Registration is open!
www.mataction.com/naperville-challenge

I once asked Sensei Sharkey why he never wanted to do a seminar on how to train world champions. This was his reply. "It would be the shortest seminar ever. I would just tell to remember two things: show them you care and remember it's not about you. After that I would be finished with the seminar."

Many people like to claim that martial arts is their life, but very few can ever match the dedication that Sensei Sharkey had. Martial arts was his wife and his students were his kids and he dedicated himself to each an everyone of them. I am a reminded of a Buddhist quote "No coming, no going, no after, no before." It is a way to remind that our loved one is not "lost", but simply changed into something more.

For those tracking qualifications, all junior and adult black belt results have been sent to the WKC so they can update their records on who qualified for the 2026 Nationals.

In addition, all intermediate through black belt results, for both junior and adult divisions, have been submitted to the ICO. Competitors interested in being a part of Team USA for the 2026 ICO Worlds in Paris, France should contact Sensei Wesley Lawrence at [email protected] to express their interest and receive more information.

WOW! Where to begin?

Yesterday was our biggest turnout ever for Battle for the Troops! I want to take a moment to thank everyone who helped make this year’s event such an incredible success:

Sensei John Sharkey– my teacher and mentor. Thank you for standing by me all these years and teaching me not only how to run a successful tournament but how to be a better martial artist.

All the competitors and parents – your energy, support, and sportsmanship make this event what it is.

Judges and time/scorekeepers – you are the backbone of this tournament. I can’t express enough how much I appreciate your time and dedication. Without you, this event wouldn’t be possible.

Our amazing sponsors – your investment not only helped us run a smooth event, but also allowed us to donate even more to our veteran charities.

The setup and teardown crew – huge thanks to Sensei Stephen Bratton, Sensei Colin OBrien, Rachael OBrien, Sensei Sebastian Talbott, Ethan Neal Podczerwinski, Sensei Lex Tumang, Dante Tumang Jr., Jeremie Ingram, Sensei Dave, and Elijah Talbott. You all are absolute lifesavers.

And lastly, to my wife, Sun-mi – thank you for putting up with my pre-event stress and for always believing everything will work out, even when I’m convinced it won’t.

If you have photos from the event that you’d like to share — or that might be featured in next year’s flyers — please send them to [email protected]

Thank you again to everyone who came out to support, compete, or volunteer. This event keeps growing every year because of all of you.

Until next year — Battle for the Troops 2026! 💪🇺🇸

WOW! Where to begin?

Yesterday was our biggest turnout ever for Battle for the Troops! I want to take a moment to thank everyone who helped make this year’s event such an incredible success:

Sensei John Sharkey– my teacher and mentor. Thank you for standing by me all these years and teaching me not only how to run a successful tournament but how to be a better martial artist.

All the competitors and parents – your energy, support, and sportsmanship make this event what it is.

Judges and time/scorekeepers – you are the backbone of this tournament. I can’t express enough how much I appreciate your time and dedication. Without you, this event wouldn’t be possible.

Our amazing sponsors – your investment not only helped us run a smooth event, but also allowed us to donate even more to our veteran charities.

The setup and teardown crew – huge thanks to Sensei Stephen Bratton, Sensei Colin OBrien, Rachael OBrien, Sensei Sebastian Talbott, Ethan Neal Podczerwinski, Lex Tumang, Dante Tumang Jr., Jeremie Ingram, Sensei Dave, and Elijah Talbott. You all are absolute lifesavers.

And lastly, to my wife, Sun-mi – thank you for putting up with my pre-event stress and for always believing everything will work out, even when I’m convinced it won’t.

If you have photos from the event that you’d like to share — or that might be featured in next year’s flyers — please send them to [email protected]


Thank you again to everyone who came out to support, compete, or volunteer. This event keeps growing every year because of all of you.

Until next year — Battle for the Troops 2026! 💪🇺🇸