Northern Kentucky martial arts student Isabella Obeso has added an international championship to an already remarkable competitive season, earning the title of 2026 European Champion at the ATA European Championships held in Lisbon, Portugal.
Obeso, 12, a resident of Cold Spring, captured first place in the highly competitive X-Treme Weapons division, an event that combines traditional martial arts weapons techniques with modern acrobatic elements, including flips, aerial maneuvers, and advanced tricking skills. Her weapon of choice is the Jahng Bong, the Korean term for the traditional bo staff.
A second-degree black belt, Obeso began training at Cold Spring’s Summit Martial Arts in 2018 at just four years old. Since then, she has developed into one of the organization’s top competitors and is currently ranked among the Top Ten athletes in the world in four different competition categories within her division.
The European Championship is the latest accomplishment in a season filled with success. Earlier this year, Obeso earned the title of 2026 Kentucky State Champion in six separate categories, qualifying her to compete at the Mid-America District Championships on June 13 in South Bend, Indiana.
Her competitive journey will continue in July when she travels to Phoenix, Arizona, to compete in the prestigious Tournament of Champions, where the highest-ranked competitors from around the world will compete for the title of World Champion. Obeso will face fellow world finalists on July 15 with an opportunity to add a world title to her growing list of achievements.
Summit Martial Arts is a licensed school of the American Taekwondo Association (ATA), a worldwide martial arts organization founded in the United States in 1969. Today, ATA includes more than 950 licensed schools around the globe and hosts regional, national, and international championship events throughout the year.
Master Instructor Rick Hill, owner and chief instructor of Summit Martial Arts, said Obeso’s accomplishments extend far beyond trophies and titles.
“It has been an absolute pleasure to watch Isabella grow over the years,” Hill said. “When she first walked through our doors as a shy four-year-old, few people could have imagined she would one day become one of the best performers in the world. Through hard work, dedication, and perseverance, she has developed into a confident, outgoing young leader who sets an incredible example for our younger students.”
Hill added that the personal growth students experience through martial arts often proves even more valuable than competitive success.
“The confidence Isabella has developed through martial arts will impact every area of her life,” he said. “Whether it’s academics, future career opportunities, leadership roles, or personal relationships, learning to believe in yourself and perform under pressure creates skills that last a lifetime.
“We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments and excited to see what she achieves next.”
For more information about Summit Martial Arts, visit summitblackbelt.com.
Summit Martial Arts