Staff report
From the national tournament in Texas to the Pan American championships in Canada, Meng’s Shaolin Wing Chun, of Greenfield, brought home 32 medals, 14 gold, in the two competitions that included more than 800 participants from 11 countries.
Instructor Sifu Scott Stapleton, who was part of Team USA in 2018 for the Wing Chun World Championships in Foshan, China, believes what the individuals and teams accomplished was a lot more than what they wore around their necks when they returned home to Hancock County.
“It’s not just about the medals and accolades; it’s about the countless hours of training, the sweat-soaked uniforms, the bruises, and the tears shed along the way,” he said in a press release on the Greenfield’s school’s achievements. “It’s about the bonds forged, the friendships formed, and the unbreakable spirit that unites them. Their journey has been filled with countless sacrifices, early mornings, late nights, and moments of self-doubt. Yet, they have never given up. They have faced every challenge head-on, with determination in their eyes and fire in their hearts.”
Along with his success as a competitor representing Team USA, Stapleton has been a martial arts teacher and instructor for 15 years.
At the Pan American Kung Fu Championships, in Toronto, Canada, held earlier this month, the team from the Greenfield martial arts facility won three gold, five silver and nine bronze medals.
Meng’s Shaolin Wing Chun team (SWC Warriors), at the USAWKF National Team Trials, National Championship, and First National Kung Fu Ranking event in Lubbock, Texas – held in May – won 11 gold and four silver medals.
Seven students took home medals, including two adults and five youngsters.
Medalists and other high placers included, Rebecca Stapleton (Nationals – two Gold, one Silver; Pan-America – one Silver, three Bronze), Jacob Buckley (Nationals – four Gold; Pan-America – two Silver, one Bronze), Emilynn Moline (Nationals – three Gold; Pan-America – one Gold, three Bronze), Kane Dreesen (Nationals – two Silver; Pan-America – one Silver, one Bronze), James Enyeart (Nationals – one Gold: Pan-America – one Silver), Dellen Douglass (Pan-America – two Gold, one Bronze), Jack Joyner (Pan-America – fourth and sixth place), Tristin Cianciolo (Nationals – one Gold, one Silver).
“From the very beginning, this team has exemplified the true essence of martial arts – discipline, perseverance, and a never-give-up attitude. They have faced countless challenges, pushed their limits, and sacrificed so much to reach this pinnacle of success,” the released said. “They fought not only for themselves but for the honor and representation of our great nation and the spirit of martial arts.
“To our SWC Warrior Team, you have not only brought glory to our community but have also left an indelible mark on the world of martial arts. We cannot wait to witness the incredible heights you will reach in the future!”
To help with continued training and the high costs involved in competing in tournaments across the nation and in other countries, Meng’s Shaolin Wing Chun is seeking sponsorship to help financially with travel, training fees, tournament registration fees and other related expenses.
For more information about the award-winning martial arts facility and medal-winning team and to help with sponsorship you can contact Sifu Scott Stapleton at 317-649-5831.
“Sponsorship is more than just financial assistance, it is a symbol of belief and encouragement. Your support will inspire us to push our limits, to strive for greatness, and to never give up. It will remind us that our community stands firmly behind us, cheering us on every step of the way,” Stapleton said.
