Martial Arts Champs: Cove teens medal in world competition
By BRANDY CRUZ | Photo by BECKY STINEHOUR
Under the bright lights of the World Martial Arts Games Committee World Games in Oslo, Norway, two young martial artists from Copperas Cove stood toe-to-toe with the world’s best — and proved they belonged on the international stage, earning silver and bronze medals to bring back home to Central Texas.
Rodney Phillips and Zachary Phillips represented the United States as part of the U.S. Martial Arts Team after undergoing a rigorous national selection process in which only the country’s top athletes qualify. Their journey to the Word Games was long and intensely competitive — making their results all the more impressive.
“Getting to the World Games is a long and demanding process,” explained Sensei Ron Phillips, owner of FC Iron Dojo in Copperas Cove and the boys’ coach. “Competitors must qualify through national-level events here in the U.S. Only top athletes are selected to join the U.S. Martial Arts Team. From there, training intensifies, because the World Games bring together elite martial artists from around the world. Simply earning a place on that team is a major accomplishment.”
The two teens said it was exciting to represent the U.S. and are proud they gave it their all.
While many people initially believe the teens are brothers, 13-year-old Zachary is actually Rodney’s uncle, despite being two years younger than him.
“Most people assume they’re brothers,” Phillips said. “They’ve lived together for all of Zachary’s life, so they really do act like brothers.”
Rodney said he’s been training in martial arts for most of his life. While the 15-year-old enjoys the competition aspect, he loves that martial arts help him stay disciplined and confident. It also doesn’t hurt to have someone alongside him to train.
“I started training when I was very young,” Zachary said. “I looked up to Rodney, and training with him motivates me every day.”
Rodney delivered a standout performance in Oslo, earning a silver medal in Point Sparring and a second silver in Individual Kata. In fact, his Kata score was tied for gold.
“He actually tied for the gold medal in Kata — the score was exactly the same,” Phillips said. “But due to the WMAGC’s tie-breaking method, he was ultimately awarded silver.”
During matches, Rodney said his approach was all about control and precision.
“I focused on staying calm, keeping good form, and using everything I’ve trained for.”
Zachary brought home a bronze medal in Continuous Sparring, winning the medal match in a dramatic showdown — against Rodney. The moment perfectly captured the competitive spirit between the two.
“I tried to block out everything except the match,” Rodney said. “You have to stay sharp and trust your training.”
When the winners were announced and they realized they both received medals, the impact of everything they had worked so far for really hit home for the young men.
“I felt proud and grateful,” Rodney said. “Tying for gold in Kata and earning two silvers showed me how far I’ve come and how much more I can do.”
Zachary called his moment unforgettable.
“Winning a bronze medal at an international event felt amazing, especially because of the level of competition.”
Watching from the sidelines, Phillips experienced every moment alongside them, feeling all the excitement and nervousness that comes with competition.
“You watch them step up against world-class competitors, and you just want them to give their best. Every round is intense, but seeing them execute what they’ve trained for is an unforgettable experience. It’s incredibly rewarding,” he said. “As a coach, you want to see your students reach their full potential. As a family member, it hits even deeper. Watching them step onto an international stage representing the United States fills you with pride, gratitude and admiration for their dedication.”
FC Iron Dojo has been part of the Copperas Cove community for several years, offering programs for kids, teens and adults, and is currently accepting new students of all ages. The family-focused dojo teaches traditional martial arts, self-defense, sparring, Kata and weapons, along with an after-school program, helping every student grow mentally, physically and emotionally.
Despite their international success, both competitors are already focused on what comes next, and both young men have their eyes set on a gold medal.
“(I want) to keep improving, compete at even higher levels, and go for gold next time,” Rodney said, with Zachary echoing his ambition. “To continue training, return to international competition, and one day win gold for the USA.”
With medals earned, lessons learned, and an unwavering support system behind them, Rodney and Zachary Phillips have proven that world-class talent can come from a small-town dojo — and that their journey is just beginning.
