Phan University of Martial Arts (P.U.M.A) student Matthew Zwiren has been invited to two championships for martial arts in Korea competing on the U.S. National Team which he will travel for from July 7-20, 2011.  He will compete at both The Korea Open and the World TKD Culture Expo in Muju Resort. 

This will be Zwiren’s second time to The Korea Open in which he won two gold medals last year.  He was selected for the team by Grandmaster Young In Cheon, 2000 USA Olympic Team Head Coach, based on his impressive martial arts resume.

“I feel completely honored my second time going.  I was asked again due to my performance last year,” said Zwiren.

The invite to Korea this year came on short notice of selection for Zwiren with only eight days to gather twice the amount of funds as the prior year when he had a whole two months to plan funding.  He was able to raise the money quickly this year with a partial sponsorship from his allergist, Dr. Oral Alpan, money from neighbors in exchange for chores as well as donations from Phan University of Martial Arts and its other students. 

Team Mooto is providing the money for gear and uniform he will wear.

Training for the championships proves a challenge this year with time restraints from back to back competitions for Zwiren.

“I am training hard, waking up early, running, and training myself as best I can.  It’s hard because I’ll be away at Nationals then straight to the flight to Korea.  Last year, I had more time to train, but this year it’s difficult because they are so close together.”

The trip to Korea this year will be a few days longer than last year’s trip and Zwiren will get to cross-train with different university and high school teams. 

Having had a similar experience the prior year, Zwiren reflected, “It was fun and entertaining.  It was cool to see how they train in Korea.  We trained with Korean high school teams.”

P.U.M.A owner and coach Master Phan Le explained that Matt is an upcoming Taekwondo player building his name on a good reputation.

 “He has proven in the short time he has been under my tutelage, to make significant strides to becoming a world class athlete. Going to represent team USA and team Mooto USA is of great honors. We are compelled to show our support for this well-rounded and dedicated student/athlete. I am sure his effort and past results have proven to be the choice to represent USA again at the International Korea Open Taekwondo Championships. Trust me, I'm a Zwiren fan too," said Master Phan Le.