PEABODY — A pair of Peabody residents made their national championship debuts at the 2024 AAU TKD (Taekwondo) National Championships in Fort Lauderdale earlier this month. And, they made the most of it.

2017 Peabody High graduate Emily Bouchard finished fifth in the Under 30 Poomsae division. Ryden Say, 8, snagged a bronze medal in sparring and also received the prestigious Indomitable Spirit Award, an award reserved for overcoming adversity. Both athletes represented the Taekwondo U.S. Middleton School where Bouchard also works as an instructor.

Master Keunhee Han, the lead instructor at the school, said their success at the national level is a testament to their hard work and commitment on the part of the school’s coaching staff.

“They have brought great honor to the (school) and the local community,” he said.

Bouchard, who holds a second black belt, describes Poomsae as “techniques that are put together to create a pattern of moves.” She posted a record of 1-2 and said competing at nationals was a valuable learning experience that she hopes will elevate her skill set.

“Poomsae requires you to do forms, which are different preset belt form movements,” Bouchard said. “I was very pleased with my finish as this was my first time competing in nationals. It really was just pretty cool so to be able to go and experience it at a very high level was really surreal. I definitely learned what I need to improve for the next time. One of the most important things I took away from the experience was the knowledge that I have to, and will, train harder.”

Han described Bouchard as a “dedicated instructor” and an extremely hard worker. He said she began a “rigorous training regimen” in 2022 with a goal to “transform her performance in Taekwondo.

“Emily’s story is a testament to the power of relentless practice and perseverance,” Han said. “Her hard work and dedication paid off as she recently placed fifth out of 11 girls in her division at the AAU Nationals, a remarkable achievement that highlights her growth over the past two years. Emily’s transformation is a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication and consistent practice. Her progress over the past two years has been truly inspiring.”

At Peabody High, Bouchard was a member of the National Honor Society. She excelled at field hockey and lacrosse, successfully balancing athletics with a challenging course load that included mostly honors courses. She moved on to Framingham State University, graduating in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and teaching. She served as a teaching assistant at Shore Country Day School for three years before accepting a position as a fifth-grade teacher. She starts at the end of the month.

“I had been a teaching assistant and filling in for teachers on maternity leave, so I am really so excited about becoming a full-time teacher at Shore,” Bouchard said. “I love it there and can’t wait for school to start.”

Bouchard took up martial arts at the age of three and has been working at it ever since. She had been working with another local martial arts academy through college, but decided after graduation a change was in order. She said she works out two to three times a week on average.

“I had just moved back home from college and I felt Middleton definitely presented more opportunities to compete locally and nationally which would help me take it to the next level,” Bouchard said.

Han said that Bouchard’s success is not only a personal victory, but a source of inspiration for her students and the Taekwondo community. 

“Her journey underscores the importance of practice and persistence in achieving one’s goals,” Han said. “Emily’s story encourages all aspiring athletes to remain committed to their practice, demonstrating that significant change is possible with dedication and hard work. As Emily continues to train and inspire those around her, her journey from 2022 to 2024 serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring value of practice in achieving excellence.”

Han said Say’s story will also inspire others and that his participation in multiple divisions showcases his versatility. Han said that his selection as the Indomitable Spirit honoree is a “particularly fitting recognition of his journey.

“His participation in four divisions and his achievements in sparring highlights his dedication and versatility as an athlete,” Han said. “His story serves as an inspiration to young athletes everywhere, highlighting the importance of perseverance, hard work, and a positive mindset. His story will undoubtedly motivate others to overcome their own challenges and strive for excellence. Ryden has shown incredible determination and resilience. He has faced tough times but never gave up, and his success is a true reflection of his indomitable spirit.”