BUDA — Jeffrey Olaes, an eighth grader at McCormick Middle School, is now ranked number one in Korean martial arts forms in North American Sport Karate Association — the largest sanctioning association for open sport karate.
Starting at age four, the now-14-year-old began taekwondo at the Hays Communities YMCA, where he also participated in other activities like basketball and swim lessons. According to his mom, Wella, Olaes has been a “Y[MCA] kid since he was a toddler.”
These days, he has added karate to his repertoire. A black belt in taekwondo since 2021, Olaes competes in matches around the country, with hopes of competing internationally, as well. This summer, he captured first-place medals at multiple national competitions, including NASKA U.S. Open and U.S. Capitol Classic. Ranked first in Korean forms in North America, Olaes is also ranked fourth in Japanese forms and tied in second for point sparring, which is a competition where the players score points by striking or kicking their opponents.
He hopes to one day make it to the Olympics.
“Being able to compete on the mat and on the stage is a surreal feeling,” said Olaes.
To become a black belt in taekwondo, Olaes said that he had to memorize all the basic forms, or sequences of moves, as well as learn sparring and self defense. He also had to write an essay on what martial arts meant to him.
Contrary to popular belief, martial arts doesn’t just teach the individual how to spar or self defense, it also teaches discipline, respect and responsibility, Olaes described. It's also a great way to meet people and make friends, as well as better oneself.
“You get to meet a lot of people and make a lot of connections, especially at the tournaments,” said Olaes. “[Martial arts] is going to help you physically and mentally.”
On top of martial arts, Olaes also plays basketball and tennis, as well as keeping his A grades in school. Olaes is currently training for the World Martial Arts Games, which takes place in Dubai.
For more information on the Greater Austin YMCA and its surrounding locations, including Hays Communities YMCA, visit www.austinymca.org.
