Schaumburg, Illinois (Chicago suburb) | July 17–18, 2026
With great pride, the Aruba Tang Soo Do Federation congratulates all 20 of its athletes for their outstanding performance during the 2026 World Tang Soo Do Association (WTSDA) World Championship, held at the Schaumburg Convention Center, Illinois.
Team Aruba was accompanied by Master Melissa Noguera (SBN), who served as head coach, alongside Aruba Tang Soo Do Federation members Charlene Croeze-Theysen, and Gabriëlla and Roderick Kock-Helder, who provided organizational and logistical support during the championship.
Thanks to our coaches, BSBN Rodney—who guided the sparring process—and BSNN Aymon Kelly—for his dedication to training—we represented Aruba with honor and pride on the world stage. Our athletes displayed discipline, perseverance, respect, and the spirit of Tang Soo Do, competing against the best athletes from different countries and achieving an extraordinary result.
Results:
Gold: 10
Silver: 6
Bronze: 13
Gold Medals:
Joviënne Croes – Hyungs
Aylih Hazel – Hyungs & Sparring
Aidan Aniceta – Sparring
Brayner van de L’Isle – Sparring
Kylee Thomas – Weapon Hyung
Juninho da Silva – Hyungs & Weapon Hyungs
Ava Figaroa – Weapon Hyung
Matisse Maas – Hyungs
Silver Medals:
Giandrick Schwengle – Sparring
Juninho da Silva – Sparring
Ava Figaroa – Hyungs & Sparring
Kiahna Croeze – Hyungs
Lucien Maas – Sparring
Bronze Medals:
Joviënne Croes – Sparring
Raydienne Paskel – Hyungs
Aidan Aniceta – Weapon Hyungs
Brayner van de L’Isle – Hyungs
Aline van Oosten – Sparring
Kylee Thomas – Hyungs
Sophia Sabas – Hyungs & Sparring
Shantwan Kock – Weapon Hyungs & Sparring
Antwan Kock – Hyungs
Jesar Ramos – Weapon Hyungs
Matisse Maas – Sparring
Aruba is Proud
This extraordinary result shows that hard work, dedication, and perseverance always bear fruit. Each athlete represented Aruba with honor, humility, and determination, proving that our small island can compete at the highest level in the world.
A special word of thanks goes out to all trainers, instructors, parents, volunteers, and families who supported the athletes during their preparation and competition. Without their commitment, this success would not have been possible.
Congratulations to all athletes of Team Aruba! You have made Aruba stand out big on the world stage. We hope this achievement will inspire many young people to continue practicing Tang Soo Do and keep striving for excellence.
Aruba Tang Soo Do Federation
One Tribe. One Family. One Aruba
