Alex Beegle began martial arts when he was 9 years old. A Shade-Central City High School alumnus, Beegle realized football wasn't for him after not seeing the field, despite his commitment during grueling practices that lasted longer than the varsity program's.
The decision to pursue martial arts has proven to be extremely beneficial. Beegle recently showcased his skills at the Traditional Tang Soo Do Federation United Kingdom Invitational Championship in Cardiff, Wales. It is Europe's largest Tang Soo Do championship, with more than 1,000 competitors.
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Beegle stood above all else, capturing grand champion honors in both forms and weapons.
"We were split into divisions to start. When it came to grand champion, it was all ages and levels of black belt competing against each other," Beegle said. "It was great to go against new people and new competitors who were younger and older than me. It was a great privilege to meet them and compete against them."
Beegle, a third-degree black belt, was in a tournament at Seven Springs last year, when Master John Trudgill invited him to go to Wales and compete on the world's stage against top talent.
"It was a great honor just to be invited," Beegle said.
He made the most of the opportunity. Forms is Beegle's bread and butter during competition.
"It's one of the old-school practices in any martial arts," Beegle said of Forms. "It became one of the three main old-school practices in karate. It is one of my favorite practices in any tournament. Weapons is much of the same. It's like Forms, but just with a sword, staff or a knife."
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Beegle is a 22-year-old rising senior at Indiana (Pa.) University majoring in history with a minor in business.
He possesses a true passion for martial arts. Beegle is currently an instructor at the Joe Goss Karate School in Richland. Beegle tested for fourth-degree black belt ahead of his trip to Wales and is currently awaiting his results. He is working to improve his skills while aiding others in the process.
"I enjoy martial arts a lot, working out and becoming a great athlete," he said. "I want to continue to push myself and become a better competitor. I want to be able to compete for as long as I can and help kids become great martial artists. Hopefully, I can help them get to tournaments and win medals and championships one day like I did."
Beegle has some simple advice for anyone looking to get into the sport.
"Follow your passion. Do what you think you are capable of and be the best you can be," Beegle said. "Like any other sport, if you're really into martial arts, be the hardest worker in the room as you can be."
Adam Ripple is the Daily American sports editor. He can be reached at 814-444-5926. Follow him on X @ARipple_DAsport. Follow Daily American Sports on Facebook and @dailyamericanmedia on Instagram.
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