Like the Vikings of The Middle Ages, eleven local warriors stormed the coast of Scandinavia and have now returned home with a hoard of gold, silver, and bronze. As members of The United States Martial Arts Team and residents of our Golden Isles community these young martial artists travelled to Oslo, Norway to compete in the 2025 World Martial Arts Games. Returning with 16 gold medals, 15 silver, and 12 bronze between them, they have certainly done our community and our country proud.
Led by Boston Harrison, their local instructor; Aiden Sears (16), Tyler Brown(15), Wyatt Johnson (15), Max Barnard (13), Niall Squires (13), Nash Purvis (12), Eivin Arnold (10), Jason Vo-Kajima (10), Austin Coleman (10), Jaymar Pacheco (8), and Tyson Vo-Kajima (8) competed in a variety of disciplines over three days to showcase their skills and training.
From left, Mr. Joey Harrison, Wyatt Johnson, Nash Purvis, Max Barnard, Niall Squires, Aiden Sears, Mr. Boston Harrison on the Oslo Opera House Roof
When asked about the boys and their efforts, Boston said, “The kids have really impressed me this year. Some of them training five days a week. They aren’t afraid of the process, in fact they love it and their results reflect that.”
Being regular students at The Brick Martial Arts Academy and members of The Brick Competition Team means these athletes regularly compete in different Sport Karate circuits within the United States. The World Martial Arts Games, however, is different.
Three times World Games competitor, Wyatt Johnson said “The World Martial Arts Games is more than just your normal tournament. The games are a full-on experience competing with teammates while representing the USA. These games sparked my passion for the sport and they continue to motivate me to get better in my karate disciplines every day. It is always an honor to represent the Red, White, and Blue.”
Aiden Sears adds,” What make the World Games so special is the amazing sense of connection, whether its with teammates you’ve known for years, others on team USA you’ve never met, or even competitors from other countries.”
Over the last twelve years The Brick has had numerous athletes participate in the WMAG as members of the U.S. Team. Those competitions have taken place in London, Vancouver, Orlando, Daytona, and now most recently, Oslo, where more than 200 U.S. athletes of all ages and rank travelled to compete against the likes of Great Britain, Germany, Norway, The Czech Republic, and Mexico. This competition, which takes place every other year, and the opportunity it provides are invaluable.
From left, Max Barnard and Niall Squires after finishing their point fighting division
Joey Harrison, founder and owner of The Brick, had this to say about the meaning of the World Martial Arts Games and the experience over the years. “Since joining the US Martial Arts Team in 2014, we’ve been fortunate to send more than 50 athletes from The Brick and Glynn County onto the international stage at The World Martial Arts Games. Watching our local kids step into arenas around the world reminds us that big dreams aren’t just encouraged here, they’re expected. And when you give young people the right opportunity and environment to grow, they don’t just chase those dreams, they catch them.”
Aside from the opportunity to compete against martial artists from all over the world, the WMAG offers the athletes and their families the chance to see and experience the culture, cuisine, and sites of the host city and nation. When they were not competing, the boys could be found atop the Oslo Opera House, at The Viking Planet Museum, at the Edvard Munch Art Museum, or taking in Akershus Castle along the Lysaker Fjord. As inspiring and educational as those times were (and they would love to have done more!), they had business to tend to. They were there to compete, after all, and to win.
From left, Tyson Vo-Kojima and Jaymar Pacheco, showing off some of their haul
Whether they were taking the mat for Traditional Weapons, Creative/Extreme Weapons, Traditional Japanese Forms, Traditional Korean Forms, Individual Point Fighting, or Team Fighting, one or two of our boys always seemed to be on the podium. Some highlights include Aiden Sears, Tyler Brown, and Wyatt Johnson all medaling in their respective weapons divisions. Not to be outdone, Tyson Vo-Kajima and Jaymar Pacheco finished first and second in their Traditional Korean Forms division. And then Eivin Arnold, Jason Vo-Kajima, Austin Coleman, and Nash Purvis teamed up to put on a show as they dismantled a Great Britian team to win gold in the Team Fighting division. The list of wins and individual accomplishments is too long to list, but suffice it to say that all 11 of our Golden Isles competitors took full advantage of their opportunities.
Six of The Brick athletes on the podium after taking gold in two different team fighting divisions (from left): back row - Ms. Kylie Harrison, Aiden Sears, Mr. Boston Harrison, Tyler Brown, Mr. Joey Harrison; front row - Eivin Arnold, Nash Purvis, Jason Vo-Kojima, Austin Coleman
The chance to travel, compete, and represent the United States was in large part made possible by the generosity of so many people within our community. Whether it was through small donations at First Friday, contributions through a letter campaign, or taking part in our “Chipping in with Champions” fundraiser, the support these young men received from so many of you reading this can not go unmentioned.
“To everyone that contributed and helped all of these boys get to Norway, we can not thank you enough. We could not have done it without you. Everyone who supported them invested not only in sport, but in the future of some of our youth and the strength of our community. It’s an investment we will be proud to continue as we prepare to support these same athletes, and hopefully more, representing Team USA in the 2027 games. Stay tuned.”
The team returns home (from left): Tyson Vo-Kojima, Jason Vo-Kojima, Ervin Arnold, Wyatt Johnson, Aiden Sears, Instructor Mr. Boston Harrison, Tyler Brown, Max Barnard, Nash Purvis, Austin Coleman, Jaymar Pacheco, (Not pictured, Niall Squires)
Like the Norsemen of Scandinavia some 1500 years ago, motivated by victory and inspired by their community, these 11 young men went to battle representing their families and their village, and they did so with valiant effort and unmitigated pride. When they stood on that podium, their medals shined around their necks, Old Glory hung triumphantly around their shoulders, and the Golden Isles was very much on their hearts.
We should all be equally proud of them.
