Evan Phelps of Gautier recently participated in and earned three gold medals in the World Martial Arts Games Committee in Oslo, Norway. That in itself is impressive. What makes it even more impressive is that months earlier he had been seriously injured in a car accident and his participation in the Games seemed uncertain.
But Phelps wasn’t one to sit back and wait to heal. He worked hard on healing and regaining his strength and credits his recovery on the training he’s undergone over the years.
“I believe martial arts gave me the discipline I needed to push myself to heal. I also knew I wanted to compete again. I didn’t know if I would be healed by the World Games, but I was, and it was a great feeling.”
It was pure chance that Phelps even got involved in martial arts, but when he did, he soon found he had a talent for it.
“I got into it because my siblings were doing it and I wanted to do it too,” Phelps said. “But then I discovered that I liked it and wanted to continue taking lessons and see how far I could go.”
He’s been studying martial arts for 14 years and received his black belt in February 2022. While earning a black belt signifies a high level of training in technical competence and discipline, it’s not the end of learning. It’s the beginning of a deeper journey toward the mastery of the fundamentals.
In July 2021 Phelps became a member of the US Martial Arts Team and that opened up many opportunities for him such as participating in competitions in Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Minnesota, and Tennessee, as well as the World Games in Daytona Beach, FL, in 2023, and this year in Norway.
Phelps’ discipline is Tang Soo Do (a traditional Korean martial art that blends hard linear movements and soft circular movements) and he’s currently training in Shotokan (a Japanese style of karate which focuses on powerful linear movements, strong stances and a deep physical and mental discipline).
“Martial arts is all about discipline – that is the priority. But the tricking and stunting is fun. And competition is just in my nature,” Phelps said.
The World Games took place in Oslo, Norway. The Games opened much like the Olympics do with Opening Ceremonies. Each country entered bearing their country’s flag as their national anthem played. Phelps was humbled by the enormity of it all.
“It was surreal, and quite an honor, to represent the USA.”
Phelps’ three gold medals were in the following divisions:
Young Adult (16-30 years) – Non-Traditional/Creative Weapons Forms
Young Adult (16-30 years) – Korean Wooden Weapons Forms
Young Adult (16-30 years) – Extreme Hand Forms
In addition to these three gold medals, Phelps has more trophies, medals and ribbons at home than he can count, but for him it’s not the awards that mean the most to him, it’s what they represent. And he pays it forward.
“I give some of my awards away to beginning students to encourage them. I can definitely tell it has encouraged them. Several of them are pursuing their next belt.”
Phelps considers martial arts both a sport and an art.
“It’s definitely physical, and there is a beauty to performing the moves.”
He has personally benefitted from the study and practice of martial arts. He follows a mantra that grounds him – “Never quit when the going gets tough.”
Tough is what Phelps is, and that is evident from the obstacles he overcame in a short time to find the strength and fortitude to not only compete, but to win gold medals in the World Games.
Phelps plans to continue with his martial arts in both competing and coaching, but when he’s not training, he spends his time on the water.
“I love the water! Fishing, swimming, boating.”
To anyone considering studying martial arts, Phelps’ advice is to just do it.
“Find out what you love. Don’t quit. A ‘black belt’ is a ‘white belt’ that never quit.”
