Young Brothers tae kwon do students swept the 38th U.S. Open Martial Arts Championship held at the University of Charleston (W.Va.) March 5. From left are Master Michael Sybert of Middlesex Township, heavy weight sparring division winner; Master Erik Gavula of Cranberry Township, lightweight division winner and grand champion; and Master Corey Yagesh of Pittsburgh, middle weight division winner.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Students and instructors from Young Brothers Tae Kwon Do Institute swept the Men’s Black Belt Sparring competition at the 38th U.S. Open Martial Arts Championship held at the University of Charleston March 5.

Master Erik Gavula of Cranberry Township, a fifth-degree black belt, won the lightweight division and was named the Grand Champion. Gavula is the master instructor at the Young Brothers school in Cranberry.

Master Corey Yagesh of Pittsburgh, a fourth-degree black belt, was the middleweight champion.

The heavyweight sparring division was won by Michael Sybert of Middlesex Township, a fourth-degree black belt. Sybert also won the men’s black belt board breaking competition.

Among Young Brothers schools, are facilities in Butler, Cranberry, Grove City and Gibsonia. All are under the direction of Grand Master Young Bo Kong of Cranberry Township.