Lauren Etheridge Shines at the 2024 AAU Taekwondo National Tournament
Anderson Township, OH — July 19, 2024 — U.S. Moo Do Academy proudly announces that student and assistant instructor Lauren Etheridge has won a gold and silver medal at the 2024 AAU Taekwondo National Tournament in Traditional Forms. Competing in the highly competitive female 18-32, first-degree black belt division, Etheridge secured silver in Tang Soo Do forms and gold in open forms.
Lauren, who has been dedicated to martial arts for over 18 years, achieved the rank of third-degree black belt in Karate before transitioning to Taekwondo in 2021. This year’s tournament marked her first appearance in AAU Taekwondo, showcasing her versatility and skill in traditional and modern art forms. In addition to her triumphs in Traditional Forms, Lauren also competed in Olympic sparring, demonstrating her comprehensive martial arts prowess.
Lauren trains under the guidance of Coach and Co-Owner Bo Howell at U.S. Moo Do Academy in Anderson Township. Bo Howell is a decorated martial artist with a record of two national gold medals and one national silver medal. The academy has made a significant mark at the national level, qualifying for the National Tournament for three consecutive years.
"I am very grateful for all that I've been able to accomplish. I couldn't have done it without the support and help from my coaches, instructors, and students at US Moo Do Academy. I hope to inspire martial artists of all ages and ranks to go after their dreams however big or small and to never let anyone tell them they can’t or it’s too crazy. Fear can be one of the biggest factors holding someone back from their goals and that’s something I've learned which is to push past those fears because on the other side of fear is realizing the greatness within yourself and all that you can accomplish," says Lauren on her successful competition.
According to Coach Howell, “Lauren’s success is a testament to her dedication, hard work, and the exceptional training environment provided by the U.S. Moo Do Academy. Her achievements inspire her fellow student-athletes and the broader community, exemplifying the spirit of perseverance and indomitable spirit in martial arts.”
Lauren Etheridge – Achievements and Background:
Gold Medal in Open Forms (2024)
Silver Medal in Tang Soo Do Forms (2024)
Third-Degree Black Belt in Karate
First-Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo
Associate Coach for Xavier University Cross Country and Track and Field Programs
Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Wellness from UNC Asheville (’17)
Master’s Degree in Exercise Science from AUM (’19)
U.S. Moo Do Academy AAU Nationals Medal Achievements:
Bo Howell: Two golds (2021, one silver (2021)
CJ Howell: Two golds (2021 and 2022), one bronze (2021)
Lauren Etheridge: One gold (2024), one silver (2024)