Oak Creek Charter School Students to Compete at USA Taekwondo National Championships This Summer

Bonita Springs, FL – April 7th, 2025 - Oak Creek Charter School is proud to announce that four of its taekwondo athletes will be representing their school and community at the prestigious USA Taekwondo National Championships this summer. Sponsored by FORZA Education Management, this remarkable opportunity highlights the students’ hard work, discipline, and leadership both on and off the mat.

The team, coached by the dedicated and inspiring Master Martin, includes Ezra Manrique, Gatlan Wilkening, Annilynn Lewelling, and Phoenix Rackebrandt—each with a unique journey and shared determination to succeed.

Phoenix Rackebrandt (right) representing OCCS during a recent Taekwondo competition.

Ezra Manrique (9), a yellow belt, began his taekwondo journey through Oak Creek’s program. After quickly advancing to the Competition and Demonstration Teams, Ezra embraced rigorous training and overcame personal challenges like stage fright, gaining confidence and discipline. His dedication and love for the sport have earned him a spot on the national stage.

Gatlan Wilkening (10), an orange belt, has been training for nearly two years since first discovering taekwondo during a PE class. Known for his leadership and ambition, Gatlan competes in higher belt divisions, consistently pushing his limits with advanced kicks and techniques. Balancing intense training with academic focus, he’s eager to showcase his progress at Nationals.

Annilynn Lewelling (8), a yellow belt, began taekwondo at age six after discovering Master Martin’s class during her school orientation. Her passion for poomsae and sparring drives her to train multiple times a week, both at school and at home. With growing confidence and respect for the taekwondo code, Annilynn is ready to take her skills to the national level.

Phoenix Rackebrandt (14), a red belt and assistant coach, is the most experienced athlete on the team. With a lifelong dedication to the sport and a National Title already under his belt, Phoenix trains with multiple masters and leads younger students as a mentor. He hopes to test for his black belt soon and is aiming for a top-three finish this summer.

Master Martin herself is a passionate educator and fourth-degree black belt with over twenty years of experience in martial arts. Holding a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, she combines her love for teaching with her commitment to helping students grow both physically and intellectually. A former national and international competitor from 2010 to 2018, she earned her Master title in 2023. Her excellence in both the classroom and the dojang has been recognized with the OCCS New Teacher of the Year award in 2024 and the OCCS Teacher of the Year award in 2025.

This incredible opportunity was made possible through the ongoing support of FORZA Education Management, whose commitment to student development and enrichment continues to empower young athletes to reach their highest potential.

“We’re thrilled to see our students thrive through this program,” said a Will Staros, COO of FORZA. “Their hard work and the leadership of Master Martin reflect the values we strive to instill across all FORZA-supported schools.”

As the Oak Creek Charter team prepares for Nationals, they carry with them not only their training and determination but also the pride of their school, their community, and the FORZA family. FORZA Education Management is proud to sponsor these rising athletes as they demonstrate the strength, skill, and spirit of Oak Creek Charter School on the national stage.