Dalton Shaw moving up in world taekwondo ratings

Dalton Shaw is very good at what he does. In fact, the 18-year-old with a first degree black belt in taekwondo, is number two in the world in his division.

Shaw moved from number four in the world up to number two with a first place finish March 14 at a national tournament in Las Vegas.

In the tournament, where matches are decided by a point system with the winner being the first competitor to earn five points, Shaw defeated four fighters, including two who were ranked third and fifth in the world at the time. By winning the tournament, Shaw earned 10 points, improving his world ranking.

The only tournament worth more points is the American Taekwondo Association's (ATA) World Tournament. This year's World Tournament, worth 15 points, will be held at the end of June in Little Rock.

With his showing in Las Vegas, Shaw has punched his ticket for a trip to the World Tournament.

"I will be in the top 10 in June," Shaw said. "I'll be fighting for the world's title in Little Rock. I'm really looking forward to it. I'm so excited about it."

Shaw, the son of Buddy and Betty Shaw of Rector, says his success is payment for the effort he's put into taekwondo.

"Working hard every day and knowing I can go in and do that makes me feel like I'm actually doing something instead of working and not getting anything out of it," Shaw said. "It makes all the work worth it."

Shaw has been competing in tournaments around the country for the last four years. He has earned the ATA's top ranking in the 14 to 16-year-old division. He trains five to six days a week both on his own and with his trainers at the ATA Black Belt Academy at Kennett. Shaw received his black belt a year ago. He also assists in training younger students.

"Taekwondo requires a lot of work and discipline, but it also gives you a lot back," Shaw said. "It teaches you self-respect and gives you more speed and focus. I think it's helped me in all parts of my life."

While Shaw has put in a great deal of work to be where he is today, he says he's also received a lot of assistance from others.

"I want to give special thanks to my parents for pushing me to do my best in everything I do. They've helped me so much in my life. I also want to thank my trainers, Alan Smith, Jimmy Atchely and Theresa Anderson, for all the time they've spent working with me."

Not only will Shaw continue to compete in ATA tournaments, he plans on trying out for the United States 2012 Olympics team next year. To qualify for the Olympics, Shaw will have to win, or finish high in, several special tournaments. The tournaments start with hundreds of Olympic hopefuls before the events are narrowed down to the very best few.

"I would love to have the opportunity to compete at the Olympics," Shaw said. "I want to represent my country and my hometown of Rector in front of the whole world. That would be a dream come true."