Cameron Fisher had a strong showing in state competition June 4. Submitted photo

By Ethan McSweeney

A Maricopa woman placed third in a multi-state martial arts competition in Glendale on Saturday.

Cameron Fisher, an assistant instructor at American Taekwondo Association (ATA) Martial Arts in Maricopa, finished in third place for the state of Arizona in sparring, which involves fighting on a pad against another competitor. The Southwest District Championship was held at the Renaissance Glendale Hotel and Spa near Phoenix and included 589 competitors from California, Nevada and Arizona.

Fisher, a second-degree black belt, said she felt honored to place in the competition for sparring, a part of martial arts she focuses on. “It felt really good. It makes me really proud to be part of a great organization,” she said.

Fisher, 24, has been doing martial arts for eight years. She said she likes the fact the sport is generally a “self-driven sport,” which allows her to work at her own pace.

She also enjoys the self-confidence martial arts has given her. Fischer said her position as an instructor means she can see that self-confidence fostered in the students she teaches at ATA.

Martial arts participants competed in seven other District Championships around the country. Competitors who earn enough points from those events can advance to the World Championships, which are held in Little Rock, Arkansas, later this summer.

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