Matthew

Ra

Quick Facts

• Son of John and Joanna Ra
• Two older siblings, Hailey and Luke Ra
• Has a dog named Bori
• Born in Los Angeles, California
• Started Taekwondo at the age of 1, under his father
• Competed in Sparring and Poomsae at first, began Freestyle Poomsae in 2019
• Also trained in Hapkido, Kumdo, and Judo
• Favorite athletes are Mike Tyson and Kobe Bryant

• Favorite taekwondo athletes are Master John Ra, Master Sung, Eddie, and James Park

• Favorite TV show is Kickin'it
• Favorite movies are Rocky III, Heat, the Godfather
• Favorite quote is "There is no tomorrow" - Apollo Creed
• Proudest moment in Taekwondo was representing Team USA at the world championships in Hong Kong with his sister, Hailey, and cheering for their friends/teammates in the stands

Career Highlights

• 2024 U.S. National Taekwondo Team Trials, silver (Over 17 Freestyle Pair)

• 2024 Pan American Taekwondo Championships, bronze (Over 17 Freestyle Pair)
• 2023 U.S. Taekwondo National Championships, gold (Over 17 Freestyle Pair), bronze (Over 17 Freestyle Individual)
• 2022 U.S. Taekwondo National Championships, silver (Under 17 Freestyle Team)
• 2021 U.S. Taekwondo National Championships, bronze (Under 17 Freestyle Individual, Under 17 Freestyle Team)
• 2024 Team USA National Member
• 2023 Team USA Wildcard
• 2022 Team USA Alternate
• 3x U.S. Open Medalist
• 5x U.S. National Championships Medalist
• 8x International Medalist
• 17x State/Regional Medalist