Aviano Air Base, Italy -- Aviano's Kuk Sool Won students took home 19 medals during Thanksgiving weekend at the United Kingdom's Kuk Sool Won championship tournament in Birmingham, England.

Fourteen competitors received medals placing from first to fourth in their events and categories. Competitors from age 8 to over 40.

Dylan Mejia was named the grand champion in the junior first degree black belt division for ages 12 and under.

"He got grand champion for the second time in a row," said George Mejia, Kuk Sool Won assistant instructor and Dylan's father. "His abilities are getting so much better."

Kuk Sool Won students competed in several categories including empty handed and with weapons, self-defense techniques, board breaking and sparring.

"We teach self-discipline and body discipline, fitness and self-defense," Mejia said. "It's a great way at the end of day, when you're tired and have lost energy, to stabilize and regain energy."

Aviano's Kuk Sool Won is the only Kuk Sool Won school in Italy. The school has slots available for children ages 8 to 12, and adults 13 and up.

"A lot of parents are afraid their children will become fighters," Mejia said. "Anyone can fight but we will not teach you how to fight; We teach self-defense style techniques."

Kuk Sool Won meets Tuesdays and Thursdays in Bldg. 186 in Area One. Children's classes begin at 6 p.m. and adult classes begin at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call Ext. 5993 or visit www.kuksoolwonitaly.com.