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When Mike Vukas encouraged his son, Brandon, to become involved in martial arts, it was mainly so the 7-year-old could learn self-defense. Two years later, Brandon Vukas is a 9-year-old champion.

"We just let him watch the class and he showed some interest," Mike Vukas said. "He took it from there."

The 9-year-old blue belt said he gets a kick out of learning martial arts.

"It's my favorite sport," he said. "In case I get in trouble or if I'm in danger, I can protect myself."

Learning self-defense methods isn't the only perk Brandon Vukas received from honing his skills. His mastery took him to Universal City, Calif., Dec. 26-31 when he competed in one of the nation's largest martial arts championships, the Super Grands year-end tournament.

At the competition he captured the intermediate-level amateur world championship title for his age group in a technique called Japanese kata. He also received second place for Korean kata and second place in open kata. Kata is a word referring to forms, or martial arts moves.

The basement of the Vukas family's De Soto home not only provides an ample practice space, but it also showcases a row of trophies and plaques from tournaments last year. One trophy, which Brandon received last May, stands six feet tall almost twice the size of its owner.

"He loves that one," his father said.

David Clifton, owner and instructor of Clifton Tae Kwon Do in Bonner Springs, spoke highly of his pupil and the skills he's grasped in the past two years.

Not only does Vukas take lessons from Clifton, but he also helps teach younger students.

"Brandon has a lot of dedication," Clifton said. "He's very serious about competition and what he does. He's probably one of the more dedicated students that I've got."

Sometimes, young Vukas spars with his friends who are also trained in the martial arts.

"A couple of times I have knocked the wind out of them," he said innocently.

Brandon's efforts and achievements have impressed his family.

"Our whole family is doing it," Mike said. " Now, it's more of a family thing. We didn't get into it until after Brandon started.

"He's just the only one that excels."

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