Courtney Murray is already a state champion in taekwondo. Next week, the Brookwood sophomore will take on the world. On June 26, Murray will compete in the American Taekwondo Association World Championships in Little Rock, Ark. “I feel very honored to have the opportunity to compete in such a high level event at my age and represent Emory Morris Taekwondo USA,” Murray said, referring to her training academy.

Murray lives in Thomasville but has studied and trained in taekwondo over the past three years in Tallahassee. She is the Florida State Champ in Forms & Weapons in the Girls 1st Degree Black Belt category for ages 14-16.

“Having trained seven state champions and two world champions, I feel that Courtney is the most well-rounded martial artist I have personally trained,” said Murray’s coach Clovis Stewart. “She is equally skilled at forms, weapons and free sparring, but it’s not a great kick or punch that separates her from others. It’s her determination.”

Murray earned her Florida Taekwondo title for points she accumulated by placing 1st, 2nd or 3rd over the past 12 months in ATA tournaments in more than 10 states, from Florida to Illinois, and from California to Pennsylvania. Since Courtney placed in the Top Ten for Forms — performances of a sequence of typical techniques or moves from the martial art — she will compete in that category in the World Championships in her age division.

Murray trains two to three hours daily, five days a week.

Stewart said Murray’s determination, “has led to her being one of the world’s best form competitors in her division and gives her and outstanding chance at being crowned the 2009 Forms World Champion in June.

Murray’s mother, Stephanie Murray added, “Courtney has become a stronger individual through her taekwondo competition and achievements. But she is truly a sweet young lady with a kind and tender heart.

“Courtney began her training in Taekwondo as a way to gain confidence and learn self- defense. Who would have thought that a fun outlet would have turned into a passion and competitive drive for her?”

Before Murray heads for the World Championships competition, she has spent a week at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass., in a People to People Leadership Summit. She was nominated and accepted for the honor based on outstanding scholastic merit, civic involvement and leadership potential.

She returns home today before leaving for Arkansas on Wednesday.