At just 15 years old, Colby Baskin is making waves in the martial arts world, representing not only his hometown but the nation on a global stage.
The Newton County High School sophomore recently competed in the 2025 Freedom Cup in Brunswick, Georgia, where he brought home a gold medal in fighting and two silver medals, one in weapons form and another in empty-handed traditional forms.
The Freedom Cup attracts top-tier martial artists from across the United States, many of whom, like Colby, are members of the U.S. Martial Arts Team. In one of the most talked-about matches of the tournament, Colby represented Team USA in a head-to-head bout against a competitor from Great Britain. The first round ended in a tie, but the tiebreaker ultimately went to the British athlete.
Undeterred, Colby went on to win his next match in a USA-versus-USA showdown, showcasing his resilience and skill in kumite (sparring). His performance earned praise from coaches and spectators alike.
In addition to his success at the Freedom Cup, Colby holds the title of 2024 State Champion in weapons, kata and kumite in the Junior Boys Intermediate division under the Mississippi Karate Association. He also earned second place in the Traditional Forms division at the Freedom Cup this April.
Colby trains at the Elite Karate Center in Collinsville, Mississippi, under instructors John Ko and Thaddeus Davis. There, he studies Shotokan karate, judo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and elements of mixed martial arts.
“I try to get lots of rest, stay conditioned, and go over specific techniques before a tournament,” he said. “The mental part is just as important as the physical—don’t stress and stay focused.”
A resident of Chunky, Colby travels regularly for training and competitions. His international experience includes participating in the 2023 World Martial Arts Games in Daytona Beach, Florida, where he faced athletes from Great Britain, Germany, Pakistan and beyond.
Colby is currently a certified athlete member of the U.S. Martial Arts Team, with his membership extended through the 2025 season.
With impressive wins behind him and international experience already under his belt, Colby Baskin is quickly becoming a name to watch in the world of competitive martial arts.
