Dayton Sisters Won Medals at WMAC World Championships
K'ana Butcher and Salayah McClendon secured multiple gold and bronze medals while competing in Austria.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts
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Dayton residents K'ana Butcher and Salayah McClendon earned two gold medals and one bronze medal each at the WMAC World Championships. The international martial arts competition took place in Bregenz, Austria, from September 17 to September 20, 2026.
Why it matters
The sisters began their martial arts journey six years ago to build confidence and develop self-defense capabilities. Their success in Austria highlights a progression from local training to high-level international competition.
K'ana Butcher, age 19, and Salayah McClendon, age 14, each secured two gold medals and one bronze. Salayah McClendon specifically won gold in the Traditional Japanese Weapons Female Junior All Belts category.
The players
K'ana Butcher
The 19-year-old athlete from Dayton has spent the last six years training in martial arts.
Salayah McClendon
The 14-year-old competitor specializes in traditional weapons and practices outdoors to refine her bo staff skills.
The details
To prepare for the world stage, the sisters utilized rigorous training camps and consistent home practice. Salayah McClendon maintains her edge by practicing forms and bo staff skills outdoors, regardless of the weather conditions in Dayton.
Timeline
The sisters began their training in Tang Soo Do in 2020.
The WMAC World Championships took place from September 17 to September 20, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This success positions both athletes for higher-level international rankings within the World Martial Arts Committee framework. Their performance builds on prior experience gained in the Czech Republic and the United Kingdom.
The sisters have demonstrated significant growth in their ability to compete in specialized categories like Japanese weapons. This momentum serves as a benchmark for local fighters looking to transition from regional training to international tournaments.
The takeaway
Consistent home training and discipline remain the primary drivers of success for amateur martial artists aiming for global recognition. Developing specialized skills like bo staff handling allows younger athletes to remain competitive in diverse tournament categories.
Further reading
Find more coverage on local athletes in the Mixed Martial Arts section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Dayton Daily News.
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