Local fighters, including Junction City teen, heading to World Games in Romania

By Brandi Makuski

STEVENS POINT — Three local athletes are preparing to represent the United States at the upcoming World Games Championship in Romania, where they will compete in the ancient sport of pankration, one of the earliest Olympic events.

Michael Sixel, 42, his 15-year-old daughter Amahni Sixel, and JD Ballew, 39, will head to Romania in October as part of Team USA, which includes 62 athletes from across the country.

The games, set to take place from Oct. 22-28, will feature athletes from more than 60 nations and 13,000 competitors in various martial arts disciplines.

Michael Sixel and Ballew met at Sixel’s former gym, which he closed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Even though the gym shut down, we’ve continued training,” said Michael Sixel, who currently serves as a recruiter and administrative sergeant for the Wisconsin National Guard.

He added that athletes from his gym now train at private setups, including one at Ballew’s home.

“He didn’t want to be my friend at first,” joked Ballew, who is a sergeant at the Stevens Point Police Department. Ballew’s wife eventually introduced the two, sparking a friendship that has led them to international competition.

Amahni, Michael’s daughter, began training in martial arts at a young age, following in the footsteps of her father and grandfather.

“I’ve been doing this since before I could walk; I have pictures of me in a gi,” she said, chuckling.

The World Games feature various martial arts competitions, including grappling, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts (MMA).

“It’s a huge honor to represent the U.S. on this stage,” said Ballew, adding that competing under the American flag is a source of pride.

While the competition brings excitement, it also comes with significant costs. Michael Sixel estimates that each athlete will need around $5,000 to cover expenses, including equipment, fees, and travel.

“We’re reaching out for support,” he said, adding that their organization has partnered with a Texas-based company for fundraising. Each athlete has a fan-funded page where supporters can contribute to their journey.

For Amahni Sixel, this will be her first time competing internationally. “It’s a really cool opportunity to not only compete on a global level but to do it with my family,” she said.

The competition will also be a homecoming of sorts for Michael Sixel, who has traveled to Eastern Europe for similar events in the past, including competitions in Russia. The U.S. team, which includes 62 athletes, also has participants from Texas, Kansas, California, and Florida.