Kicking Through Life with Allison

Meet Allison McNutt — a 30-year-old from Colorado Springs who’s proving every day that nothing can stand in the way of passion, determination, and a good roundhouse kick.

Diagnosed with GLUT1 Deficiency at just eight months old, Allison has grown up learning to navigate life with strength and purpose. Today, she’s an unstoppable force in the world of Para Taekwondo — a sport she discovered at age 20 and immediately fell in love with.

From the moment she stepped into her first taekwondo class, Allison says she felt like part of a family. It wasn’t just about the kicks and punches — though she’s mastered those too — it was the community, the discipline, and the sense of purpose that truly hooked her.

Now a proud second Dan black belt, Allison doesn’t just practice forms, she also thrives in sparring, and yes — she breaks boards like a pro! Her hard work has earned her more than 20 gold medals in competitions, but for Allison, the journey has always been more meaningful than the medals.

Through taekwondo, she’s learned valuable life lessons — respect, responsibility, self-awareness, and confidence. And she’s not keeping it all to herself. Allison regularly performs in community demonstrations, bringing awareness and inspiration to intellectual and developmental disabilities environments, brain care facilities, and local resource fairs.

But taekwondo is just one part of Allison’s world. She’s also an active participant in Special Olympics soccer, bowling, and basketball, and she draws strength and support from the GLUT1, epilepsy, and Special Olympics communities.

Her message to others living with GLUT1 Deficiency?
“You can do anything you put your mind to. Just eat right and stay active!”

Allison is living proof that with heart, hard work, and a little martial arts spirit, the sky’s the limit. We hope Allison keeps kicking through those barriers!

If you are interested in martial arts for your loved ones, you can expect some of these benefits!

• Physical fitness – improves strength, flexibility, endurance, and coordination
• Self-defense skills – teaches practical ways to protect oneself
• Mental discipline – builds focus, patience, and resilience
• Confidence and self-esteem – boosts personal confidence through skill development
• Stress relief – helps release stress and promotes emotional balance
• Respect and values – encourages discipline, respect for others, and self-control