At just 19 years old, Samantha Mitling has carved out a name for herself as one of the most dynamic and inspiring young figures in martial arts today. Hailing from St. Paul, Minnesota, Samantha began her martial arts journey at the age of five. Now a 4th degree black belt, she exemplifies not only technical mastery, but also relentless dedication to her craft.
Samantha entered the world of competition at the age of six, instantly falling in love with the thrill of performance and the spirit of rivalry. That passion translated into results quickly—and consistently. Over the years, she has amassed an extraordinary list of accolades, including eight World Championship titles, and multiple national and regional victories that have cemented her status as a martial arts powerhouse.
Her rise through the competitive ranks is as historic as it is inspiring. In 2023, she claimed the 14-17 Girls Overall Weapons Grand Championship at the Quebec Open—a turning point in her journey that catapulted her into the international spotlight. That momentum only grew in 2024, when she transitioned into the adult division and immediately dominated, taking home top honors as the 18+ Women’s Overall Weapons Grand Champion at both the Pan American Internationals in Miami, FL, and the US Capitol Classics in National Harbor, Maryland—all in her rookie season.
From Dojo to TV Spotlight
In 2021, Samantha took her talents beyond the competition stage and stepped into the entertainment world. She performed her signature bo-staff routine on Season 1 of Game of Talents – France, wowing international audiences and signaling the start of her crossover into mainstream entertainment. The appearance served as a springboard, opening the door to new creative opportunities—some of which she hints will be announced later this summer.
“I’ve always wanted to show that martial arts can be both powerful and artistic,” Samantha says. “That performance was the start of something bigger.”
Champion, Teacher, Mentor
Despite her growing fame, Samantha remains grounded in the core values of martial arts: discipline, humility, and the importance of giving back. “I’ve been teaching martial arts for over six years now,” she shares. “Helping younger students discover their potential has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.”
For those unable to train with her in person, Samantha created a comprehensive online bo-staff course, tailored for all levels—from beginners learning the basics to advanced practitioners refining their skills. Her commitment to education ensures that her legacy extends beyond trophies and titles; she’s actively shaping the next generation of martial artists.
A Force on Social Media
With a magnetic presence both on and off the mat, Samantha has cultivated a large and loyal following across social platforms. She currently boasts 210K+ followers on Instagram, 99K+ on TikTok, 90K+ on YouTube, and 50K+ on Facebook. Her content, a mix of performance clips, training tips, and motivational messages, has made her a role model for martial artists and aspiring athletes around the world.
Lighting the Way Forward
Samantha’s journey is far from over. With major projects in the pipeline and her competitive fire burning stronger than ever, the martial arts world—and beyond—eagerly watches what comes next. Her story is one of transformation: a young girl with a bo-staff who dreamed big, trained harder, and now stands as a beacon of strength, talent, and possibility.
As she continues to break barriers and inspire a new generation, Samantha Mitling is not just a martial artist—she’s a movement.
Follow Samantha Mitling –
Instagram: https://instagram.com/samantha._mitling
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@samanthamitling
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@samanthamitling
Official Website: https://www.samanthamitling.com