Karate school racks up a dozen national medals
After traveling to South Carolina last month, 13 athletes from a local karate school returned home with 12 medals and three National Champion titles.
Based out of Southwest Ranches, the Asaka Karate School is a Japanese traditional school led by Sensei Luis Sanchez. Originally from Venezuela, the fifth degree black belt opened Asaka in 2003.
“The idea was to serve the Weston community,” Sanchez said. “But Southwest Ranches is just next to Weston and the rent rate is very reasonable. We realized it works out even better, because we have students from both cities.”
From July 19 to 24, athletes ranging in age from 7-years-old to 21 represented the karate school in the 2017 USA Karate Nationals and Team Trials.
They ultimately medaled in 12 categories including advanced and elite kumite. Kumite, one of the main sections of karate training is Sanchez’s specialty. He’s a national team kumite champion in Venezuela, Japan and the United States.
He trained his students throughout the year, complete with double sessions leading up to the July competition.
One of those students was Zoe Meszaro, who took home the title of Junior Female Athelete of the Year. It’s something Sanchez calls “a huge accomplishment for our dojo.”
Meszro has been a Team USA member for the past three years and is a Weston resident.
The school documented their wins and travels on its Facebook page, including photos with their medals and tracksuits, as well as cramming into vans for the 10-hour trip home.
Visit Asaka Karate school at AsakaDojo.com.
Thirteen athletes from a local karate school returned home with 12 medals and three National Champion titles.