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from the February, 2010 issue of Kiai!
Adapted Seiso Karate (ASK) student is
Inspirational Athlete of the Year
By Max Kuroda
Maribel Melendez received the Inspirational Athlete of the Year Award from Comcast SportsNet at last night's benefit for the Illinois Chapter of the March of Dimes. Maribel was honored alongside professional athletes from the White Sox, the Blackhawks, the Bulls, the Cubs, the Fire, and the Bears.
Despite their reliance on wheelchairs for mobility, Maribel and her twin sister, Marisel, have diligently trained in the Adapted Seido Karate (ASK) program ever since they participated in the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago's Caring for Kids summer camp in 2007. Through their consistent and sincere effort they now hold the ranks of adult yellow belt (Maribel) and orange belt (Marisel). As co-directors of the ASK program, Senpai Rebecca Angevine and I were thrilled when Maribel first told us about the award. Maribel is an outstanding student who continuously amazes us and the other teachers and students in the program. Maribel does not use her wheelchair for much of her karate training, preferring instead to practice kata on her knees on the hardwood floor. When Maribel attempted tameshiwari (board-breaking), she drew upon her focus and commitment for a successful break because, again on her knees, she knew she would not be able to rely on height to leverage her downward tettsui (hammerfist) weapon.
Jun Shihan Nancy, Kyoshi Sarah, and the volunteer teachers of the ASK program warmly congratulate Maribel on her award. Kaicho once said: "One's study of karate should not be limited to personal training. It should extend to one's ability to care for others." This is the essence of Thousand Waves, which continually reaches out to others and gives back. Maribel has found her way to do this through her can-do spirit and serving as a model for others - a truly inspirational athlete!
