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Special needs karate kids win medals, recognition from USA National Karate-do Federation

Published April 9, 2018 8:04 PM

Local karate kids with special needs have achieved greatness by winning medals, and more, inspired by a teacher who has given them the courage overcome all the odds.

Full story by Cody Krupp

Back in December, we introduced you to Isabella.

“Even though they might push you hard they are just pushing you to the limit.” 5th grader Isabella Diaz said.

And her big brother Ricardo.

“Before I started karate I was falling a lot more than I do now.” 7th grader Ricardo Diaz added.

Of course, there was also and the United States Karate Federation took notice of all their hard work.

“They seen the video that you guys put on the news. Sure enough, they gave us the help and the sponsorship and they told us for Nationals our athletes would be covered as well.” Sensei Tamara Canedo said.

The expenses were paid and the training accomplished so it was time to put the skills to the test.

“I did good I won two gold for Kata on Friday and Sunday,” said Isabella.

“All the practicing I did paid off when I got the medal and I was really happy to be able to represent my country,” Ricardo mentioned.

Meeting new friends from all over the world.

“Where from?”

“Canada.”

Making their dad proud.

“Incredible to watch the whole thing and then when my children were competing I was petrified trying not to show it. Didn’t want to make them nervous but so proud of them.” Isabella & Ricardo’s father Richard Diaz said with a smile.

Of course their Sensei Canedo as well.

“Sensei always cries. We are working towards growing as individuals. Having fun at a tournament, getting culture. Come back with friends from different parts of the country. They get to have those three experiences and come back with a medal.” She added.

Yes, they did have some fun along the way.

“We went to Hershey’s factory and New York New York just to explore,” Isabella said with a smile.

They were doing with their other 16-members who brought over 40 medals back to the Coachella Valley.

“Gold for Kata, silver for Kamate.”

“Two silvers for Kamate”

This group together helping open even more doors right here at home.

“Just opened up a Dojo at the River in Rancho Mirage.” Canedo finished.

Interested in karate for your kid? Contact information is below.

Sensei Tamara Canedo (760) 625-8381 82545 Showcase PKWY Suite 107 Indio CA 92203 71800 HWY 111 Suite A143 , Rancho Mirage, CA 92270

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