On December 15th and 16th of 2017, 15-year-old Araya White (daughter of David & Monique White) from Dew Texas competed in the American Organization of Karate (A.O.K.) State Tournament.
Araya competed for 3 events in every tournament the A.O.K. had in Dallas Texas for 11 Months. The events were Kata (Forms), Sparring, and Weapons Kata.
Araya placed 1st in Kata and 1st in Sparring for the State Title in her belt division, and took home 3rd place for Weapons in her belt division. Araya’s parents could not be any prouder of their daughter. Here is what Araya has to say about her experience:
“I’m so blessed to be able to say I have accomplished my goal – winning state. Doing the A.O.K Tournaments have shown me things that have helped me grow in Martial Arts. I’ve been able to find my strengths and weaknesses and I’ve worked on them. I’ve learned to ALWAYS expect the unexpected. And that you will have off days, and that it’s normal to have off days. These things have helped shape me into the martial artist I am today.”
“I want to take the time to thank my Senseis – Thomas Ashley, George Grayson, and Chris Jones. Without their instruction and commitment to helping me, this wouldn’t have been possible. If any of you three get to read this, please know you guys are such a blessing in my life. Thanks for being my other family.”
“I also would like to thank my parents – David and Monique White for pushing me to do my best and working with me throughout the year. You put me into Karate not knowing how it would turn out, and it’s one of the best things in my life today. You both have been the greatest support system a girl could ever ask for.”
“I would like to thank Sandra Araya for teaching me my winning Kata. Sandra pushed me to do my best, and she was great teacher. I cannot wait to work with her again.”
“Last, but certainly not least I’d like to thank my karate partner – Elizabeth (Lizzie) Daniel. Lizzie is the person I work with in karate every week. She pushes me to do my best, and we have developed a friendship throughout the years.”
“If you have ever thought about joining some type of Martial Arts, I would recommend coming and checking out Buffalo Karate. I have loved being apart of the Buffalo Karate Family, it’s such a blessing. One of my favorite things in karate is working with new people. You get a good feeling knowing you have helped them advance in something that could potentially save their life. Come join our family!”
Araya White takes Shorin-Ryu at Buffalo Karate in Buffalo, Texas under the instruction of Sensei Thomas Ashley. Thomas is a 6th Dan Renshi in Okinawan style Shorin Ryu Karate.
Sensei Ashley has been studying martial arts most of his life and has had the doors open to Buffalo Karate for over 25 years.
If you are interested in attending classes, the dojo is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 6:30 pm to 7:45 pm.
You can also call Candace Ashley for more information at (903)388-6781.
