On Saturday March 16, 2019 Araya White of Dew, Texas in Freestone County competed in the 8th Annual Traditional Karate Tournament hosted by the Tyler Kenshin Kan Karate Academy, located in Tyler, Texas.
Araya competed in all three events offered at the tournament; Kata (forms), Kubodo (weapons),
and Kumite (sparring).
Placing first in all three divisions, she earned the title of Grand Champion for the second year in a row. She is the only person to ever win the title of Grand Champion at the Tyler Tournament; and she remains the undefeated Champion two years running.
Araya is 16 years old, a junior at Teague High School, and takes her martial arts lessons at Buffalo Karate in Buffalo, Texas. She is a 4th Kyu (Green Belt) currently; however, she will be testing for her 3rd Kyu (Brown Belt) on Saturday April 13, 2019.
She has been studying Shorin Ryu Okinawan Traditional Style Karate a total of 5 years, 4 of which have
been at Buffalo Karate under the guidance and instruction of Sensei Thomas Ashley a 7th Don (7th Degree Black Belt).
Buffalo Karate is an amazing place for martial arts instruction. They have become family to Araya and her family over the years.
Not only have they taught her the ways to defend and protect herself, but they have also
instilled techniques for self control, self confidence, and the ability to be aware of her surroundings.
A special Thank you must be given to Sensei’s Thomas Ashley, George Grayson, and Chris Jones (all of Leon County) for taking the time to work with children, teens, and adults. They teach so many age ranges, instilling the knowledge and skills needed to defend and protect oneself. However, they also teach the self control to always walk away if possible. For all that we are forever grateful to all 3 of them.
For more information about lessons and classes at Buffalo Karate, please contact Candace Ashley at 903-388-6781.
