Thursday, March 22, 2007

SCHERERVILLE: Master Po would be proud of Azatos martial arts students

REC SPORTS | KARATE

SCHERERVILLE | To say Aislinn Wade bears a likens to a young Caine during his formative monk years on the classic TV show Kung Fu maybe unfair.

For Aislinn is the real deal.

Recently, the St. John 7-year-old took first place in kata (formed movements) at the Jennifer Malloy Memorial Karate Tournament held in Palentine last month. And last summer at the United States National Karate Federation national tournament in Ft. Lauderdale, Aislinn took a gold in kata and a silver in kumite (sparring).

Aislinn started training in karate three years ago. Azatos Martial Arts owner and head sensei Mike Nanay donated a free two-month subscription for a charity function at Aislinn's school, Forest Ridge Academy in Schererville. Luck had Aislinn's family winning the donation, so she joined with her twin sister, Alexis.

Though "identical twins," you could easily tell Alexis and Aislinn apart. Alexis has a orange belt; Aislinn has a red belt. Alexis has hair; Aislinn doesn't.

"It started in 2005," Aislinn's father Trevor said of alopecia areata, a baffling affliction that causes dramatic hair loss.

"Just a full week after we found out she had it, all her hair was gone."

There is no known cure for alopecia areata. Though not life-threatening, it's obviously not the best thing that could happen a girl starting school and interacting with new peers. Nonetheless. Aislinn seems to grow from challenging experiences ... or at least learns from them.

Take her first tournament.

"Now that was really something," Aislinn says of having to compete against older girls in order to fill out a bracket. "I guess I did okay."

In relation, Aislinn beams a cheerful expression, like being a confirmed underdog was an amusing "flashback" that she now looks back and chuckles at.

"The best part of this (martial arts training) is learning something new," Aislinn said. "Sensei makes it fun, and sometimes you get to compete."

Alexis and older sister Taylor also competed at the Jennifer Malloy Tournament.

"Taylor won a couple of golds, and Alexis is also doing well," Trevor said.

When it comes to belt rank among the Wades, "pops" is a little ahead of the curve with a brown belt. But let's give Aislinn, Alexis and Taylor their due -- often obligations to other extracurricular activities makes it difficult for all three to be in class at the same time. Trevor is usually always present.

"It's up to sensei (Nanay) when it comes to promotion," Trevor said. "You can be working real hard at home, practicing and thinking 'I'm ready.' But you've got to show it in class."

Nanay is proud of the entire entourage representing his school in Palatine.

"Right now, I'd say we're 90 percent when it comes to students placing at tournaments," Nanay said. "Our girls in particular have been phenomenal.

"We have two brown belts (Maria Kiousis and Cecilia Palomo) who have been outstanding in tournaments, and leaders and role models in class."

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