Advanced brown and black belt Brooklynites showed off some of their most dangerous moves during the Amateur Athletic Union’s Karate Championship in Madison Square Garden.
Representing Hoteikan Dojo Karate Jujitsu and Kickboxing, 6821 Fort Hamilton Parkway, the tournament — comprised of two main events, Kata (forms) and Kumite (sparring) — was held in the main theater of the Garden, and featured contenders aged 14 and up.
Nineteen year-old Bay Ridgeite Anthony Carrano participated in the 19-35 age range black belt division, known as the most elite and experienced competitors.
Carrano displayed not only what his teacher called “an amazing, advanced Kata,” but he also won the first place medal and, in sparring, placed second and made it to the finals where he competed for the New York Liberty’s opening show.
Summoning the spirit of a warrior in the competition, Carrano stated, “It was really cool and exciting to compete in front of a large audience. You could hear their reactions and the take down was enough to let me go home satisfied that I had a good fight.”
Concluded Carrano: “It was an honor and a privilege to compete at Madison Square Garden, the coliseum of our day.”
