Young man with Down syndrome defies odds

Glenn · Post by **Glenn** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 5:52 pm

WEST MIAMI-DADE, Fla. (WSVN) -- A young man diagnosed with Down syndrome has accomplished a feat no one else with his disability has ever accomplished: earned a black belt in karate.

For the last three years, Andrew Campbell has been active in karate class and finally made his way to the top like no other American with Down syndrome before him. His family is filled with pride. "What I saw once he started was amazing. We stepped back and encouraged him," said his father, Douglas Campbell.

Andrew is now the first black belt in the United States with Down syndrome. Campbell is an inspiration to many. "Given the opportunity, he really excels," said Darren Campbell, Andrew's brother. "He shines. People don't give him enough credit."

Except for his sensei. "I have the patience, he has the patience, so it's OK," said Yasuyoshi Saito.

Five days a week Andrew travels on his own, from his job in a Brickell law firm to Japan Karate Association in West Miami-Dade. Campbell's dedication to karate has paid off, making history in the process. "I love karate," said Andrew.

Campbell said it was his dream to some day receive a black belt. Now that dream became reality.

TSDguy · Post by **TSDguy** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 8:12 pm

A Google search turned up a LOT of people with Down Syndrome and black belts, but good for them for living life. I doubt many of them think it's a big deal.

Glenn · Post by **Glenn** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 10:29 pm

Keep in mind they are saying Japanese karate. I just did a similar search and came up with a couple hits for that article, plus several hits for a couple people who have gotten black belts in TKD, one who has gotten a BB in judo, and one who is working toward a BB in karate.

All are accomplishments and may have been recognized in their local paper like this guy was, but he could be correct with respect to being the first in karate.

Kuma-de · Post by **Kuma-de** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 1:46 am

One of my buddies who was in Chuck Merriman's group years ago had one of his student's promoted to Shodan after 6 years of training.

In fact, his favorite tournament kata was Seyunchin and he often competed and won. Several tournaments in Maine & NH then offered a Physically Challenged division and Donald cleaned house each time he competed.

There are several challenged students that still compete in these events today.