Local champsTwo area athletes prove their skills with national rankings in judo
Cindy Kahler Thomas
For the Times Record News
Quarta Feira, Outubro 3, 2007
They're both children, but their skills are proven by the medals they've won - and the fact that they're ranked nationally as first and fifth in their age and weight categories.
Devin Seyhan and Mina Fiorentino do judo - and they do it well.
Devin, 10, is a natural-born athlete, according to Coach Roy Hash. He is 5 feet, 4 inches tall and weighs 140 pounds. He is ranked number 1 in the nation, according to Judo USA.
"He is a very good athlete," Hash said. "He trains twice as hard as anyone I know, and that's why he's number 1."
Last year, Devin was the 2006 Outstanding Junior Male Judo player in Texas, Hash said.
Mina is 11 years old and a varied athlete herself. She plays soccer, as well as judo. She is ranked fifth in the nation for her age and weight category.
Both children attend judo classes three times a week. Devin comes early for the younger children, stays for his class and stays late for the adult class.
Mina comes to the class after her soccer practice. Their dedication is evident. Devin and Mina take classes at the Bill Bartley YMCA. They also show up for the class that is just for competitors - when they are not at a tournament.
"They train a little harder; they work a little more, and their skills are more developed," Hash said.
They are both bringing home gold medals, Hash said.. At the last tournament, Hash challenged Devin. He told him to fight left-handed. Devin is naturally right-handed. Devin brought home the gold.
But if you ask Hash, he will tell you medals are only a small part of judo. He said judo is a way of life. As he coaches, he gives life lessons too. The children are fascinated by the idea of being a samurai, so he pulls them to the side of the mat and explains that the meaning of the word is "to serve." He goes on to tell them that to do their best is good, but to do it when no one is watching is what counts. He explaines the meaning of honor, and says that all of that is a part of judo.
"My job as a coach is to make them better people," he said.
That philosophy is apparent in the athletes he teaches. Devin said that he wouldn't use judo as a show of power, but only if he was forced to defend himself. And he keeps a sense of humor, admitting he wrestles with his little brother - gently.
They're both children, but their skills are proven by the medals they've won - and the fact that they're ranked nationally as first and fifth in their age and weight categories.
Devin Seyhan and Mina Fiorentino do judo - and they do it well.
Devin, 10, is a natural-born athlete, according to Coach Roy Hash. He is 5 feet, 4 inches tall and weighs 140 pounds. He is ranked number 1 in the nation, according to Judo USA.
"He is a very good athlete," Hash said. "He trains twice as hard as anyone I know, and that's why he's number 1."
Last year, Devin was the 2006 Outstanding Junior Male Judo player in Texas, Hash said.
Mina is 11 years old and a varied athlete herself. She plays soccer, as well as judo. She is ranked fifth in the nation for her age and weight category.
Both children attend judo classes three times a week. Devin comes early for the younger children, stays for his class and stays late for the adult class.
Mina comes to the class after her soccer practice. Their dedication is evident. Devin and Mina take classes at the Bill Bartley YMCA. They also show up for the class that is just for competitors - when they are not at a tournament.
"They train a little harder; they work a little more, and their skills are more developed," Hash said.
They are both bringing home gold medals, Hash said.. At the last tournament, Hash challenged Devin. He told him to fight left-handed. Devin is naturally right-handed. Devin brought home the gold.
But if you ask Hash, he will tell you medals are only a small part of judo. He said judo is a way of life. As he coaches, he gives life lessons too. The children are fascinated by the idea of being a samurai, so he pulls them to the side of the mat and explains that the meaning of the word is "to serve." He goes on to tell them that to do their best is good, but to do it when no one is watching is what counts. He explaines the meaning of honor, and says that all of that is a part of judo.
"My job as a coach is to make them better people," he said.
That philosophy is apparent in the athletes he teaches. Devin said that he wouldn't use judo as a show of power, but only if he was forced to defend himself. And he keeps a sense of humor, admitting he wrestles with his little brother - gently.
FONTE: Times Record News - Wichita Falls, TX, USA
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