- Title: Gaza man with disabilities conquers karate
- Date: 14th January 2021
- Summary: VARIOUS OF ABU AMIRA WORKING ON LAPTOP TO EDIT VIDEO THAT HE WILL POST ON HIS YOUTUBE PAGE
- Embargoed: 28th January 2021 11:40
- Keywords: Disabilities Gaza Karate Palestinians
- Location: BEACH REFUGEE CAMP AND GAZA CITY, GAZA
- City: BEACH REFUGEE CAMP AND GAZA CITY, GAZA
- Country: Palestinian Territories
- Topics: Human-Led Feature,Human-Led Stories,Middle East
- Reuters ID: LVA002DV6FYVP
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Youssef Abu Amira, a Palestinian law school graduate, never let disabilities hold him back. Born without legs and with only partially developed arms, he has taken up a new challenge - karate.
The 24-year-old orange belt showed his stick-fighting skills as he trained with his coach at Gaza's Al-Mashtal Club for Martial Arts.
"I wanted to do karate so I can defend myself, and I dream of taking part in international championships," Abu Amira said.
His mastery of the stick helps him make up for his missing limbs, and he has learned how to deliver strong punches, and fend off attacks with his body and arms.
Coach Hassan Al-Raai said his pupil showed particular determination.
"I was surprised that Youssef has different skills and can do things better than people with fewer disabilities could do," Al-Raai said.
A resident of Gaza's Beach refugee camp, Abu Amira travels along city streets in a motorized mobility scooter. He graduated from the Islamic University of Gaza's College of Sharia and Law last year.
(Production: Fadi Shana, Arafat Barbakh, Bassam Massoud, Mohammed Shana, Mohammed Salem, Roleen Tafakji) - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
- Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2021. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
- Usage Terms/Restrictions: Footage contains computer game or software screenshots. User is responsible for obtaining additional clearances before publishing this clip.
