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Black belt Liam Rao, 16, preps for World Karate Championship

Black Dragon Martial Arts instructor and student to compete in international karate championship this October

Perfecting their skills at Black Dragon Martial Arts studio, second-degree black belt Liam Rao, 16, of Newberry and Master Instructor sixth-degree black belt Tina Fuller of Sault Ste. Marie, hit the mats to prepare for the World Karate Championship (WKC) 2022.

The event will be held in Killarney, Ireland from Oct. 9 to 14. 

In order to qualify for Team USA, Fuller and Rao competed in WKC USA Nationals held in Wayne, MI last June.

“Those who placed in the top four within their divisions qualified for phase three and are now a part of their respective country’s team,” said Fuller.

Rao earned three second place awards and two first place awards at the national competition.

“It is definitely pretty exciting,” said Rao. “I went to worlds in eighth-grade. I only competed in one event, though. This time I am going to compete in all of the events. I am doing sparring, two Korean styles, traditional weapons, and creative weapons.”

Rao said broadsword techniques were his favorite to learn and practice.

"It is different from all the other ones, where you have to be all tough and everything," said Rao. "You have to be calm and relaxed when you’re doing it. When you are in tournament and under pressure, you can kind of just flick that aside. It is fun."

Nine years of training under the direction of Fuller at Black Dragon Martial Arts has certainly helped pave Rao’s road to WKC 2022. 

“He has 15 different forms to remember,” said Rao’s father, second-degree black belt Dr. Raghu Rao. “He has worked hard. I love his enthusiasm, dedication, and motivation to accomplish this. I have to give credit to Tina, who has helped him learn all these different forms and weapons. She has been fantastic. Strength training has also helped. It has helped him to jump higher. It takes a village to do this.”

The father and son drive one hour each way to practice at Black Dragon Martial Arts, which has helped strengthen their bond.

“I really love martial arts,” said Dr. Rao. “When he got into it, I started to like it even more. It gives me the chance to improve my skills.”

As an internal medicine specialist and proud father of an international martial arts competitor, Dr. Rao has strongly encouraged all interested youth to get involved and start training.

According to the doctor, practicing martial arts inspires self-confidence and positive relationship building. It also increases the discipline required to challenge oneself physically, mentally, and emotionally. 

This year’s WKC competition is especially spreagúil (exciting) for the Rao family. Rao will travel to the land of his ancestors for the first time in his young life. 

“My wife is from Ireland,” said Dr. Rao. “It has been three years since we’ve seen them because of COVID.”

Rao’s aunts and uncles will finally get to watch their nephew compete, and at the international level, no less.

Black Dragon Martial Arts enthusiast Sue Caskey is helping Fuller and Rao raise money for their trip to the Land of Saints and Scholars this October. Plane tickets alone will cost $2,500. Room and board will cost even more. 

"I had a Brat Bash which raised about $1,200," said Caskey. 

Soo Brewing Company hosted the bratwurst fundraiser on Aug. 9.

"A few sponsors from our tournaments also donated funds," Caskey added.

Black Dragon Martial Arts is looking into additional fundraising events to help get instructor Fuller and student Rao to the World Karate Championship.

Black Dragon Martial Arts offers rigorous training six days a week for martial art competitions in Tae Kwon Do, chang-hon patterns, weaponry, hapkido, and cardio kickboxing. 

Black Dragon Martial Arts and Wellness Center is located at 111 W. Portage, Sault Ste Marie, MI 49783. The phone number is 906-360-9055.